Repair And Fix it

The fuel pump is an essential component of a vehicle. Fuel is pumped from the fuel tank to the engine. Without a functioning fuel pump, adequate fuel pressure cannot be delivered to the engine. This will cause problems such as hard starting, rough idle, misfiring, hesitation and stalling and can even prevent the car from starting . This may happen at the most inconvenient time. If you suspect that your fuel pump is broken, there are certain tests that you can perform to confirm it.

Instructions

1

Listen for a humming sound that normally occurs when the key is turned to the "Start" position. Turn the key in the ignition to the "Start" position and listen for a humming sound from the fuel tank. A hum means that the pump is in working condition.

2

Check if your fuel pump is broken by doing a static fuel test. Turn the key in the ignition to the "on" position. Look at the fuel pressure gauge to detect movements. The fuel pressure should immediately come up and stay steady. If it doesnt, that can indicate that there is a defect in the fuel pump.

3

Connect a voltage meter to the wires that connect to your fuel pump. Connect the voltage meter to the green wire. The fuel pump wires are located under the vehicle, behind the drivers door. Let someone start the engine while the voltage meter is connected to the wire. A normal reading is between 10 to 11 volts. If there is a zero reading, this usually mean that the fuel pump is bad.

Replacing a blown fuse is the quickest and simplest fix you can do to your car. When a car accessory isnt working the first thing you should check are your fuses, as a broken fuse will result in some vehicle component not working.

Instructions

1

Locate your vehicles fuse box. Most vehicle fuse boxes are under the hood near the firewall, or under the dash. Consult your owners manual if you are having difficulty locating the fuse box and for the proper fuse ratings for your vehicle.

2

Open the fuse box.

3

Remove the fuse caully by using the fuse puller located in the fuse box. Grasp the fuse with the puller and pull straight out. If there is no fuse puller for your vehicle you can use a pair of needle-nose pliers.

4

Inspect the fuse. If the metal inside the fuse is separated the fuse has failed and needs to be replaced. If the metal is intact the fuse is still in working condition and can be reinstalled.

5

Replace fuse. If the fuse was blown, replace with a new fuse that is rated at the value recommended by your owners manual.

If your vehicle isnt starting when the engine is turning over, you may not be getting spark to the spark plugs through the ignition coil. You can check this by performing a simple test. This task is relatively easy but you will need an assistant so that you can simultaneously perform some of the necessary functions detailed in the procedure. Figuring out the cause of the problem that you are experiencing with your vehicle is half the battle.

Instructions

1

Park your vehicle on a flat surface.

2

Open your hood to access your engine compartment.

3

Pull the nearest spark plug wire off the top of the spark plug to expose the end of the wire

4

Connect the exposed end of the wire to the top of an extra spark plug. Set the spark plug against one of the metal surfaces on the engine.

5

Ask your assistant to start the vehicle. If you see a spark come from the spark plug, then there is spark coming from the ignition coil because the wire is attached to the ignition coil.

If youve driven your car away from your garage or parking spot and noticed a puddle of fluid under it, you could have a transmission leak. Without transmission fluid, your gears have nothing to lubricate them against the effects of friction. Therefore, they become stripped and cannot create motion. In addition, transmission fluid provides the hydraulic force necessary to shift gears. Repairing a leak as soon as you discover it could save you the expense of buying a new transmission --- potentially thousands of dollars.

Diagnose the Leak

Seeing a puddle of reddish-brown fluid under your car when you move away is one sign of a leaky transmission, but there are several other signs. Low transmission fluid can cause gears to be unresponsive or to slip when shifting. Also, if you hear the sound of gears grinding, its a sign that you need to check your transmission fluid levels. According to California State University Automotive, you can also determine the state of your transmission fluid by its color: as fluid ages, it changes color from red to brownish-red or dark pink.

Locate the Leak

To locate the leak, elevate your car with a jack and look under the middle toward the front. Repairing the leak will require you to take the car to a mechanic. Leaks toward the front of the vehicle indicate a bad seal or gasket. Fluid typically leaks from either a seal or from the fluid pan. If fluid is leaking from the front seal where the transmission attaches to the torque converter, your mechanic will have to remove the transmission and add a replacement seal.

DIY Transmission Repair

If you have a minor leak, you can use a commercial transmission sealer until you can get the car to a mechanic. Sealers penetrate worn and shrunken gaskets and seals, causing them to swell and form a seal against leaks. It is applied in the same manner as standard transmission fluid (i.e, poured in the transmission receptacle under the hood.) Only use sealer as a one-time solution.

Add Transmission Fluid

If youve already taken steps to repair the leak, you need to replace the fluid you lost. Use a funnel, paper towel and the transmission fluid that is intended for your vehicles make and model. Start the car and let the engine warm up if your vehicle requires you to do this. Remove the transmission fluid dipstick near the rear of the engine. Its handle may also be marked "Trans Fluid" or similar. Clean the dipstick; any solid debris can damage the transmission. Place the dipstick and take a "Warm" reading. Use a long funnel to add fluid to the proper amount.

Preventive Maintenance

Even after repairing a transmission leak and replacing lost fluid, you need to have it checked regularly to ensure problems do not occur. Regularly check your transmission fluid levels and change it every 30,000 miles.