Repair And Fix it

A car battery does not last forever, and you will need to get a new one at some point. In most cars, the battery is visible as soon as you pop the hood and look inside the engine compartment. On the Chevrolet Equinox, the battery is in its own separate compartment. But replacing the battery is a fairly simple task, so save yourself some money and do the job yourself.

Instructions

1

Open the hood and locate the battery compartment. It sits under the computer module on the drivers side, near the fender apron.

2

Unsnap the clips on the computer module and lift it away from the battery compartment. Lay it off to the side.

3

Remove the three Phillips screws holding the battery cover in place. Lift the cover off and set it aside.

4

Disconnect the positive and negative battery cables with a wrench. Lift the battery out of the compartment and set it aside.

5

Place the new battery in the compartment. Connect the positive and negative battery cables.

6

Reposition the cover on the battery compartment. Tighten the three Phillips screws. Dont overtighten the screws or you will damage the threads.

7

Reposition the computer module and make sure it locks into place.

Muscle car and classic car enthusiasts spend enormous amounts of time and resources to faithfully restore their rides to their original state. The Impala was initially launched in 1958 as both coupe and convertible versions. These were followed by several body styles in 1959 as this famed Chevrolet marquee gained in popularity during this time. The cowl tag on the drivers side of the firewall in the engine compartment has all the relevant information about the car, including the interior trim, body color, VIN and the body style.

Instructions

1

Open the hood and search for the cowl tag on the firewall near the drivers side. The cowl tag will be riveted in place on the firewall.

2

Read the cowl tag and write down the numbers on the tag. The left side of the tag will indicate TRIM or BODY COLOR, followed by a corresponding number code. Write down all of the items.

3

Log onto 348-409.com to get specific information about your Impalas cowl tag. The body color codes on a 1959 Impala will be represented by a three-digit number. The numbers correspond to a specific body color used in the manufacturing process. A 900 code means that the car was originally finished in Tuxedo Black, and 903 indicates Aspen Green. The trim codes are also represented by a three-digit number specifies the interior colors. An 801 code means that the car was originally finished in a gray-colored cloth and vinyl interior while an 867 indicates a copper and brown cloth and vinyl interior. There are approximately 37 codes for the trim.

Chevrolet introduced the Malibu as the top-of-the-line trim of the Chevelle in 1964, and in 1978 Chevy dropped the Chevelle and replaced the entire line with the Malibu. The 1999 Malibu came in base and LS trims with three different engines. As is often the case, the timing specs, such as the spark-plug gap and firing order, vary not only from year to year but also from trim to trim of the Malibu. So, it is extremely important to make certain that the specs are specific to the make, model, model year, trim and engine size. However, certain aspects of the 1999 Malibus timing are not adjustable at all because they are controlled by the vehicles computer system.

The 2.4-liter, 150-horsepower Engine

The base trim of the 1999 Malibu came standard with a 2.4-liter, 150-horsepower in-line four-cylinder engine. The spark-plug gap for this engine was 0.50 inches. The firing order was 1-3-4-2. The ignition timing was not adjustable, regardless of the transmission, because the timing was dictated by the Power Control Module (PCM).

3.1-liter, 150-horsepower V-6 Engine

A 3.1-liter, 150-horsepower V-6 engine was standard in the LS trim and optional for the Base trim. The spark-plug gap was 0.60 inches, and the firing order was 1-2-3-4-5-6. The ignition timing and the mark were controlled by the PCM and a crankshaft position sensor. The only way to actually adjust the timing would be to replace these parts.

3.1-liter, 170-horsepower V6 Engine

The 3.1-liter, 170-horsepower V-6 engine was optional in both the base and LS trims of the 1999 Chevy Malibu. The spark-plug gap was 0.60 inches and the firing order was 1-2-3-4-5-6. Like the other two 1999 Malibu engines, the ignition timing was not adjustable because it was controlled by the PCM and a crankshaft position sensor.

A faulty head gasket can be a very serious problem for the health of an engine, allowing engine coolant to leak into combustion chambers and causing hydro lock. Hydro lock occurs when engine coolant enters the combustion chamber of an engine and cannot be compressed by the upward motion of the piston, usually resulting in catastrophic engine failure.

Instructions

1

Remove necessary parts, including the throttle linkage from the throttle body, air-conditioning compressor, alternator, power-steering pump, drive belts, intake manifold, intake manifold gasket as well as the exhaust manifold attached to the cylinder head with the faulty gasket.

2

Disassemble and remove the cylinder head by removing the valve cover from the top of the cylinder head with a box end wrench, then remove the rocker arms using a socket wrench and pull out the pushrods. Next, easily remove the cylinder head bolts and the head from the engine.

3

Place the new gasket on the engine block and place the cylinder head on top. Torque cylinder head bolts to 65 pound-feet using a torque wrench while making sure to tighten bolts in a crisscross pattern. Torque should be applied in 20 foot-pound increments to all bolts.

4

Reassemble engine components in reverse disassembly order, starting with the exhaust manifold. Replace all gaskets and tighten all fasteners using the torque wrench to factory specifications.

The Chevrolet C/K series is a family of full-size pickup trucks that General Motors has manufactured since 1960. The Silverado was the top trim level for the 1998 C/K trucks, and General Motors upgraded it to a separate model beginning with the 1999 model-year. The 1998 Silverado comes standard with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), which allows the vehicle to stop more effectively under emergency conditions. The Electro-Hydraulic Control Unit (EHCU) controls the amount of braking force to apply to each wheel.

Instructions

1

Locate the EHCU in the engine compartment on the left side of the engine. It is the black box with four brake lines running to it.

2

Detach the connectors for the electrical wiring from the EHCU. Disconnect the fittings for the brake lines with a socket wrench and detach the brake lines from the EHCU.

3

Disconnect the mounting bolts for the EHCU bracket with a socket wrench and remove the bracket from the vehicle. Remove the mounting bolts from the EHCU and detach the EHCU from its bracket.

4

Install the new EHCU onto its bracket and tighten the mounting bolts to 5 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Connect the EHCU bracket to the vehicle and tighten the mounting bolts for the bracket to 33 foot-pounds.

5

Connect the brake lines to their original positions on the EHCU and tighten the fittings to 16 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Attach the electrical connectors for the EHCU, ensuring the connections are secure.

6

Connect a TECH-1 scanning tool to the vehicles data link connector. Bleed the EHCU valve with three J-39177 tools and correct any ABS errors reported by the scanning tool. A professional mechanic would normally perform this step.

Checking the codes on your Chevy Duramax will reveal pertinent information about mechanical and electrical functions of the truck. Resetting the codes on your Duramax will take no longer than 10 minutes. The tool you need for this job is an OBD-II code reader, which can be purchased from any auto parts retailer. It is a handheld computerized device that reads and resets computer codes on your vehicle. Always complete any servicing and repairs before you attempt to reset the codes to prevent damage to your vehicle.

Instructions

1

Plug your OBD-II code reader into the port on the bottom of the drivers side dashboard. The port and the code readers plug are both triangular shaped.

2

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "ACC" position. This should power on the code reader. If not, turn on the code reader.

3

Select the "Read" command on the code reader, then select "Delete." Wait for the code reader to indicate that the command has been completed. This is usually indicated by returning to the main menu.

4

Remove the code reader from the port and turn the engine on. Verify that all service and warning lights have shut off.

The Chevy Tahoe was introduced in 1995, and it is a relative to the Yukon--the GMC version of the SUV. The Tahoe basically replaced the full-sized Chevy Blazer. Available since 1996 with V8 engines, the Tahoe features four O2 sensors (also known as oxygen sensors). There are two of these sensors located in front of the catalytic converter, and they are designed to monitor the fuel and air ratio mixture in the exhaust. Two more sensors are located near each converter, and serve to monitor their efficiency. One or more of these sensors can become defective and will need replacement.

Locating the Faulty Sensor

When an oxygen sensor fails, the "Service Engine Soon" light will illuminate on the dash. Take your Tahoe to an auto parts store to get the on-board computer scanned. Auto parts stores will perform this service for free, and they can help you determine which sensor(s) have failed. Since there are four sensors on most Tahoes, the scanner will be able to detect which one by reading the "check engine" codes: Bank 1, sensor 1 is the upstream sensor on the cylinder 1 side of the exhaust system; bank 1, sensor 2 is the downstream sensor on the cylinder 1 side; bank 2 sensor 1 is the upstream sensor on the opposite side of cylinder 1; and bank 2, sensor 2 is the downstream sensor on the same side.

Purchase direct-fit sensor(s). Direct-fit sensors integrate the plug-in outlet, therefore no rewiring is required. These sensors cost slightly more than universal sensors. Also, universal sensors require eliminating the male and female plug counterparts from the wire harness. Direct-fit sensors, however, do not require any wire splicing--they simply plug in to the existing wire harness connection.

Replacing the Sensor

Warm the engine up for a couple of minutes before you attempt to replace the sensor. This will expand the metal and make removing the sensor much easier. While the engine is running, spray a large amount of lubricant along the threaded joint of the faulty sensor(s) and allow it to soak in.

Disconnect the wire harness outlet from the sensor. The wire from the sensor runs about seven to eight inches from the sensor, and it is retained by a plastic clip, to prevent it from contacting the hot exhaust system.

Use a 22-mm combination hand wrench or an oxygen sensor socket and ratchet to remove the sensor. If using a wrench, insert the disconnect sensor wire through the box-end side of the combination wrench. If using an O2 sensor socket, insert the wire into the slot on the side of the socket. Turn the sensor counter-clockwise until it is loose. The sensors only have four to five threads, so it wont take much to loosen them enough to be removed by hand.

Apply a very light coat of anti-seize compound to the threaded section of the new sensor. Most direct-fit quality replacement sensors may already have a light coat on the threads. Be sure, if you have to add some on, that you do not get any on the thimble-shaped sensor--only a very light coat on the threads.

Thread the sensor into the port by hand at first, so that you dont cross-thread it. Tighten the sensor snugly with the wrench or socket and ratchet, but be careful not to over-tighten it. Since it only has four to five threads, sensors are very easily stripped out by over-tightening.

Plug the wire harness connection back together and re-secure the wire to the plastic retaining clip.

Resetting the Check Engine Light

Bring the Tahoe back to the parts store that sold you the O2 sensor(s) and scanned the trouble code for you. They will usually offer to reset the "Service Engine Soon" light for you. However, once the sensor(s) have been replaced, the computer will detect the new component and begin running through an inspection and maintenance (IM) self-diagnostic mode. This may take a few driving cycles to perform, as the engine needs to heat up and cool down repeatedly. Once the IM monitors have completed the self-diagnostic and detected that the new replacement sensor is performing its intended task, the on-board computer will turn off the "Service Engine Soon" light.

There are two types of gear lube to use in your Chevrolet, conventional lube and synthetic lube. Synthetic lube is more expensive than conventional oil but it improves fuel mileage. Gear lube may need to be changed if it becomes contaminated by metal debris. The technical name for a vehicles "rear end" is the rear differential. The rear-end grease, which is extremely thick, is called gear lube.

Instructions

1

Raise the Chevrolets wheels off the ground. Spot two blocks, one behind each rear wheel, to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

2

Place a floor jack under the center of the front cross member. Lift the front of the Chevy off the ground. Insert two jack stands, one under each side of the frame close to the wheels. Lower the jack.

3

Position the floor jack under the center of the rear differential. Lift the rear of the car off the ground. Set two jack stands, one under each axle tube. Lower the jack.

4

Place a ground mat or a piece of cardboard under the vehicle. Position the oil pan under the center of the rear differential. Locate the bottom drain plug. Insert a 1/2-inch breaker bar into the plug socket and remove it. Some rear differentials must be drained by removing the cover. Remove the bolts in the cover and drain the oil.

5

Replace the gear lube. Reinstall the drain plug in the bottom of the differential and tighten it. If you drained the oil, replace the cover and install a new gasket if needed.

6

Locate and remove the level plug. Its found near the horizontal line of the rear differential.

7

Refill the gear lube through the level hole. Fill until oil runs out of the hole. Use the manufacturers recommended oil.

8

Replace and tighten the level fill plug.

9

Position the jack under the center of the rear differential. Jack the vehicle off the stands and place it on the ground.

You can pull a code from your 97 Chevy S10 Blazer right in your garage, saving yourself money and time. The Blazer comes equipped with an On-Board Diagnostics II computer (OBD-II). This computer retrieves and stores all trouble codes it receives from various sensors positioned throughout the vehicle. The Blazers computer turns on warning or service lights on the instrument panel to alert you to the malfunction. You can pull these codes from the computer using a small, handheld device called an OBD-II code scanner. You can buy this online or at any auto-parts retailer.

Instructions

1

Find the diagnostic port on the drivers-side dash under the steering column. Its the same size and shape as code scanners connective end.

2

Plug the code scanner into this diagnostic port. Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "ACC" position. Dont crank the engine.

3

Wait while the scanner turns on. Select the command "Retrieve Codes" -- the command may be somewhat different, depending on scanner brand. Wait for the code scanner to display the codes on its face and then write the codes down on a piece of paper.

4

Find the meaning of the codes in the scanners manual. Unplug the scanner and take the vehicle to be serviced or repaired.

A Chevrolet K1500 is a pickup truck with four-wheel drive and a nominal carrying capacity of 1/2 ton. The 1994 model belongs to the fourth generation of this series, which was in production from 1988 to 2000. The water pump in the 1994 Chevrolet K1500 attaches to the front of the engine and is accessible from the engine compartment. The replacement of the water pump in this vehicle also requires you to drain the cooling system and remove additional components from the engine.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the cable to the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench to ensure you dont inadvertently start the engine. Put a drain pan under the radiator and open the radiator drain. Allow the coolant to drain from the radiator and replace the radiator drain plug.

2

Disconnect the drive belts on the engine with a socket wrench and remove the alternator. Disconnect the cooling fan assembly, including the clutch and pulley. You might also need to remove some accessory brackets to access the water pump. Remove the radiator hose and heater hose from the water pump. Disconnect the bypass hose from the water pump if your vehicle has a 7.4-liter engine.

3

Use a socket wrench to remove the mounting bolts that attach the water pump to the timing chain cover. Detach the water pump from the timing chain cover and discard the water pumps gasket.

4

Clean the timing chain cover with a shop towel to remove any traces of the old gasket. Install the new water pump and gasket to the timing chain cover. Tighten the mounting bolts for the water pump to 30 ft. lbs. with a torque wrench.

5

Connect the hoses to the water pump. Install the alternator and any other components you removed to access the water pump. Connect the drive belts to their respective pulleys. Fill the radiator with coolant and connect the cable for the batterys negative terminal.

For the 2010 model year, Chevrolet sold three lines of pickup trucks, the Avalanche, the Colorado and the Silverado, which comes in 1500, 2500 and 3500 models. Each vehicle comes in several trims. The specs provided below should be applied only to the assigned vehicle and should not be used on any other models or trims of a Chevy truck. The rear alignment is not adjustable on any of the vehicles below.

All Trims of the 2010 Avalanche With 18-Inch Tires

The caster should be set at plus 3.3 degrees on the left front tire and plus 3.5 degrees on the right front tire, with a variance of one degree relative to the ground. The ideal camber setting is minus 0.1 degrees, with a variance of 0.5 degrees. The ideal setting for the toe-in is 0.1 degrees, but it can range by 0.2 degrees.

All Trims of the 2010 Colorado 4x4 Except the Z71

The caster should be set at plus 3.8 degrees on the left front wheel and plus 4.0 degrees on the right front wheel, with a variance of one degree. The camber should be set at zero, but can range by 0.5 degrees. The toe-in should also be set at zero, but can range by 0.1 degree.

All Trims of the Silverado C/K 2500HD

The caster should be set at plus 3.25 degrees on the left front wheel and plus 3.5 degrees on the right front wheel, with a variance of one degree relative to the ground. The camber should be set at plus 0.25 degrees, but can range by 0.6 degrees. The toe-in should be set at 0.1 degree, but can range by 0.2 degrees.

Those interested in buying a used full-size pickup truck may consider the Chevrolet Avalanche. The 2007 and 2008 models are almost identical except for side-curtain airbags and On-Star with GPS navigation available in 2008. Following manufacturer recommend maintenance extends engine and transmission longevity.

Oil Changes

The Chevy Avalanche featured a "change engine oil" indicator within the instrument cluster that illuminated when an oil change was required. Chevrolet suggests changing the oil within 600 miles of the indicator light illuminating.

Fluid Replacement

Chevrolet recommends changing the transmission fluid at 50,000 miles when driven in heavy traffic areas, rough terrain or in extreme hot or cold weather environments. Replace the transmission fluid every 50,000 miles thereafter when driven hard. For lighter driving, replace the transmission fluid at 100,000 miles and again at 200,000 miles. Change the transfer case fluid at 50,000 miles and then every 50,000 miles thereafter.

Air Filter Replacement

At 50,000 miles, replace the engine air cleaner filter and transmission fluid filter. Replace both filters again at 100,000 miles. Chevy recommends replacing the engine air cleaner and transmission fluid filter every 50,000 miles.

The Chevrolet Suburban is a large sport utility vehicle that has the same platform as the Chevrolet C/K series of pickup trucks. The 2007 model has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), like most vehicles of this period. The ABS uses a brake controller, known as an electronic brake control module (EBCM), to determine the amount of braking force to apply to the wheels. The procedure for installing a brake controller in a 2007 Suburban is the same for similar vehicles such as the Escalade, Tahoe and Yukon.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery with a socket wrench. Raise the vehicle with a floor jack and support it on jack stands.

2

Locate the EHCU under the vehicle on the drivers side next to the driveshaft. The EHCU is an assembly consisting of the EBCM, the brake pressure modulator valve, or BPMV, and a mounting bracket. It is roughly the shape of a cube 3 inches on a side when it is fully assembled. Wash the area around the EHCU to remove any dirt.

3

Disconnect the mounting screws for the EBCM with a socket wrench, and detach the EBCM from the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV). The BPMV is the small box-shaped component that is connected to the brake lines. Clean the mounting surface on the BPMV with a clean shop rag.

4

Mount the new EBCM to the BPMV, and fasten new screws to the EBCM with a socket wrench. Lower the vehicle with the floor jack, and attach the cable to the negative battery terminal.

5

Connect a scan tool to the vehicles data link connector, and program the new EBCM using the scan tools tire-size calibration function. Turn the ignition on and perform the diagnostic system check.

There are several reasons that you might need to know how to find a Chevrolet motor size. Two typical reasons are for ordering replacement parts or while finding replacement parts for your engine on another same-sized engine on a wrecked vehicle in a junkyard. In general, motor sizes are referenced by their cylinders, like 4 cylinder (V4), 6 cylinder (V6), or 8 cylinder (V8). There is another measurement referring to engine size that is important when replacing engines, the cubic inches (ci) displaced by the cylinders. A 3.6 Chevy engine displaces 3.6 liters or approximately 219ci.

Instructions

1

Open your glove box and remove the owners manual. In the index or glossary, look up engine and these pages will tell you all the specs (specifications) of your Chevrolet motor size.

2

Pull the lever under your dashboard to pop the hood. Run your hand under the hood to find the latch that is present on some models of Chevy hoods that allow you to unlock and lift the hood.

3

Look at the engine case. Some motors have the engine size, cylinders, and ci (cubic inches) or liters (1 liter is 1,000 cubic centimeters). For example, you might see V8 for an 8 cylinder or 3.6L for a 3.6-liter engine.

4

Remove the valve cover and write down the code on the underside for the head numbers. Replace the valve cover securely. Use the code to find the matching motor size or compare the code to an engine chart like the Chevy big block engine charts found in the "references" below.

The alternator on the 2003 Chevrolet Impala engine provides the proper amount of voltage to the battery and other areas of the engines electrical system. When the engine is running, the alternator belt turns the alternator pulley. This enables the alternator to generate the power needed to keep the battery charged and the electrical system working. If the alternator begins to malfunction or stops working completely, the battery will be drained completely and the engines entire electrical system will stop working. Once this happens, change the alternator immediately.

Instructions

1

Open the hood on the 2003 Chevrolet Impala and prop it in place. Locate the battery and remove the cross bar from the top of the battery by unscrewing the two bolts with a open end wrench. Loosen the negative battery cable bolt with an open end wrench. Pull the cable to the side of the battery so that it does not touch the negative battery post.

2

Locate the alternator on the front of the engine. Loosen the top pivot bolt from the top of the alternator with a ratchet and a metric socket. Loosen the lock nut on the lower front of the alternator slide bracket with the ratchet and socket. Turn the adjustment bolt on the end of the alternator slide bracket counter-clockwise to loosen the tension from the belt. Slide the belt off of the alternator pulley.

3

Remove the two electrical wire connectors from the back of the alternator by unscrewing the stud nuts that hold the wires in place with the ratchet and socket. Unplug the wiring harness from the back of the alternator by squeezing the tabs on both sides of the plug and pulling outward on the plug.

4

Locate the coolant reservoir behind the alternator. Loosen and remove the small mounting bolts that secure the coolant reservoir in place with the ratchet and a socket. Pull the coolant reservoir out of the way enough to remove the alternator.

5

Remove the alternator mounting bolts from the top and bottom of the alternator bracket with the ratchet and a socket. Pull the alternator out through the coolant reservoir opening and out of the engine well.

6

Lower the new alternator through the coolant reservoir opening and into the alternator bracket. Repeat the same steps as outlined above for hooking the alternator back up and for tightening the belt. Once the belt is put back around the alternator pulley and tightened, check the tension of the belt by pushing inward on the belt with your hand. The belt tension should be around one-half inch to be properly tensioned. Adjust the belt tension as needed.

7

Reconnect the coolant reservoir back to its base and screw the bolts in to the reservoir. Tighten the bolts with the ratchet and a socket.

8

Re-install the negative battery cable back onto the battery and tighten with the open end wrench. Set the cross brace back over the top of the battery and screw the bolts back through the brace. Tighten the bolts with the open end wrench. Crank the engine up for about thirty seconds so that the new alternator can fully charge the battery and the engines electrical system. Turn the engine off.

Chevrolet is one of General Motors most popular brands. The company manufactures 17 models of cars, trucks, crossovers, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and vans. Some steering issues with 1998 models have been reported.

Complaints

Steering complaints regarding 1998 Chevrolets center on power steering features. When vehicles are turning, the steering wheel feels as though its stuck. Then the vehicle jerks violently in the direction of the turn. Some models have been recalled.

Recalls

The following 1998 Chevrolet models have been recalled to repair or replace steering components: Venture, Tahoe, Cavalier, Corvette, Monte Carlo, Lumina, Malibu and B7. If you own one of these vehicles, contact a local authorized dealership to make sure that the recall has been addressed. If buying used, ask for a vehicle history before purchasing to verify the repair has been made.

Considerations

Drivers of other models which have not be recalled still report issues with steering. One recommended fix is to unplug and then clean or replace the steering wheel position sensor. Another suggestion is to check levels of power steering fluid and look for leaks. If you feel the car is not safe to drive, it is best to contact an authorized dealership. Keep copies of all records and maintenance reports so future issues may be accurately addressed.