So Fix it

A Jeep Wrangler Sport comes with a Power Train Control Module (PCM) computer on board that diagnoses problems throughout the vehicle. When the engine warning light illuminates on the instrument panel, this is the result of a trouble code sent to the PCM. You can take the vehicle to an auto parts store to have it diagnosed for free, and then you should have the problem fixed by a mechanic. Once the problem has been rectified, you can quickly and easily reset the engine warning light.

Instructions

1

Open the hood and find the positive battery terminal. Loosen the bolt attached to the clamp with an adjustable wrench. Remove the clamp from the terminal and take care not to touch it to the negative side of the battery. Wait one minute.

2

Replace the positive clamp to the positive battery terminal and tighten the bolt with the wrench.

3

Put the key in the ignition and turn it to the "On" position for about five seconds. Turn the engine on. The engine warning light will flash and then turn off.

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.

The best fog light bulbs for automobiles produce white or selective yellow light. Fog lights are generally mounted low on the front of your car, aimed toward the road. This provides increased illumination of the road surface for low-visibility conditions such as fog, rain, snow or dust. Fog lights are not a legal requirement and should only be used for low-visibility driving situations. Misused fog lights can produce glare for other drivers as well as excessive foreground glare, impairing your driving vision.

White-Light Fog Bulbs

White light fog bulbs that use xenon gas are durable and long lasting. Further, xenon bulbs are significantly brighter than halogen bulbs. Buy white-light bulbs that do not emit blue wavelengths, as they can cause glare. The PIAA Coorporation makes high-quality white-light fog lights.

Selective Yellow Fog Light Bulbs

Selective yellow light bulbs improve visibility during inclement weather by removing the short wave lengths emitted by blue light. Blue wavelengths cause glare, especially during fog, rain and snow. The PIAA Corporations ion crystal bulbs have less lective white light, however they are considerably more expensive than other market options. More economic options are the Hella Optilux Extreme XY Yellow and the Narva All-Weather bulbs.

Selective Yellow Bulb Coating

If you would like to make your existing head light bulbs into selective yellow lights, you can buy a special coating that will limit the amount of emitted blue light. This is a cost-effective way to achieve similar results with your fog lights.

You can reset the airbag light on your Honda Odyssey right from your home garage, saving you time and money. A Honda Odyssey comes with an on-board diagnostics computer that keeps track of all of the vehicles functions. When the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) light illuminates on the instrument cluster, you need to have the vehicle towed to your mechanic to have it looked at and replaced. Generally, the SRS light only flashes on when the vehicle has been in an accident. If it turns on when there has been no accident, it means the airbag system is malfunctioning and the vehicle should not be driven. But once you have the vehicle fixed, you can reset the light.

Instructions

1

Put on safety equipment such as work gloves and goggles.

2

Locate the MES connector under the steering column. You can find it next to the fuse box. Pull out the plug in the connector and set aside.

3

Use a knife to strip both ends of the coated wire. Touch one end of one wire into one hole on the MES connector and touch one end of the other wire to the other hole in the connector.

4

Cross the ends of the wires together to create a short. Although its low voltage, you shouldnt touch the exposed wires.

5

Place the key into the ignition and turn it on, but dont allow the engine to turn over while still holding the wires together. Watch as the SRS light blinks on then turns off. Separate the wires right away and the SRS light will turn back on.

6

Repeat Step 5 and the SRS light will flash two times and then turn off.

7

Shut off the Honda and wait 60 seconds. Start the engine and notice as the SRS light illuminates then shuts off.

Modern cars, trucks and SUVs come equipped with a variety of lights to aid in driving. Headlights, parking lights, turn signals, brake lights, tail lights and fog lights all work on the same basic principle and are only as useful as the light bulb they contain. If you notice a fog light has stopped working, the problem is almost certainly a broken bulb. This should be replaced right away.

Instructions

1

Park your vehicle in a work friendly area. It should be relatively flat and have ample light to work by. Turn of the engine and let the automobile sit for 30 minutes to completely cool down.

2

Slide underneath the front bumper of your automobile to the spot directly behind the broken fog light. Locate and remove any dust covers blocking access to the interior of the fog light assembly. Most are held on by clips or small screws.

3

Unplug the wiring harness from the back of the fog light assembly. Reach in and grasp the light bulb. Turn it to the left to remove it from the socket.

4

Insert the replacement bulb and turn it to the right to lock it in place. Plug the wiring harness back in. Replace the dust cover.

Although not as important as the headlights, a vehicles fog lights still make driving safer and easier when there is a lot of fog in the area. When there is a malfunction with the fog lights, they must be replaced as quickly as possible. Thankfully, replacing a fog light on the 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a simple process that does not take much time.

Instructions

1

Turn off the Monte Carlo and put on the gloves. Whenever working in or under a vehicle, gloves should be worn for safety reasons.

2

Place the jack under the vehicle and raise it to a comfortable level. Whereas the headlight assembly is accessed through the hood of the car, the fog lights can only be reached from underneath.

3

Unplug the electrical wire connection that is connected to the fog lights. The connection is located under the vehicle, plugged into the fog lights. This will allow you access to the fog light assembly.

4

Remove the bulb socket by twisting and pulling it from out of the fog light assembly. Remove the old bulb by pulling it out of the assembly.

5

Insert the replacement bulb into the assembly and lock it into place. Reattach the socket by twisting it back onto the fog light assembly. Reconnect the electrical wire connection to the fog light assembly and lower the Monte Carlo back onto the ground.

The Chevrolet Tahoe is an SUV introduced in 1995. The lights on your Tahoe must all be in working order for your safety as well as for fellow drivers; if not, you may be pulled over by your highway patrol and issued a fix-it ticket. Replacing any of the lights is a simple process, requiring nothing more than a screwdriver and a replacement bulb. Although the bulb types differ for each light, they are all available at most automotive parts suppliers.

Instructions

Headlights

1

Turn off the Tahoes engine and open the hood. Remove the two pins from the top of the headlamp assembly by twisting them inwards and pulling them out.

2

Pull the headlamp assembly out of the vehicle and unplug the electrical wire. The larger socket is the low-beam headlight and uses 9006-type bulbs. The smaller socket is the high-beam headlight and uses 9005-type bulbs. Rotate the desired bulb counterclockwise and remove it from the assembly.

3

Push the new bulb into the assembly and rotate it clockwise to lock it into place. Reconnect the electrical wire to the rear of the assembly and place it back into the vehicle.

4

Reinstall and tighten the two pins above the headlamp assembly. Close the hood.

Front Turn Signal, Side Marker and Daytime Running Lamps

5

Remove the headlamp assembly by following the steps outlined in Section 1. This will allow access to the turn signal assembly. Press down on the retainer clip to release the assembly.

6

Pull the assembly out of the vehicle. The smallest socket is the side marker lamp and uses 3457A-type bulbs. The largest socket is the turn signal lamp and uses 3457A-type bulbs. The remaining socket is the daytime running lamp and uses 4114K-type bulbs. Press the locking release lever on the desired socket to release it then rotate it counterclockwise to remove it from the assembly.

7

Pull the old bulb out of the socket and place the new bulb into the socket. Place the socket back into the assembly and rotate it clockwise to tighten it.

8

Reinstall the turn signal assembly into the vehicle. Reconnect the electrical wire. Place the headlamp assembly back into the vehicle, making sure to reconnect the electrical wire and reinstall the two pins. Close the hood.

Side Identification Marker Lamps

9

Locate the lap gasket near the rear wheel. Pull back the edge of the gasket in order to expose the service slot.

10

Push into the slot with a screwdriver to release the side marker assembly. Pull the housing out and unplug the lamp assembly harness. Remove the old bulb and place the replacement bulb into the vehicle. The side marker lamps use 194-type bulbs.

11

Reattach the lamp assembly harness and snap it into the housing. Reinstall the lamp assembly into the vehicle.

Roof Marker Lamps

12

Use a screwdriver to remove the six screws on the front of the roof marker assembly. This assembly is located on the top of the Tahoe. Once the screws are removed, lift off the lens from the assembly.

13

Turn the old bulb counterclockwise to remove it from the socket. The roof marker lamp uses 194-type bulbs.

14

Push a new bulb into the socket and rotate it clockwise to lock it into place.

15

Reinstall the lens and tighten all six screws.

Tail Lamps

16

Remove the two screws from the tail lamp assembly. Pull the assembly out of the vehicle.

17

Press down on the release tab and rotate the desired bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it from the assembly. The top socket contains the turn signal bulb, the middle socket contains the back-up bulb and the bottom socket contains the brake light bulb. All three lights use 3157-type bulbs.

18

Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket and replace it with a new bulb. Place the socket back into the assembly and rotate it clockwise until it clicks into place. Reinstall the tail lamp assembly and reattach the two screws.

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.

The engine light codes, also known as diagnostic trouble codes, on a KIA Optima are designed to provide information about a specific failure or malfunction on the vehicle. These alpha-numeric codes are created by the engine control module and then stored in memory where they can be retrieved at a later date with a scan tool. These codes begin with the letter P and are followed by a four digit number sequence. Each code corresponds to a specific problem that can be identified by using a service repair manual. Most factory repair manuals provide a flow chart that technicians can use to diagnose and correct the problem that triggered the code.

Instructions

1

Turn the engine off, but rotate the ignition switch to the ON position. The dashboard must have power in order for the scan tool to communicate with the ECM.

2

Find the Optimas diagnostic data terminal and plug the scan tool into the terminal. On most Optimas, the terminal is underneath the front edge of the dashboard on the drivers side of the vehicle. In some models, it is under the front edge of the dashboard, but mounted vertically on the right side of pedal area.

3

Turn on the scan tool, then navigate to the DTCs menu. Command the scan tool to read and display the current DTCs stored in the ECMs memory.

4

Write down the codes displayed on the scan tools screen, then disconnect the scan tool and turn off the ignition.

5

Visit your local library and look up the code in the Optimas service manual. Make copies of the code description and the diagnostic flow chart.

If your "check engine" light is on in your Honda, you should have the engine checked by a qualified mechanic. But after the car has been checked and possibly repaired, you will want to have that light off. Also, if you are taking your Honda to have a state emission test, you will want to have the light turned off so the car can pass emissions. The check engine light is not the same as the "maintenance required" light, which automatically comes on at set mileage to remind you a factory-recommended service interval has been reached. Sometimes when the check engine light comes on, for whatever cause, the light doesnt go off when the cause is rectified. You can turn it off yourself.

Instructions

1

Located the fuse box panel cover on the side of the dashboard. Open the panel by pulling down on the top.

2

Look for a sticker on the back of the fuse panel cover that shows the list of all the fuses and how they are arranged. Find the "clock" fuse, which is probably fuse 13. Remove it using the fuse puller. If you dont have a fuse puller, you can pull it out with tweezers.

3

Wait about 30 minutes, then put the fuse back in place. This will reset the check engine light and turn it off.

The service engine light illuminates on your 2006 Chevrolet when it is time to have a regularly scheduled oil change or tune up. The OBD, or On-Board Diagnostics computer, stores the codes from the vehicles sensors. An OBD scanner tool can be used to read the codes and tell you exactly what is wrong with the vehicle. You can purchase an OBD scanner and do this yourself at home or you can take your car to your local auto parts retailer and they will scan and diagnose it for you for free. Either way, make sure you have the servicing done to your vehicle before you reset the service engine light. If not, the light will just keep coming back on.

Instructions

1

Pop the hood of the Chevy and loosen the nut that keeps the negative battery cable clamp in place on the negative side of the battery. This is known as the retaining nut. Remove the cable clamp from the terminal.

2

Wait at least 15 minutes. Put the clamp back on the negative side of the terminal. Always take care to never allow the negative cable clamp to touch the positive side of the battery terminal.

3

Put the key into the ignition and start the engine. Look on the dash board to see that the service engine light has turned off. If not, repeat the above steps again. Sometimes you have to do it several times for the light to turn off.

The Service Engine Light on your BMW 3 Series is monitored and controlled by the Engine Control Module or ECM. It keeps track of all routine maintenance and servicing requirements of your BMW. When this light illuminates, you should have your BMW serviced before attempting to manually reset the light. The best way to reset it is to use a computerized scan tool obtained from your local auto parts retailer. This tool can be purchased or borrowed for free from most auto parts stores.

Instructions

1

Put the key into the ignition and turn the vehicle to the "on" position but dont start the engine.

2

Find the diagnostic port under the drivers side dashboard near the pedals. Plug the computerized scan tool into this port. The battery from the vehicle will automatically power on the tool.

3

Find arrows on the faceplate of the scan tool and use them to scroll through the menu until you find the "Read All Codes" command. Select this command.

4

Scroll through the menu again and find "Clear All Codes." Select this option then wait for the service engine light to shut off.

5

Turn off the vehicle and wait five minutes. Start the engine and verify that the check engine light is still off.

The BMW 328 is a perennial favorite of car review sites such as Edmunds, which says the vehicles look, ride and handling are "unmatched by most cars at any price." The brake lights in a 2009 BMW 328 are an important safety feature that alert other drivers when you are ready to stop. These lights should be checked regularly to ensure proper performance. Replacing your 328s brake lights is an easy job that doesnt require any special tools or experience.

Instructions

1

Turn off your BMW 328 and set the parking brake. Ensure the light selector switch is in the "Off" position.

2

Open the trunk using the interior switch or key-fob remote.

3

Use a screwdriver to gently remove the plastic plugs that secure the trim piece to the light assembly. Remove the trim and set it aside.

4

Twist the bulb assembly counterclockwise to release it from the light assembly.

5

Remove the bulb by pushing it into into the holder and rotating the bulb counterclockwise. Insert the new bulb by placing it in the holder and turning it clockwise.

6

Replace the bulb assembly back into the vehicle and reattach the trim.

You can reset the airbag warning light, or SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) light, on your Nissan 350z at home in your garage. If you experience a problem with the air bag, have your vehicle towed to your mechanic to have the air bag system examined and replaced if necessary. If the light is still on when you get the car home, you should turn it off. The good news is you do not need any special tools to do this reset and it will only take a few minutes of your time.

Instructions

1

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position. Make sure you dont start the engine, however.

2

Wait for the SRS light to illuminate on the instrument panel for seven seconds and then shut off. Immediately turn the key in the ignition to the "Off" position. Wait one minute.

3

Repeat steps 1 and 2 two more times.

4

Start the engine and observe the instrument panel. The SRS light should flash on for about seven seconds and then turn off for good.

Harley riders usually need to relocate their tail lights before they can install saddlebags on their motorcycles. The motor company has engineered many of its bikes so that the purchase of a set of saddlebags also requires the purchase of a kit to relocate the taillights, so the saddlebags will fit At that point, many casual riders give up and have the dealer handle the relocation, which is straightforward. Anyone attempting a taillight relocation needs a well-equipped workshop, patience and dexterity, but the job is not difficult.

Instructions

1

Elevate the motorcycle on a motorcycle jack. The wheel must hang down so you can access the inside of the fender.

2

Unscrew the rear seat stud with an Allen wrench. Remove the seat. Disconnect the black battery cable from the negative battery terminal.

3

Remove the plastic plug from the tail lamp access hole inside the rear fender.

4

Remove the turn signal wires and connectors from the inside of the tail lamp housing, then remove the turn signal wires from the clips inside the fender. Separate the four-way turn signal socket housings from the rear lighting harness pin housings.

5

Unplug the gray four-way tail lamp connector from the mating connector in the tail lamp housing. Mark for reference with masking tape and a pen and remove the wires from both socket housings.

6

Remove the screw at the front of the fender mounting bracket, as well as the screw and washer at the rear of the fender mounting bracket. Remove the turn signal lamp, fender rail and mounting bracket from the Harley.

7

Cut one piece of heat shrink tubing into two equal sections with scissors. Slide one piece of the tubing over the turn signal wires, all the way up to the lamp housing on each side of the motorcycle. Use a heat gun to shrink the tubing.

8

Install the turn signal lamp wires through the small hole in the recess cover. Position the cover into the recess in the turn signal housing.

9

Loosely attach the hex nut and lock washer onto the turn signal relocation bracket. Loosely attach the turn signal lamp and recess cover onto the threaded end of the turn signal relocation bracket.

10

Align the relocation bracket with the rear of the fender support. Fit the round pad into the mating hole in the support.

11

Install the rear fender rail with your original equipment hardware or the hardware specified in your saddlebag mounting instructions. Install the turn signal relocation bracket to the rear fender and fender rail.

12

Aim each turn signal lens straight back. Tighten the hex nut and lock washer with a wrench. Complete all steps for both sides of the motorcycle.

13

Install the turn signal wires and terminals into each cavity of the turn signal socket housings.

14

Route the turn signal wires under the turn signal relocation bracket and under the rear fender edge on each side of the vehicle. Connect the turn signal socket housings to the pin housings on the rear lighting harness.

15

Plug the gray, four-way tail lamp connector on the rear lighting harness into the mating connector in the tail lamp housing under the fender. Gently push the turn signal wires and connectors into the cavity inside the tail lamp housing and install the plastic plug into the tail lamp access hole in the rear fender.

16

Route the turn signal wire under the signal relocation bracket and secure it to the bracket with a cable tie.

17

Install your saddlebags or re-bolt the fender rails to your fender using the original hardware.

Resetting the antilock braking system (ABS) light on your 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora luxury sports sedan is just a matter of obtaining an OBD II scan tool. The scan tool is a handheld electronic device that is used both to read and to erase automobile error codes. The job requires no technical skills on your part, and should take you no longer than 15 minutes to complete.

Instructions

1

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "On/Off" position, taking care not to start the engine.

2

Plug the OBD II scan tool into the diagnostic port on the drivers side dash. This port is the same size and shape as the connector cable on the scan tool. Dont force the cable into the port; rotate it to fit the outlet.

3

Wait for the scan tool to turn on. Select "Read Codes" on the menu and then "Clear All Codes." Wait for the scan tool to complete the task and return to the main menu.

4

Unplug the scan tool from the port and start the engine. Verify that the ABS light has shut off.

The on-board diagnostics computer on the 1997 Volkswagen monitors the engine functions via sensors positioned throughout the engine. When one of the sensors detects a malfunction in the engine, it sends a signal to the OBD computer, which in turn illuminates the "Check Engine" light on your dashboard. You can reset and clear the light by using a diagnostic code scanner. Fix the problem first before resetting the light in order to ensure your OBD computer continues to function properly

Instructions

1

Locate the diagnostic port on the dashboard beneath the heater control panel. The port is the same size and shape as the connector on the diagnostic code scanner. Plug the scanner into the port.

2

Put the key into the ignition and turn the key to "Run." Dont start the engine. This will power on the diagnostic code scanner automatically.

3

Push a button that reads "Scan Codes" (or similar) on your diagnostic code scanner. Wait while the scanner completes its work. It will list the trouble codes on the face of the scanner.

4

Press "Clear Codes" or "Delete" (or similar) on the diagnostic code scanner. When the scanner returns to the menu screen or displays a message to indicate the codes have been cleared, unplug the scanner from the port.

5

Turn the vehicle off and wait a couple of minutes. Turn the engine on and examine the instrument panel. The check engine light should now be off.

Disassembling the taillight assembly on the rear of your Mazda RX8 will allow you to replace a damaged light or lens, or replace them with an aftermarket assembly. The taillight assembly consists of a plastic lens that bolts to the body and uses bulbs and sockets set into it from the rear. Access to the bulbs, wiring and retaining nuts is made from inside the trunk after removing the plastic trim panel that covers the rear of the assembly.

Instructions

1

Open the trunk of your RX-8 and locate the trim panels on the inside of the trunk over the taillight assembly. Locate the plastic retainers that hold the trim in place, grasp the center of the retainer with a pair of pliers, and pull it straight out.

2

Pull the plastic trim panel away from the trunk sidewalls and lay it aside. Locate the bulb sockets on the backside of the taillight assembly. Rotate them counterclockwise and remove the sockets from the taillight assembly.

3

Remove the retaining nuts on the backside of the taillight assembly with a socket and ratchet. Pull the taillight assembly out of the rear of the car. Repeat the process to remove the second taillight if required.