Should I solder or crimp my electrical conections ?

I prefer crimp unless on at an area that it can't be used. It should be mentioned that there is a correct way to apply a crimp to crimp connectors. All crimp connectors start out as a flat piece of metal that is shaped into a cylinder, so they have a seam where the edges meet that runs the length of the connector. The connector should be placed in the crimping tool with the seam at 12 o'clock (facing up). When the jaws are closed, the shaped crimper die presses down on the seam from above, bends and crushes the connector metal, compresses and traps the wire strands and produces a tight crimp. A connector that's crimped with the seam in a different position may still work, but the connector may not assume the desired crimped shape and its grip on the wire strands may not be as tight as a result.

Second, I've learned that the European Union (EU) has passed legislation requiring the removal of all lead from solder. This has presented problems in electronic items. With the lead removed, tiny whiskers can form on a solder joint that can short out adjoining connections.

Reference : www.motor.com

Ford Escape - 2008

Body Styles: 4-Dr Sport Utility

Transmissions 4 Speed Automatic; 5 Speed Manual
Engines: 2.3L L4; 3.0L V6

Drivetrains: Four Wheel Drive; Front Wheel Drive

In spite of banal styling and mediocre quality, the Ford Escape has remained one of the best-selling compact SUVs on the market. Next spring, Ford hopes to maintain its strong position with the redesigned 2008 Escape. But don’t be fooled by its macho exterior; mechanically speaking, most of the old Escape is still trapped inside.

The Escape’s new styling does toughen its image quite a bit, with a higher beltline, a bolder new front fascia and lighting units. New wheels and more prominently flared fenders give it a more visually planted stance. The cladding of the former model has been removed, thankfully, for a cleaner look. “The goal from the beginning was to make Escape look even stronger and tougher than the original,” says Doyle Letson, chief designer for the 2008 Escape.

Check Out the roomy interior !!

Inside, changes are more significant, including upgraded materials, more sound insulation, new seat fabrics made from 100-percent-recycled materials, a completely redesigned dashboard, and a center stack featuring a Mazda-like info display atop the dash. Passenger space remains relatively unchanged, allowing certain competitors—some of which offer third-row seats—to retain any advantages they currently claim in this significant area. New goodies include an iPod jack, a huge center console and an available navigation system. Also new is the “ice blue” interior illumination replacing the blasé Ford green currently staring so many millions of Ford drivers in the face today. More at motortrend

Automotive Wiring Diagrams

If you are looking for an automotive wiring diagram, look no further. You can find wiring diagrams at Freeautomechanic.com along with all sorts of automotive repair information and manuals.

A wiring diagram for your car can help you trace down an electrical issue much faster than if you didn't have one. It can also let you know what other components might be using the same fuse that keeps blowing.

If you have a multi-meter and a wiring diagram but not sure how to go about checking the wiring, no problem. Freeautomechanic.com has the instructions for that too. From Basic electrical theory to testing switches and relays. Well worth a look if you have an electrical issue with your vehicle.

The Air Car - Our Driving Future ?

After fourteen years of research and development, Guy Negre has developed an engine that could become one of the biggest technological advances of this century. Its application to Compressed Air Technology(CAT) vehicles gives them significant economical and environmental advantages. With the incorporation of bi-energy (compressed air + fuel) the CAT Vehicles have increased their driving range to close to 2000 km with zero pollution in cities and considerably reduced pollution outside urban areas.

The application of the MDI engine in other areas, outside the automotive sector, opens a multitude of possibilities in nautical fields, co-generation, auxiliary engines, electric generators groups, etc. Compressed air is a new viable form of power that allows the accumulation and transport of energy. MDI is very close to initiating the production of a series of engines and vehicles. The company is financed by the sale of manufacturing licenses and patents all over the world. The Air Car

I think if they can come up with a version with heated seats and is good in the snow ( 4WD ) they just might sell a ton of these in the north as well as in warmer climates...

High Octane vs. Low Octane Gas

Well I recently read this blurb from the Consumer Energy website :

[start blurb]"Put a tiger in your tank," says a classic advertising tagline. In today's motoring world, what kind of fuel grade will have the power to place a beast in your gas tank?

The answer, according to experts who study fuel efficiency in detail, is both regular and premium gasoline. And it would be a waste of money to favor premium over regular, especially in these times when gasoline prices are high, according to the experts.

Virtually nothing is gained by filling up with a premium or more expensive grade of fuel than the vehicle manufacturer has recommended, the experts say. And many of the same experts explain that drivers may not lose much performance from their cars by using a lower grade of fuel than recommended by the car manufacturer. [end blurb]

I absolutely disagree with this for several reasons.

1. The OBD II system that is used to operate a vehicle's engine since 1996 uses sensors to retard ignition timing for lower octane to prevent internal engine damage. In doing so lowers the performance greatly.
2. Write down the fuel mileage from high and low octane and you will notice the fuel mileage is greater with the higher Octane. It equals out to be about the same cost per mileage but with the gain of better performance.
3. Common sense, if it was all the same there would only be one octane.... Its like saying milk is all the same 1% is the same as 2% because they are both milk......I think Not!!

Radio Shack - Bad Batteries

I quickly noticed when I purchased a couple of replacement phone batteries for my local auto repair business in Springboro, Ohio that the store clerk was eager to take the old ones for recycling. This I found odd since they do not offer to dispose of alkaline batteries....

After purchasing 6 batteries only to have them die after 20 minutes of use (yes they were charged for 24 hrs before use), I had this thought that maybe there was something wrong with the phones and not the battery. So, I purchased 2 batteries from Interstate Batteries online ( they sell more than car batteries to my surprise ). These Interstate batteries are working just like the ones that came with the phone and will work for two days without a recharge.

After searching the Net for anyone Else's bad experience, I wasn't to surprised to see many posts warning people away from buying batteries from Radio Shack. Ex: http://www.my3cents.com/showReview.cgi?id=28256

And I also agree with this statement : I ADVISE ALL NOT TO BUY RADIO SHACK BATTERIES, THEY ARE UNRELIABLE AND RADIO SHACK WILL NOT BACK UP THEIR WARRANTY.

Disclosure Policy of this Blog

This blogsite is owned by Google but the content is in no way affiliated with Google. This Blog is also in no way affiliated with www.2carpros.com . To the best of this bloggers knowledge there is no copyrighted material on this blog. Please notify blogger of any specific material and it will be removed immediately.

As per the polite request of the Law office of Lavacot this page has been updated March 27th, 2009

A note to anyone* The Trademark "2carpros" expired as it was abandoned October 15,2007 as per the United States Patent and Trademark Office and that would be 2 months before this blog was started.

Chevy Malibu Hybrid - 2008

MSRP: $22,140

Invoice: $20,922

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Standard Features:
AM/FM Radio With Seek, Scan, Speed Sensitive Volume and 6 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3 Player; XM(R) Satellite Radio
4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
Seat Mounted Front Side Airbags

The 2008 Malibu Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in one trim only, the HY. Upon introduction, the Malibu Hybrid is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 164-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 24-mpg in the city and 32-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2008 Malibu Hybrid is redesigned for 2008. More Details : http://autos.yahoo.com/2008_chevrolet_malibu_hybrid

So what makes this an actual Hybrid. It has a Starter/Alternator all in one and actually shuts of the engine at stop lights and in heavy stop and go traffic. As long as you hold your foot on the brake and the wheels are not moving, then engine quits running. This technology was first seen on the 2007 Saturn Vue. The Malibu's sister model , the Pontiac G-6, will also have this technology on its Hybrid model.

Toyota Corolla - 2008

MSRP:
$14,405 - $15,615
Invoice:
$13,324 - $14,131

The 2008 Corolla is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in 3 trims, the CE , S and LE. Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 1.8-liter, I4, 126-horsepower engine that achieves 28-mpg in the city and 37-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The 2008 Corolla is a carryover from 2007.

more details... http://autos.yahoo.com/toyota_corolla/

Auto Repair Online

If you are in need of some auto repair and are some what Internet savvy, then there is no reason not to surf around for some knowledge and sometimes the answers to your automotive blues. You may not always find a "quick fix" but might gain enough knowledge to help guide you in the right direction. Even if you are not a do-it yourself kind of person, it is a great idea to have some knowledge before you go into the repair shop. There are several web sites around the net that provide useful information. After searching around we found the most useful and user friendly site to be Freeautomechanic.com . They offer diagnostic charts, up dated information and even free wiring diagrams if you need them. If your looking for some online auto repair information, this is the place.

Auto Repair Manuals

If you are looking for on-line automotive repair manuals that are updated monthly , look no further. This is the absolute best deal you will find on the net. You find complete repair information, Diagnostic charts, wiring diagrams, trouble code information, Factory recall information, and TSB's ( Technical Service Bulletins ). This is the same software the "BIG BOYS" use at the dealership. All you have to do is choose the year make and model you want, fill out the subscription length you want and for as little as $11.99 you will have full complete access on line right now !!!

Keep Your Car Happy this Winter

One of the most important things you can do to make sure your car stays happy this winter is to keep your coolant level full. You need to check this more often in the winter than in the summer.

Why do you need to check the coolant more often in the winter?

Surprisingly , the car will over heat faster in the winter than in the summer because it takes longer for the engine oil to warm and lubricate in return creating more friction which causes heat. So the more friction for a longer period of time will create more heat , faster.

Each car runs a 50/50 ratio of coolant and water. So if your level is less than a qt low, you can simply add water. It is recommended to use distilled water, but when it means making it home ... I think tap water will work just fine.

Keep your car happy and hopefully it will return the favor ~!!