Showing posts with label Online Auto Repair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Online Auto Repair. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
How do I change the Serpentine belt on a Ford Scorpio?
The tensioner used by Ford consists of a large clock spring wrapped around one bolt, engaging in an arm on which a pulley is mounted. Because the action of the spring is anticlockwise, when engaged the pulley pulls the drive belt at a pressure set by the spring. As the drive belt lengthens with wear, so the spring takes up the slack. Because of the constant tension drive belts last for years, but they should be checked regularly for signs of wear. The belt might become cracked across its width, normally in the grooved face, or it may become glazed or frayed in appearance.
NOTE: If the drivebelt tensioner(s) are in good order then they will swivel about the fulcrum bolt quite easily using only medium force. However, if the tensioners have corroded in place then considerable force may be required to release the tensioner - in this case additional leverage may be required and care used to avoid injury.
Monday, October 13, 2008
How good is amsoil for a for a dermax diesel
From everything I have read and response from my customer base. It is the best oil for your engine and there is no other.
AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants are fuel efficient, extended life lubricants manufactured from select synthetic base stocks and special purpose additives. These lubricants provide improved overall performance characteristics when compared to conventional petroleum oils.
AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants are fuel efficient, extended life lubricants manufactured from select synthetic base stocks and special purpose additives. These lubricants provide improved overall performance characteristics when compared to conventional petroleum oils.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
1997 pathfinder 3.3 v6 motor. i am getting no fire at all
QUESTION:
i have a 1997 pathfinder 3.3 v6 motor. i am getting no fire at all. i know there is a crank sensor and the dist. can anyone tell which is more likely to be the cause? i have some people tell they are bad for the dist. and then others tell the crank sensor
ANSWER:
The Cam sensor is the most common on that year Pathfinder. That is the one in the distributor. With no spark conditions, thats the first place I check! The way I check it is with a multimeter. I check voltages and grounds. If I have them, then it's normally the distributor. ( B/W wire = Battery voltage & B wire = ground.)Are you able to scan for codes? That would definitely help which it could be. I have really never seen those crank sensors fail, where I have seen distributor fail. I have also seen allot of New after market distributors not work also. Not to say that may happen to you, but please keep that in mind if you decide to go that route.
i have a 1997 pathfinder 3.3 v6 motor. i am getting no fire at all. i know there is a crank sensor and the dist. can anyone tell which is more likely to be the cause? i have some people tell they are bad for the dist. and then others tell the crank sensor
ANSWER:
The Cam sensor is the most common on that year Pathfinder. That is the one in the distributor. With no spark conditions, thats the first place I check! The way I check it is with a multimeter. I check voltages and grounds. If I have them, then it's normally the distributor. ( B/W wire = Battery voltage & B wire = ground.)Are you able to scan for codes? That would definitely help which it could be. I have really never seen those crank sensors fail, where I have seen distributor fail. I have also seen allot of New after market distributors not work also. Not to say that may happen to you, but please keep that in mind if you decide to go that route.
Labels:
Nissan,
Online Auto Repair,
Questions and Answers
Thursday, September 25, 2008
1995 Ford Contour, changing rear brake, caliber will not release?

The piston doesn't just push in. It has to be threaded in under pressure.They make a number of tools for doing this.Here are a couple of them.
Labels:
Brakes,
Online Auto Repair,
Questions and Answers
Monday, September 22, 2008
windows can be open or closed without ignition is on
QUESTION:
2003 Honda accord , windows can be open or closed without ignition is on
ANSWER:
sounds like a short in the driver door multiplex unit in the driver window switch .you will need to have the dealer use the factory scan tool to verify the multiplex system is operating correctly. but my suspicion is that the driver window main switch is defective.
2003 Honda accord , windows can be open or closed without ignition is on
ANSWER:
sounds like a short in the driver door multiplex unit in the driver window switch .you will need to have the dealer use the factory scan tool to verify the multiplex system is operating correctly. but my suspicion is that the driver window main switch is defective.
Labels:
Honda,
Online Auto Repair,
Questions and Answers
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Where can I ask a Car question?
You will find that all you have to do is type your car question in the box provided and click the tab at the bottom of the box. Follow the step by step instructions. There are mechanics online 24/7 ready to answer your question. You can decide if you want to pay them for there time and how much you would like to pay them if at all. its up to you. You can even choose the mechanic you wish to have your question answered by.
Labels:
Online Auto Repair,
Questions and Answers
Friday, September 12, 2008
92 Toyota pickup jerks and looses power
Question:
92 Toyota pickup jerks and looses power but instantly seems fine when i let off the gas while driving had the same problem 8mo.ago and replaced the fuel pump (solved the problem) could it now be the fuel filter (didn't replace it when i replaced the pump)
Answer:
It is very possible that your fuel filter needs to be replaced. If after the fuel filter is replaced and you still have the same issue, you will be needing to replace the fuel pump again. Should still be under warranty.
92 Toyota pickup jerks and looses power but instantly seems fine when i let off the gas while driving had the same problem 8mo.ago and replaced the fuel pump (solved the problem) could it now be the fuel filter (didn't replace it when i replaced the pump)
Answer:
It is very possible that your fuel filter needs to be replaced. If after the fuel filter is replaced and you still have the same issue, you will be needing to replace the fuel pump again. Should still be under warranty.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
When I tried to start it both batteries were dead.

QUESTION:
I needed to move my truck to another location so I could work on the speedometer problem. When I tried to start it both batteries were dead. A battery charger was connect but with reversed polarity. Before I could stop it the charger was tuned on. I immediately turned it off and disconnected it. I've charged the batteries but now the truck won't start. I found a 10 amp fuse burnt (in a panel in the engine compartment). When I changed the fuse some light on the dash panel came on - in a dim state- and stayed on, until I removed the fuse. The truck won't start although it will turn over. The ignitor light does not come on any more. This is a 1999 E-450 cube van with a Power Stroke Diesel. Can you shed some light as to what might have happened to the electronics of the truck My biggest fear is the computer.
ANSWER:
Because you hooked your charger up backwards it likely you blew one of the fuse links at the starter solenoid on the passenger side inner fender. I'm enclosing a schematic for the fuse links. Take a 12 volt test light and move down the harness where the fuse links are located and check for 12 volts. I suspect you have blown one or more.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
How to Scan for Trouble Codes (Check Engine Light)
How to Use an Engine Scanner The engine code scanner has made automotive repair easier than ever. When the check engine light comes on while driving it means there is a system that is having a problem. With the trouble code scanner you are able to retrieve the trouble code stored in the vehicles computer. Once the system has been identified replace the shorted senor or other repair and clear the codes out of the vehicle's computer. Once the codes have been cleared the computer will go into relearn procedure and run any number of system monitors to determine if the trouble has been properly repaired.
When the Check Engine Soon Light comes on , your first instinct is to pull over and check out the situation. This is not necessary. This is the vehicles way of letting you know at its earliest stage that an error has occurred. No need to panic. If you have been driving with that all annoying light on, remember this : Your gas mileage will improve if the necessary repairs are made.
When the Check Engine Soon Light comes on , your first instinct is to pull over and check out the situation. This is not necessary. This is the vehicles way of letting you know at its earliest stage that an error has occurred. No need to panic. If you have been driving with that all annoying light on, remember this : Your gas mileage will improve if the necessary repairs are made.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
My 2000 Caddy Dts is over heating. Yes it has a blown head
QUESTION:
My 2000 Caddy Dts is over heating. Yes it has a blown head gasket no doubt. However I want to solve the overheating problem that blew the gasket. The car overheats in 20 minutes. The upper radiator hose has burst twice. The water pump and thermostat are both new. I don't understand why there is enough pressure to burst the hose but not not venting from the reservoir cap at 16psi. Should the cap blow first before the hose. I feel there is a blockage some where. Can anyone help me with how the coolant flows so maybe i can find the blockage if there is one.
ANSWER:
From what you have stated, the problem would be the radiator cap. The cap should open at 16 psi and since it busted a hose, it had to be over 16 psi which means the cap should have opened up to releave the pressure into the overflow tank.
Engine Cooling System
My 2000 Caddy Dts is over heating. Yes it has a blown head gasket no doubt. However I want to solve the overheating problem that blew the gasket. The car overheats in 20 minutes. The upper radiator hose has burst twice. The water pump and thermostat are both new. I don't understand why there is enough pressure to burst the hose but not not venting from the reservoir cap at 16psi. Should the cap blow first before the hose. I feel there is a blockage some where. Can anyone help me with how the coolant flows so maybe i can find the blockage if there is one.
ANSWER:
From what you have stated, the problem would be the radiator cap. The cap should open at 16 psi and since it busted a hose, it had to be over 16 psi which means the cap should have opened up to releave the pressure into the overflow tank.
Engine Cooling System
Labels:
Anti-freeze,
Articles,
Online Auto Repair
Friday, August 29, 2008
the clutch pedal stuck down to the floor.
QUESTION:
2004 Mini Cooper S, I started driving and the clutch pedal stuck down to the floor. I could not shift gears. I was able to pull the pedal up with my foot and drive the rest of the day with no problems. Today, it stuck to the floor again and I had to pull over because I could not shift gears. Once again, I could push the pedal back up with my foot and make it home. However, my husband notices something leaking when I pushed the clutch in and out.
ANSWER:
The leak you are seeing when you push the clutch is hydraulic fluid. The clutch is similar to the brake system in that they both require hydraulic pressure to be actuated. A leak such as the one you are seeing will definitely prevent you from being able to shift gears. Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir which is under the hood close to the fire wall. If the fluid is low, you need to find out where the leak is coming from. The leak will either come from the clutch reservoir, the clutch cylinder which is attached to the pedal on the engine side of the fire wall, the slave cylinder which is in the transmission bell housing, or one of the lines that connects these components.
2004 Mini Cooper S, I started driving and the clutch pedal stuck down to the floor. I could not shift gears. I was able to pull the pedal up with my foot and drive the rest of the day with no problems. Today, it stuck to the floor again and I had to pull over because I could not shift gears. Once again, I could push the pedal back up with my foot and make it home. However, my husband notices something leaking when I pushed the clutch in and out.
ANSWER:
The leak you are seeing when you push the clutch is hydraulic fluid. The clutch is similar to the brake system in that they both require hydraulic pressure to be actuated. A leak such as the one you are seeing will definitely prevent you from being able to shift gears. Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir which is under the hood close to the fire wall. If the fluid is low, you need to find out where the leak is coming from. The leak will either come from the clutch reservoir, the clutch cylinder which is attached to the pedal on the engine side of the fire wall, the slave cylinder which is in the transmission bell housing, or one of the lines that connects these components.
Labels:
Clutch,
leak,
Online Auto Repair,
Questions and Answers
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
when i start my car there is a ratteling
Question:
every now and again when i start my car there is a rattling noise coming from my engine could you tell me what this means plz
ANSWER:
99% of the time this turns out to be the catalytic converter. Either the heat shield have come apart at one of its welded corners or the inside of the converter is loose. Let it cool down before touching. You can bang on the side of it to see if anything rattles inside.
every now and again when i start my car there is a rattling noise coming from my engine could you tell me what this means plz
ANSWER:
99% of the time this turns out to be the catalytic converter. Either the heat shield have come apart at one of its welded corners or the inside of the converter is loose. Let it cool down before touching. You can bang on the side of it to see if anything rattles inside.
Labels:
Online Auto Repair,
Questions and Answers
Friday, August 15, 2008
Low Engine Oil Light came on when I started my car this morning
QUESTION:
I have a 2000 Monte Carlo SS, 92K miles. I change the oil regularly between 3K - 4K miles. I check the oil three to four times in that interval. I have never had to add oil. I have never noticed leak spots under the car. This morning, when I started the car the Low Engine Oil Light came on. I shut it off, checked the oil and it was low. I re-started the engine and the light did not come back on. What's up with this?
ANSWER:
Either you have a new leak or the oil change place did not completely fill the oil. Sometimes the low oil light will come on when the oil is not low, this would indicate a faulty oil level sensor.
I have a 2000 Monte Carlo SS, 92K miles. I change the oil regularly between 3K - 4K miles. I check the oil three to four times in that interval. I have never had to add oil. I have never noticed leak spots under the car. This morning, when I started the car the Low Engine Oil Light came on. I shut it off, checked the oil and it was low. I re-started the engine and the light did not come back on. What's up with this?
ANSWER:
Either you have a new leak or the oil change place did not completely fill the oil. Sometimes the low oil light will come on when the oil is not low, this would indicate a faulty oil level sensor.
Labels:
Online Auto Repair,
Questions and Answers
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Replacing Rear Drum Brakes
Complete Step by Step Instructions for replacing rear drum style brakes
If you follow these steps you are assured that your brakes will NOT squeal. If you just do a "pad slap" you can count on brake noise. There are plenty of fly by night or mom and pop garages around that publicize they can do you a complete brake job for cheap. Well, sometimes you get what you pay for. If they just swap out the parts without following each step, then you will end up with noisy brakes and who wants that. If you follow the link above you will see just how much is involved and what actually goes into an actual complete brake job.
If you follow these steps you are assured that your brakes will NOT squeal. If you just do a "pad slap" you can count on brake noise. There are plenty of fly by night or mom and pop garages around that publicize they can do you a complete brake job for cheap. Well, sometimes you get what you pay for. If they just swap out the parts without following each step, then you will end up with noisy brakes and who wants that. If you follow the link above you will see just how much is involved and what actually goes into an actual complete brake job.
Friday, August 8, 2008
When you hit the power door lock all four doors lock
QUESTION:
1994 honda accord ex 4door. When you hit the power door lock all four doors lock, however when you shut the door the drivers side lock pops up forcing you to lock the door with a key. I know about the bypass of pulling on the inside door handle and pushing down of the lock but is there any way of making all four doors lock and stay locked? Any way of getting a remote?
ANSWER:
Yes drivers door lock actuator is bad bad needs to be replaced
1994 honda accord ex 4door. When you hit the power door lock all four doors lock, however when you shut the door the drivers side lock pops up forcing you to lock the door with a key. I know about the bypass of pulling on the inside door handle and pushing down of the lock but is there any way of making all four doors lock and stay locked? Any way of getting a remote?
ANSWER:
Yes drivers door lock actuator is bad bad needs to be replaced
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
HONDA Accord V6 3.0 2000- Low Compression

HONDA Accord V6 3.0 2000 (Mileage 120,000)This problem happened slowly over 4 months. It was heating up once in a while, so i used to fill up radiator with water and it was OK. But since last week, I Filled radiator with water fully. Then drove, after 2-3 miles it heats up fully. there is noise in engine. After stopping doesn't start until cool. mechanic said compression in two cylinders is 120psi. engine is damaged, possible head gasket or head is cracked. possible short block is damaged also. He put water in the radiator left open without cap, it shot up while idling engine. Mechanic says the engine is damaged. replace engine. Charging $1900 to replace low mileage engine from junkyard. Mechanic is reputed in town. is this a reasonable cost or should I keep hunting. I want to fix this car instead of buying another one.
Answer:
Yes needs motor about 500 for motor from junkyard so about 1500 is fair
Labels:
Online Auto Repair,
Questions and Answers
Friday, August 1, 2008
it ran hot on me last night and also made a few noises
Question:
I have a 99 cougar 6cyl and it ran hot on me last night and also made a few noises and went dead on me,i crank it back up and got it home and popped the hood there were smoke coming from the coolant jug.what could be some diagnostics for this problem?
Answer:
You need to check the coolant level once the vehicle has cooled off. Here are the main reasons a vehicle will overheat.1. Faulty thermostat - Thermostat is usually located before the radiator inside the upper radiator hose. When the temperature of the vehicle gets to "operating temperature" the thermostat will open, allowing coolant to flow through the radiator, where it's cooled.2. Faulty water pump - The water pump helps build up the pressure to make sure the coolant will is flowing. Coolant can become restricted.` 3. Restriction in Radiator will comprimise coolant flow4. radiator fans keep the radiator cool when the vehicle is not moving. If they do not activate at idle, the vehicle can overheat.
Engine Overheating Diagnostics
I have a 99 cougar 6cyl and it ran hot on me last night and also made a few noises and went dead on me,i crank it back up and got it home and popped the hood there were smoke coming from the coolant jug.what could be some diagnostics for this problem?
Answer:
You need to check the coolant level once the vehicle has cooled off. Here are the main reasons a vehicle will overheat.1. Faulty thermostat - Thermostat is usually located before the radiator inside the upper radiator hose. When the temperature of the vehicle gets to "operating temperature" the thermostat will open, allowing coolant to flow through the radiator, where it's cooled.2. Faulty water pump - The water pump helps build up the pressure to make sure the coolant will is flowing. Coolant can become restricted.` 3. Restriction in Radiator will comprimise coolant flow4. radiator fans keep the radiator cool when the vehicle is not moving. If they do not activate at idle, the vehicle can overheat.
Engine Overheating Diagnostics
Labels:
Online Auto Repair,
Questions and Answers
Monday, July 28, 2008
WHERE IS THE FLASHER BULB LOCATED ON A 1998 MERCURY MYSTIC?

Fig. 1: The turn signal flasher is located on the multi-function switch in the steering column
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the upper and lower steering column shrouds.
3. Pull the flasher from the back of the multi-function switch.
2. Remove the upper and lower steering column shrouds.
3. Pull the flasher from the back of the multi-function switch.
Labels:
Online Auto Repair,
Questions and Answers
Thursday, July 10, 2008
I recently replaced the alternator
Question:
I recently replaced the alternator in my 1997 GMC Sierra. However, when I initially start the truck it still cranks on the starter initially. The starter is good, so I believe there may be a problem in the fuel injection system. Until I can get that checked out though I have received two pieces of conflicting advice about how to keep from ruining the starter and I was wondering which is the better of the two. 1) use starter fluid 2) run fuel cleaner every tank of gas
Answer:
I would have a fuel pressure test done and see what you have for pressure, if the pressure is low the truck will be hard to start. You can run fuel injector cleaner about every 3000 miles i would use and injector cleaner called chevron techron. As far as I'm concerned its the best stuff for cleaning the injectors and the upper intake system, I wouldn't keep using starting it can cause damage over time.
I recently replaced the alternator in my 1997 GMC Sierra. However, when I initially start the truck it still cranks on the starter initially. The starter is good, so I believe there may be a problem in the fuel injection system. Until I can get that checked out though I have received two pieces of conflicting advice about how to keep from ruining the starter and I was wondering which is the better of the two. 1) use starter fluid 2) run fuel cleaner every tank of gas
Answer:
I would have a fuel pressure test done and see what you have for pressure, if the pressure is low the truck will be hard to start. You can run fuel injector cleaner about every 3000 miles i would use and injector cleaner called chevron techron. As far as I'm concerned its the best stuff for cleaning the injectors and the upper intake system, I wouldn't keep using starting it can cause damage over time.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
gmc pickup speedometer shows zero

Question:
2004 gmc pickup speedometer shows zero and abs light and servivce brake lights on trani shifts goofy like truck is not getting road speed signal
Answer:
All these problems are related to not getting a signal from the vehicle speed sensor. The proper way to test this is with the use of a scan tool,checking for codes and reading the sensor outputs to the trucks computer. I will send you a picture showing the sensor location,it is #4 in the illustration, you can check to see it the wiring to it is intact. The sensor is held on by one bolt,and easy to replace. It cost approx. 25.00. But replacing it with out the testing is a gamble.
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