can u tell me what i need to do to loosen the bolt that holds on an idler pully

IDLER PULLEY

QUESTION: Can you tell me what I need to do to loosen the bolt that holds on an idler pulley on a 95 Buick Lesabre, I haven't really tried anything ANSWER: All you need to do is find a socket that fits it, should be 13mm or 15mm. then using a ratchet turn it counter clockwise. Remove the bolt and idler together. It may be easier to remove the serpentine belt before doing this. This can be done by inserting a 3/8" ratchet in the end of the tensioner and loosing the tensioner to allow the belt to be removed. Draw a picture of the belt routing for reference when installing.

Mercury Mountaineer has plenty of battery power, but will not turn over

QUESTION:

My 1999 Mercury Mountaineer has plenty of battery power, but will not turn over - any ideas? Attempted to jump start battery - but that was not the issue. The battery is fine. It simply won't turn over, I can hear a metallic click, but the starter does not engage.

ANSWER:

If you idea of plenty of battery power is the fact that the lights and radio work then it can still be the battery. The starter requires around 250 amps where the radio only requires around 5 amps. 99% of all no starts are caused by a failed battery. You can have the battery load tested or use a battery out of another vehicle to test. Once you have ruled out the battery, the next step is to test for power at the "s" terminal (small wire) at the starter while someone holds the key in the "Start" position. If you see battery power , then you need to replace the starter. Reference Link: No Start Diagnostics

Online Repair Manuals - Mitchell Price Change

For all those mechanics out there that have relied on Mitchell's online repair manuals to get the job done with, listen up. the much loved price is changing from $11.99 to $16.99. Act now and lock in the low price of $16.99 while you still can and save. You will still get the same great quality information with updated TSB's, wiring diagrams, repair information and more. Take advantage of this opportunity now and save before the price increases. MITCHELL1 is now online for the Do-it-Yourself er. This online subscription service is designed for automotive enthusiasts and provides the same Repair information used in thousands of automotive shops and dealers across the country. The Upside : As a special offer you can obtain this information for just $16.99 . Repair shops and dealers pay thousands of dollars for this information and individual books are $70 to $150.00 not including Shipping and Handling fees. This a a great deal for the most professional Mechanic or the at home mechanic.

2006 Chevy Silverado - Rattle in steering column

Question:

I have a 2006 Chevy Silverado and I have a ratling noise in the steering column. It only has 13,000 miles on it.You do not have to hit a bump to get it to rattle. It has not been wrecked. What could this be?

ANSWER:

There is a TSB on this that refers to the steering shaft as the cause of the problem. There is a new design that needs to be installed and should be covered under your warranty.

TSB #000235003N -- CLUNKING NOISE UNDER HOOD AND CAN BE FELT IN STEERING WHEEL AND/OR STEERING COLUMN (REPLACE UPPER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT [I-SHAFT] ASSEMBLY). *PE (NHTSA ID #10025148, APRIL 01 2008)

Should I buy a New Car or should I wait?

This is my opinion, Don't but a new car... instead lease it for either 2 or 3 years. The reason I say this is that I believe the car manufactures will come out with MPG around 50 or better, with this you would have a hard time getting rid of a car you buy today. If you lease it you turn it in and go for a different one. The government is calling for better fuel mileage not matter if we want it or not.

Ford already has a car they manufacture over seas that gets 65 mpg. It is a diesel and Ford has decided that they could not make money on this car in the US as of today, but none the less the technology is already here.

last night the "check engine" light came on

QUESTION:

I have a 1998 Honda Civic EX and just recently had a yearly maintenance in July 2008. Just last night the "check engine" light came on. What can be the problem with my Honda? What signs can I look for? Where do I start for troubleshooting since I don't have the manual?

ANSWER:

An error has been detected by the engine management system and you need a computer scan done to find out what is causing the check engine light illuminate. You can get it done for free at your local Autozone or you can purchase a scan tool and do it yourself.

heat and air does not come on anymore.

QUESTION:

I have a 2005 F250 Harley Davidson edition and the heat and air does not come on anymore. It has the auto control system in it. It started out with the air blower not being able to be controlled or shut off then it went to just nothing? Where should I start to look? So far just reset the battery to see if it rests the computer

ANSWER:

Assuming you have checked all the fuses. The first place I would look would be the blower motor relay ( located in the battery junction box under the hood, for specific location refer to fuses and relay section in the owners manual). If it is sticking it would cause the issue at hand. the other thing that might be a problem would be the blower motor speed controller but not as likely. Reference: Using a multi-meter

2004 Suzuki Forenza and recently I have heard a knocking sound

QUESTION: I have a 2004 Suzuki Forenza and recently I have heard a knocking sound that increases as i accelerate, do I have a rod knock or could it hopefully be something else? ANSWER: What you have described is a classic description of a rod knocking. The engine is done. Its time to replace or rebuild it. If you choose to have it replaced, I recommend Jasper Engines as they come with a 3 yr/100,000 mile parts and LABOR nationwide warranty. This means if there is a problem you pay nothing. If you have a junk yard engine out in and there is a problem, you will have to pay the labor again.

wierd wawawa..sound coming from back tires

QUESTION:

weird wawawa..sound coming from back tires,had to get it tagged and licensed, it passed the safety inspection .and only I hear it!the guy that safety inspected it said, the only thing he could think of would be the tires .wearing unevenly?Got those at Big O and they overcharged me,afraid to take it there anymore>>1985 Mazda 626

ANSWER:

The best way to check to see if it is the tires would be to move the rear tires to the front and see if the noise follows. If it does, you may be able to have the tires replaced under warranty if they are fairly new.

How to check trouble codes on a 92 la sabre without the scanner

Checker and autozone type places will pull the codes for you for free most the time. Because they will sell you the part to fix it right there too. If you want to do it yourself, no problem. Follow these steps : EXTRACT GM TROUBLE CODES You will find step by step procedures for extracting the codes yourself along with code descriptions and causes for each code. EXAMPLE: CODE 24 Trouble Code 24 indicates that the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) is reporting an abnormally low reading when other sensors indicate it should be higher. The conditions for setting this code are: 1) no Code 33 or 34 (MAF Error) is present, and 2) the vehicle speed signal indicates < 4 MPH and 3) engine speed is between 1400 and 4400 RPM, and 4) during a low load condition (LV8 between 50 and 99), and 5) transmission not in Park or Neutral, and 6) all conditions met for more than 20 seconds If the code was logged when the vehicle was in motion, the following should be checked: 1) Defective or corroded VSS connections 2) Maladjusted TPS sensor. The TPS should read about 0.42 volts at closed throttle 3) Defective speedometer cable 4) Bad or missing speedo drive gear(s) in tail shaft housing of the transmission 5) Defective VSS 6) Defective ECM