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Wednesday, April 30, 2008

I bought a rebuilt A/C Compressor

Question: I have a 1984 Chevy Corvette and I bought a rebuilt A/C for it but there is a switch or some kind of wire that plugs into it that the new A/C is blocking off. My friend had this happen to his and said he just left that wire disconnected. Is that what I need to do? Answer: If you are talking about the pressure switch in the back of the compressor, it is held in place by a snap ring. The new compressor should have a plug in the same hole in the same spot that the switch is located on the old compressor. Just remove the plug and swap the switch from the old compressor to the new compressor. It is put there for safety reasons, in case of a pressure problem with the system.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

AC cold air turns warm after ....

Question: My 2003 Honda Accord LX, 4 cyl, auto ac will function properly on humid days until I drive over rumble stripes or hit a bump in the road. Then the blowing air warms up as if the AC switch was turned off. Sometimes if I drive over another bump or reflector in the road, it starts blowing cold air again. Other times it won''t blow cold air until the car is turned off for a few minutes. The dealership has replaced a relay switch but it didn''t fix the problem. The radio has been replaced in this car. Obviously we don''t know if this is relevant or not but the problem didn''t occur until several months after the dash was pulled to replace the radio. Answer: A couple things can cause this, the relay is one and sounds like your dealership has addressed this. Another common thing that causes this but is often overlooked is the air gap in the A/C clutch. As the air gap increases when it's hot a bump or shock to the car can cause the gap to be too much and then A/C compressor shuts off. If compressor is allowed to cool then the gap decreases again and it will work. The good news is the gap is easy to check without taking the compressor off the car or anything. With a feeler gauge and the spec. in the book a tech can see if it's out of range. Another way to check for this is to hit the outside of the clutch on the A/C compressor when it shuts off again and see if the compressor starts working again. If so the air gap is out of spec.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Can you tow using the bumper hitch ?

Question:
Can you tow with a 1995 Ford Explorer V6 engine using the bumper hitch, I might buy one but I want to make sure I can tow with it ?
Answer:
Yes, you can tow with a ford explorer. In fact some of them came with a factory bumper hitch. As long as you do not exceed the towing capacity of the bumper hitch which is commonly 2000 lbs. If you want to tow more than that, I would recommend a Reese style hitch(one that bolts directly to the frame.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

slack on supercharger belt

Question:
I have a 1997 Pontiac GTP has slack on supercharger belt and the tensioner is clicking back and forth. Belt is the right size. Already tried changing the belt with a smaller belt.
Answer:
It sounds like the tensioner needs to be replaced as the internal spring is to weak. The only thing would be to make sure none of the pulleys the belt rides on are sticking/hanging up. Spin them with the belt off to check them. There is no adjustment for the tensioner and they commonly need to be replaced. They probably have one in stock at your local auto parts store.

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Left rear brake Sticking

Question: I have a 1988 Ford Mustang w/ rear discs and no apparent ABS. Replaced calipers and pads. Left rear brake fails to release after using E-brake. Replaced caliper again. Same deal. Answer: Sounds like the problem is in your Park brake cable. Disconnect them. pull the lever and measure. Release the lever and measure to make sure they are releasing. If not, replace the cables and make sure they are routed correctly. If it fails to release without using the park brake, then you need to replace the caliper hose.(most common)

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Friday, April 25, 2008

trying to locate a diagnostic plug

Question:
I have a 1997 Renault Laguna 2.0 Petro and i have been trying to locate a diagnostic plug on my Laguna 2.0 Petro and cant find the plug anywhere, is there one in the vehicle . no. 3 injector not working. Can you tell me where it is ?
Answer:
Diagnostic plug should be located under left lower dash area at base of steering column.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

error code of P1824

Question: I took my 2002 Ford Explorer to the repair facility with an error code of P1824. After extensive research on their part, or so they say, they stated that the electronic shift control module needed replacing so the 4x4 high light would stop blinking on the console. We have replaced this part and the light is still flashing, after unplugging battery for five minutes to reset the computer. They cannot figure out what is wrong. Any suggestions??? Answer: Replacement of the 4WD control module does not require programming using the Ford scan tool on this vehicle. Vehicles built after 03/04/2002 with the 11th digit of the VIN being (U) or vehicles built after 03/11/2002 with the 11th digit of the VIN being (Z) require a different module than those built before these dates. The modules are not interchangeable though the harness connectors will plug into either of the modules. The modules have different internal designs. The 4WD shift module is located forward of the glove box, under the passenger side of the dash. 1. Check the resistance of the magnetic clutch coil at the transfer case measuring between terminal 16 and terminal 11 of the shift motor connection. Terminal 16 connects to a Brown (BN) wire on the harness and terminal 11 connects to a Brown/Yellow (BN/YE) wire on the harness. Resistance should indicate a reading of 2.5-3.0 ohms. 2. Use a scanner to try and command the 4WD clutch on. If this is possible, monitor the voltage on the BN wire while increasing the command on the clutch. If there is low or no voltage to the clutch no matter what the command, check the powers and grounds to the module. 3. The Four Wheel Drive (4WD) module is located behind the glove box area. A. C281a pin 1 Black/White (BK/WH) and pin 2 White (WH) should be battery voltage at all times. B. Pin 9 Violet/Orange (VT/OG) should be battery voltage with the key on. C. Pin 10 Orange (OG) should be battery voltage with the key in the crank position only. D. C281b pin 16 Grey/Yellow (GY/YE) should be battery voltage with the key in the run position. 3. The grounds are C281a pin 7 Black (BK) and C281b pin 2 Black/Light Blue (BK/LB). 4. If the powers and grounds are OK, replace the 4WD module. Be sure to get the correct module, the early and late build modules will plug in but are not interchangeable.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Professional Auto Detailing Products

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Where can I find a list of Trouble Codes ?

Question: Where can I find a complete list of all the diagnostic trouble codes. Is there one place that has them all ? Answer: You can find a complete list that includes OBD I, OBD II, and CAN. There are even instructions on how to extract the OBD I codes without a scan tool. All of the codes are followed by a description of what each code means. Instead of looking around in different site for each list you can find them all here.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

I have a street rod and now it won't idle

Question: I have a street rod with a General Motors 350 engine, just replaced the (Accel) coil, coil cap, mag pick-up and control module. I have reset the air spacing. and now it won't idle. I think I should now recheck the timing but don't no what that would be. The engine is stock except for the cam and i have no idea what the duration etc. would be. where do I start. Answer: Start at 4 degrees BTDC. this is stock, then add 2 degrees(advanced) and test drive, keep adding 2 degrees until you hear it ping and back it off 2 degrees. this is the optimal timing for performance. back it off 4 to 6 degrees from engine ping for more drivable/easy to start conditions. If you have Nitrous Oxide, then remove 2 degrees for every 50 hp of Nitrous.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Where are the dash lights in my 1992 GMC truck

Question: Where are the dash lights in my 1992 GMC 1500 Sierra 350 so i can fix them they went out ? Answer: Make sure your gauges fuse is good.(fuse # 4, 10 amp). The bulbs are located behind/inside the dash cluster and require removal to replace them. I have added the procedure below for reference. 1992-94 C/K Models Disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the instrument panel cluster bezel. Unplug the electrical connections for the headlamp switch and the dimmer control. Remove the radio control head. Remove the heater control panel. On air conditioned vehicles, disengage the A/C harness. Remove the cluster retaining screws. Disconnect the gear shift indicator cable from the steering column shift bowl. Carefully pull the cluster towards you until you can reach the electrical connector. Unplug the connector. Avoid touching the connector pins. If replacing the bulbs, turn the bulb assembly 1⁄2 turn to the left to remove. To install: Install the bulb assembly. Carefully position the cluster until you can reach the electrical connector. Plug in the connector. Avoid touching the connector pins. Install the cluster retaining screws. Connect the gear shift indicator cable. Install the heater control panel and A/C harness (if removed). Install the radio control head and any attach any electrical connections that were removed. Install the bezel. Connect the negative battery cable.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

the brake pedal goes to the floor

Question:
We have a 1995 Ford Mustang, the brake pedal goes to the floor with no braking power and no system leaks. What could be the problem?
Answer:
This is a classic indication of a failed master cylinder. This is from the internal seals of the master cylinder allowing fluid to pass internally.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Need reasonable priced outlet for fuel pumps ?

Question: Still working on my daughters 2002 rodeo (Isuzu) 2.2 4cyl. I need to > replace the fuel sending unit and can't find a reasonable priced outlet > for it.. Do you guys have any excess to them? the 8th number in the Vin # is a D.. the best price out here in Washington State is around $225.00 > because you have to buy the fuel pump/sending unit as a unit. Any > thoughts on this... any info will be appreciated Answer: I took a look at my favorite online site and found one for $206.79 @ www.rockauto.com , Just click the red button and pick your make, year, model, fuel system, fuel pump... Not a huge savings but its enough to buy lunch. I guess the engineers that designed the fuel pump/sending unit as a complete module figure if your going to bother dropping the tank you might as well replace both, so they made it convenient for you without considering the price...lol. If you search : "Fuel Pump FG0289" You'll find several listings. A list of online auto parts stores to check out here. Found it for $182.46@ http://www.nextdayautoparts.com/

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Where can I find Video Repair Instructions

Question: Where can I find video repair instructions online? Answer: Video repair for specific vehicles is not yet available only because there are so many different makes and models out there. But, there is a website that has repair videos to by category. You can choose videos that show how to replace a battery to replacing an Oxygen Sensor. New at replacing a serpentine belt, you guessed it, they have a video for that as well. Select form over a hundred different videos that can be viewed online right now at Freeautoanswers.com

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

knocking noise

Question: 2002 V6 Camry..had both strut mounts (rubber) replaced today but it did not fix the knocking noise when the car slowly goes over a speed bump. Sound like something is knocking on the frame...can feel it through the steering wheel. any suggestions? Answer: Strut mounts are the most common source of front end noise on late model Camry's. Were the strut mounts installed by a Toyota dealer or someone who is knowledgeable in Toyota and were the parts genuine Toyota mounts? 2 other things that need to be checked, not common but most likely if it is a low speed knock- 1-the sway bar links that connect the sway bar to the struts need to be checked for free play, these must be removed to replace the strut mounts and may be loose from improper installation or may have joint free play causing them to "pop" when the front end flexes over a bump and twists the sway bar. I would also recommend checking the rubber bushings for the sway-bar, they are located in the center of the sub-frame rear area and insulate and retain the sway bar to the frame. I checked the Toyota technical database and the only Service bulletin related to your type of noise is for the steering intermediate shaft, this will cause a pop noise when the steering wheel is moved back and forth at low speeds.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

where is the oil drain plug

Question: where is the oil drain plug on a 2000 Ford Lincoln ls. Answer: Directly under the engine is the oil pan : This is a removed view. On the bottom side of the pan(from underneath the car you will be looking upward at the bottom of the pan) you will see a drain plug. It is normally 13mm or 14mm Bolt in appearance. Loosen the bolt by turn counter clock-wise.

Just had the drivers seat belt replaced due to an airbag light on dash

Question: I have a 2001 Volkswagen passat 1.8 turbo. Just had the drivers seat belt replaced due to an airbag light on dash, NOW the drivers door will unlock when using key button? to unlock the other doors i have to hit the interior door unlock. Trunk also does not lock. Answer: The central comfort module has lost its coding which matches it to the particular vehicle it is installed in. This happens when the battery is unhooked. You will have to take it to the dealer to have the proper code reprogrammed.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Can you tow a later model Rav4 behind a motor home?

Question: I have a Fleetwood motor home and want to purchase a Rav4 to be ''flat towed''. Looking for a ''98-''03 model. Have heard that a 4x4 model might cause issues. Are Rav4''s set up/designed to be towed as Saturn''s Vue SUV is? Answer: The 4WD RAV4's are not able to be flat towed because there is no transfer case to put in neutral. The system is an all wheel drive system which uses a viscous coupling to give the 4WD. That coupling will be damaged if towed.

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We are talking about some serious military gear that is available on this website. What website you might ask, I am talking about safariland holster products. More than 70% of the law enforcement professionals in North America have chosen to carry Safariland Holsters. You can even get GSA Approved shirts and pants. Don't forget about the foot wear that every body needs.

How to replace idle control valve 1993 Honda accord

Question:
What is the problem of up and down idling on my motor when its became hot on my 1993 Honda Accord.
Answer:
Could be one of two things. Either the IAC valve or the fast idle valve. Both are located on the intake manifold. Right next the the fuel rail. I would suspect the fast idle valve first because it controls the idle once the car is warmed up.

Police Gear

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Where can I find a complete wiring diagram ?

Question: Where can I find a complete wiring diagram on the starting system of a 2001 Ford Focus LX? I just replaced the battery cable harness and now the car will not turn over or crank. I have power to lights, radio etc, But my brake lights do not work. I have no power to fuse 54. that''s as far as I can get will the Haynes manual. I've used the Haynes manual to troubleshoot but I have limited wiring diagrams in the manual. Please help! Answer: You can purchase a complete wiring diagram that comes with all the information you could ever want , same as the professionals and dealers use and it can be accessed online right now for just $9.99 http://tinyurl.com/2lg87f

Sunday, April 13, 2008

How do you change headlight bulbs for 1997 chevy truck?

Question: How do you change headlight bulbs for 1997 Chevy truck? Answer: If you are changing the headlight bulb on the driver's side you are in luck. Open the hood and go in from inside the engine compartment. The bulb housing is rotated in clockwise, so to remove you would turn counter clockwise. (the main headlight bulb is the outside one, just trace behind it, you will find the wires and housing). Once you have it out, you need to depress the clip that attaches it to the wires and remove. All fairly easy, and you can do it without any tools. If the bulb on the passengers side goes out, it's the same process, however you will have to remove the battery and possibly the horn if it is in your way. Then it's clear sailing!

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Check engine light will NOT come on

Question:
I recently bought a 1998 Mustang GT convertible and in order to get it to pass inspection, I've got to get a catalytic converter and I need to figure out why my check engine light will NOT come on. Is it a burnt out bulb or is there another way to disable the light that I can undo? Is there a fuse I can check? All other lights in the acc. position light up (battery, seat belt, ABS, parking break). I know there is an after-market exhaust on the car and the previous owner had to have messed with the light since it should be constantly on with no catalytic converter, right?Any help would be appreciated, I'm a complete idiot when it comes to cars, but I'm trying to learn!!
Answer:
There is no fuse related to the check engine light bulb if your other dash lights work. Just need to replace or install a new bulb in the dash. The bulb is either burnt out or it has been removed, this is the only reason for it to be out.

Friday, April 11, 2008

How do you replace the heater core in a 2001 S-10

Question: How do you replace the heater core in a 2001 S-10 (with A/C, if that makes a difference) ? Answer:

Drain Coolant, Remove kick panel and center lower trim plate by pulling outward. Remove outer floor air duct. Remove the heater/vent module. Remove the heater core access cover screws. Remove the heater core access cover. Remove the heater core from the heater/vent module

To Install: Install the heater core to the heater/vent module. Install the heater core access cover and screws to the heater/vent module. Install the heater/vent module assembly to the vehicle.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Toyota and GM recall 662,000 cars

This recall is for Vehicles with power windows only. Manual Windows are not effected. The problem is the bolts that hold the glass in place may loosen and cause the door glass to separate from the window regulator.
Toyota will recall 539,500 Corolla and Matrix vehicles for the 2003 and 2004 model years, and GM said it would recall 122,598 Pontiac Vibe hatchbacks, which share the same platform with Toyota's Matrix and are built by GM in a joint venture with the Japanese automaker.
Toyota will notify vehicle owners by mail, beginning in late April. It will advise owners to contact their local Toyota dealer for inspection and repairs. Replacement of the driver and front passenger door glass bolts will be done at no charge, Toyota said.

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Free Wiring Diagram - 1998 Lincoln Continental

Question: I have a 1998 Lincoln Continental. I am trying to sort out some electrical issues with my engine cooling fans. I know how to use a multi-meter and have experience working on cars. What I need is a wiring diagram or schematic to go by so I can fix this myself. Where can i get one for free? Answer: There are several places to get wiring diagrams. One place is by following the link to your right labelled "Automotive Wiring Diagrams" and selecting the year, make and model of your vehicle. This comes with a $9.99 fee, but includes all repair information, TSB's, color coded wiring diagrams, belt routing's and diagnostic charts just like the dealers use. Great buy for the money. If you are just needing a generic or basic wiring diagram, you can get one Free at our parent website Free Auto Mechanic.com . I have gone ahead and posted this one hear for you to let others know what to expect. Since it is free, the requests the website receives is overwhelming and may take a month or longer to receive. http://www.freeautomechanic.com/coolingfans.pdf

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Blower motor runs on high speed

Question:
I have a 1991 Buick Park Ave Ultra Blowers motor runs on high speed all the time even with key off?? The Air Conditioning and heat work fine. It has a 3800 engine.
Answer:
1) The blower motor relay is stuck, replace it and if the blower motor will only work on high speed, replacing the blower motor resistor. This is if it is has manual Air Conditioning.
2) Replace the Module if car has the auto control for a/c. It has a module no resistor or relay

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

hard shifting transmission

Question:
I have a 1988 Ford Mustang hatchback 4 cyl. How can i fix a hard shifting transmission in my 88 mustang which has a stiff clutch also it tends to not go into first gear easy if at all other gears are difficult but it can be done. I have done nothing yet i don't want to mess anything up i can still drive it, but its real real hard to shift gears, and the clutch is stiff.
Answer:
The symptoms you are having is a sure tell sign of a clutch needing replaced. Replace the clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing and this will cure the problem.

Monday, April 07, 2008

Induction Service

In just the past few months I have been presented with a number of estimates given to my customers from dealerships that have performed warranty or recall work. On each estimate the dealer claims that the vehicle is in need of "Induction System Service". I have been asked by several people what this service is and if they really need to have it done. INDUCTION SYSTEM SERVICE: The Induction Service consists of removing the throttle body and cleaning the inside or throat of the throttle body. This allows a smoother flow of the required amount of air. DO I NEED IT: The Service can help aid in the correct idle if you are having this issue or looking to prevent it. In most cases if your car is running fine, you are not required to have this service done. It is however, a good preventative measure.

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Friday, April 04, 2008

Found Plug in transmission pan ?

Question: I am in the middle of changing my transmission filter and upon removing the pan I found a plug with an o-ring around the middle of the plug. What is it and where does it go? It is a 1999 Ford F150 5.4 engine. Answer: I can tell that this is the first time the filter has been changed. The plug is installed by the manufacturer of the transmission for shipping. Once the transmission is installed on the assembly line a transmission dipstick tube is installed by shoving the plug the rest of the way through. It will not hurt anything to leave it in there, but you might as well toss it while you in there.

Thursday, April 03, 2008

massive oil leak

Question:
Hi I have a 1996 Lincoln Continental that has developed a massive oil leak that looks like its coming from between the AC compressor and engine block. It is a hard area to see! any ideas? its definitely a pressure leak.
Answer:
It may be the oil pressure sending unit. They are the only external part that carries a lot of oil pressure. It is usually pretty close to the oil filter and if I'm not mistaken the filter sits under the ac compressor. This is best viewed from underneath the car.

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

1999 Jeep Grand Chreokee Air Conditioning

Question: My 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee had the Air Conditioning compressor replaced in July '07. It worked OK for around 5 months. It Stopped engaging. I had the system recharged and had dye added at the same time. Drove it home about ten miles and it seemed OK. Did not run Jeep for two days. A couple days later I noticed the compressor wasn't engaging. Took it back for the UV light check for the dye. No leaks were found. They tell me that my evaporator core (under dash)is leaking. They can replace it for $750. The compressor doesn't engage but the system seems to have a charge (determined by pushing down the fill stem.) Does this sound right and could it be something else? Answer: Absolutely possible. The A/C system can still have pressure in it, and yet be too low to engage the compressor. The low-pressure cut-off switch will prevent compressor clutch engagement to protect the compressor in the event of a low refrigerant charge, and this condition is normal. The system can still contain some refrigerant (noticeable at the service ports), and will even seem to have a charge with only residual refrigerant (essentially, empty) when pushing down on the schrader valve at the service port. When checking the system with dye, it's often easy to verify the leak by shining the UV light on the HVAC case drain tube. Often times, though, nothing is evident at the drain, and you only notice the leak when the HVAC case is removed and the evaporator inspected (the evaporator is not visible without pulling the dash and HVAC case). I've pulled plenty of these apart, after the UV showed nothing visible *anywhere*, only to find out that the evaporator is green (with fluorescent dye).The cost seems a bit high, but in HVAC system repair, you often get what you pay for. $750, while expensive, is about normal for the dealer, and it's the hardest component to replace in the A/C system.

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

deployed both the drivers and pass airbags

Question: My 2005 Chrysler Crossfire was in an accident which deployed both the drivers and pass airbags. I replaced both of them along with the clock-spring and seat belt assemblies. Before I put the fuse back in to power up this system is there any other thing I need to do. Do not want to deploy new airbags. Answer: As long as you have everything hooked up right you should be fine. This is what the service manual says you should do: The following procedure should be performed using a DRBIII(R) scan tool to verify proper supplemental restraint system (SRS) operation following the service or replacement of any SRS component. WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG, PASSENGER AIRBAG, SIDE IMPACT SENSOR OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. During the following test, the battery negative cable remains disconnected and isolated, as it was during the SRS component removal and installation procedures. Connect the DRBIII(R) to the Data Link Connector (DLC). Exit the vehicle but maintain contact with the DRBIII(R). Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Check to be certain that there are no occupants in the vehicle, then reconnect the battery negative cable. Using the DRBIII(R), read and record any active (current) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data. Next, use the DRBIII(R) to read and record any stored (historical) DTC data. If any DTCs are found, Use the DRBIII(R) to erase any stored DTC data. Turn the ignition switch to the Off position for approximately fifteen seconds , and then back to the On position. Observe the airbag warning indicator in the instrument cluster for proper operation.