Oklahoma Lemon Law Information

The Oklahoma Lemon Law applies when, during a one-year period following delivery of the vehicle: 1)the dealer has attempted to repair the same problem four (4) or more times within the first year of ownership, or 2)the vehicle has been out of service due to repair attempts by the dealer for a total of 45 or more calendar days. To qualify for the Lemon Law, the problem or defect must substantially impair the use and value of the vehicle, and must not be the result of abuse, neglect or unauthorized modifications or alterations.

Does cold weather affect car fuel consumption?

Question : Does cold weather affect car fuel consumption?

Answer : Yes !! It most certainly does. Cold air is more dense so the aerodynamic drag of pushing the vehicle through the air is higher than when pushing through hot air. Also it requires more fuel to warm the engine to normal operating condition as it has to run rich (choke) for a longer period of time.

Also in cold weather engine oil is thicker, transmission and axle oil are also thicker so it requires more power to pump the oils and move the gears. Colder tires also don't roll as easily as warm tires.

Anti-freeze - Which one is right for you?

Anti-freeze : Antifreeze is used in internal combustion engines, and for many other heat transfer applications, such as electronics cooling and chillers for HVAC. Compounds are added to water to reduce the freezing point of the mixture to below the lowest temperature that the system is likely to be exposed to, and to inhibit corrosion in cooling systems which often contain a range of electrochemically incompatible metals (aluminum, cast iron, copper, lead solder, etc.).

Now we know the technical meaning , but What anti-freeze is right for your car?

There is the old style that is green in color and is used in most cars from 1996 and older. GM uses Dex-Cool which is orange in cooler on its newer vehicles. Ford uses Yellow and Honda uses red and so on.... This can be confusing at times. But remember one thing. You can not mix green with any other color or it may cause damage to the engine and other cooling/heating system components.

You should try to use like colors with the different vehicles and if it says use Dex-Cool only... then use Dex-Cool only.

Happy New Year - Drive Safe

New Year's Eve is upon us along with the temptation to drink and drive. Keep in mind that all police enforcement are asked to work this night. The Police refer to this night as "Amateur night" and are constantly looking to enforce the no drinking and driving law.

If you do not drink but do get out and drive , please be extra cautious and aware of those that have decided to tempt the police. Drive defensively , drive as if anyone around you might be drunk at the wheel. Let them go first at the stop sign, Let the guy over that is trying to get in front of you and in extreme cases, pull to the side of the road and let them get far enough away that they can't harm you or your vehicle.

If you do decide to drink, drink responsibly !!

Alaska Lemon Law Information

The Alaska Lemon Law applies when, during the first year following delivery of the new vehicle: 1)the dealer has attempted to repair the same problem three or more times, or 2)the vehicle has been out of service due to repair attempts by the dealer for a total of 30 or more business days. The defect or problem must substantially impair the use or the market value of the vehicle, & must not be the result of alteration, abuse or neglect.

Toys for Tots urgently needs your help.

Marines Toys for Tots is in need of your help in reaching their goals this year to keep form leaving many needy children without gifts this holiday. By sending free eCards from Month2Month.com, a cash contribution is made to Toys for Tots. Here's where to get the month2month free eCards . The Marine's are trying to gather the much needed money to purchase toys for children that have not yet received one. "the Foundation is encouraging people to make cash contributions because it allows them to purchase the toys they need to fill in gaps and match the remaining needs" (see full press release below). month2month.com has made it easy to contribute by sending eCards. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Bill Grein Marine Toys for Tots V: 703-640-9433 F: 703-640-0917 wjgrein@toysfortots.org http://www.toysfortots.org/ Steven Marcus Month2Month.com V: 914-933-2638 F: 501-325-9147 smarcus@month2month.com http://www.month2month.com/ Marines Toys for Tots Needs Last Minute Help Quantico, VA. December 21, 2007 / PR Newswire – The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is making a nationwide last minute appeal for more toys. Since time is critical as they go into their toy distribution phase this weekend the Foundation is encouraging people to make cash contributions because it allows them to purchase the toys they need to fill in gaps and match the remaining needs. One novel way to get cash immediately into the hands of the Marines is to send lots of holiday eCards to everyone you know. Month2Month.com, a free eCard website has agreed to contribute up to $50,000 when their cards are sent and received. Bill Grein, Vice President for Marines Toys for Tots, said: "Cash contributions are critical for us at this time because we can purchase the toys we need and can place them where they are needed most at the last minute. It will help us close a gap in many areas where the economy, toy recalls and even bad weather have caused us to come short of our goals so far. We urge everyone to take advantage of this wonderful offer from Month2Month." John Aslanian, CEO of Month2Month.com said: "We are expecting to have 1 million cards sent in the next few days that could result in a contribution of up to $50,000. We know that for some the economy might be putting a crimp in their generosity. But what this can do is to save them the cost of buying cards and the postage. We are asking everyone to send these cards, even if they already sent other cards, to help make this a merry Christmas and happy holiday for many more needy children." Month2Month.com cards are all produced by top-notch artists working in a loft studio just outside of New York City. The cards show great care in design and detail and often take weeks or months to complete. They are all professionally animated often requiring hundreds of frames to get the motion to look smooth and flowing. Month2Month.com is a privately held online greeting company founded in 2005. The site offers free high quality online greeting cards and can be found at http://www.month2month.com/. This year marks the 60th anniversary for the Toys for Tots tradition of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. In 2006, Toys for Tots delivered more than 19.2 million toys to over 7.6 million children.

Aptera - Best Fuel Mileage ?

The Aptera was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, and later as an extended range electric vehicle. After building the proof-of-concept Mk-0, we hired the automotive design firm, 'eleven', to help us further develop the concept vehicle. The 'eleven' team, led by Jason Hill and Nathan Armstrong, made great strides in the development of the Aptera's body styling, interior design, and structural engineering.

Crash Testing----------------------Aptera has been working quietly with CD-Adapco and ABAQUS for several months, conducting frontal offset crash test simulations. Using these incredibly powerful tools, we are continually refining and testing our vehicles in software, performing numerous 'virtual crashes' on computers. Our next step is to corroborate the data with live crash tests.

The real deal about Aptera's Mileage---------------------------------------------------------With the All Electric Aptera, it is very easy to figure out the mileage range. The mileage is determined by the distance you can drive, under normal circumstances, until the batteries are effectively drained. In the case of the first Aptera typ-1e, we have calculated the range to be about 120miles.

Aptera

Spark Plugs -

The spark plug theory: It forces electricity to arc across a gap, just like lightning. The electricity must be at a very high voltage in order to travel across the gap and create a good spark. Voltage at the spark plug can be anywhere from 40,000 to 100,000 volts. The spark plug must have an insulated path for this high voltage to travel down to the electrode, where it can jump the gap and, from there, be conducted into the engine block and grounded. The plug also has to withstand the extreme heat and pressure inside the cylinder, and must be designed so that deposits from fuel additives do not build up on the plug. Spark plugs use a ceramic insert to isolate the high voltage at the electrode, ensuring that the spark happens at the tip of the electrode and not anywhere else on the plug; this insert does double-duty by helping to burn off deposits. Ceramic is a fairly poor heat conductor, so the material gets quite hot during operation. This heat helps to burn deposits from the electrode. How often do you need to change them ? If your car's engine is equipped with a carburetor, then you will need to replace the spark plugs about once a year or every 15,000 miles. For Fuel Injected engines before 1996 the plugs will need to be replaced every two years or every 30,000 miles. For Fuel Injected engines that are 1996 or newer, the spark plugs will only need to be replaced every 80,000 to 100,000 miles.

Pay Per Play - New

Well it is getting close to the new year and if you are like myself , you are still banging away at your keyboard in an effort to make some money !! Pay Per Play is here.

HERE is the NEWEST way to make money with little effort and no clicking needed. That's right no one has to click on the add . It is a 5 Second audio add, just like the one you heard when you entered this site. The add you heard is just an example, the program will not start running adds until Feb 1, 2008. That's how new it is. I signed up today and can't wait to start making that money. There are a limited number of sites they are going to accept, so sign up now.

Straight to sign up page

If you want to know more and are interested in earning money from your website check out how at Pay Per Play

Wiring Diagrams

Looking for Automotive wiring diagrams all over the net but can't seem to find a good source. Well look no further. You can get full automotive wiring diagrams that will cover your entire car for just $9.99. Along with the wiring diagrams you will receive full repair instructions, diagnostic charts, factory recall information and even Service Bulletins. This is the same information the dealers use to help them service your car.

All you have to do is choose your vehicle and fill out the subscription form for whatever length of time you wish and you will have full online access to all the information you could ever want. Yes, you heard me right,,, all of it is accessible on line right from your home computer. So if you need a wiring diagram this is the place to go. Online Automotive Wiring Diagrams

Ultimate Brake Tool

Speaking as a professional mechanic this is by far the most used tool during a brake job aside from my impact gun. Do your normal remove the tire and caliper bit, then remove the outer brake pad and insert this tool. A couple of firm squeezes and the caliper is fully compressed. And the best thing is that it will save you time. For a mechanic, anything that will save you time and effort is a definite win. If you get a chance to buy one of these, you won't be disappointed. I purchased mine from the Weekly Tool Guy that stops by our shop , But you can buy yours online from several places.

Just Google "Lisle Speedy Brake Pad Spreader"

Montana Lemon Law Information

The Montana Lemon Law applies when, during the first two (2) years or 18,000 miles (whichever occurs first) following delivery of a new vehicle: 1)the dealer has attempted to repair the same problem four (4) or more times, or 2) the vehicle has been out of service for repairs at the dealership for a cumulative total of 30 or more business days. To qualify for the Montana Lemon Law, there must be substantial defects that impair the use, market value or safety of the vehicle. The problems can't have resulted from abuse, neglect, modification or alteration by anyone other than the manufacturer or authorized dealer. The Lemon Law coverage can be extended by up to an additional year as long as you report the defect in writing to the dealer or manufacturer during the 2 year/18,000 mile period.

Colorado Lemon Law Information

The Colorado Lemon Law applies when, during the first one-year period following delivery of the vehicle: the dealer has attempted to repair the same problem four or more times, or the vehicle has been out of service due to repair attempts by the dealer for a total of 30 or more business days. The defect or problem must substantially impair the use or the market value of the vehicle. Prior to suing a manufacturer for a refund or replacement vehicle, you must first send a written notice of defect by certified mail to the manufacturer, give them a chance to repair it and go through the manufacturer's informal dispute settlement procedure, if one exists. Manufacturers that have a dispute settlement, or arbitration, procedure that complies with Federal standards are not subject to provisions of the Lemon Law concerning refunds or replacement until the customer has pursued arbitration.

Tire Pressure Sensor

If your tire pressure sensor keeps coming on and that anoying light on the dash just keeps staring at you while your driving, then maybe its time to correct the problem.

tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is an electronic system to monitor the air pressure inside a pneumatic tire. They are sometimes referred to as remote tire pressure monitoring systems (RTPMS) or simply as run flat indicators.

Direct Direct TPMS delivers real time tire pressure information to the driver of the vehicle - either via a gauge or a simple low pressure warning light. These systems employ physical pressure sensors inside each tire and a means of sending that information from inside the tire to the vehicle instrument cluster. Indirect Indirect TPMS measures the air pressure indirectly by monitoring individual wheel speeds and other signals available in the vehicle. Most indirect TPMS uses the fact that an under-inflated tire has a slightly smaller diameter than a correctly inflated tire and therefore has to rotate more times to cover a specific distance to detect under-inflation. Such TPMS can detect under-inflation in up to three tires simultaneously but not in all four since the operating principle of these systems is to compare the different wheel speeds and if all four tires lose the same amount of air the relative change will be zero. Newer developments of indirect TPMS can also detect simultaneous under-inflation in all four tires thanks to vibration analysis of individual wheels or analysis of load shift effects during acceleration and/or cornering. Indirect TPMS is cheap and easy to implement since most modern vehicles already have wheel speed sensors for anti-lock braking systems and electronic stability control systems. The disadvantage is that they rely on the user resetting the system by pushing a "Calibration Button" when the tires are changed or re-inflated—forgetting to perform this initialization leads to potentially dangerous false or missing alerts. Another disadvantage of indirect TPMS is that if the Calibration Reset Button is pressed when one or more tires are under-inflated then the system accepts this under-inflation as normal and the driver will be unaware of potentially dangerous tire pressures.

This means you will need to make certain you have no leak and you keep your tire pressure on all tires within 3 psi. No keep in mind if your front tires tread is worn more than the rear, then it will effect the reading as well. So lets keep the tire pressure topped off often.

If for some reason you would need to replace a set of sensors, they run about $200.00 for a set from your local dealer.

Reference : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_Pressure_Monitoring_System

New Mexico Lemon Law Information

The New Mexico Lemon Law applies when, during the first year following delivery of a new vehicle to the consumer: 1)the dealer has attempted to repair the same problem four (4) or more times, or 2)the vehicle has been out of service due to repair attempts by the dealer for a total of 30 or more days. Only major defects that both decrease the value of the car and interfere with its use are covered. New Mexico Lemon Law information (see the Young Consumer Guide) » New Mexico Attorney General's Office » New Mexico Used Car Lemon Law Information Effective January 1, 2004, dealers that sell used cars are required to tell the customer about any problems the vehicle has and issue warranties for 15 days or 500 miles, which ever comes first. Dealers are not allowed to use the terms "AS IS' or "no warranty".

Scan Tools

A scan tool with enhanced diagnostics can save your a lot of time and worry and allow you to do most of the troubleshooting from the drivers seat. If you have a 1995 or newer vehicle, you have OBD II. But just because it's generic and the connector will plug into your car doesn't mean any scan tool will work on your car. If you have a 1998 or later European vehicle the scan tool will need a software upgrade. Another potential problem vehicles are Korean and the scan tool may need software upgrades to read them correctly. There are several brands of scan tools, each with different capabilities and options. If you decide to purchase one for your use, shop around and get the one that will serve your needs. The OTC Mind Reader for OBD I can be upgraded with an additional chip to read generic OBD II in domestic, Japanese and earlier European models (but not the newest Europeans). The Actron Scan Tool for OBD I can be updated to the same level of OBD II as the OTC Mind Reader with a plug-in cartridge (or you can buy an OBD II-only model). However the Mind Reader is an Excellant scan Tool and can be purchased online Mind Reader OBD II Diagnostic Scan Tool Kit by OTC AutoXray produces a programmable scan tool. All AutoXray scan tools are designed to be upgraded electronically, from one-make OBD I coverage through the latest models. Other scan tools may be upgraded to enhanced status and beyond with new cartridges, CD-ROM or via the Internet. More....

Arizona Lemon Law Information

The Arizona Lemon Law applies when, during the first two years, 24,000 miles, or the end of the warranty (whichever occurs first) following delivery of a new vehicle to the consumer: 1)the dealer has attempted to repair the same problem four (4) or more times, or 2)the vehicle has been out of service due to repair attempts by the dealer for a cumulative total of 30 or more calendar days. You must take action to initiate the Arizona Lemon Law process within six (6) months of the end of the period described above. The alleged nonconformity must substantially impair the use and market value of the vehicle, and must not have resulted from abuse, neglect or unauthorized modifications or alterations of the vehicle.

Mountain Top Loan Services

Ever been out for a Sunday afternoon drive and stopped by the the closed dealership and looked at all those beautiful New cars. The longer you look at them the more you want to buy one but you don't want to deal with there sales rep trying to finance you. You might want to consider getting your loan ahead of time. Even if you have no credit, Bad Credit Mortgage can help. Also, do you know if you have the best interest rate on your current auto loan? If not, you can get a free quote for refinancing that car note no matter if you have good or bad credit. Mountain Top also offers home loans in case you want to buy your Dream car with a home equity loan and take advantage of your ability to deduct the interest. Whatever your loan needs may be it is worth looking into.

New 2008 Lamborghini Reventón

The Latest Innovative Design by none other than Lamborghini. This new design was inspired a fighter jet. Lamborghini has done so well with its 25% increase in production that it built this car as a way to still out do themselves. With its 6.5 L V-12 that puts out 650 hp. to its AWD drive line, Lamborghini has defiantly taken to the next level. And of course with its tradition intact, the Reventon is named after a bull. This bull was a winner in 1943 as announced in the debut at the Frankfort Auto Show by the CEO. With its cost of $1,000,000 euro it is the most expensive Lamborghini built to date. With only 20 to built, buyers have already scrambled bought everyone these supercars. The official press release states that only 20 will be built, but it is rumoured that the total number could be 100.

Utah Lemon Law Information

The Utah Lemon Law applies when, during the first year following delivery of a new vehicle: 1)the dealer has attempted to repair the same problem four (4) or more times, or 2)the vehicle has been out of service for repairs at the dealership for a cumulative total of 30 or more calendar days. The defect must "substantially impair the use, market value or safety of the vehicle", and cannot be the result of abuse, neglect or unauthorized modifications of the vehicle. Also, you must go through any informal dispute settlement or arbitration procedure the manufacturer may have established, prior to filing a legal claim.

AWA - Women in Automotive

A Forum for Women in Automotive Careers Automotive Women's Alliance, Inc. (AWA) is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of women in the global automotive industry. It is the vision of the AWA to collaborate with companies and organizations by leveraging the skills, abilities and talents of women to create a more dynamic automotive community. Looks like the battle of the sexes as far as the automotive industry is concerned is still on the minds of some career minded women who want to come together and move forward. The AWA even have there own foundation. AWA Foundation Mission AWA Foundation (AWAF) foundation is dedicated to supporting the mission and vision of AWA, Inc (www.AutomotiveWomensAlliance.com) by facilitating educational and professional development opportunities for women in the global automotive industry. Visit there site for more information : http://www.automotivewomensalliance.com

Arizona Lemon Law Information

The Arizona Lemon Law applies when, during the first two years, 24,000 miles, or the end of the warranty (whichever occurs first) following delivery of a new vehicle to the consumer: 1) the dealer has attempted to repair the same problem four (4) or more times, or 2) the vehicle has been out of service due to repair attempts by the dealer for a cumulative total of 30 or more calendar days. You must take action to initiate the Arizona Lemon Law process within six (6) months of the end of the period described above. The alleged nonconformity must substantially impair the use and market value of the vehicle, and must not have resulted from abuse, neglect or unauthorized modifications or alterations of the vehicle.

Disclosure Policy of this Blog

This policy is valid from 1 December 2006 This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post may not always be identified as paid or sponsored content. The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question. This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content may not always be identified.

There will be a one time removal fee of $10.00 of any link or post from this blog to cover administrative costs

Reinstall the Intake Manifold

Question: Need to know what the torque specs are to reinstall the intake manifold after i replace the knock sensors and the order of torque and maybe a explanation on procedure of takeing the intake manifold off my 2000 Lexus rx300 3.0 Answer: REMOVAL & INSTALLATION Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section. Remove or disconnect the following: Wiper and blade assembly Top cowl seal and panel Window washer hoses from the ventilator louvers Left and right ventilator louvers Heater air duct Front upper suspension brace, for RX 300 Properly relieve the fuel system pressure. Remove the battery and battery tray. Drain and recycle the engine coolant. Remove or disconnect the following: Accelerator cable, on automatic transaxles Throttle cable Air cleaner cap assembly Any wiring or hoses interfering with removal Right side engine mount stay Radiator and heater hoses in the way of the intake manifold removal V-bank cover All the vacuum hose and wiring for the emission control valve set Air intake chamber and discard the gasket Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) pipe and discard the gaskets Hydraulic motor pressure hose from the air intake chamber Engine wiring harnesses from the left side, right side, rear and No. 3 timing belt cover Front exhaust pipe, if necessary Timing belt, camshaft timing pulleys, No. 2 idler pulley and No. 3 timing belt cover Cylinder head rear plate 2 bolts, nuts and plate washers with the intake manifold. NOTE: The delivery pipes with injectors will be attached to the manifold. Other fuel related components such as the No. 2 fuel pipe and pulsation damper, if needed Delivery pipes from the intake manifold Clean and inspect the intake manifold mating surfaces. Scrape all old gasket martial off. To Install: Install or connect the following: Delivery pipes with injectors to the intake manifold. NOTE: Be sure to place 4 spacers in position on the manifold. Temporarily install 4 bolts to retain the delivery pipes to the manifold. Inspect the injectors for smooth rotation. Tighten the delivery pipes bolts to 84 inch lbs. (10 Nm), once the injectors are properly seated No. 2 fuel pipe with union bolts and gaskets. Tighten the bolts to 24 ft. lbs. (32 Nm). No. 1 fuel pipe with pulsation damper, using 4 new gaskets. Tighten the damper to 35 ft. lbs. (32 Nm) and the bolt to 11 ft. lbs. (15 Nm). Fuel pressure regulator, if removed Intake manifold. Tighten the 9 bolts and 2 nuts in a crisscross pattern to 11 ft. lbs. (15 Nm). NOTE: Be sure the gasket is in place properly prior to tightening. Retighten the water outlet mounting nuts/bolts to 11 ft. lbs. (15 Nm), if loosened. Install or connect the following: Air assist hose and water inlet pipe, using a new O-ring, by applying a small amount of soapy water. Tighten the fastener(s) to 14 ft. lbs. (20 Nm). Ground strap Vacuum hoses removed to the air intake chamber and vacuum tank Any remaining components, using new gaskets. Tighten the air intake chamber nuts/bolts to 32 ft. lbs. (43 Nm), the EGR pipe nuts to 108 inch lbs. (12 Nm) and the emission control valve set to 69 inch lbs. (8 Nm). Air cleaner assembly Heater hoses Battery and tray Throttle cable with bracket onto the throttle body Accelerator cable, by adjusting it, if equipped with an automatic transaxle Front upper suspension brace, for RX 300. Tighten the nuts to 59 ft. lbs. (80 Nm). Refill the cooling system Install or connect the following: Negative battery cable Heater air duct Left and right ventilator louvers Window washer hoses from the ventilator louvers Top cowl seal and panel Wiper and blade assembly Start the engine and inspect for leaks.

Nevada Lemon Law Information

The Nevada Lemon Law applies when, during the first year following delivery of the new vehicle: 1) the dealer has attempted to repair the same problem four (4) or more times, or 2) the vehicle has been out of service due to repair attempts by the dealer for a total of 30 or more days. To qualify for the Nevada Lemon Law, you must notify the manufacturer in writing before the end of the one-year period, & bring a lawsuit against the manufacturer no later than 18 months following the delivery of the vehicle. If the manufacturer has established an informal dispute process which conforms to federal law, then you must first submit your claim under that procedure before initiating a lawsuit.

Get Your Drink On !!!

Get your Drink on with OPC3 antioxidant health drink ! Opc is expert at treating vascular diseases because it actually increases the structural strength of weakened blood vessels. So if you want to be in the best shape for a hard drive at the race track, or highway then you won't want one of those sugar coated over caffeinated Powerade Sport Drinks or even Aquagen Energy Drink. What you will want is nutritious and delicious isotonic* drink; it is one of the best OPC products on the market. Visit there website and you'll find other products like Sweet Bee Propolis and Essential Oil. But what I want to try is the OPC10. OPC-10 is a combination of the finest herbal extracts from Grape Seed, Red Wine, Pine Bark, Bilberry, Green Tea, Lycopene, Cranberry, Olive Leaf, Citrus Bioflavonoids and Vitamin C. Sounds like Good health and Hard Driving might be obtainable for myself as well.

How do I replace a Starter on a 1991 Ford Probe ?

Use safety precautions and make certain vehicle is securely supported. STARTER REMOVAL & INSTALLATION FOR 2.2 L Engine 1) Disconnect the negative battery cable. Raise and support the vehicle, safely. 2) If equipped with a manual transaxle, remove the exhaust pipe bracket. 3) Remove the transaxle-to-engine bracket and intake manifold-to-engine bracket. 4) Disconnect the electrical connectors from the starter. 5) Remove the starter mounting bolts and the starter. To install: 6) Install the starter and torque the bolts to 23-34 ft. lbs. (31-46 Nm). 7) Connect the electrical connectors to the starter. 8) Install the intake manifold-to-engine bracket and tighten the bolts to 14-22 ft. lbs. (19-30 Nm). 9) If equipped with an automatic transaxle, install the transaxle-to-engine bracket and torque the bellhousing bolt to 66-86 ft. lbs. (89-117 Nm) and the 3 other mounting bolts to 27-38 ft. lbs. (37-52 Nm). 10) If equipped with a manual transaxle, install the transaxle-to-engine bracket and connect the exhaust pipe bracket. Tighten the bracket bolts to 32-45 ft. lbs. (43-61 Nm). 11) Lower the vehicle. 12) Connect the negative battery cable and check the starter for proper operation. Start Car !!!

Idaho Lemon Law Information

The Idaho Lemon Law applies when, during the first two (2) years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first), following delivery of a new vehicle: 1) the dealer has attempted to repair the same problem four (4) or more times, or 2) the dealer has made an unsuccessful repair attempt that resulted in the complete failure of the steering or braking system, and the failure likely would cause death or serious bodily injury, or 3) the vehicle has been out of service for repairs at the dealership for a cumulative total of 30 or more business days. You also may request a refund or vehicle replacement if you reported the defect during the term of the express warranty, and the manufacturer is unable to repair the defect within three years of the date of delivery. To qualify for the Idaho Lemon Law, the defects or conditions must impair the vehicle’s use or market value. The law does not cover nonconformities resulting from abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications or alterations of the vehicle.

Changing a cv half shaft

Question : Changing a cv half shaft on a Hyundai Sante Fe, 2003, right side. What if anything holds the spline into the transmission? and I have been trying to pry at it it does not seem to be moving any other suggestions? Answer : Nothing. Once you have the shaft loose from the spindle, you can pop it right out. You may want to place a small amount of pressure with a pry bar to pop it loose> ( its been setting in there for a while ). Also, One thing we do in my shop when a cv shaft is stubborn, is to set a block of wood on the backside and hit it with a sledge to pop it loose. Make sure it is already loose from the spindle and free to move. If you look at the new one, you can see how far it need s to come out.

California Lemon Law Information

The California Lemon Law applies to vehicles in the first 18 months or 18,000 after vehicle delivery. The dealer must have: tried to repair a serious safety problem at least twice, or tried to repair any problem (safety related or not) four or more times, or caused the vehicle to be out of service for a cumulative total of 30 or more days. What is considered a reasonable number of repair attempts will depend on the circumstances including the seriousness of the defect. For example, one or two repair attempts may be considered reasonable for serious safety defects such as brake failure, depending on the exact situation. A special provision, often called the "Lemon Law," helps determine what is a reasonable number of repair attempts for problems that substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. The "Lemon Law" applies to these problems if they arise during the first 18 months after the consumer received delivery of the vehicle or within the first 18,000 miles on the odometer, whichever occurs first. During the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the "Lemon Law" presumes that a manufacturer has had a reasonable number of attempts to repair the vehicle if either (1) The same problem results in a condition that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven and the problem has been subject to repair two or more times by the manufacturer or its agents, and the buyer or lessee has at least once directly notified the manufacturer of the need for the repair of the problem as provided in the warranty or owner's manual or (2) The same problem has been subject to repair four or more times by the manufacturer or its agents and the buyer has at least once directly notified the manufacturer of the need for the repair of the problem as provided in the warranty or owner's manual or (3) The vehicle is out of service because of the repair of any number of problems by the manufacturer or its agents for a cumulative total of more than 30 days since delivery of the vehicle. reference source : http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

Alternator Charging Issue

An alternator is an electromechanical device that converts mechanical energy to alternating current electrical energy. Most alternators use a rotating magnetic field but linear alternators are occasionally used. In principle, any AC generator can be called an alternator, but usually the word refers to small rotating machines driven by automotive and other internal combustion engines Resource : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternator Basically this means that an alternator is what charges the car's battery and also provides power to operate the engines computer, lights, radio, etc. So, if the alternator quits functioning then all of these electrical devices will try to run off the car's battery. The problem with that is, once the battery starts to loose power ( since it is no longer being recharged ) the will start to function poorly and will eventually stop running all together. Generally when the alternator starts to fail a Battery light will illuminate on the dash board. This means the battery is no longer being charged , this does not mean the battery has a problem. Testing : Using a multi-meter set to DC volts, connect the positive and negative leads to the same on the battery with the car's engine running. You should see from 13.2 - 14.7 volts. If you see less than this and confirm it is the same when the engine is running or not, then you know the alternator is not charging.

Oregon Lemon Law Information

The Oregon Lemon Law applies when the repair attempts by the dealer occur within the first year or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first), and: 1) the dealer has attempted to repair the same problem four (4) or more times, or 2)the vehicle has been out of service due to repair attempts by the dealer for a total of 30 or more business days. The Oregon Lemon Law is designed to deal with major defects that substantially impair the use and market value of the car. It does not cover problems that are the result of abuse, neglect or unauthorized modifications or alterations of the car by the consumer. If the manufacturer participates in a third party arbitration program and notifies you of the procedure, then you are obligated to try to solve your problem through the arbitration program to be eligible for a refund or a replacement vehicle. If you cannot reach a settlement in the arbitration, you may sue the manufacturer in court. The court has the authority to award three times the amount of any damages, not to exceed $50,000, if the court finds the manufacturer acted in bad faith.

Where Do I Get Automotive Wiring Diagrams

There are several was to get a automotive wiring diagram. You can google "free auto wiring diagrams" and sift through the long list of sites that advertise "free" but don't really mean it. I have found only one site that you can actually get a free wiring diagram. That site is Freeautomechanic.com and yes it is one of our own sites. It may take a while to get it, but hey.... its free right. Now if you are in a hurry, and need one right away. Click the link for wiring diagrams on the right side of this page or follow this link >>wiring diagrams<< . You will choose your year, make and model and receive all the wiring diagrams for the entire vehicle along with all the repair and diagnostics available for your car for as little as $9.99. This is the same software that the dealers use in there shops. If you are a do it yourself-er this is a dream come true. You won't believe all the information you get. They even include Factory recall information and TSB's (Technical Service Bulletins). This is the place to go.

Washington Lemon Law Information

The Washington Lemon Law applies when, during the first two (2) years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first), following delivery of a new vehicle: 1) the dealer has attempted to repair the same problem four (4) or more times, with at least the first repair attempt occuring during the 2 years/24,000 mile period, or 2) the dealer has attempted to repair the same "serious safety defect" two (2) or more times, with at least one repair occuring during the 2 years/24,000 mile period, or 3) the vehicle has been out of service for repairs at the dealership for a cumulative total of 30 or more business days, with at least 15 of those days occuring during the 2 years/24,000 miles. A "serious safety defect" is defined as a life-threatening malfunction that impairs the driver’s ability to control or operate the vehicle, or creates a risk of fire or explosion. To qualify for the Washington Lemon Law, the problem must not have been caused by owner abuse or negligence, or by any unauthorized modifications or alterations made to the vehicle. In Washington State, the Lemon Law process is done through an Arbitration Hearing before a board, rather than through the court system. Lemon Law Facts Under the Washington State Motor Vehicle Lemon Law, a vehicle is considered a lemon when it hasn't been repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. Washington State has a Motor Vehicle Lemon Law that is designed to protect consumers who have continuing warranty problems with a new or nearly new vehicle. If you feel you own a lemon, under the law you can request an arbitration hearing through the Attorney General's Office. To be accepted for arbitration your vehicle must be covered under the law. With a few exceptions, the law covers passenger cars, small and mid-sized trucks, large motorcycles, and motor homes. To be covered, your vehicle must have been originally purchased or leased in Washington state and also originally registered in Washington. You must submit a request for arbitration within 30 months of the vehicle's original delivery date. You do not have to be the original owner of the vehicle to request arbitration, but your vehicle must meet all the qualifications. You must also apply for arbitration within 30 months of the vehicle's original delivery date to its first owner. Federal Lemon Law

My Mustang Wont Start After Battery Replacement

Question: I swapped out the battery and I had to pull the fuses on the horn, the wipers, the washers the fog lamp cause they not shutting off and the starter turns "I hear it" but the motor is not turning over do I need to reset something I thinking anti-theft or a computer oh and my remote doesn't do anything now yuck! gotta go to work in the morning is there a reset scenario I need to preform? Answer: To have blown so many fuses on just a battery swap , I would say you hooked it up backward or un-intentionally shorted the system. You will need to check all fuses under hood and inside the vehicle. Also, double check to make sure you still do not have the battery hooked up wrong. If it still will not start you may have melted wires when you shorted the system. This may require individual wire testing with a multi-meter and many hours at the repair shop. No quick fix or easy reset for this one.

Gas Guage Not Working ??

Question: Gas gauge not working,if it is sending unit how hard is it to replace. It is a 2004 liberty. Answer: I would check your fuses first. You will find specific locations in your owners manual under"fuses". If all your fuses are OK, then most likely it is the sending unit. The Sending unit is located inside the gas tank mounted to the side of the fuel pump. You will need to be in a well ventilated area. Too much air is a good thing. You will need to support the vehicle securely on jack stands. Find the Fuel inlet hose(this is where you fill your gas tank) and remove the hose clamp. Also, remove the hose clamp from the return line. Disconnect any emissions hoses that might be in the area. Using a jack, support the gas tank and then remove the gas tank mounting straps. Lower it down slowly and just down far enough to be able to access the fuel lines. Disconnect the fuel lines and electrical plug in. Lower the tank the rest of the way. Remove the lock ring by turning it in the counter clockwise direction. Lift fuel pump/sending unit from tank. Replace and install in reverse order. If you do not have the right jacks , supports and tools this can be considered a difficult procedure not to mention the safety factor of exposed fuel. I would recommend having a shop do this repair for you if you are not a certified mechanic, due to the potential dangers.

What Kind Of Oil Should I Use ?

One thing to consider is all major brand oil is certified. They are similar as far as meeting the certification requirement. If you change your oil regularly, it really doesn't make a difference which brand you choose. As fro the weight ex. 10w40,5w30) . You will want to use the manufacturer recommended oil weight. The weight of the oil is the last number. The First number is related to what temperature it is good for. So if it is colder out you will want to use 5w30 and in warmer climate, the 10w30 is better.

Synthetic oil is superior to conventional oil. Synthetic oil lasts longer before it starts to break down. Synthetic oil also leaves a thin coating on the cylinder walls to help prevent damage at initial start up.

Snow Tires

Winter tires have evolved to meet the needs of specific vehicles, specific conditions and specific performance parameters. Take a look at your options in Performance Winter, Studless Ice and Snow, and Studdable Winter for both passenger vehicles and light trucks/SUVs. Now, If you live in a climate with heavy snow it would be a good idea to run snow tires.

We have found the michellin Ice-X to be the best choice. The X-Ice is Michelin's Studless Ice and Snow winter tire developed for the drivers of coupes, sedans and family vans that want a boost in winter driving confidence. X-Ice winter tires are designed to combine X-tra ice and snow traction with enhanced handling on wet and dry roads. The X-Ice molds an advanced silica-based winter tread rubber compound that remains flexible at lower temperatures into a directional tread design that helps maintain good traction on wet and slush-covered roads. It features Cross Z-Sipes Technology to increase tread and shoulder block stability to provide the lateral and longitudinal stiffness for better handling on dry and wet roads and more grip on ice- and snow-covered roads The X-Ice winter tire's combination of capabilities is made possible by Michelin's Stress Equilibrium casing that evenly distributes the contact forces across the footprint. Michelin X-Ice winter tires meet the industry's severe snow service requirements and are branded with the snowflake-on-the-mountain symbol.

Engine Sludge

Sludge is a thickening and breakdown of the oil as it deteriorates, as moisture and contaminants build up. This causes the oil to gel, resulting in excess wear as friction increases or, in extreme cases, a stop-right-now failure. Thousands of owners of vehicles of popular brands like Chrysler, Dodge, Toyota, Lexus, Volkswagen, Audi and Saab have had sludge problems. Chrysler has a serious sludge problem with the 2.7-liter V-6 engine used on some of its Concordes and Sebrings and also on some Dodge Intrepids and Stratus in the 1998-2002 model years, said Clarence M. Ditlow, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety. Mr. Ditlow said the center’s Web site (autosafety.org) had about 2,800 complaints of failures from sludge. A lack of adequate oil changes is the explanation for damage given by Audi, Lexus, Saab, Toyota and VW. Yet unlike Chrysler and Dodge, those automakers have formal compensation programs for sludge damage, although in some cases consumers must provide detailed service records — and in the case of Saab, must have used oil filters sold only by the company.

Ohio Lemon Law Information

The Ohio Lemon Law applies when, during the first year or 18,000 miles (whichever occurs first) following delivery of the new vehicle: the dealer has attempted to repair the same problem three (3) or more times, with at least the first repair attempt occuring within the 1-year/18,000 mile period, or the dealer has attempted to repair various problems eight (8) or more times, or the dealer has unsucessfully attempted to repair a problem that could have resulted in death or serious injury at least once, or the vehicle has been out of service due to repair attempts by the dealer for a total of 30 or more days. Most automakers participate in some kind of arbitration program. Some of these have been approved by the Attorney General, but others have not. If a program has been approved by the Attorney General, you must go through arbitration before you have the right to file a lawsuit. Contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section to learn which manufacturers have approved arbitration programs. Ohio Lemon Law information from the Attorney General's Office »

Chrysler recalling minivans in 27 states

400,000 vehicles affected by problem with air bag sensors WASHINGTON - DaimlerChrysler is recalling its 2005 Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans to fix faulty air bags that may not deploy because of corrosion on the sensors. The recall involves more than 400,000 vehicles sold or registered in states that use large amounts of road salt, the company said Friday. About 270,000 of the vehicles are covered by the recall campaign and another 133,000 with extended warranties are included, DaimlerChrysler spokesman Max Gates said. DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group said in a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that brass brushings on the sensors could corrode and crack on the front air bags, allowing water to enter the sensor. States covered by the recall include Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Nebraska, Kansas and Alaska. Owners can contact DaimlerChrysler at (800) 853-1403. Resource : The Associated Press.

What does the Check Engine Light Mean?

When the vehicles check engine light comes on and stays solid it is an emissions related problem and can be repaired at your leisure. Now, when the Check Engine Light comes on and is flashing, this is an engine related issue and needs to be repaired ASAP!!!! as it can and will cause permanent damage to the engine. It is a good practise to at least find out what the codes are and then decide if an immediate repair is needed or if it can wait. All Trouble Codes can be found here

Car will not Start ???

Question :

I got a 2002 NEON and all of a sudden the car will not turn over. Just a clicking sound. The speedometer and tach jump up briefly and then go back down. The the odometer switches from showing the car mileage to displaying the word Fuse. After a few seconds the engine indicator light begins flashing. I have checked all the fuses in the car and next to the battery, but it looks like they are good. Any ideas on what is wrong?

Answer :

If it is a one time hard click when you try to start it, then you need to replace the starter. If it is several clicks, then you need to replace the battery. More than likely it is just the battery that is causing all the odd stuff happening on the dash.

Best Online Auto Repair Manuals

I have found the best value is with a subscription to mitchell1. You can purchase a subscription for as little a $16.99 that gives you full access to the same software as the dealers use. It includes Step by Step repair information, full wiring diagrams, Factory recall notifications, Service Bulletins. If you are a Do-It-Yourself kind of person or job want to learn more about your car this is the best deal I have found on the net. JUST CLICK THE MANUAL AT THE TOP OF THIS ARTICLE to Check it out for yourself.

My Coolant Light is On, What should i do ?

The Coolant light illuminates on the dash to let you know your coolant, also known as anti-freeze, is low. There is a level sensor in the coolant overflow tank. So when the coolant level gets low the light will illuminate on the dash.

What you will need to do is check the fluid level once you get where you are going and the vehicle has had a chance to cool down. Also check the radiator level (do not do this when it is hot) . Top off the coolant level in both the radiator and in the overflow tank. Make sure if you are using concentrate to mix it 50/50 with water. Once you have done this you should be ok to drive it to your local auto shop and have the coolant system pressure tested to make certain there are no leaks.

My brakes are squealing, do I need brakes ?

More than likely you do. The only exception is if it only squeals in damp or rainy weather as this is a common occurrence. The best course of action is to have your brakes inspected or inspect them yourself. If your brakes have just started squealing, then you may be able to just replace the brake pads themselves. I recommend replacing the rotors at the same time. If you replace the rotors at the same time, it will prolong the life of the brakes and help prevent unwanted noise caused by two uneven surfaces. The days of having your rotors turned are in the past since the price of rotors have come way down.

Is GM comming back after Toyota beatdown ??

Is GM coming back after Toyota beat down, taking over the majority market share in automobile sales in the US?? Well it looks like GM feels the VOLT is the answer. General Motors is developing a plug-in hybrid technology for its Chevy Volt that is miles ahead of Toyota and Honda. GM plans to blow past the competition with its new technology by 2010. GM has been unleashing the best vehicles it has ever produced. Quality is better than ever. Designs are being lauded. And critics are falling over themselves praising new versions of such previously dullard drives as the Chevy Malibu. Even a Buick,the Enclave SUV (BusinessWeek.com, 8/24/07), is drawing kudos, and GM can't make them fast enough to meet demand. But overall, GM sales are down almost 6% this year, compared with a drop of 2.5% for the industry through the first 10 months of the year. Indeed, some believe the "wow" factor of getting more than 100 mpg could help plug-ins eclipse the popularity of hybrids. GM says the Volt technology will allow consumers to go up to 40 miles on battery power, after which the gas engine kicks on to recharge the battery while the driver continues. If a driver makes several short trips on battery power, the battery can simply be plugged in overnight to recharge. Many drivers could go weeks without gassing up. GM engineers say the Volt and electric car program have "an open purse," meaning that when they need more money, they get it. A123 Systems Chief Executive David Vieau says GM's schedule for 2010 is "a risk" as far as using the nano-phosphate battery, but he believes they'll make it.When Toyota launched its first hybrids, it lost money for a few years on each one until the cost of the technology came down as sales volume went up. But the halo effect of the hybrid more than made up for it. The same internal study at GM that indicates consumers see the automaker as "part of the problem" also showed that the image of the Prius led car buyers to believe that Toyota's trucks and SUVs were about 25% more fuel efficient than they really are. Says GM's Burns: "We didn't understand the marketing benefit to the whole company that a hybrid would have, but Toyota schooled us on that." resource: www.businessweek.com

Should my Gas Mileage Stay the same all Year ?

With today's cars ( 1996 and newer ) the fuel usage is controlled by the engines computer. The computer uses several sensors to decide how much fuel to inject into the engine. The sensors on the engine determine outside air temperature, air flow, engine temperature, and how well the engine is doing its job. So if one of these sensors is not operating correctly, it will effect the fuel mileage.

The outside temperature can change the fuel consumption. If you are driving in a warm climate, take a fuel mileage reading and then drive in a cold climate, you will see a decrease in fuel mileage in the colder temperatures. Why? When the Engine is colder it takes more fuel to burn to get the engine up to normal operating temperatures. In the old days it was called a choke. Now the computer does this for you. So you can expect worse fuel mileage in the winter if it gets cold where you live.

If you live in the same climate year round then you will not see a change in fuel mileage unless you change your driving habits or let someone else drive your car....

2003 f150 Heater is blowing cold air, Why ?

Question :

My 2003 f150 heater is blowing cold air, both heater hoses get hot and the temp gauge is in the normal zone [straight up]

Answer : The most common concern on these trucks is a broken temp blend door. It kinda hard to diagnose, If you were to have the a/c set to max air and on high blower and you turned the temp from cold to hot, you should here a change in how the air flow sounds while the door is moving. You really need to know what its suppose to sound like, if you know someone else with a working truck to compare to.

Make sure the knob is not broken on the temp,knob.. pull that off and look for cracks where is attaches to the shaft.

I suspect the broken door and it requires the whole dash be removed and the heater box cover removed to replace the door. Its a 8 hour job.

How Much Better is Hybrid Car Gas Mileage?

In certain driving modes, hybrid electric gas cars offer you no better fuel efficiency than standard cars. Also the fuel efficiency of Hybrid cars and SUV's works counter intuitive to what you would expect. Your gas mileage could be more volatile with a hybrid vehicle due to the way it operates in different driving modes, and how much time you spend in each driving mode. In some driving modes, your fuel efficiency can be better, and in some modes your fuel efficiency can offer you no benefit at all.

Simply put, the added price of the vehicle out ways the fuel savings unless you keep the vehicle longer than 8 years...... Keep in mind car manufacturers are building cars to make "profit". Its up to you to decide if a hybrid is right for you.