So Fix it

The Acura TL is a luxury sports car in production since 1996. The 2002 model is a second generation Acura, which includes the 1999 through 2003 models. The standard engine for all second generation Acuras in North America is a six-cylinder, 3.2-liter engine with a double overhead camshaft. The timing belt synchronizes the crankshaft with the camshafts, so the cylinder valves open and close at the right time.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the cable for the negative battery terminal and the ignition coil cover with a socket wrench.

2

Place a cushion such as a wooden board on top of a floor jack. Place the floor jack under the oil pan, and raise the vehicle. Remove the front wheel assemblies with a lug wrench. Disconnect the splash shield under the vehicle and remove the accessory drive belts from their respective pulleys.

3

Lower the vehicle with the floor jack and raise it slightly to take the weight of the engine off the engine mounts. Disconnect the mounting bolts for the side mount on the front of the engine, and remove the side mount. Remove the bolt for the dipstick tube with a socket wrench, and detach the tube from the engine.

4

Rotate the crankshaft clockwise to align the white timing mark on the crankshaft pulley with the pointer on the lower rear timing belt cover. The timing marks on the camshaft pulleys must also align with their respective timing marks on the upper rear timing belt cover.

5

Hold the crankshaft pulley in place with Holder Attachment Tool 07MAB-PY3010A. Remove the crankshaft pulley bolt with a socket wrench and a 19mm socket. Pull the crankshaft pulley from its shaft with Holder Attachment Tool 07MAB-PY3010A.

6

Disconnect a bolt for a battery clamp with a socket wrench. Grind a 45-degree bevel on the threaded end of the bolt. Screw the bolt into the hole in the right cylinder head by hand to hold the adjuster for the timing belt in place. Disconnect the engine mount bracket. Turn the mounting bolt for the idler pulley five turns counterclockwise with a socket wrench, and detach the timing belt.

7

Disconnect the spark plugs. Turn the crankshaft sprocket clockwise to align the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket with the timing mark on the oil pump. The timing mark on the camshaft pulleys must also align with their respective timing marks on the rear timing belt covers.

8

Disconnect the battery clamp bolt with a socket wrench and replace it into its original hole. Remove the timing belt tensioner and place it into a soft-jawed vise with the maintenance bolt pointed up. Remove the maintenance bolt with a socket wrench. Place Stopper Tool 14540-P8A-A01 onto the tensioner to maintain the tension setting. Turn the screw inside the maintenance hole clockwise with a flat-blade screwdriver to compress the bottom of the tensioner.

9

Replace the gasket for the maintenance bolt on the timing belt tensioner and tighten the bolt to 6 ft. lbs. with a torque wrench. Install the tensioner and tighten its mounting bolts to 33 ft. lbs.

10

Mount the new timing belt to the crankshaft sprocket, idler pulley, left camshaft sprocket, water pump pulley, right camshaft sprocket and adjusting pulley in that order. Remove Stopper Tool 14540-P8A-A01 from the timing belt tensioner.

11

Install the bolts for the engine side mount with a torque wrench. Tighten the No. 10 bolts to 33 ft. lbs., and tighten the No. 6 bolts to 104 in. lbs. Connect the timing belt covers with a socket wrench. Install the crankshaft pulley with Holder Attachment tool 07MAB-PY3010A. Tighten the crankshaft pulley bolt with a torque wrench and a 19mm socket to 181 ft. lbs.

12

Turn the crankshaft five complete turns clockwise to position the timing belt, and align the timing marks. Connect the dipstick tube, accessory drive belts, splash shield and front wheel assemblies. Lower the vehicle and replace the ignition coil cover. Attach the cable to the negative battery terminal.

Sometimes being a trend-setter can be a curse. When they debuted, LH-chassis cars like the Intrepid and Chrysler 300M were visually cutting-edge automobiles that looked more like road-going Le Mans prototypes than commuter sedans. Time and trends may march on, but these cars remain just as good at everything they were good at when new.

Part Costs

Head gaskets themselves arent particularly expensive -- perhaps $100 for the pair at 2013 prices. Getting to them though, means tearing half the engine apart, and thats where youre spending your money in parts and labor. A full upper-end gasket set that includes the head gaskets, intake gaskets and everything else youll need to replace them will run you about $250; add another $75 at least for oil, fluids and sealants. So, call it $325 to $350 in parts.

Labor and Total Costs

Shops determine labor costs according to "book time," which is how much time a job should take for the average mechanic. Multiply that by the shops hourly rate, and youve got the labor cost for the procedure. The book time for replacing one head gasket is 7.4 to 7.9 hours, and you can expect to pay 9.4 of book time for both. Most shops currently charge $65 to $100 an hour, so labor will run you about $480 to $740 for one head gasket, and $610 to $940 for both. So, adding together parts and labor, expect to spend between $935 and $1,300 to have both head gaskets replaced.

The 2002 Kia Spectras heating control panel is located directly beneath the cars radio. This control panel also has the switch for the Spectras fan controls and air conditioner. If the heating control panel is malfunctioning, you may want to consider replacing it. The first step toward doing so is removing the faulty control panel from the car. The control panel is attached to the Spectras front dash cover.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the Spectras negative battery cable with pliers or a wrench. Inspect the dash to find the two Phillips screws on the underside of the odometer hood.

2

Remove the two Phillips screws. Grasp the dash cover and pull the top edge of it downward to unhook it. The heating control panel will come out with it. Examine the back of the dash cover to view the back of the heating control panel.

3

Unplug the wiring harness from the heating control panel. Around the heating control panels perimeter, youll find four Phillips screws.

4

Remove the four Phillips screws. Pull the heating control panel out of its mount to remove it.

The 2002 Audi Quattro wagon is an Avant or estate version of the A4, which is a high end Passat. Within the Volkswagen Auto Group (VAG) Audi is the mass luxury brand -- Lamborgini and Bugatti are the top tiers of luxury. THe Quattro system is Audis famed all-wheel drive system that enabled Audi to rise to the top of the luxury market after BMWs rear-wheel drive system became less popular. The trunk panel can need removal if it has become damaged or if you want to access the wiring underneath.

Instructions

1

Park your 2002 Audi Quattro wagon somewhere with room around the rear of the car. Make sure the emergency brake is on before you turn the engine off and pull the trunk release latch. Get out of the car and empty out the rear of the car so you have room to work in.

2

Unscrew the eight Philips head screws that secure the bottom of the trunk panel to the rear hatch. Make sure to keep the screws as replacement Audi parts are a lot more expensive then most other car manufacturers, even though they are just regular Volkswagen parts in most cases. Unscrew the four Philips head screws on the top part of the panel. The panel wont come out now, it is still held in place by pressure.

3

Pry the panel off the rear hatch with a flathead screwdriver. Push the flathead into the seam and work it along the seam line. Once the panel is standing out all along the edge, then pull the panel off by hand. Place the panel somewhere safe as it can be broken if stepped on. If you are replacing the panel then just follow the removal procedure in reverse.

Losing your car keys is an annoyance no one wants to deal with. However, losing your keys isnt as annoying as knowing exactly where your keys are: locked in your 2002 Chevy Tahoe with no means of obtaining them. When you lock your keys in a late-model car, its not a good idea to attempt to retrieve them the same way your parents did when you were a child. Sticking a wire hanger into the door frame of your newer-model car could damage your lock mechanism, which means adding the expense of having your vehicle worked on to your already annoying day.

Instructions

1

Call your local police or sheriffs department or a professional locksmith or towing company. All are equipped with the necessary tools to open your Tahoes doors without damaging your locks.

2

Inform the representative on the phone of your vehicles location and ask to have someone sent out right away to retrieve your car keys for you.

3

Provide the tow truck driver/locksmith/law enforcement officer with proof of your identity and ownership of the vehicle. You can do this by presenting your drivers license along with your title, registration or insurance card. If you generally keep your vehicle information in your glove compartment, explain your situation, and you will be permitted to retrieve your information once your doors are unlocked.

4

Pay for any services rendered. Police and sheriffs officers dont charge for helping you break into your own car.

Spark plugs ignite the fuel in your engine to create even-burning combustion. Without properly functioning spark plugs, your car cannot burn gasoline efficiently. The only way to repair spark plugs is to replace them. Removing and replacing the spark plugs in your 2002 Ford Taurus is a very straightforward operation. With the right instructions and few tools, you can replace your own spark plugs to save a few bucks and a trip to the dealership.

Instructions

1

Park your car on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Allow your engine to thoroughly cool before you begin to remove and replace the spark plugs.

2

Pop open your 2002 Ford Taurus hood and located the spark plugs. If you cant find the spark plugs, consult your owners manual (if you have lost your manual, see the link in the Resources section).

3

Gently remove the spark plug wire by pulling on the boot and not the wire itself to avoid any damage.

4

Attach a spark plug socket to a socket wrench (attach a swivel or extension if you need any added length to reach the spark plug) and remove the spark plug by turning it counterclockwise. Thoroughly clean the spark plug hole with rubbing alcohol and a clean rag.

5

Apply a thin coat of anti-grease onto the new spark plug. Start the spark plug in the spark plug hole using just your hand. Tighten the spark plug with the spark plug socket until its tight, but be sure not too over tighten. Reconnect the spark plug wire. Remove and replace all the spark plugs one by one until you have finished replacing all damaged spark plugs.

To reset the "Service Engine Soon" light that appears on the control panel of your 2002 Chevrolet Suburban, you need to buy a scan tool from your local auto-parts store. The light should only be reset after you have serviced your engine, unless it goes on for some other reason such as from a loose gas cap. The scan tool is very affordable, quick and easy to use. It interacts with the vehicles computer to read the error codes helping you to diagnose other problems and reset and turn off the light after you have read the codes and fixed the problem.

Instructions

1

Look for the diagnostic connector port under the drivers-side dashboard between the center console and the steering wheel.

2

Affix the scan tools connector to the diagnostic connector on the vehicle.

3

Turn the ignition key to start the car. Select "Read" on the tool and wait for the codes and their corresponding diagnoses to appear on the screen of the scan tool. Write down the codes and their diagnoses on a piece of paper.

4

Erase the codes by pressing the button that says "Erase" (different scan tools will employ different words). This will clear the codes and turn off the "Service Engine Soon" light. Turn off the car and remove the scan tool.

The sway bar on a 2002 Ford Ranger is designed to link the two sides of the front suspension together. The linking of the two sides keeps the body of the truck level and prevents excessive leaning to one side in hard turns. There are several components that make up the sway bar assembly including links, bushings and brackets.

Sway Bar

The sway bar itself is the main component of the assembly. It is a long, metal bar that spans the width of the front-end. The bar is cylindrical in shape and has a few bends in it to clear the trucks frame. This bar is rigid and does not bend unless it is impacted by another object. When impacted hard enough, the bar can actually break in half.

Sway Bar Links

The sway bar links attach the sway bar to the lower control arm of the suspension, on both sides. The links are about 6 inches in length and are attached to the sway bar and the control arm by way of a nut and bolt. These links also keep the sway bar elevated and level so that it can function properly.

Sway Bar Link Bushings

Sway bar link bushings are round, rubber bushings with metal inserts. There are a total of four bushings on either side of the sway bar. Two bushings insulate and hold the sway bar, while the other two surround the control arm. These bushings provide the small amount of flex that the sway bar requires to prevent breakage. These are the most common items to fail on a sway bar; when they fail, the driver hears a jingling sound, which is the sway bar link bouncing up and down.

Sway Bar Brackets

There are two brackets that hold the sway bar into place on a 2002 Ranger. These brackets are arranged in a half-circle shape and go over the sway bar bushings, holding the sway bar to the frame of the truck. These brackets are held to the frame by two bolts and can sometimes rust to the point of breaking. When this occurs there is a loud rubbing sound when taking a turn, which is caused by the sway bar rubbing against the frame.

Sway Bar Bushings

Sway bar bushings are circular, rubber inserts that go around the sway bar and into the bracket. These bushings do not have any mechanical function except to keep the sway bar from contacting the frame. When these bushings go bad, the driver will sometimes hear a thumping sound when hitting bumps; this is the sway bar hitting the bracket or the frame.

The 2002 Ford Taurus came with standard incandescent headlight bulbs. Newer, HID bulbs, however, provide a stronger and more precise beam of light, as well as last longer. HID kits are available at most auto parts stores to help drivers replace the Taurus standard bulbs with the newer HIDs.



and make the job a snap.

Instructions

1

Park the Taurus on a level surface. Apply the parking brake and wait about 20 minutes or until the engine area is cool before beginning work.

2

Locate the wiring harness behind the headlight. Unplug it by squeezing the base of the plug and pulling it free.

3

Slide the assembly out a couple inches in order to reach in and unscrew the old light bulb. Do this by pushing the light in slightly and turning it to the left.

4

Insert the HID light bulb and turn it to the right to lock it in place. Then reposition the headlight assembly back to its original position.

5

Attach the ballast that comes with the HID kit to the rear of the assemble. Use the double-sided tape that comes with the kit for this task.

6

Connect the wiring harness to the ballast. Then use the separate connecting wire that comes with the kit and connect the ballast to the headlight assembly. Repeat steps for the other headlight.

Replacing the serpentine belt tensioner on the engine of your 2002 Chevy Silverado may be necessary if the spring is worn or the tensioner is sticking. The tensioners job is to keep the slack out of your serpentine belt as it stretches and wears. If it is not working correctly, the belt may become loose and come off the pulleys, or damage may occur to the belt, pulleys and accessories. Replacement belt tensioners are available from the dealer or most parts stores.

Instructions

1

Raise the hood of your Silverado and locate the negative battery cable on the battery. Remove the retaining bolt and cable end from the battery terminal using a wrench. Lay the cable aside.

2

Locate the tensioner on the front of the engine. Insert the square drive from a 1/2-inch-drive breaker bar into the square hole in the tensioner arm. Rotate the tensioner counterclockwise and slip the belt off the tensioner pulley. Remove the breaker bar.

3

Place a socket and ratchet on the bolt in the center of the tensioner. Rotate the bolt counterclockwise and remove it from the tensioner. Pull the tensioner off the front of the engine and discard it.

4

Position the new tensioner on the engine and install the center bolt. Tighten the bolt to 37 ft.-lbs. with a torque wrench and socket. Place your 1/2-inch-drive breaker bar in the square hole on the new tensioner arm and rotate the tensioner counterclockwise. Slide the serpentine belt onto the new tensioner.

5

Tighten the belt by rotating the tensioner clockwise. Remove the breaker bar from the tensioner. Reattach the negative cable to the battery terminal and tighten the retaining bolt with a wrench.

Replacing the belt on the 2002 Ford Focus will eliminate the chance of the belt failing when you are least expecting it, leaving you stranded. The serpentine belt on the Focus turns all of the accessories on the front of the 2-liter engine, and a failure can allow the car to overheat, warping the heads or damaging the engine block. Inspect the belt regularly for signs of wear and replace it as soon as damage is discovered.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of your Focus and locate the negative battery cable at the battery. Loosen the clamp bolt on the battery cable end with a wrench, then lift the battery cable off the battery terminal. Isolate the battery cable from the battery terminals by tucking it off to one side.

2

Position a jack under the front of the car and raise it off the ground. Support the car with a set of jack stands, placing them under the front suspension. Lower the jack until the car is resting on the jack stands.

3

Locate the splash shield in the passengers side wheel well and remove the two retaining bolts that secure it, using a socket and ratchet. Remove the splash shield from the wheel well and locate the serpentine belt tensioner through the access hole.

4

Insert the square drive of a -inch drive breaker bar into the square hole on the tensioner and rotate the tensioner counterclockwise, releasing the tension on the belt. Remove the belt from the pulleys and rotate the tensioner back to the home position.

5

Position a new belt in the engine compartment and run it around all of the pulleys except the tensioners idler pulley. Rotate the tensioner counterclockwise with the breaker bar and then slide the belt under the idler pulley.

6

Slowly rotate the tensioner back to the home position, tightening the belt as you rotate it. Remove the breaker bar, then replace the splashguard in the wheel well. Install the two retaining bolts and tighten them with a socket and ratchet.

7

Raise the front of the car off the jack stands with a jack, remove the stands from under the car, and lower the car to the ground. Install the negative battery cable on the negative battery terminal and tighten the clamp bolt on the cable end with a wrench.

Pontiac offered the 2002 Grand Prix in the SE, GT and GTP models, in both sedan and coupe forms. The engines in the Grand Prix were the 3.1-liter V-6, the 3.8-liter V-6, and the 3.8-liter, supercharged V-6. Removing the spark plug wires on any of these engine combinations is an identical process, though the smaller 3.1-liter affords more room for working under the hood. The tools for completing this project are all available at an auto-parts store and some general retailers.

Instructions

1

Stand facing the front of the engine and remove the far-left, center, and far-right spark plug wires, using a pair of pliers as close to the engine as possible. Pull on each spark plug wire with the pliers until they pop off the spark plug.

2

Stand on the passenger side of the vehicle, facing the engine. Remove the rear spark plug that is closest to you, using a pair of pliers as close to the engine as possible. Go to the drivers side of the vehicle and remove the rear spark plug wire that is closest to you, using pliers as close to the engine as possible.

3

Lift the front end of the Grand Prix using a 2-ton jack or one with greater capacity. Place two jack stands beneath both the left and right lower control arms. You can pull the car onto two vehicle ramps instead of using the jack and jack stands.

4

Lie beneath the front end of the car and slide back until you can see the rear of the engine when you are facing upward. Remove the center-rear spark plug wire by using a pair of pliers, as close to the engine as possible.