Printable Measuring Tools - Free

Free to download or print measuring tools for measuring thread count, washer, nut and bolt sizes with ease. These handy .pdf files are a snap to view or print with the free adobe reader. Now available at FreeAutoMechanic.com were you can also Ask a Mechanic free online questions.

There comes a time when every mechanic could use a quicker way to help measure their Nuts and Bolts. These Nut and Bolt Charts can help you do just that. And when You find you need to purchase a replacement bolt, these charts will help you to measure and confirm exactly the right ones you need to order.

How do i get to the spark plugs on my 1996 Buick Century 3.1 Engine

How do I roll the engine forward to acess the back spark plugs? It has one brace on front, I took it off and tried to roll the moter with a pry bar. Didnt budge. Do i need to jack the car? Something else I need to remove? Would appregiate any ideas. Thanks

Response:

The easy way is to start the car and SLOWLY move. Have a second person use a heavy duty muffler clamp u bolt through where the dog bone connects. Then shut off the engine the backside is raised so you can axcess the 3 spark plugs.

Response:

There is a special tool you can borrow for free from autozone that connect where the dog bone is and you put car in neutral ans just tighten up the center bolt pulling the engine forward in a safe manner.

Where is the thermostat located on a 2001 Mitsubishi Spyder

Where is the thermostat located on a 2001 Mitsubishi Spyder GT 3.0 engine and can a Saturday mechanic replace one? Found the upper and lower hoses. Think the housing is at the end of the lower house on the engine, but not sure. It will probably be there because it is hard to get to.

Answer:

the thermostat will be located at the engine end of the upper hose at. They are a bit of work to replace but with a little time it should be doable.

How can I become a Car Mechanic ?

When you become interested in learning all that you can about being an Car mechanic, Nascar mechanic or just want to know more about Car repair, Automotive mechanic school is the place to start. Here are a few to get you started : NASCAR Mechanic Colleges - Features NASCAR Technical Institute ... Auto Mechanic School. Marine Mechanic. Motorcycle Mechanic. Aviation Mechanic. NASCAR Mechanic Government Statistics on Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics - The work of automotive service technicians and mechanics has evolved from mechanical repair to a high technology job. Race Car Mechanic School - Our beginning and advanced courses are included in your course fee as well as participation in our monthly race series. The Racing Schools at Infineon Raceway are a favorite in the USA. From go karting to formula racing, ESPN Jim Russell Racing can put you in the driver's seat. More Schools

How do I install a mass air sensor on a 2003 Saturn Vue? Does the sensor just pull out of the air intake?

Question: How do I install a mass air sensor on a 2003 Saturn Vue? Does the sensor just pull out of the air intake? Answer: MAF Sensor Picture OK, on this one, on one end you remove the hose clan and pull the rubber intake hose away. then remove two bolts mounting it to the throttle-body. The electric plug is on top, unplug it. Or you can just swap out the sensor mounted inside the MAF Sensor Housing by removing the two safety torx head bolts just below the electrical plug. Please follow link and click on picture for reference!!

Air Conditioning Repair Information

Summer is here and it is getting hotter each day. You have a great car but the Air Conditioning no longer blows cold air out the dash. You have had it to the shop and they want to charge you a large amount of money just to tell you what is wrong with your air conditioning. You have an option. You can troubleshoot the the air conditioning system yourself with the use of an Air Conditioning Troubleshooting Chart. You'll find this step by step air conditioning diagnosis process an easy way to determine what is wrong with your car's air conditioning system.

1999 Ford Ranger Automatic, when in overdrive the light is blinking

Question: 1999 Ford Ranger Automatic, when overdrive light is blinking, the transmission shifts hard. When not blinking, transmission is smooth. Any ideas on the problem? Answer: I would have the transmission codes scanned to be certain, but It sound like the Torque Lock Converter is going bad. This will give you a TCC code and anytime the transmission has an issue, the O/D will not work and will flash the light. The Fix Would Be to have the Torque Converter replaced. Scan Tools List

Gas Mileage Lower than Normal?

Today’s engine management systems rely on many different sensor inputs to regulate fuel economy, performance and emissions.

Symptom: Poor Fuel Economy

Probable Causes: Fuel Rich Codes (P0172 and/or P0175)

With the price of gasoline, you don’t want to ignore this kind of problem for long. When fuel economy is down, you may find any number of codes: • P0172 and/or P0175 are rich codes, and indicate a general rich air/fuel condition. The underlying cause may be anything that increases fuel delivery, such as excessive fuel pressure, a defective fuel pressure regulator, plugged return line, or leaky injectors. Decreased airflow from a dirty air filter or restricted air intake misleads the mass airflow sensor or engine management system into believing the engine is using more air or is under more load than actual.

Where are the spark plugs on a 1998 Kia Sportage?

Question:

I have a 1998 Kia Sportage and would like to change the spark plugs myself. Can you tell me where the spark plugs are?

Answer:

If you open your hood and look at your valve cover you will see your spark plug wires. Remove the spark plug wires and the spark plugs are down in the center of the valve cover, in the head, inside tubes. Use a 5/8" spark plug socket to remove them. Do this with the engine cool to avoid causing damage to the threads.

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.

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

P0410 OBD-II Trouble Code

P0410 - Secondary Air Injection System Malfunction What this means - The P0410 code refers to the emissions system. The AIR pump puts air to the exhaust to lower emissions. It takes in outside air and pumps it through two one-way check valves into each bank of the exhaust. About 90% of the time that this code is set, the one-way check valves have worn out or failed and allow water (which occurs naturally in the exhaust) back into the pump. In any cold climate, especially in climates with higher humidity, this water may be more excessive. The water partially fills the AIR pump, it can then freeze. When the PCM commands the pump on, if the pump is frozen it cannot turn, thus overloading the circuit and "popping" the fuse. Resource - http://www.obd-codes.com/p0410

Repair Manuals

We have found that book manuals are a thing of the past, the best way to obtain current repair information is to get your manual online. Online manuals are updated regularly. Online Auto Repair Manuals On Sale for $16.99 . Get the same information the dealers use that include TSB's, Belt routing, repair procedures, color wiring diagrams and more. These online manuals have component locations and step by step diagnostic charts and the information provided to you is the same as what the dealerships use !!!

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"

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....