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