Repair And Fix it

The ignition system in your car takes the spark generated by the distributor pickup coil and sends it through the plug wires to the spark plugs at just the right time. With this in mind, the pickup coil is a vital part of the ignition system.

Definition

The distributor shaft is typically turned by a gear on the bottom of the shaft. This gear is turned either by a timing belt, a timing chain or directly by the camshaft. The pickup coil is around this shaft, generally under the distributor rotor. The pickup coil is an electromagnetic sensor.

Function

On the distributor shaft there is a raised metal "tongue." This tongue passes by the pickup coil each time the distributor rotates. This causes the pickup coil to send a signal to the ignition control module, letting it know where the distributor is in its rotation. This corresponds with where the motor is in the compression cycle. The control module then knows when to send spark to the coil.

Options

Modern vehicles usually have a camshaft position sensor or a crankshaft position sensor and sometimes both. These work on the same principle as the pickup coil; but because they are located directly beside the crankshaft and the camshaft, they are more accurate. In newer vehicles these sensors also help time fuel delivery through the injection system, making them more efficient.

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.

A 2002 Ford pickup is equipped with an On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II) computer. This computer reads trouble codes sent from sensors positioned throughout the vehicle, and it keeps track of when the pickup needs to be serviced. When you see the Service Engine Soon light illuminate on your instrument panel, this is information being sent to you from the vehicles computer. Make sure you service the engine first before you attempt to reset and turn off the light. Otherwise the light will just keep turning back on and it wont accurately keep track of when your vehicle needs servicing.

Instructions

1

Lift up the hood of the pickup and prop it open. Remove the battery cable from the negative side of the battery using a 1/2-inch end wrench. Let the truck sit for about five minutes. Put the cable back in place and close the hood.

2

Put the key into the ignition and start the engine. Look at your instrument panel to see if the Service Engine Soon light turned off. If it didnt turn off, go to an auto parts store and buy an OBD-II code scanner to reset the light.

3

Plug the connector on the OBD-II code scanner into the port to the left under the steering column. Put the key into the ignition and turn the car on but dont start the engine. Key into your scanner your pickups make, model and engine size.

4

Wait for the trouble code for Service Engine Soon to appear on the scanner. When it does, press "delete." Remove the scanner from the port and start the engine. The light should now turn off.

Some Chevy S-10 pickup trucks have problems with the tailgates. The tailgate cables ensure the tailgate stays at the correct level when it is in the down position. Weak cables may result in personal injury and damage to the truck.

History

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration completed a defect investigation (EA05008) which details that owners of select Chevy S-10 trucks are authorized to have the cables replaced free of charge. The investigation also recommended that owners of Chevy S-10 trucks periodically inspect the cables for signs of wear and tear.

Warning

Cables that are worn or frayed can break unexpectedly. Moisture interacting with the cable reduces the strength of the cable. When the cable breaks, the tailgate can come down and hit the bumper. This can damage the bumper and tailgate cosmetically. A person may be injured if he is near or on the tailgate when the cable breaks.

Recommendation

Cables that appear to be worn, frayed or bulging should be brought to the attention of General Motors. A trained technician will be able to determine if the cables need to be replaced. Cables may be replaced free of charge if they are included in a warranty, safety notice or recall.

Repairing the backup lights on the rear of your 1998 Chevy Truck requires changing the bulbs. The backup lights provide clean, white light that allows you to see what is behind you when backing up the truck after dark. The lights also provide a way for other drivers to see you backing up. The bulb used in the backup lights of the Chevy is a 2057 and is available from parts retail stores.

Instructions

1

Open the tailgate of your Chevy and locate the two taillight retaining screws in the side of the bed where the tailgate would sit when closed. There is an upper and lower retaining screw on each taillight assembly.

2

Remove the retaining screws from the taillight assembly with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the taillight assembly straight out of the body. Locate the electrical connector on the rear of the assembly, press the locking tab down, and disconnect it from the assembly.

3

Rotate the backup light bulb socket counterclockwise, and pull it out of the assembly. Pull the bulb straight out of the socket, and replace it with a new 2057 bulb. Slide the bulb socket into the rear of the assembly. Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.

4

Connect the electrical harness connector to the taillight assembly. Slide the assembly into the body opening. Install the two retaining screws through the body and into the taillight. Tighten the screws with a Phillips screwdriver.

5

Move to the opposite side of the truck and repeat the process if required. Close the tailgate.

If you are having problems with your GMC pickup truck, there are two components that need to be checked. The battery on the truck is what fires the electrical current to start the motor. If your battery is dead or corrosion has formed on the battery terminals, your truck will not be able to start. The GMC truck relies on gasoline to run so gas has to be in the fuel tank in order to start the vehicle.

Instructions

1

Pop the hood to your GMC truck and locate the battery to the right of the engine.

2

Look the terminals over for any corrosion. Loosen the terminals with a socket wrench and pull them off of the battery.

3

Use soda and a wire brush to clean the corrosion off of the battery terminals.

4

Reattach the terminals to the batter and try to start the truck.

5

Use jumper cables and another car to jump-start the truck.

6

Leave the truck running for about 5 minutes and then turn it off. Try to restart the truck. If the truck does not restart, replace the battery.

7

Fill the gas tank up with 1 gallon of gas. Try to start the truck. If the truck starts, have a mechanic repair the gas gauge.

The Toyota SR5 FWD is a pickup track that allows people to haul or tow trailers, boats, or even other cars. If you are having problems with your SR5, there are a few things that you can do before you pay for a mechanic to look the vehicle over. Common issues are found in the battery, fuel tank, and the cooling system of the truck. You dont have to spend money to get your SR5 back on the road. You can do it yourself with little hassle.

Instructions

1

Insert your key into the SR5 and turn it so the electrical instrument panel lights up. Check over the fuel level in your trucks gas tank. If the fuel level is low enough for the truck not to start, fill the gas tank with fuel. If the instrument panel doesnt light up, you need to check your battery.

2

Pop the hood to the SR5 with the hood latch under the steering wheel. Open the hood and engage the hood rod to keep the hood up. Check over the battery connections. The battery is the black box with a black and red terminal coming off of it. Use a pair of insulated pliers to tighten the connection.

3

Clean the battery terminals if you find any corrosion on them. You can clean the terminals with a wire brush a little bit of soda. The carbonation from the soda will eat away the corrosion. Put the terminals back onto the battery and then try to restart the truck.

4

Check over the cooling system if you are having problems with your SR5 overheating. The coolant tank is on the left side of the engine block. Make sure that you have enough coolant so its up to the fill line on the side of the tank. Fill the coolant tank with enough coolant so it reaches the fill line.

5

Climb under the truck and locate the starter on the right side of the engine. This is a small black box. Have a friend turn the ignition. If you hear a buzzing noise from the starter, you need to have a professional replace it.

The Dodge RAM series of full-size pickups includes several specific models. The procedure for replacing the fuel pump in a Dodge pickup truck is generally the same for all model years from 1997 to 2000. These vehicles use an electric fuel pump module that consists of the pump, fuel gauge sending unit and the fuel float. The fuel pump module is located on top of the fuel tank, so you must remove the fuel tank to replace the fuel pump module.

Instructions

1

Relieve the pressure in the fuel system, and remove the fuel from the fuel tank. Disconnect the fuel tank from the vehicle, and disconnect the fuel lines from the fuel pump.

2

Clean the surface of the fuel tank around the fuel pump module to prevent debris from falling into the tank when you remove the fuel pump module. Locate the alignment mark on the fuel pump module, and note its position for future reference. Two door models generally have the alignment mark on the fuel pump module at the 7 oclock position, and four door models generally have the alignment mark at 4 oclock position.

3

Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the fingers and finger locks of the fuel pump module if it is so equipped. Pry back the lock tab of the fuel pump module with a screwdriver if it is so equipped. Remove the locknut of the fuel pump module with a socket wrench. Remove and discard the old fuel pump module and gasket.

4

Clean the fuel filter, and install the new gasket. Install the new fuel pump so the alignment mark is in the position that you noted in step 2. Tighten the locknut until it locks into place if it has fingers and finger locks. Otherwise, tighten the locknut to 40 ft. lbs. with a torque wrench.

5

Connect the fuel lines to the fuel pump, and install the fuel tank. Fill the tank with fuel and pressurize the fuel system by turning the ignition on and off several times.