So Fix it

Resetting the Service Engine Light (SEL) on a 2003 Buick should only be performed after the diagnostic trouble code or codes (DTCs) have been properly diagnosed and repaired if necessary. Some codes can be as simple as a small vacuum leak from a loose gas cap, but others can indicate more serious problems. Resetting the light without determining the source of the code(s) can create future problems with other components on the Buick and lead to more expensive repairs.

Instructions

1

Open the drivers side door on the 2003 Buick and locate the diagnostic link connector (DLC) underneath the dashboard. On a LeSabre and Park Avenue, the DLC is located under the dash to the left of the steering column. On the Century and Rendezvous models, the DLC is under the dash directly beneath the steering column. On the Buick Regal, the DLC is located under the dash to the right of the steering column.

2

Plug the OBD II scanner/eraser into the DLC. Because of the DLCs shape and the shape of the plug, there is only one correct way to plug it in.

3

Place the key of the Buick into the ignition and turn the key to the accessory power position. This position illuminates the lights on the instrument cluster and powers all the accessory components without the engine running. It will also provide power to the scanner from the Buicks battery.

4

Press the erase button on the faceplate of the scanner. If the scanner is not equipped with an erase button, follow the onscreen menu and use the scroll or enter button(s) to the erase codes or DTCs option and press the enter button.

5

Allow the onscreen menu of the scanner to default back to its main menu or display a "command sent" message.

6

Start the engine to the Buick and check the instrument cluster to ensure the SEL is no longer displayed. If it still is on or comes back quickly, the code(s) should be diagnosed properly and repairs made if necessary.

Manufactured by Nissan, the Infiniti FX45 is a mid-sized luxury crossover vehicle that was introduced in 2003. As with most vehicles, the FX45 requires a periodic wheel alignment that will help keep the vehicle steering true and help the owner avoid uneven tire wear. Professional technicians follow Nissans factory specifications to perform an alignment on the FX45.

Camber

The front wheel camber angle on a Infiniti FX45 should have a nominal value of -0.44 degrees with the maximum acceptable value of -0.12 degrees and lowest acceptable value of -1.29 degrees. The rear wheel alignment specifications are within -1.15 to -0.15 degrees, with an ideal angle being -0.45 degrees.

Caster

The caster angle should be the same both on the right and left sides on the 2003 Infinitis FX45 wheels. The nominal value is -0.44 degrees, with limits set from -1.29 to -0.12 degrees for the front wheels.

Toe

Total toe angles on the FX45 model must be +0.8 degrees with measuring range of 0.8 degrees. Toe-in specification should be set at 1.6 mm with maximum allowable difference of 1 mm.

You can remove the grille from the front of your 2003 Ford F150 at home using a few simple tools that can be purchased from any hardware store. You may have to remove a grille because of accident damage or you may wish to replace it with an after-market grille. In either case, its an easy job requiring only a few minutes of your time. Besides being visually pleasing, the grilles purpose is to protect the radiator.

Instructions

1

Pop up the hood and find the bolts that attach the upper radiator fan cover to the upper part of the grille. Use a socket and ratchet to remove these bolts.

2

Remove the cover from the upper grille using your hands.

3

Find the two plastic tabs attaching the drivers side of the grille to the fender in front. Push the tabs in toward the fender and pull on the grille from the front of the vehicle to dislocate it from the fender. Do the same thing on the passenger side of the grille.

Never procrastinate when it comes to replacing burned out or defective tail lights. Your nighttime safety and the safety of your passengers depends upon other vehicles being able to see your lights from behind the car. This replacement procedure applies to the 1998 through 2003 Dodge Durango, as well as to the 1996 through 2000 Dodge Caravan, Grand Caravan, Plymouth Voyager, Grand Voyager, and Chrysler Town & Country (all these vehicles have the same tail light unit).

Instructions

1

Raise the cargo hatch of your vehicle. Locate two screws on the inside of the hatch, immediately beside the tail light unit. Unscrew these screws with a Phillips screwdriver. (Alternately, some models have two plastic pins which need to be pried out with a flathead screwdriver.)

2

Pull the tail light unit out toward the back of the car with your hands. Press the small tab that locks the two halves of the electrical connector together, and pull the connector apart. The tail light will now be separated from the car.

3

Remove the bulb cover from any burned out bulbs by screwing the cover counterclockwise with your fingers. Pull the burned out bulb straight out of the socket. Gently press a new bulb into place. Replace the bulb cover by screwing it clockwise into position.

4

Press the two halves of the electrical connector together until they lock. Press the entire tail light unit back into place in the back of the car. Fasten by screwing the two screws into place with a Phillips screwdriver (or alternately, by pressing the plastic pins into place with your fingers). Close the cargo hatch.

Subaru is a Japanese company that started manufacturing the Foresters back in 1997. The on-board diagnostics computer will illuminate the "Check Engine" light on the instrument cluster when it detects a malfunction from one of the sensors in the emissions system or in the engine. You need a scan tool to read the trouble code generated by the computer. This tool can be obtained from any auto parts store. Once the code has been read and the problem fixed, you may still need to reset the light and shut off the "Check Engine" light. This can be done without the use of any special tools and it should only take you about 10 minutes to complete the task.

Instructions

1

Find the fuse panel cover on the drivers side dashboard and pull it open with your fingers.

2

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to "Run."

3

Locate and remove the fuse pullers within the fuse panel. Look on the inside of the fuse panel cover and locate the ECU fuse. Pull this fuse out of the fuse box using the fuse pullers.

4

Wait about five minutes and the put the ECU fuse back in place.

5

Turn the vehicle on and verify that the "Check Engine" light has shut off.

General Motor Companys 2003 Envoy has been the subject of multiple recalls. Manufacturing defects have affected the front brakes, windshield wipers and theft protection of some 2003 GMC Envoy vehicles. Registered vehicle owners affected by these recalls should have been notified by mail and provided with instructions on where to bring the SUV for a free repair.

Brake Pipe

General Motors recalled 44,653 model year 2003 SUVs, including the Envoy, for a manufacturing defect that caused the brake pipe to fracture in some vehicles and reduce front brake performance, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Windshield Wipers

The 2002 and 2003 Envoy and Envoy XLS were among 581,394 model year vehicles that General Motors recalled to repair windshield wipers that malfunctioned or ceased to work altogether due to a short circuit.

Theft Protection

General Motors recalled 511,167 SUVs, including the 2003 Envoy, for failure to comply with federal motor vehicle standards. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these Envoys were equipped with a mechanical override that may have allowed the ignition key to be taken out of the shift lever when the vehicle was not parked. Additionally, the override may have allowed the transmission to be shifted out of park with the ignition in the "Off" position.

Ford equipped the 2003 F-150 trucks that have the optional standard transmission package with a hydraulic clutch system. The clutch system consists of a master cylinder, slave cylinder and a hydraulic clutch line. Depressing the clutch pedal actuates the clutch master cylinder, which pressurizes the hydraulic line and slave cylinder, similar to how a hydraulic brake system works. Air bubbles suspended in the hydraulic fluid will lead to a spongy feel at the clutch pedal and could cause clutch drag and gear grind as the transmission is put into gear. Bleed air from the clutch with the engine cold.

Instructions

1

Place the vehicle in neutral and set the parking brake.

2

Open the hood and locate the clutch master cylinder on the right side of the engine compartment against the firewall. Wipe dirt or debris from the clutch master cylinder reservoir cap, using a clean shop rag

3

Remove the reservoir cap and diaphragm. Fill the clutch master cylinder reservoir up to the Full mark with brake fluid.

4

Depress and release the clutch pedal through the full range of travel several times.

5

Locate the bleeder screw on the drivers side of the transmission, just above where the clutch hydraulic line enters the transmission. Remove the rubber bleeder screw cover.

6

Attach a 1/4-inch inside diameter clear vinyl hose to the bleeder screw. Pour a small amount of new brake fluid into a clear container. Submerge the free end of the hose in the brake fluid to prevent drawing air back into the system.

7

Have a helper fully depress and release the clutch pedal five times, then hold the clutch pedal down.

8

Loosen the bleeder screw, using a wrench, and observe the fluid escaping through the hose. Tighten the bleeder screw once fluid flow has stopped.

9

Repeat steps 7 and 8 as necessary until no air is visible in the escaping fluid stream. Occasionally check and top off the fluid level in the reservoir to prevent introducing air into the system. Do not allow the reservoir to run dry.

10

Tighten the bleeder screw securely, using a wrench. Remove the clear vinyl hose. Install the rubber bleeder screw cover.

11

Have your helper slowly pump the clutch pedal through the full range of travel several times and check the bleeder screw for leaks.

12

Depress the clutch pedal halfway and release it twice, then depress and release the clutch pedal through the full range of travel three times.

13

Check and top off the fluid level in the reservoir with brake fluid. Install the reservoir diaphragm and cap.

14

Start the vehicle and check for proper operation of the clutch before operating the F-150 in traffic.

The Mountaineer is a mid-sized sport utility vehicle in the Mercury line manufactured by Ford Motor Co. One benefit of the Mountaineer is its size because it can hold up to seven passengers. But, the Mountaineer can have problems starting. If you are having difficulty starting the vehicle, there are diagnostic tests that you can perform at home or on the roadside to solve or gain insight into the problem. These steps also might save time and money.

Instructions

1

Place the key in the ignition and start it. If the key does not turn, try adjusting the steering column. The column could be locked and prevent the key from turning. Once the steering column is unlocked, turn the key again.

2

Also check the fuel gauge. If the fuel level is low, add a gallon of gas and attempt to start the vehicle.

3

Open the hood and check the levels of the oil, coolant and transmission fluid. Low fluid levels not only cause problems but also can prevent the Mountaineer from starting.

4

Test the battery. Turn the key in the ignition to the third position, which turns on the electrical circuits. Turn on the headlights and interior lights. If the lights and displays do not illuminate, the battery either is drained or dead. The battery might need a jump-start or replacement.

5

Listen for noises that might indicate other problems. No noise after turning the key might indicate a faulty ignition switch. A clicking noise indicates a problem with the starter. If the vehicle briefly starts then shuts down, this might be a problem with the fuel pump.

6

Call a professional if none of these steps solve or diagnose the problem and have the vehicle towed to an auto repair garage or Mercury dealership.

Chevy used a composite, one-piece headlamp housing system on the 2003 S-10 models. The headlamp housing contains the high-beam, low-beam and turn signal bulbs in individual compartments within the housing assembly. The high-beam bulb is a single-filament, halogen bulb with no reflector coating on the tip that snaps into the innermost compartment in the headlamp assembly. Bulb changes can be made quickly, without the use of tools.

Instructions

Removal

1

Park the truck, turn off the ignition and the headlights, and raise the hood.

2

Locate the two black headlamp housing retaining clips inside the engine compartment just above and behind the headlamp housing. Push down and in on the headlamp housing lens slightly to relieve the pressure on the retaining clips. Pull the retaining clips up to remove them from the housing. Lift the housing up and out to remove it from the grille area.

3

Lift up slightly on the electrical connector clip and pull the connector off the back of the innermost bulb. Use caution to avoid breaking the electrical connector clip. Grasp the high-beam bulb assembly and rotate it counterclockwise until it disengages from the headlamp housing.

Installation

4

Insert the bulb into the headlamp housing and rotate it clockwise until it snaps into place. Plug the electrical connector onto the high-beam bulb.

5

Hold the headlamps and turn signal wires in front of the two alignment tangs on the bottom of the headlamp housing. Guide the tangs into the holes in the front of the body and push the headlamp housing down and into the recess in the grille.

6

Insert the two retainer clips into their slots inside the engine compartment and push them fully into position.

The 2003 Pontiac Grand prix uses a mechanical thermostat designed to increase the flow of radiator coolant through the engine when the temperature of the coolant surpasses 180 degrees. The thermostat prevents the engine from overheating. If the thermostat stops working, the design allows it to fail in a save position that allows fluid to flow unrestricted through the engine. This prevents overheating, but it also prevents the engine from producing enough heat to warm up the inside of the vehicle. When the thermostat breaks, replacement is the only option to correct the issue.

Instructions

1

Drain approximately 2 gallons of coolant into a clean drainage pan from the petcock located on the bottom of the radiator. You will reuse the coolant.

2

Follow the upper radiator hose from the radiator on the Grand Prix to the intake manifold, where the hose connects to the water outlet housing. The thermostat rests inside the water outlet housing.

3

Clean any debris away from the outlet housing with a towel or compressed air. It is common for leaves and other road dirt to build up around this area. A clean surface prevents any contaminants from getting into the cooling system.

4

Remove the two bolts that secure the water outlet housing to the intake manifold on the Grand Prix with a socket and ratchet. Lift the housing off the intake manifold to expose the thermostat.

5

Lift the old thermostat out of the intake manifold and shove a shop towel into the newly exposed hole.

6

Scrape the old gasket off the surface of the intake manifold with a metal scraper or small wire brush. Do the same with the bottom of the water outlet housing.

7

Remove the shop towel from the hole in the intake manifold and place the new thermostat into the hole. The end with the spring goes into the hole while the end with the pin sticks out.

8

Place a new gasket over the thermostat and place the water outlet housing on top of the gasket. Secure everything with the two bolts.

9

Open the lid on the radiator expansion tank and drain the 2 gallons of fluid back into the radiator.

A 2003 Ford F150 is equipped with a seat-belt warning sound that reminds you to fasten your seat belt. This chiming turns on when you start the car, and the quickest way to stop it is to fasten your seat belt. You can disable this sound if you want. Just keep in mind that in many states its illegal to drive without your seat belt fastened.

Instructions

1

Get inside the drivers side of the truck and make sure all doors are closed. Set the parking brake. Make sure the headlights are off, and your seat belt is unbuckled.

2

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "off" position. Next, turn the key to the "on" position and wait about two minutes or until the seat-belt warning sound shuts off.

3

Fasten and unfasten the seat belt three times, making sure that you end with the seat belt unfastened.

4

Turn on the headlights for three seconds then shut them off.

5

Repeat the step of fastening and unfastening your seat belt three times. Wait for the seat-belt warning light to illuminate and then disappear. When it turns off, fasten and then unfasten the seat belt one more time to disable the seat-belt warning sound.