So Fix it

The 1996 Chevrolet S10 pickup truck features daytime running lights, antilock brakes, independent front suspension, tinted glass, cloth upholstery and a standard monochromatic paint scheme. Options include four-wheel drive, heavy-duty suspension package, leather wrapped steering wheel and a more powerful 4.3-liter Vortec V-6. Base models come standard with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed transmission. Certain optionally equipped 1996 Chevrolet S10 pickup trucks utilize a four-speed automatic transmission. Knowing the exact type of transmission your vehicle has will enable you to find order parts specific to your vehicle, or find a suitable replacement if repairs cannot be made.

Instructions

1

Open your vehicles passenger side door and open the glove box.

2

Examine the inside of the glove box for a small sticker containing a series of codes. These regular production option, or RPO, codes catalog exactly what options you have installed on your truck. Each code contains three characters; the first two characters of the code will utilize letters, while the remaining character will be a number.

3

Check through each set of codes for "M30", "M50" or "MW2". The "M50" code represents a New Venture Gear five-speed manual transmission, available on 4.3-liter V-6 equipped models; the "MW2" represents a New Venture Gear five-speed manual transmission available for the 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. Vehicles that features the "M30" RPO code have a GM 4L60-E for speed automatic transmission installed, available on both 4.3-liter and 2.2-liter models.

Whether you purchased your 1996 Honda Odyssey the year it came out, or you purchased a used model, there have been problems reported by consumers regarding this car. Always make sure your car is covered by a warranty because repairs will more than likely be needed.

2009 Recall

In May of 2009, Honda recalled all Odysseys that were manufactured in 1996 due to the headlamps failing to conform to the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108. The lamps in the 1996 Odyssey did not contain the required amber side lectors.

Ignition Problems

Over 500,000 1996 Honda Odysseys had problems with faulty ignition switches that caused the vehicle to shut down while traveling at both low and high speeds. Most of these vehicles were manufactured in China, and exported into North America.

SRS Control Module

Several complaints have been filed stating that after a replacement battery has been installed in the 1996 Honda Odyssey, the SRS light would come on. Upon inspection by mechanics, a conclusion came about that the SRS control module needed to be replaced and the cost would be around $700.

The turn signal bulbs on your 1996 Subaru Impreza are 1156 or 194 bulbs available from most auto parts retailers and Subaru dealerships. When a front or rear turn signal bulb fails on your Impreza, replace the bulbs at home to get your car back on the road within minutes without the need to spend time in a service center waiting room.

Instructions

Front Turn Signal

1

Remove the two screws on the lens cover with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the lens assembly forward until the wiring harness is accessible. Squeeze the tab on the wiring connection, and pull it apart.

2

Twist the bulb and socket counterclockwise, then pull it out of the light assembly. Turn the bulb counterclockwise, and remove it from the socket. Insert the new bulb into the socket, and turn it clockwise.

3

Position the light assembly in the front of the car, and secure it with the mounting screws. Tighten the screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Repeat the process on the opposite light if needed.

Rear Turn Signal

4

Open the rear hatch of the Impreza Outback edition. Pull the cover off the rear of the taillight assembly.

5

Turn the socket assembly counterclockwise to remove it from the light. Turn the bulb counterclockwise, and pull it straight out of the socket. Insert the new bulb into the socket, and turn it clockwise.

6

Push the cover back on the taillight assembly. Repeat the process on the opposite light if needed, then close the rear hatch.

If the gas mileage in your 1996 Ford Explorer has noticeably decreased or the engine is running rough, you may have a failing oxygen sensor. The 1996 Explorer uses four oxygen sensors in the emissions system. The sensors are located to the front and rear of the dual converters and mount straight into the exhaust pipes. You can easily change the oxygen sensors on your truck at home with a few common hand tools.

Instructions

1

Raise your Explorer with a jack and position a set of jack stands beneath it for support. Remove the jack once the jack stands are stable.

2

Disconnect the electrical connection from the oxygen sensor. Remove the oxygen sensor using an oxygen sensor socket and ratchet. Discard the old sensor.

3

Install the new sensor and thread it by hand. Torque the sensor to 30 pound-feet with a torque wrench. Press the wiring connection into place until it clicks.

4

Repeat the process on the remaining sensors if needed. Raise the truck slightly with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the truck to the ground and remove the jack.

Making sure that the wheels are aligned correctly on your Nissan Quest is important for many reasons. Correct wheel alignment helps to prevent uneven tire wear. It is also necessary so that the vehicle tracks straight and true down the road, without pulling or wandering from one side to the other. The three angles of wheel alignment -- caster, camber and toe -- have specifications for the correct settings.

Caster

Caster is the forward and backward tilt of the upper control arm or strut in relationship to the lower control arm. If the upper suspension component tilts forward, it has negative camber. If the upper suspension component tilts backwards, then it has positive camber. Camber, like other alignment angles, is measured in degrees. The 1996 Quest caster specifications call for a positive camber range of 1/20 to 1 11/20 degrees, with the ideal being 4/5 of a degree of positive caster.

Camber

Camber is the tilt inward or outward of the wheel in relationship to the center of the vehicle. If the wheel tilts outward at the top, it has positive camber. If the top of the wheel tilts inward towards the center of the vehicle, it has negative camber. The range of camber can be from 9/20 to 1 1/20 degrees positive. The ideal measurement is 3/4 of a degree positive.

Toe

Toe is the relationship between each of the wheels in relationship to the center line of the vehicle. If the front of the wheel tilts inward, the toe is negative. If the front of the wheel tilts outward, the toe is positive. Each wheel has its own toe measurement, in addition to the measurement of total toe, which is the sum of the toe from both sides. Toe is also measured by how many inches closer the wheels are in the front of the tires than the rear. The correct setting for the Nissan Quest is 0.08 to 0.16 inches toe-in.

Adjustments

Caster and camber settings on the Quest are not adjustable. If caster or camber are out of specifications, you will need to replace the components that are causing the problem with the suspension. Toe is adjustable by turning the sleeves on the tie rods in the correct direction.

Rear Alignment

The angles on the rear are the same as on the front, except there is no caster measurement. Caster is primarily a measurement concerning turning and since the rear wheels do not steer, caster is not applicable. The rear wheels should have a camber measurement between minus 1/4 degree to 1/4 degree. Rear toe should be from minus 0.16 degree to 0.16 degree. Rear camber is not adjustable, but the toe is. If the camber is off, replace the components that are responsible for the incorrect angles.

Removal of the ignition coil from the engine in your 1996 Chevy Silverado may be necessary to access parts of the engine behind or below the coil or if the coil is failing and replacement becomes necessary. The ignition coil supplies high-voltage electricity to the spark plugs, by way of the distributor, to produce the spark required to fire the fuel in the engine cylinders. If the coil begins to fail, lower voltage to the spark plugs will result in weak spark and the engine will run poorly if at all.

Instructions

1

Locate the negative battery cable end on the battery terminal and loosen the clamp bolts with a wrench. Remove the cable from the terminal and set it aside, isolating it from the battery terminals.

2

Locate the ignition coil on the top of the engine, near the front on the drivers side. Pull the high-tension cable off the top of the coil and lay it off to one side. Locate the wiring harness connection on the side of the coil.

3

Depress the locking tab on the side of the wiring harness connector and remove the connector from the coil. Locate the two mounting bolts on the mounting bracket and remove them with a socket and ratchet.

4

Lift the coil and bracket off the engine. If you are installing a new coil, you will need to reuse the mounting bracket so do not discard it once you remove it from the engine.

You can retrieve the error codes from your 1996 Ford Explorer right from your home garage, saving money and time. The 96 Explorer comes equipped with an On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD II) computer that monitors all of the vehicles functions. Sensors send error codes to the computer, which it stores for later retrieval. The computer alerts you to these error codes by illuminating a warning or service light on the vehicles dash. To read the codes you must buy or borrow an OBD II scan tool. These tools can be obtained from any auto parts retailer.

Instructions

1

Find the diagnostic port on the drivers side dash near the steering column. The port will be the same shape and size as the OBD II scan tool connector. Plug the OBD II scan tool into this port.

2

Put the key into the ignition and turn the vehicle to the "ON" position, but dont start the engine. This will power on most scan tools. If not, look for the "ON" switch on the scan tool and turn it on.

3

Press "Retrieve Codes" or a similar command on the scan tool. Wait while it interfaces with the Explorers computer. Eventually you will see one or more alphanumeric codes. Write down the codes on a piece of paper. Look up their meaning in the scan tools manual.

4

Unplug the scan tool and have the vehicle serviced or repaired based on the information obtained from the error codes.

The Volvo 900 series is a line of mid-size cars produced from 1990 to 1997. The 1996 model was equipped with a 6-cylinder 2.9-liter engine. This vehicle used electronic fuel injection, which requires a high-pressure fuel pump. The fuel pump in a 1996 Volvo is located on top of the fuel tank and is accessible from the rear passenger compartment.

Instructions

1

Attach adapter 999-5484 to fuel drainage unit 981-2270 with the fuel drainage unit in the closed position. Remove the cap from the fuel pressure valve on the the fuel rail. Connect the adapter to the fuel pressure valve. Open the fuel drainage unit to relieve the pressure in the fuel pressure system.

2

Raise the vehicle with a floor jack and support it on jack stands. Remove the cap for the fuel filter valve and connect vent hose 999 5480 to the fuel filter valve. Drain fuel into a gasoline container for about 2 minutes. Disconnect the vent hose and replace the valve cap. Lower the vehicle and disconnect the fuel drainage unit from the fuel pressure valve. Replace the cap on the fuel pressure valve.

3

Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench to avoid starting the engine. Pull back carpet over the right rear wheel in the rear passenger compartment. Disconnect the electrical connections for the fuel pump.

4

Disconnect the quick-connect fittings on the fuel lines to the fuel pump and detach the fuel lines. Turn the retaining nut for the fuel pump counterclockwise with tool 999-5485 to remove the retaining nut. Disconnect the fuel pump and rubber seal from the fuel tank.

5

Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to a new rubber seal, then install the rubber seal. Install the new fuel pump with the heater connection facing the right side of the vehicle. Tighten the retaining nut onto the fuel pump to 30 ft. lbs. with tool 999-5484 and a torque wrench.

6

Connect the electrical connectors and fuel lines to the fuel pump. Put the carpet in the passenger compartment back into place. Connect the negative battery cable with a socket wrench. Start the engine and check for fuel leaks.

Although Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks are very dependable vehicles, they do require occasional maintenance. One part you might have to replace on your Tacoma is your headlamp. Like any light bulb, they wear out over time. There are no specialized tools needed to change your Tacoma headlight. In fact you can almost do it all by hand. You can purchase replacement headlamp bulbs at any auto parts store, and at many department stores.

Instructions

1

Open your Tacomas hood. With a 1/4-inch drive ratchet and socket, disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery to prevent shocks or short circuits.

2

Locate the rear of the headlamp assembly. The bulb is mounted in a plug which fits into the rear of the headlight assembly.

3

Twist the plug counterclockwise and pull it backward. This will remove the headlight bulb and its socket.

4

Pull the bulb out of its socket. Push the new bulb into the socket. Push the socket into the rear of the headlamp assembly and secure it by turning it to the right, or clockwise.

5

Reattach the black negative battery cable to the battery and tighten the terminal to the battery post.

Like virtually all cars made today, the 1996 Dodge Stratus has gas delivered to the cylinders via fuel injectors. The fuel pump delivers gasoline from the fuel tank to the injectors under very high pressure. As a result, a break or malfunction of the fuel pump will result in poor engine performance and potentially dangerous gas leaks. Fortunately, anyone with intermediate car-maintenance experience can replace the fuel pump on 1996 Dodge Stratus.

Instructions

1

Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery terminal. Remove the gas filler cap and allow the gas tank to release pressure. Wrap a shop towel around the connection of the gas line to the fuel injector rail and disconnect it to relieve remaining gas pressure. Lift the front of the car and support it on jack stands.

2

Remove the gas from the gas tank by unscrewing the drain plug on the driver side and allowing it to drain into a large, clean receptacle.

3

Disconnect the fuel pump from the main fuel line and remove all electrical connections to the fuel tank. On the Stratus, some of these are accessible from within the trunk compartment. Remove the mounting straps holding the gas tank in place and carefully lower it until you have clearance to access the fuel pump.

4

Clean the area around the fuel pump to avoid debris contaminating the tank. Remove the lock ring around the fuel pump with the spanner tool and a socket wrench. Remove the fuel pump module and the O-ring seating it to the tank and thoroughly clean the entire area.

5

Insert the new fuel pump with a new O-ring and carefully align it with the housing notches on the fuel tank. Install the lock ring and tighten it with the spanner to 45 foot-pounds of torque.

6

Lift the gas tank back into position and loosely reattach the mounting straps. Reconnect all fuel fittings and electrical connections, then make sure that the drain plug is tightly reinstalled.

7

Lower the vehicle and fill the gas tank with clean fuel. When starting the car, turn the key to the "On" position for a few seconds to ensure that the fuel line is fully pressurized.

Toyota introduced the Corolla in 1966 as a compact, moderately priced vehicle. You may need to remove the rear seat on your 96 Toyota Corolla in order to access the rear struts, or perhaps you need to replace the carpet or upholstery. Whatever the reason, you can complete this job in about a half hours time using a couple of tools that can be purchased from an auto parts or hardware store.

Instructions

1

Pull the front seats all the way forward, and open the rear doors.

2

Put a screwdriver under the rear seat cushion and pull up on it to undo the fasteners that release the seat cushion.

3

Push the seat belts through the cushions and remove the cushions from the vehicle.

4

Locate three bolts near the rear seat back and remove them with a socket wrench.

5

Pull up on the seat back and remove it from the vehicle.