Repair And Fix it

The 1993 Camry is a sedan manufactured by Toyota. If your Camry is stalling and wont start up, there is probably a problem with your cooling system or the engine coolant temperature sensor. These two problems are not difficult to repair, but could require the help of a service technician. Adding coolant to your system may be the quick fix that you need; however, a broken ECT will need professional service.

Instructions

1

Pop the hood to your 93 Camry from the hood latch on the side of the cars grill. Locate the cooling system, which is on the left side of the engine.

2

Look at the fill line on the cooling systems tank. Fill the cooling tank with 50/50 coolant; make sure you reach the fill line on the side of the tank. You should always use 50/50 coolant when possible, but you can temporarily use water if you run out.

3

Try to start the car. If the car will not start, use a voltmeter to test the ECT. The ECT is on the left side, at the back of the engine. It is a small, green box with two wires coming off it.

4

Connect the testing leads to the (+) and (-) terminals and then try to start the car. Watch the reading on the voltmeter. If the reading starts to go up and down erratically, you need to have a service technician replace the ECT.

In the last few years Harley riders, especially riders of Dyna Wide Glides, have reported improperly installed and defective rubber front motor mounts. The part has never been recalled and Harley-Davidson has never admitted the parts might be defective or improperly installed. Besides inspection of the mounts, and replacement if necessary, Harley also recommends aligning the motorcycle by loosening, but not removing, all motor mount bolts and running the engine for five seconds, during which time the mounts align themselves to the frame. The bolts are then re-tightened to manufacturer specifications. While Harley recommends the realignment, the procedure is rarely done because the mounts usually need to be replaced anyway.

Instructions

  1Make the motorcycle upright and level by slightly elevating the Wide Glide on a motorcycle jack. Do not elevate the bike. The front tire should remain within an inch of the ground.
  2 Unfasten the two bolts that secure the voltage regulator to the frame near the bottom of the down tubes with a socket wrench. Do not disconnect the voltage regulator from the wiring harness.
  3 Remove four of the six front engine mount bolts. Remove the stabilizer link bolt and three bottom lower plate bolts. Use the Service Manual for your motorcycle to identify these bolts if you are unsure.
  4 Position a wood block on top of a scissors jack. Slide the jack and block of wood under your engine. Raise the jack approximately a half-inch.
 
5 Break loose the two upper plate bolts with a 9/16-inch deep well socket and a breaker bar. Remove the bolts with the same socket and a ratchet.
 
6 Remove the motor mount plate. Remove the motor mount. Wipe all exposed surfaces around the mount clean with rags and solvent.
 
7 Replace the motor mount plate and position the new motor mount. Replace and finger tighten all six mounting bolts.
 
8 Lower the scissors jack. Remove the scissors jack and wood block.
 
9 Tighten the two upper plate bolts to 33 to 38 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Tighten the stabilizer link bolt to 33 to 38 foot-pounds. Tighten the lower plate bolts last, to 33 to 38 foot-pounds of torque with a torque wrench.
 
10 Re-bolt the voltage regulator to the frame with a socket wrench.
 
11 Support the motorcycle while you lower the motorcycle jack. Allow the bike to rest on the jiffy stand.

When a car is leaking power steering fluid, the leak needs to be found and repaired in order to keep the system working properly. Power steering fluid leaks can allow moisture and other contaminants into the system, which can cause further damage.

Leaking Seals

One of the most common sources of leaks in a power steering system is old seals that have dried out and shrunk. Power steering stop leak additives are designed to soften and swell older seals, causing them to seal the leak. These additives are inexpensive and easy to use to correct minor leaks.

Lines and Hoses

Power steering lines and hoses carry pressurized power steering fluid from the power steering pump to the steering rack. The lines and hoses can become damaged and cause a leak. Car owners should inspect these caully looking for splits, cracks, and kinks. Lines or hoses that are leaking should be replaced.

Worn Parts

The power steering pump and other parts of the power steering system can become worn or damaged and cause leaks. To identify the leak, wipe clean the power steering system, then observe it while a helper starts the motor and turns the wheels. These leaks will require the replacement of the defective part.

You can retrieve the trouble codes from your 94 Nissan pickup right from your home garage, saving yourself both time and money. 1994 Nissan pickups come equipped with an on-board diagnostics I computer (OBD I) that retrieves and stores all trouble codes sent to it from various sensors within the pickup. When these sensors detect a problem in the Nissan, they send the code to the computer. The computer illuminates service and warning lights on the instrument cluster. You can retrieve these codes using a handheld device called an OBD I code reader. This can be purchased online or at any auto parts retailer.

Instructions

1

Locate the diagnostic port near the steering column on the underside of the drivers side dashboard. It will be the same size and shape as the connector on the OBD I code reader.

2

Plug the code reader into this diagnostic port.

3

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "II" position, taking care not to start the engine.

4

Wait for the code reader to turn on. Select the "Read Codes" command (or a similar command) on the face of the reader. Wait for the code reader to display the codes. Write down the codes it displays.

5

Look up the meaning of the alphanumeric codes in the manual. Unplug the reader and perform the servicing or repairs the vehicle needs based on the information obtained from the codes.

Saab cars are manufactured in Sweden, but still have many of the same working parts as U.S.-made cars. If your Saab wont start, try a few diagnostic checks yourself. But if it the problem goes beyond a mere battery change, you might want to contact a professional Saab mechanic.

Instructions

1

Turn the key in the ignition. Check to see if your fuel tank is empty. If there is not enough gas in the tank, your Saab might not start.

2

Attempt to turn your engine over by cranking your key all the way in the ignition. If your Saab clicks or cranks slowly, but does not start, the battery is probably weak or dead.

3

Lift the engine hood and check the battery. Make sure the battery cables are firmly attached before trying to restart the car. If the car continues to click or crank slowly, proceed to Step 3.

4

Jump start your Saab. Use jumper cables to attach your battery to another cars working battery. Both cars should be turned off while connecting the jumper cables. Start the working car and let it run for a few minutes before attempting to start your Saab.

5

Start your Saab. If it starts, then you know the problem was the battery and you can drive to a repair shop to have it replaced. If it doesnt start, you will need to call a tow truck to take your Saab to a repair shop to diagnose the problem. It could be a number of the things, including a faulty starter or transmission issues. Unless you are an experienced mechanic with access to diagnostic tools, the diagnosis is best left to a professional.

1995 Dodge trucks use a system called an On-Board Diagnostics computer to monitor the vital functions of the vehicles. When any of a trucks systems fail, it causes a warning light to illuminate on the instrument panel. The computer also keeps track of the trucks regular servicing needs. After the Dodge has been serviced or repaired, you or your mechanic will need to clear the trouble codes from the computer using a diagnostic code scanner. This can be purchased from any auto parts store.

Instructions

1

Open the drivers door and find the diagnostic scanner port. You can find it on the underside of the drivers dash.

2

Push the diagnostic code scanners connector cable into the diagnostic port on the Dodge.

3

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "run" position, taking care not to start the engine.

4

Search the trouble codes using the instructions in the manual that came with the scanner. When it is finished, press the command "Clear Trouble Codes."

5

Disconnect the scanner and turn on the engine. Verify that all warning and service lights have shut off.

You can reset the dashboard lights on your 02 BMW 325 right from your home garage, saving yourself both money and time. There are various warning lights that can illuminate on the BWMs dashboard such as "Check Engine," "Service Engine," or "SRS" (Supplemental Restraint System for airbag malfunctions.) Once you have your vehicle looked at and repaired by a qualified mechanic, you can reset the lights yourself using an OBD scan tool. This tool can be purchased from your local auto parts retailer.

Instructions

1

Find the fuse panel cover on the lower part of the drivers side dashboard. Pull down on it from the top using your fingers to remove it.

2

Find a port that is the same size and shape as the OBD scan tools connector end. Plug the scan tool into this port.

3

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "II" position, taking care not to start the engine. Observe the OBD scan tool and wait for the light on the face plate to stop flashing. Notice the instrument panel of your BMW to make sure the warning lights have shut off.

4

Remove the OBD scan tool and put the fuse panel cover back in place.

The Buick Regal is a four door sedan. If your 1994 Buick Regal will not start, there are several things that you can look at before you get it towed into an auto-shop. The battery on your Buick Regal is the most important part of the starting process. If your battery is dead, the Buick Regal will not start properly. Car batteries can go out, but the primary cause is leaving the lights on in the car overnight.

Instructions

Regal Wont Crank

1

Get another car and jump the battery with jumper cables.

2

Allow the car to sit for about 5 minutes to charge the battery.

3

Take the jumper cables off of the battery after 5 minutes and then turn the car off.

4

Restart the car. If the car does not restart, replace the battery.

Regal Cranks

5

Check the fuel level to make sure the car has enough gas. The car cannot start without gasoline.

6

Ensure that there is no corrosion on the Regals spark plug.

7

Remove the timing belt cover on the Regals engine. Look over the timing belt and make sure that there are no cracks in the belt. Replace the belt if needed.

8

Turn Regals key to "On" and listen for the Regals fuel pump to pressurize. If you dont hear the fuel pump, you may need to replace it.

The Chevy 350 Vortec engine is found in different models of trucks. If you cant get your 350 to start, there are a few things that you can look at before you take it to a mechanic. The battery is the most common issue with motors that wont start. If the battery is dead or even has a low charge, the motor will not be able to turn over. Checking the fuel level, the alternator, and the starter is also recommended.

Instructions

1

Turn the ignition on your vehicle. Listen for a clicking noise. If you hear a clicking noise, get your car or truck to a mechanic to test the alternator or the starter. Mechanics have specialized tools for this.

2

Look for the gauges to turn over when you turn the ignition. If the gauges flicker on, you are low on fuel. Fill the fuel tank and start your car.

3

Pop the hood and locate the battery. The battery will have two terminals coming to it. Get a socket wrench or a pair of pliers and remove the terminals from the battery.

4

Use a can of soda and a wire bristled brush to clean the terminals. Reattach the terminals and start your car.

5

Jump start your car with jumper cables and another vehicle. Let the car run for about 5 minutes to charge the battery. Cut the car off. If the car will not come back on, replace your battery.

The Honda CR-V is a mid-sized SUV. If your Honda CR-V has stalled and will not start, there are certain things that you can look at to determine the kind of repair that you will need. The battery on the CR-V is the most important component in starting the SUV. If the battery is dead, the car will not be able to start. If your car has stalled and now will not start, you might have a broken fuel gauge or no gas.

Instructions

1

Open the hood to your Honda CR-V and look at the battery. Smell the battery. If you smell something that reminds you of rotten eggs coming from the battery replace the battery. The rotten eggs smell is sulfur and its presence indicates your battery is dead.

2

Loosen the battery terminals with a socket wrench and then clean any corrosion off of them with soda and a wire brush. Reattach the terminals and then try to restart the car.

3

Jump-start the CR-V with another car and a pair of jumper cables. Leave the CR-V running for 5 minutes and then cut it off.

4

Restart the CR-V. If the car will not restart, replace the battery.

5

Fill the gas tank up with a gallon of gas. Restart the CR-V. If the car restarts, have a mechanic replace your fuel gauge.

If the "Service Engine Soon" light comes on inside the dashboard of your 1997 Monte Carlo, you can turn it off by disconnecting the battery. Service engine lights can come on inside of a car if you have recently changed an oxygen sensor in your fuel tank, for example. Dealerships and mechanics might tell you to drive the car for about 20 miles to clear the service engine light, but there is another way.

Instructions

1

Turn the car off. Pop the hood to your 1997 Monte Carlo, and locate the battery.

2

Disconnect the red terminal from the battery with a socket wrench. Disconnect the black terminal from the battery with a socket wrench.

3

Go to the ignition switch inside your Monte Carlo, and put your key inside. Turn the ignition switch three times. Turn the ignition switch to "OFF", and then reconnect the battery to the terminals.

4

Turn the ignition switch to "ON" without starting the Monte Carlo. Leave the ignition switch on for one minute.

5

Start the car and the "Service Engine Soon" light will be off.

The anti-lock brake system (ABS) on the Ford Windstar is controlled by an ABS computer. This computer illuminates an ABS warning light on the instrument panel when there is a problem with the brakes. You can reset the ABS light on your 1995 Ford Windstar right from your home using an OBD code reader. This small, computerized device can be purchased from any auto parts store. Some stores will even loan you their code reader for free for the purpose of resetting the codes.

Instructions

1

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position, taking care not to start the engine.

2

Plug the code reader into the diagnostic port under the steering column on the dashboard, then turn the code reader on.

3

Navigate through the code readers menu using the arrow keys. Select "ABS" then "Clear Codes" or similar type of command.

4

Wait for the code reader to return to the main menu. This is an indication that the ABS code has been cleared.

5

Unplug the code reader and start the engine. Check to see that the ABS light has shut off.

Opening the hood of your car is easy if the latch and latch cable work. If not, you can run into headaches getting it to open. Potential problems include a broken latch or latch cable, a latch that didnt close properly, or a release handle that might have come off. You can try a few simple steps to correct the problem. If these dont work, you might want to consult a professional mechanic.

Instructions

1

Pull the hood release handle located inside your vehicle. Listen for release sound.

2

Push down hard on the hood a couple of times, but dont push so hard you dent the hood. This might jiggle the hood latch open and let you open the hood. If not, move to the next step.

3

Pull on the release handle while someone else tries to manually lift the hood.

4

Shine a flashlight through the grill at the front of the car to help you see the hood latch better. Push on the release latch with a long screwdriver. You might need to exert some pressure.

5

Work the screwdriver in a way that you can manually release the hood latch. When it releases, press down on the hood slightly. This releases the secondary latch under the hood, letting you raise the hood.

Side mirrors are an important part of every car. These mirrors allow you to safely view behind and to the side of you as you drive. However, side mirrors are easily damaged, since they stick out from the sides of the car and can be cracked or broken. Side mirrors are so important when driving that replacing a cracked side mirror may help you avoid accidents. The glass portion of your side mirror is easy to replace in just a few hours.

Instructions

1

Purchase a replacement mirror for the side mirror on your car. These mirrors can be ordered online or from an auto parts store.

2

Carefully pry the cracked or broken mirror from the side mirror plate. Wear gloves to protect yourself from the broken glass. Use a small flathead screwdriver to pry up the pieces of the mirror. Scrape remaining glue from the side mirror with a utility knife or adhesive remover.

3

Load a tube of silicone caulk into a caulk gun. Cut the top off the tube and spread a quarter-sized amount of the caulk onto the side mirror plate.

4

Press the replacement mirror gently into place on top of the silicone caulk. Tape the mirror in place with masking tape. This will hold the mirror while the caulk dries.

5

Allow the silicone caulk to dry for approximately four hours. Remove the masking tape and clean the mirror prior to use.

When it comes to troubleshooting the dying battery on your 1984 BMW 318I it can be a bit tricky as there may be several reasons its happening. The most common issues involve manual error or electrical faults.

Alternator Belt

When you own an older vehicle you need to make sure youre keeping up with all maintenance, including tightening or replacing your alternator belt. If your belt is loose it will not crank the alternator properly which, in turn, will not generate electricity for you.

Key-off Drain

This model BMW has a computer on board, so having the ignition in off position and having the key removed should produce very little battery drain. If you hook up a voltmeter to the battery it should read between 20 to 50 milliamps. If its higher, then you may have an electrical device draining your battery when the cars off.

Bad Battery

Battery life is limited, so after several years of owning one if its giving you trouble, the issue just may be a bad battery. Take your car to a local mechanic, or even a parts store, and he will typically test for free and let you know if your battery is bad.

Several reasons are possible for the marker lights malfunctioning on your Dodge Neon. The three most common reasons for any faulty exterior light on your Neon are burnt-out bulbs, broken fuses, or loosely connected electrical connectors. As the side marker lights provide an essential contribution to the safety of your vehicle, it is important to fix them as soon as possible. Thankfully, the solution to any of those three issues is fairly simple and only requires a few minutes to perform.

Instructions

1

Turn off the Neons engine. Put on the gloves.

2

Remove the four screws and four push-pins from the front fenders splash shield.

3

Reach between the fender and the splash shield, and lightly tug on the electrical connection at the rear of the side marker assembly. If it comes loose, securely plug it into the assembly and check to see if the side marker is working now.

4

Grasp the side marker bulb, and rotate it counterclockwise. Remove the bulb and socket from the assembly.

5

Pull the bulb out of the socket, and replace it with a new 168-type bulb. Reinstall the socket into the assembly, and reattach the four screws and push-pins to the splash shield. If the side marker light is still malfunctioning, there may be an issue with the fuse.

6

Open the hood and locate the under-hood fuse box on the drivers side of the vehicle. Remove the cover. On the underside of the cover is a list of where each fuse is located. Find the side marker lamp fuse, and check to see if it is still functioning. A fuse is blown if the metal inside is broken. If the fuse is blown, pull it out of the fuse box, and replace it with an identical fuse. Close the hood.

A "Check Engine" light flashing on the dash can warn you of impending problems with your Grand Am, but it can also be annoying if you fixed those problems without resetting the warning light. If you dont have access to an on-board diagnostics scanner, the quickest and most popular way to reset a "Check Engine" light is to disconnect the battery. Removing the computers power source for an extended period of time will cause it to lose most of its stored information, including the parameters that triggered the "Check Engine" light.

Instructions

1

Open the hood and locate the battery. In the Grand Am, the battery will be on the drivers side of the vehicle.

2

Disconnect the black negative terminal cable with a ratchet and socket. When setting the cable aside, make sure the metal end of the cable is not touching any metal surface. Disconnect the red positive terminal cable with a ratchet and socket and set it aside.

3

Drain the residual energy in the vehicles wiring and circuitry by pressing on the horn or brake pedals until there is no power left. Wait at least 15 minutes for the vehicles engine computer to "forget" its settings.

4

Reconnect the positive and negative terminal cables to the battery. Tighten the connections with a ratchet and socket and close the hood. The engine computer may require a "learning period" in which the computer readjusts the transmission shift points and throttle input according to the owners driving style.

A malfunctioning heater in your Chevy S-10 can make for a very long winter. If the weather is particularly cold, you may be tempted to replace the entire heating system, but there are some very simple fixes to try before taking such a drastic step.

Instructions

Check Antifreeze Levels

1

Open the S-10s hood.

2

Remove the cap on the antifreeze tank.

3

If the tank is empty, add antifreeze to the tank until reaching the fill line. A lack of antifreeze can cause the heater to malfunction as the heater coil is not properly cooled.

Check Radiator Hose

4

Open the S-10s hood.

5

Locate the radiator hose.

6

Examine the hose for any holes that could cause a coolant leak. If the radiator hose isnt totally visible, a sweet smelling odor, steam, or decreasing coolant levels over the period of just a few days are also indicators that the hose may be leaking coolant, which can cause the heater to malfunction.

Check the Thermostat

7

Open the S-10s hood.

8

Start the S-10. Make sure the engine is cold and has not been running recently before starting the truck.

9

Touch the upper portion of the radiator hose. If coolant is being delivered through the hose, even though the engine is not warm, this is a strong indicator that the thermostat is stuck in the open position and needs replacing. A malfunctioning thermostat will prevent the heater from working properly.

For years standard pickup trucks have been converted to snow plows for personal and commercial snow removal. The weight of the plow can cause the front end of a plow truck to sag. This not only looks bad but can cause dangerous driving conditions and damage to the vehicles suspension components. Upgrading the front suspension will save money by reducing future costly repairs.

Instructions

1

Choose a new suspension kit ideal for the use of the vehicle. If the vehicle is driven in non-winter months, choose an air-filled suspension system, which will allow air to be added and removed depending on the season. This type of suspension is usually better at handling increased weight while providing a comfortable ride year round.

2

Add weight to the back of truck with sandbags. The rear weight not only assists in leveling the truck but also provides additional traction.

3

Install the new front end suspension kit following the included instructions or consult with a automotive repair facility.

4

Attach the plow to the truck.

5

Fill the suspension system with air, using an air compressor until the truck is level.

6

Release air pressure from the suspension system when the plow is removed from the vehicle.