Saturday, January 19, 2008

Automotive 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

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Used Auto Parts

Find Used Auto Parts and Car Parts Online!

The easy way to find used auto parts online. Designed to help people with any level of car experience find used auto parts, car parts, and foreign auto parts, Get Used Parts puts you in touch with thousands of junk yards and auto recyclers coast to coast for a free, easy online solution. Now you can find foreign auto parts without scraping through salvage yards. Whether you are a full-time mechanic or a person who thinks cars just get people from point A to point B, locating auto parts online guarantees great automotive parts while keeping your hands clean.
http://www.getusedparts.com/Default.asp

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Free Car Price Quotes


Since launching the first car-buying website in 1995, Autobytel Inc.'s (Nasdaq: ABTL) mission has been to empower automotive consumers with the tools and information they need to make smart, well-informed vehicle purchasing and ownership decisions. The company has helped millions of car shoppers and generated billions of dollars in car sales for dealers. Today, the company's innovative, consumer-driven flagship site, MyRide.com, expands the company's mission across the automotive purchase and ownership life cycle. As the first vertical search experience for the automotive marketplace, MyRide.com is designed to help Internet-savvy consumers FIND, SEE, BUY and LEARN anything automotive and BELONG to a diverse community of people who have similar automotive interests. http://www.autobytel.com/content/home/index.cfm

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

2008 Suzuki SX4

2008 Suzuki SX4 Crossover Base AWD

MSRP: $15,270
Estimated Market Price: Not Available
Invoice: $14,659

Key Standard Features:
AM/FM Radio and 4 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3 Player
4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
Front Side Airbags

Seats
Theater Style Rear Seating
Cloth Seats
Front Dual Bucket Seats With Adjustable Headrests
Rear 60/40 Split Folding Bench Seat With Manually Adjustable Headrests

Sunday, January 13, 2008

150 MPG Extreme Hybrid (XH(TM)) SUV


AFS Trinity Unveils 150 MPG Extreme Hybrid (XH(TM)) SUV


Saturn Suv prototype that gets 150 miles per gallon. The is an electric plug in Hybrid that can go 40 miles without the use of gasoline on need of recharge. Predicted to cost $8700.00 more than the gasoline online vehicle.


TEST RESULTS According to Furia, the Extreme Hybrid(TM) tests just completed atMichelin's Laurens Proving Grounds in South Carolina produced ...

-- More than 150 miles per gallon of gasoline based on the EPA Combined Urban/Highway Driving Cycle with 6 days per week of 40 miles per day in all electric mode and one day at 100 miles with assistance of the gas engine. Different driving patterns will produce different results.

-- 40 mile all-electric range on a single, overnight charge.

-- Extended range of 400 miles with hybrid operation.

-- Rapid acceleration in all modes of operation, including all electric mode in which no gasoline is burned at all.

-- Highway speeds up to 87 miles per hour in either all electric or hybrid mode.

-- Even faster acceleration and higher speeds possible in future production models should the company decide to configure them for such performance.


Editors' Note: To view three videos that graphically address each of the points inthis release click http://www.afstrinity.com/ and go to the Video links tab.

Friday, January 11, 2008

I only have air at the vents, no defrost or heat at floor

Question:
2000 Silverado 5.3 4x4 my hvac actuator mode valve does not work. How do I replace it? I only have air at the vents, no defrost or heat at floor.

Answer:

ect:
Loss of HVAC System Mode and/or Temperature Control (Replace HVAC Control Module) #04-01-39-007 - (06/17/2004)
Models:
2002 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT
1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe
2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
1999-2002 GMC Denali, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL
2001 GMC Sierra C3
2002 GMC Sierra Denali
with Automatic HVAC System (RPO C68)

Condition

Some customers may comment that they cannot control the HVAC system modes and/or the temperature. These concerns may be intermittent.
Cause

An HVAC control module logic lock-up may be the cause of these conditions.
Correction

Important: Prior to replacing the HVAC control head, review Corporate Bulletin Number 01-01-39-007 (SI Document ID #845221).
Replace the HVAC control module. Refer to the HVAC Control Module Replacement procedure in the HVAC System -- Automatic sub-section of the Service Manual.
Part Information

Part Number
Description
15126606
Cadillac, Celsius Temperature Display (RPO U34)
HVAC Control Assembly (Module)
15126605
Cadillac, Minus (-) Celsius Temperature Display (RPO U34)
HVAC Control Assembly (Module)
15126604
Chevrolet/GMC, Celsius Temperature Display (RPO U34)
HVAC Control Assembly (Module)
15126603
Chevrolet/GMC, Minus (-) Celsius Temperature Display (RPO U34)
HVAC Control Assembly (Module)
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time
D0362
Control Assembly HVAC (IP) - A/C - Replace
Use published labor operation time
Subject:
Loss of HVAC System Mode and/or Temperature Control (Reroute Wiring Harness) #01-01-39-007 - (12/20/2001)
Models:
1999-2002 Chevrolet and GMC C/K Pickup Models (Silverado and Sierra)
1999-2002 Chevrolet and GMC C/K Utility Models (Avalanche, Surburban, Tahoe, Yukon, Yukon XL, Denali)
2001 GMC Sierra C3
2002 GMC Sierra Denali
2002 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT

Condition

Some customers may comment that they cannot control the HVAC system modes and/or the temperature. These concerns may be intermittent.

Cause

There may be poor terminal contact and/or bent terminals in connectors C206 (RPO C68 automatic HVAC controls) or C296 (RPO C60 manual HVAC controls). Excessive tension on the wires due to the wiring harness being misrouted in the instrument panel carrier may cause these conditions.

Correction

Remove the Air Bag fuse.
Disconnect the steering wheel and instrument panel (IP) air bag connectors. Refer to the SIR subsection of the Restraints section of the Service Manual for connector locations.
Remove the IP upper trim pad.
Locate connector C206 (6 cavities) or C296 (8 cavities). The connector is attached to a metal brace on the far right side of the IP carrier above the IP air distributor duct.
Inspect the routing of the wiring harness to the connector. The proper routing of the wiring harness is above the air distributor duct with no tension on the terminals in the connector. The routing is improper if the wiring harness is below the air distributor duct with excessive tension on the terminals in the connector. The excessive tension may cause poor terminal contact, resulting in open circuits, in the connector. The wires may also pull the terminals out of the connector or pull out of the terminal itself.
If the harness is routed properly, contact Technical Assistance for further information.
If the harness is misrouted, remove the connector from the brace.
Disconnect the connector.
Perform a pin drag test on the female terminals.
Inspect the male terminals for straightness.
Inspect the wire to terminal connection to insure that no wires have pulled out of the terminals.
Reroute the wiring harness above the air distributor duct.
Firmly reconnect and reseat the connector.
Reattach the connector to the metal brace.
Reinstall the IP upper trim pad.
Turn Off the ignition and reconnect the steering wheel and IP air bags.
Reinstall the Air Bag fuse.
Turn ON the ignition and verify that the air bag light flashes seven times and goes out.
Clear any diagnostic trouble codes that may have been set.
Verify proper operation of the HVAC system mode and temperature controls.

Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time
C2362
Panel, Instrument Panel Upper, Remove and Replace
0.7 hr
Add
To Repair and/or Reposition Connector and Harness
0.3 hr

Thursday, January 10, 2008

2002 Hyundai Sonata - Running Rough

2002 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L Automatic

Vehicle Problem:

Vehicle drove in; Customer stated it was running rough and would not go over 20 mph. Check engine light is on.

Solution:
Test drove to confirm what customer said. The vehicle performed exactly as the customer described. Performed computer diagnostics and retrieved a Code P0302. This is the misfire code for cylinder # 2. Inspected the spark plug and wire. Found it arching though the wire against the cylinder head. Replaced the plugs and wires. Tested ..all ok at this time. Also replaced a collapsed pcv hose (4" of fuel line works fine) these hoses tend to collapsed often.
Cost of repair including diagnostics($69.95) was $234.09 +tax

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Battery - Automotive



How often should you need to replace your car battery?

If you have an original battery in your vehicle that has been in your car for more than 4 years, it would be a good preventative measure to replace it now. By replacing the battery before you have no other choice can save you a tow bill. It may also save you a few dollars.

Imagine being stuck away from home and some mechanic giving you the ole " Where y'all from" speech. Yeah, me either. No one wants to be in that situation. So Replace your battery before you have to and have the option to shop around for a new one.

Myself prefer the Interstate battery and my shop requires I use them in the Postal Vehicles and Police cars I maintain. Only the best for them that rely on them. Other batteries may be just as good but when you purchase the battery, make sure you understand the warranty. The battery is only as good as the warranty. If the manufacturer is not willing to stand behind their product, don't buy it.

Average replacement is needed every 4 years !

Monday, January 7, 2008

Coolant Leak

Introduction
There are a number of things that can go wrong with your car's cooling system, causing the engine to run warmer than it should. The following is a list of things that are easily checked at home by the do-it-yourselfer, and can always add to your knowledge of cars in general.

Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Things You'll Need
Radiator Sealant
Antifreeze
Water
Telephones
Steps:

1
Step One
Understand that overheating problems may be caused by a low coolant level.
2
Step Two
Check the coolant level at the radiator overflow/plastic coolant reservoir tank to see if you're low on coolant (see "How to Check Your Car's Coolant Level," under Related eHows). Add if necessary.
3
Step Three
Open the radiator cap and look inside the radiator when the engine is cold.
4
Step Four
Fill the radiator with antifreeze or water if it's empty, and close the cap.
5
Step Five
Look at both the lower and upper radiator hoses located at the top and bottom of the radiator on the back side and held by hose clamps. Make sure the hoses are securely clamped to the radiator and aren't leaking.
6
Step Six
Touch both the upper and lower radiator hoses when the engine is warm and the car turned off. They should both be warm. If one is cold, you may have a thermostat that's stuck closed.
7
Step Seven
Use the palm of your hand to feel the outside of the radiator from top to bottom when the engine is warm and the car turned off. It should be warm to the touch evenly throughout. If there's a cold section, you may have a radiator that's internally blocked.
8
Step Eight
Check under the car, inspect the radiator and look around the engine compartment for telltale signs of a coolant leak: Coolant is greenish, slippery and sweet-smelling.
9
Step Nine
Visit your mechanic if you know there's a leak but can't find it. A mechanic can detect a slow or small coolant leak by pressurizing the cooling system.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Ford Mustang - 2007

MSRP:
$19,250 - $31,700
Invoice:
$17,916 - $29,120

2007 Ford Mustang V6 Deluxe Coupe

$19,250 MSRP
$17,916 INVOICE

Standard Engine:
4.0L V6, 12 valve, 210 hp @ 5300 rpm
5 speed manual (standard) or 5 speed automatic transmission
19 mpg city / 28 mpg hwy
Green Rating: 62

You can expect to pay $18,735

Standard Features:
Passenger Airbag Cutoff
Front Power 292-mm X 30-mm Vented Disc and Rear Power 300-mm X 19-mm Vented Disc Brakes
Radio Antenna

Options:
Anti-Lock Brakes
Wheel Locks
Shaker 500 Audio System

Friday, January 4, 2008

2004 Honda Odyssey - Idle Surging


Vehicle Problem:


2004 Honda Odyssey - Idle Surging. The Idle goes up and down when sitting at a stop light. Acts like it wants to die.


Solution :


The check engine light was not on. Scan for codes and for an IAC (Idle Air Control) code in the history codes. Contacted my local Honda Dealer parts dept. and was told "we sell these like candy" talking about the Idle Air Control. Had an IAC sent over at a cost of $159.00 and installed it on the vehicle. Tested the operation and all is well now. Another happy customer!!


Diagnostic fee $69.95 , Part installed $234.00 total cost $303.95 +tax.


This is an actual repair made on January 4th, 2008

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Code P0420


Code P0420 : Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold

This code is set when the o2 sensor behind the catalytic converter sees a lower signal than the set parameters of the OBDII system.

English : The Catalytic converter is no longer doing an efficient job and needs to be replaced.

Symptoms : Check Engine Light On

Drivability : Not affected

Causes :
1) Age
2) Running rich caused by failing upstream o2 sensor or failing MAF
3) Fuel Injector Stuck Open

Fix : Replace Catalytic Converter and test system

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Front Brakes - Automotive


Question:
How Much Should a typical Front Brake Job cost on a 2000 Honda Civic ?

Answer:
Typical Front Brake job would consist of replacing the front brake pads only. The Front brake pads and labor only would be around $123.00. If you would need rotors also, add in an additional $162.00 parts and labor.

I hear all the time " but there is an add on TV for $29.95 " ... Let me tell you this, it is nothing more than advertising to get you in the door. If you read the fine print on the screen and/or when you get there. You will see that it is 29.95 for the pads only and there will be an additional cost for the labor and an additional cost for the shop supplies and an additional cost for disposal fee.. and most of these places fail to let you know this up front. So make sure you get an accurate quote up front for the amount that you can put on the check. This is a sure fire way to become aware of any hidden fees.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Used Auto Parts, Are They Any Good ?


You can save lots of money buying used parts for your repair. Of course, it's important to know which parts are ok to buy used, but there are plenty of them. Unfortunately, thinking about saving the money is as far as many people get. The thought of standing at a greasy counter while the assorted varieties of parts pullers check you out might not be your idea of a great way to start you auto repair weekend. So instead you break down and pay the extra cash for a brand new tail light or power window motor.


These days you can order a used turn signal from the comfort of your living room. Thanks to services like the Automix Parts Locater you can effectively search hundreds of salvage yards at once.