So Fix it

Car problems can be frustrating, especially when youre trying to get somewhere important. Before calling a professional mechanic to take a look at your Honda that wont start, try a few tips to solve the problem.

Reasons

There are several reasons why your Honda engine might turn over, but not turn on. It might be a problem with the fueling system or the ignition system. Either not enough gas is getting to the engine or the engine is not combusting fuel.

Location

First, confirm that you have sufficient gasoline in the tank. If you do, then go to the fuel tank at the back of the vehicle. Crawl underneath the vehicle and check the fuel tank for holes. Follow the fuel line from the fuel tank to the engine. Look for corrosion along the fuel line which might indicate a fuel leak. Check components that are often in need of maintenance, such as the fuel filter, fuel pump, spark plug and starter.

Troubleshooting

Put at least two gallons of gas in your fuel tank and immediately try to start your vehicle. This should cover the possibility of an empty fuel tank. Your fuel filter, fuel pump and spark plugs are easily replaceable; replace these components. If you have some automotive knowledge, you might be able to check and replace the camshaft mounted near the top of the engine as well. Also, check your catalytic converter, located underneath the vehicle, to make sure it is not warped or damaged. Consult a professional mechanic if the problem continues.

Oil leaking from an automobile may have numerous sources, and many car owners overlook the shocks as a possible culprit. Shocks use oil to dampen the movements of the vehicle, and this function can sometimes lead to a leak.

Location of Shock Leak

Most automobile suspensions use struts on the front wheels of the vehicle and shocks on the rear. Shocks will leak oil just inside the rear wheels of the vehicle. Struts also use oil and may also leak. Oil leaking from a shock may run down the shock or drip onto other suspension components or the vehicles frame.

Inspecting Shocks for Leaks

To locate the leak, wipe away any dirt or grime from the shock. After cleaning, drive the vehicle and recheck the shock for fresh oil. A leaking shock will also work less effectively. You can check its functionality by shoving down and then releasing the corner of the vehicle with the suspect shock. If the shock is working properly, the car will settle back to the original position without bouncing.

Dealing with Leaks

A leaking shock has either a corroded body or a failed seal. In either case the shock will require replacement. Shocks should be replaced in pairs, even if only one side has failed. The result of replacing both shocks at once will be an even amount of suspension support on each side of the vehicle.

Finding authentic parts or accessories for an older vehicle that you are rebuilding or repairing can be frustrating. Most repair shops keep only newer car parts and accessories in stock. In some cases, even figuring out the specific brand and model of accessories like car stereos that belong in an older truck can be a challenge. Specific types of resources can help take the guesswork out of the process and help ease a bit of the frustration. Finding original factory parts or accessories--such as a 1989 Toyota Land Cruiser car stereo--requires research from several resources.

Instructions

1

Ask your local Toyota dealer. Toyota dealerships have access to erence materials--such as parts directories and technical specification information--that will help you track down a factory car stereo for your 1989 Toyota Land Cruiser. Your local Toyota dealer may also be aware of resources available to order the stereo, or at least direct you to sellers, resellers or car clubs where you can find it.

2

Check online auction sites. Sites such as eBay Motors, which specializes in cars, parts and electronics, have specific sections for electronics like Toyota Land Cruiser stereos. Although such auction sites offer a comprehensive selection of parts and electronic accessories since they draw from sellers around the world, note that availability of a 1989 Land Cruiser factory stereo will depend on someone else selling it. Because these sites also depend on users to categorize the parts they sell, you may need to search multiple categories for the stereo you need--such as "Parts & Accessories" and "Electronics."

3

Use specialty parts sites. Sites that specialize in particular kinds of parts or accessories are a good source in your search for a 1989 Toyota Land Cruiser factory stereo. Websites like HiFi Sound Connection and Installer.com offer you tools that search their parts and accessories directories by year, make or model of car, or by brand of stereo. Specialty parts and accessories sites also categorize parts by manufacturer and let you scroll through the different models and manufacturing years as needed.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having to replace a car door, cost becomes a major factor. Hopefully, your insurance (or the other guys) will cover the replacement cost, not counting the deductible. The average cost of replacing a door will vary greatly depending on the model of car. Replacing a Ferrari door will certainly cost a lot more than that of a Hyundai. The other major factors in replacement cost are whom you choose to work on your car and how you acquire the replacement door.

Find It Yourself

Scouring junkyards is by far the cheapest way to go, but if this proves difficult, get in touch with a local car club. These can be found with a simple Internet search and are a great source for information regarding your specific model. Be sure to select a replacement door compatible with your vehicle. Find a door identical to yours in build and color to make for easy installation. Finding a matching door at a good price can be tedious and take time. A used car door can range from $100 for commonly-found, inexpensive older models to upwards of $500 for luxury and specialty vehicles. Remember that many models doors will be nearly impossible to find on junkyards or second-hand.

Purchase From A Body Shop

For harder-to-find models, you may have to resort to purchasing a new door from a body shop. Find a few reputable body shops in your area and inquire about their price. Be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they usually are. Occasionally body shops are able to find used doors and often are willing to keep an eye out for one if they know you are looking and have time. If you are in need of a replacement car door, chances are you do not have this time and youll be stuck buying a new one. This will cost you anywhere from $400 for less expensive models to upwards of $1000 for some makes and models.

Get It From The Source

The safest method for getting exactly the car door you need is to purchase it directly from a dealership or the manufacturer. You can order the precise door you need and can sometimes even save a little by not purchasing an entire car door, but only the specific parts that have been damaged. For example, if the glass is not broken, you dont need to buy a new window. If you do replace the entire door, however, the cost of purchasing one from a dealership or manufacturer will run you at least $500 for the most common inexpensive models, and anywhere upwards of $1000 to $2000 for luxury vehicles.

Fix It Yourself

If you are comfortable working on your car, undertaking the repairs yourself enables you to save a lot of money. Find the instructions for replacing the door. These can be acquired from dealerships and sometimes your local auto parts store. Manuals can be purchased for as little as $20 to $50, and make up the bulk of your cost besides the replacement parts themselves.

Have Someone Else Do The Work

The least stressful and time-consuming way to replace your car door is to have someone else do all the work for you. Body shops will find all the necessary parts and install them. Shop around at several many body shops until you get a feel for what the price should be. Prices you get quoted may vary greatly. Be suspicious of unusually low quotes. You get what you pay for. Dealerships have a reputation for being a little more expensive, but are worth looking into as well. Besides the cost of the car door itself, labor costs at reputable businesses run upwards of $50 per hour, sometimes as high as $120 per hour. Count on your car to be in the shop for at least 2 to 3 days after the parts have arrived. Those needing paint work should figure in another day or two, as well as additional fees of around $40 per hour for the paint job.

Seatbelts are an essential tool to staying safe while driving. Statistics show a 50% increase in survival rate when wearing a seatbelt during a crash. However, a seatbelt or belt buckle that is damaged in any way wont provide the protection you need. Do not attempt to repair damaged seatbelts or belt buckles, they should be replaced by a professional mechanic at a trusted auto body shop. Heres how to go about setting up repair of your seatbelt buckle.

Instructions

Getting your seatbelt buckle repaired

1

Stop by the auto body shop you use and show them the damaged buckle.

2

Set up a time to have the seatbelt/buckle replaced. If you have the time, have the belt replaced that day, as it may take a couple hours. Otherwise, make an appointment for another day.

3

The shop will make the repairs.

4

Pick up the car and pay any costs you owe.

The Lincoln brand is Fords entry in the luxury automobile market. Lincoln makes air suspension standard on their cars to deliver a smoother riding suspension than simple coil springs could deliver. Air suspension uses air bags on the suspension to cushion the frame and to regulate the leveling of the car by pumping air in and out of the bags.

Instructions

1

Inspect the air bags on each suspension strut while the car is off. The air bags will be deflated at this point, but any large tears will be visible. The air bags must be intact in order to hold air. Also check the air line that runs from the upper part of the wheel well to the top of the air bag. If the line is disconnected, then no air can be pumped into the suspension.

2

Park the 1986 Lincoln on a flat area like a parking lot or garage, but keep the car running. Put the car in Park and get out of the car. Listen caully for the pump in the engine bay to inflate the air bags. Look at the corners of the Lincoln and note if any corner is not rising at the same level as the others, or if none of the corners are rising. If one corner is failing to rise, then there may be a small tear in the airbag or the air line running to the bag. If none of the air bags are inflating, then the pump may be broken or the air tank may have a hole in it.

3

Open the trunk of the Lincoln and look at the air tank. If there are any tears in the surface of the tank, then it cannot hold enough pressure to send air to the air bags. Listen for air rushing out of the tank. Inspect the air lines running from the air tank for any tears as well. Turn the car off and watch the corners as they settle down. If any one corner is falling faster than another, that could also indicate a leak in the air bag.

Advancements in motor vehicle safety have rocketed, and the fuse has been a consistent feature through the decades. Electrical systems and accessories are protected by the fuses design to fail in the event of an electrical short or overload. Other times, the fuse just gives out and you may find yourself without working wipers, lights, horn or heat. Armed with a little knowledge, a tool and a spare fuse, you can be back to full power in minutes.

Instructions

1

Consult your owners manual. It will inform you of the location of the fuse box, the type of fuse, its amperage and the electrical components associated to it. On newer models, the fuses will be small, plastic two-pronged tabs plugged into a slot. They will be red, green, blue or yellow depending on the amperage. Amps are marked on the panel and corresponding fuses, and generally range from 5 to 35 amps in increments of 5. Older vehicles have small, glass, tubular fuses 1/2 to 1 inch long with stainless steel caps on each end. The amps are stamped on the caps, and the different amp fuses are different in length.

2

Locate the fuse panel. On most vehicles, it will be under the dashboard on the drivers side, and youll need a flashlight. Other locations include the lower half or side of the drivers dash panel, inside the glove box, and under the hood near one of the fenders or firewall. The fuse panel cover often has the word "fuses" written on it. The panel size ranges from the size of an iPod to a sandwich (under dash) and slightly larger under the hood. Older models dont have panel covers and are commonly to the left of the brake and parking brake pedals.

3

Pull out or pop off the fuse panel cover. If you dont have your owners manual handy, there is usually a chart on the inside of the cover with fuse locations and details. There are also amps and associated components stamped on the panel beside each fuse, matched with labels or numbers.

4

Identify which fuse matches your electrical problem.

5

Remove the blown fuse. Cars with plastic fuses often have a special tool in the fuse panel or cover. The fuse puller resembles small plastic tweezers and has special teeth at the end that grab the lip on the fuse. The older glass fuse models did not come equipped, and a puller can be purchased at an automotive supply store. Small regular and needle-nose pliers can be used for both fuses, and they can be pulled by hand with some difficulty because of the awkward size and location. Glass fuses will break with little force, or if the fuse is rusted at the ends. Use protective eye wear. A small screwdriver can also be used to pry one end of the fuse out, and you can wiggle it out with your fingers.

6

Inspect the fuses. The plastic fuses are transparent, and youll see the U-shaped metal link inside that connects the two prongs. If it is blown, the link will be broken. The glass fuses have a thin filament that breaks when blown.

7

Replace the blown fuse with the same length and rating (glass) or same color and rating (plastic). Some newer models are equipped with spares, otherwise you can purchase them at your local automotive and department stores. Grab the plastic fuse with your fingers, holder or pliers and push it into the slot. The glass fuse snaps in one end at a time. Be caul not to push so hard that you break the glass and cut yourself.

8

Check the electrical component in question. If the fuse blows again, there is a fault in the wiring or component.

A speaker that does not work correctly may not mean that the speaker itself is the problem. Within the audio system of a car there could be other components that are causing the speaker to malfunction. Every car has a head unit that controls the CD player, radio and volume. However, some car audio systems also have an amplifier as well as a crossover. Take your time and test each component to make sure they are all working properly before you blame the speaker for the problem.

Instructions

1

Turn the car and stereo off. Disconnect the left and right speakers at the amplifier. Connect the left speaker to where the right one was and the right to the left. Turn on the stereo system. If the speaker still does not, work then the problem is in between the amplifier and speaker itself.

2

Put the left and right speakers back to where they were in the amplifier. Make sure the car and stereo are off. Switch the position of the RCA cables in the amplifier. Put the left one where the right one is and the right one where the left one is. Turn the stereo on. If the speaker still does not work, the amplifier may be broken.

3

Test the crossover. The crossover will be connected to the amplifier and the head unit. Plug the RCA cables that are going into the amplifier into the extra outputs on the crossover. Turn on the stereo. If the speaker works, then you know it was the output on the crossover that was faulty.

4

Pull the head unit from the dashboard. This can be done by hand if the head unit is just sitting in place. You may need to have the head unit professionally removed if it is connected within the dashboard. Remove the RCA cables from the back of the head unit. Do not unplug any other wires. Put the RCA cable for the speaker that is not working in the output for another speaker. Turn on the stereo. If the speaker works, then the problem is either the RCA cable or the output on the head unit. If the speakers are still not working, then they may need to be replaced.

Catalytic converters use exhaust heat trapped in a matrix of ceramic plate and precious metals to change exhaust gases chemical composition to a more benign form. Quick-moving gases might sometimes lack the opportunity to catalyze fully, which may require two or more converters.

Converter Function

Converters contain a honeycomb-like ceramic matrix with thousands of tiny passages. Exhaust flows through these passages, combining with the platinum, rhodium, palladium and cesium on the passage walls to add or subtract nitrogen or oxygen atoms. This gain or loss converts the toxic molecules in the exhaust into more benign forms.

Emissions Requirements

Different countries and unions have different emissions requirements and require different catalytic converters. The European Union disallows the use of nickel in converters but permits copper (which the United States does not). Most large car manufacturers offer several variations on the same chassis to market all over the world. Using more than one converter allows the manufacturer to meet local emissions standards while using the same basic chassis worldwide.

Modularity

Not all car manufacturers produce their own catalytic converters; many converters are outsourced from specialty catalytic converter manufacturers. Because most cars come with a number of different engine options, manufacturers may need to mix and match different converters to meet emissions requirements for a particular engine-chassis combination.

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.

A major inconvenience that most people dont consider when going about your daily life is the possibility that your car key could break. You might expect that on occasion youll experience a flat tire or a dead battery, but a broken car key usually doesnt cross your mind. Unfortunately, keys do break. And when they do, it is imperative that you locate your spare key or contact the correct person or company to obtain a new car key. After all, the most important part of a working vehicle is a key to operate it.

Instructions

1

Use your spare keys until you can obtain new keys for your car.

2

Call your local car dealerships service department to order a new key. If you have a late model car that uses a transponder key embedded with a computer chip to match that of your vehicle you will need to purchase a new key from an authorized vehicle dealership. Expect to pay a large fee for a new transponder key, as they run anywhere from $150 to $250 per key, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

3

Provide the vehicle service department with the vehicle identification number of your car. The location of the VIN depends on the type of car you drive. It could be on your drivers side windshield, viewable from outside of your car or it could be located on the door panel of the drivers side. VINs are always located on purchase paperwork, insurance information and registration forms. The VIN contains the key code for your specific vehicle, which allows the key maker to know exactly how to cut your new key.

4

Pick up your replacement key and test it on your vehicle.

Automotive wiring systems arent the simplest thing on the planet, but they arent the most complicated either. When you break the electrical system down into its component parts, you find that it consists mainly of simple circuits and equally simple switching gear. Relays are one type of electrical switch that manufacturers install to minimize production costs and maximize safety.

Electrical Basics

A relay is essentially a switch that you dont have to flip. Electricity is the movement of electrons, and moving things, by definition, have an origin and a destination. Think of electrons like cars on a racetrack that move around it at the speed of light; if you suddenly remove a section of track, then the race stops because all the drivers fall into the hole and get smashed into atoms. Electrical circuits work the same way. As long as the circuit or track stays intact, the electrons can continue their race.

Relay Basics

A relay is basically just a switch that you dont have to flip, and a switch is a means of removing a section of the circuit. When you flip a light switch to the On position, its internal connections close the circuit and allow electricity to flow through it. Now, imagine the switch lever is made of metal instead of plastic and youre standing next to it with a magnet. Using the magnet, you can flip the switch on and off without touching it. But moving the magnet isnt practical, so what you need is a magnet that you can leave in place but turn on and off.

Induction Coils and Electromagnets

Anything moving through a gravitational field produces a magnetic wake, and it doesnt matter if that moving thing is an electron or a Boeing 747. Most metals have small regions of magnetism inside called magnetic domains, but those domains point in all different directions so they cancel each other out. Wrap a coil of wire around a metal rod and send electrons flowing through the wire and you create a magnetic "tornado" around the rod. This vortex gets all of the magnetic domains temporarily pointing in the same direction, turning the metal core into an electromagnet.

Relay Construction and Function

Youve undoubtedly connected the dots by now: a metal armature arm inside the relay is spring-loaded to stay open, but when the electromagnet under it activates, the armature comes down and closes the circuit. The idea behind using a relay is that it takes far less current to energize the electromagnet than the circuit would normally use. That means that, although your starter may require 50 amps of current to spin the motor, your ignition key mechanism only needs to pass 0.50 amps to energize the magnet. This allows manufacturers to use thinner-gauge wire and lighter-duty switching gear without risk of frying the wire or the switch.

Some car alarms are more sensitive than others. If somebody is walking by the car and nudges it, the car could go into frenzy. Car alarms are also annoying when trying to make repairs to the cars. If you want to disable the alarm on your Pontiac Grand Prix, you can easily turn it off by accessing the alarm transmitter. This is located under the steering wheel. By engaging the valet switch, the alarm automatically disables.

Instructions

1

Open the Grand Prix and put your key in the ignition. Turn the ignition until you have turned on the cars electrical system, but not the engine.

2

Pry off the dashboard panels around your ignition cylinder with your fingers or a flat-head screwdriver.

3

Locate the alarm transmitter in the ignition cylinder. This is a small black box.

4

Locate the "Valet Switch" and turn it off. This switch will be labeled. When you turn it "Off" the LED light on the transmitter will go off.

5

Replace the dashboard panels around the ignition cylinder.

The instrument cluster contains the various gauges and indicators that drivers depend on to learn important information on the current status of the automobile. If this information wasnt accessible to drivers, potentially hazardous problems could occur and youd never know.

Function

The function of the instrument cluster is to keep the driver informed with the most current information as they drive. Gauges provide the information for speed, distance, heat and fuel. Indicator lights provide warnings and updates like the check engine light and the low fuel light. Different vehicles have different warnings available.

Identification

The instruments in the instrument cluster are gauges that are circular, and in most cases back lit. The instrument cluster includes the speedometer, fuel gauge, tachometer and odometer; it is located on the drivers side on the dashboard, in front of the steering wheel.

Components

The speedometer tells you how fast the vehicle is moving. The fuel gauge tells you how much fuel is currently in your gas tank. The tachometer provides the driver with the rotation rate of the crankshaft in the engine. The odometer tells you how many miles the vehicle has traveled.

Although the leather seats are durable, they can still be damaged accidentally. A small hole or tear in the leather can grow and become a bigger problem; therefore it is important to repair the damage to maintain the value of the car.

Instructions

1

Cut off any rough areas or loose thread from the edges of the tear or hole. Clean the tear or hole using a cloth and rubbing alcohol. The area above and beneath the tear should be cleaned as well. If the area is losing color, cleaning should be stopped.

2

Cut a piece of leather to a patch one inch larger than the tear or hole.

3

Apply the adhesive around the edges of the tear and then place the leather patch over the top. Allow a few hours to dry and then lightly sand around the edges to smooth edges and remove excess glue.

4

Dye the replacement leather to match the color using a small cloth to apply. Gently rub off any excess dye with a clean cloth.

5

Apply leather conditioner over the patch with a small cloth. This will produce a glossy finish to the repair work.

Many parts of modern cars, such as bumpers and cladding, are made out of plastic rather than sheet metal. This construction requires you to take special precautions if you plan to repair the cars plastic sections when they sustain damage. It also means you must ascertain the type of damage you need to repair before starting the job; scratched plastic and cracked plastic require two separate types of fixes.

Instructions

1

Check whether the plastic is cracked through or simply scratched. If the bumper is cracked through, the sand off the rough edges and use plastic bonding agent to put the plastic into its original form. Apply the bonding agent to the crack, and hold the cracked pieces together until the bond has set.

2

Sand off any rough spots, globs of adhesive and scratches until you have rendered the plastic smooth to the touch and eliminated any rough patches.

3

Touch up the paint on the smoothed section of the plastic using spray paint in the original color of the rest of the plastic area. Tape off any surrounding areas you dont want painted, and lay down cardboard on the ground to catch any paint. Paint in slow, even lines, and avoid drips.

Car wheel covers allow you to give some character to your wheels. They come in plastic or metal finish, and they clip over your existing hubcap. If you want to clean the wheel cover, change to a new style or remove a broken cover, youll need to remove the cover from your wheel. This is not challenging since they clip on. Prying the covers off the car wheel takes manual dexterity but very little brawn.

Instructions

1

Bend or kneel beside one of your car wheels to begin.

2

Slip a flat-head screwdriver underneath the wheel cover. Push the screwdriver forward to loosen the wheel cover. Dont force it if it does not want to come up; you can break plastic wheel covers or bend metal ones.

3

Move the screwdriver to another area on the wheel cover. Again push the screwdriver under the wheel cover and pry it forward. Repeat this process at several places along the cover to loosen it from your wheel.

4

Grab the cover when it begins falling off the wheel.

5

Repeat this process on each wheel to remove all of the covers.

The Lincoln Town Car first reached the market in 1981. In 2003, Ford Motor Company began offering a bulletproof model of the Town Car for security purposes. The Town Car is also one of several models used by limousine companies as a transportation vehicle. The front headrests of the 1997 Lincoln Town Car are adjustable and removable. Remove the headrests from your Town Car to clean, detail or replace them.

Instructions

1

Push in on the retaining tab located on the outer edge of the headrest, near the top of the seat.

2

Hold the retaining tab in while lifting up on the headrest. Pull the headrest all the way up until you remove it completely from the mounting holes.

3

Line up the metal posts of the headrest with the mounting holes to replace it. Push in the retaining tab and insert the headrest. Push the headrest all the way down against the seat, then release the tab.

No matter what you do, there will always be an occasion where your car can be dinged. When this happens, the paint on the body can be chipped. Taking your car into an auto body shop could cost you a lot of money. You can touch up the paint on your car with little hassle and save the money you would have spent on an auto body shop.

Instructions

1

Open your driver side door and check the sticker to get your paint color.

2

Write the vehicle identification number down if you cant find the paint color for your car. A dealer will be able to tell you the paint color via the VIN.

3

Buy the paint from an online retailer or an auto paint shop.

4

Clean the ding on your car using soap and water. Use a towel to dry the ding.

5

Apply a car paint primer to the ding with a thin paintbrush. Give the primer about five minutes to dry.

6

Use a thicker paintbrush to apply the paint to the ding on your car. Give the paint 20 minutes to dry.

7

Retouch the paint if needed.

Replacing parts is a core activity in the repair, modification or customization of vehicles. While the steps necessary to replace parts vary on make, model, and year, the same basic elements apply to all.

Instructions

1

Determine what it is you are going to replace, be it as complicated as the engine or as simple as changing a headlight.

2

Consult the owners manual to determine what parts are available through your dealership, or what aftermarket parts may be compatible with your vehicle.

3

Consult the appropriate individuals, such as mechanics or dealers, to determine whether it is an operation recommended for someone of your skill level. Some jobs may simply be too difficult to pursue without a great deal of training or knowledge.

4

Obtain the appropriate parts you wish to replace on your vehicle.

5

Remove the old part from your car, placing it aside or discarding at your discretion.

6

Install your new part in the place of the old, making all necessary adjustments as needed based on your previous consultations.

7

Test the newly assembled vehicle in a safe, controlled environment to ensure you have replaced the part properly.