So Fix it

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.

Power steering hoses carry fluid to and from the steering gear to operate the power steering system, and the pump supplies the necessary pressure for operation of the power steering rack or gearbox.

Power Steering Hose

Multiple power steering hoses are in a typical power steering unit. The cost of the parts required to repair the hose ranges from $60 to $100 in a common domestic car, like the Ford Taurus, according to RepairPal in Nov. 2010, and between $15 and $225 for a new foreign car like the Mercedes-Benz CLS550.

Power Steering Pump

The cost of parts for a power steering pump repair in a common domestic car ranges from $120 to $151, and from $210 to $640 in a foreign luxury car; although prices for pumps in auto parts stores can exceed $1000.

Labor

Labor to repair a power steering hose ranges from $100 to $125 for a common domestic car and from $180 to $230 in a luxury foreign car. Power steering pump labor costs range from $120 to $150 for a common domestic car and from $220 to $280 in a luxury foreign car.

Yamaha Motor Corporation manufactures, in addition to its recreational vehicles and outboard motors, a line of industrial and commercial generators. In fact, in 2011 alone, Yamaha offered almost 20 different generator models on its website. Ranging from 1,000 to 12,000 watts, engineering differences exist between different models and years. Despite this, minor repair tips remain consistent across all models, and Yamaha offers similar troubleshooting advice in all generator owners manuals to help owners handle minor repairs outside of the shop.

Instructions

Quick Fixes

1

Check the engine stop switch, located on the far left side of the generators front control box, if the engine stalls, misfires, or wont start. If it is set to off, turn it on. Otherwise, the engine cannot start.

2

Read the fuel gauge located on the top of the generator. If the fuel tank is empty, ill with unleaded gasoline and restart the motor.

3

Check the engine oil levels in the oil tank, located on the front of the generator underneath the control box. Unscrew the filler cap and peer inside. Engine oil levels should reach the upper level of the oil filler hole. If not, ill with oil until this level. The recommended oil for a specific generator is listed in the "Engine Oil" section of the owners manual.

4

Tighten the cylinder head nuts, located on the front of the generators engine, using a standard wrench.

5

Operate the recoil starter. If the engine still stalls or wont start, move on to the next section.

Spark Plugs

6

Use the recoil starter. If the engine does not even turn over, there may be something wrong with the spark plugs.

7

Remove the spark plug or plugs, located in each of the generators cylinders on the front of its engine. Do this by removing the spark plug cap and rotating each spark plug counterclockwise with a spark plug wrench until it can be lifted from the cylinder.

8

Inspect the condition of the electrode end of the plug. If it appears brittle, cracked or burnt, the spark plug should be replaced with the kind of spark plug recommended in the owners manual. The type and number of plugs varies according to model and year.

9

Measure the spark plug gap for each plug, which is the measurement of the gap between the hook at the end of the spark plug. Spark plug gap should measure the amount recommended in the "Spark Plug" section of the owners manual, which also varies according to generator model. If the gap is too wide, shorten it by pressing this hook end against a hard surface. If it is too thin, widen it using a plug gap tool to gently pull the hook end wider.

10

Reinstall the spark plug or plugs by turning them clockwise into their respective cylinder holes with a spark plug wrench and returning the plug caps.

11

Try the recoil starter once more. If the engine still wont turn over, take the generator to a Yamaha dealer for inspection.

Fuel and Fuel Cock

12

Open the fuel tank and inspect the condition of the fuel in the tank if the engine turns over but wont start or if it stalls. If the gasoline is watery or gummy, it may be contaminated. Have a Yamaha dealer or mechanic drain the gas tank and ill it with fresh unleaded gasoline.

13

Turn off both the engine and the fuel cock lever to check the fuel cock. This lever is located on the right side of the generator.

14

Unscrew and remove the fuel cock cup and gasket, also located on the right side of the generator, using a standard wrench.

15

Inspect the inside of the fuel cock cup. If it contains build-up or debris, clean it out with solvent and wipe clean with a rag.

16

Replace the gasket if it is damaged.

17

Reinstall the fuel cock cap and gasket with a wrench.

18

Use the recoil starter. If the engine continues to run improperly, take the generator to a dealer for inspection.

Aluminum rims come in lots of styles and sizes, and can positively affect the look of a vehicle. However, replacement of these wheels can often be expensive. This is one reason repairing aluminum wheels can sometimes be the better option for vehicle owners.

Facts

Because of the molecular structure of aluminum, it can be melted over and over without losing its structural make up. These qualities allow aluminum rims to be repaired somewhat easier than other metal wheels.

Test

An Eddy Test is a test on aluminum rims which reveal stressed and weak areas of the rim. A current is introduced into the metal and as the magnetic field is measured, defects in the wheel are revealed. This in turn gives the repair shop an idea of the repairability of the rims.

Repair

After inspecting the structural qualities of the rim, the next step is to remove the finish of the rim with either a metal oxide, or a type of acrylic medium. The damaged rim is then reshaped, inished and repolished.

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.

Automobile power windows are a convenience that few motorists think about until a window stops working or leaks develop around a windows edges. While replacing a power window motor or having electrical work done to return a window to working order can be expensive, some simple power window problems can be found and repaired by the vehicle owner.

Fuses

Check the cars power window fuse. If all of a vehicles power windows stop working, the problem may be the result of a blown fuse. Many power window fuses are sized to support the windows when they are functioning at an optimal level, and if a window channels become sticky, the fuse may fail due to added strain on the electrical system. To check whether a power window fuse is broken, turn the cars ignition key to the "Run" position and try to operate a power window. If the fuse is intact, the window glass will quiver and you will hear the power window motor. If a fuse is broken, you will not hear the power window motor and the glass will not move at all. If this is the case, check the owners manual to locate the cars power window fuse so you can replace it.

Electrical System

Trace the electrical system leading to the power window. To thoroughly inspect the electrical system, you will need a 12 volt test light or voltmeter. Begin at the fuse panel and trace the wiring up to the power window switch, testing to make sure the wiring is carrying 12 volts at all times. If you find a section of wiring that does not carry 12 volts, a malfunctioning breaker or loose connection in that area will be the culprit. Replace the breaker or reconnect the wiring to restore the window to functionality.

Gaskets

If a power window is leaking, a window gasket is likely the cause. Torn or misplaced gaskets can also slow down power windows and ultimately cause them to fail. Inspect the gaskets around the window and repair loose or misplaced gaskets with special adhesives, which can be found in most auto parts stores. Adhesives may also be used to repair torn gaskets, but damaged gaskets sometimes require replacement.

There is plethora of tools on the market especially automotive working tools. If you are looking for tools to work with the air conditioning (A/C) unit on your General Motors vehicle, there are specifically designed tools that help smooth out the process of repairing or replacing A/C parts.

A/C Gauges

The A/C gauge is used to measure pressure and temperature of your GM A/C unit, although there are other applications for these kinds of gauges. There are several different sizes of A/C gauges, designed to fit different hose sizes of different vehicles. The standard hose length is 3, 5, or 6 feet long. These gauges are sealed at the end of the hoses and valves with a Teflon O-ring seal.

A/C Compressor Clutch Installer/Remover

This tool works with clutches in various compressors, including the A/C compressor in your GM vehicle. These tools help remove and install the A/C compressor clutch so you can access the shaft seal and reinstall a new one. This tool has either 2- or 3- hole puller plates that fit most vehicles. Make sure you check the size for your specific vehicle before you purchase this tool.

Leak Detectors

This tool helps indicate whether you have a rigerant leak on your GM vehicle. This uses an infrared scanning method for detection. This tool comes with a power stick and a 12 volt and 120 volt adapter/recharger.

A/C Line Disconnect Tool

The A/C line disconnect tool is used with heater hoses, A/C lines, fuel lines, and transmission oil coolers. This tool is specially designed so it does not damage your fittings during the disconnect process.

A/C Tube Remover

An A/C tube remover helps the replacement procedure for A/C orifice tubes in your GM. This tool makes this process easier than manually completing the tube removal.

Exhaust systems are regulated by the government. Many states emissions tests require that the exhaust system, including the muffler, is fully functional and efficient. The muffler is one of the easiest portions of the exhaust system to monitor--either it is working or it is not. You can repair the muffler to address some issues, but you must replace it to fix most problems. A quick troubleshooting session can help determine what action is necessary.

Instructions

1

Turn the vehicle off. For added safety, if the vehicle was recently run, allow it time to cool down because a muffler tends to get hot during operation.

2

Jack the car up high enough to see under the rear, following your manuals jacking procedure instructions.

3

Verify that the muffler is attached to the exhaust pipe. If it is not, take it to a local welder or exhaust shop to have it reattached.

4

Inspect the muffler to ensure it is whole and the mufflers body does not have visible holes or dents.

5

Replace the muffler immediately if there are signs of damage. Obtain a new muffler from your local parts store. With the rear of the car still jacked in the air, locate brackets that are holding the muffler in place. Loosen the brackets and slide the muffler out towards the rear of the vehicle.

6

Slide the new muffler into place, just as the previous muffler was. Utilize the mounting brackets to tighten the muffler back into place. Lower the car by releasing the jack slowly. Start the car and observe the muffler to ensure that exhaust is exiting the muffler port.

The rubber part of a cars window is erred to as a window rubber. It protects the window as it slides in and out of the car door. Many times, a window rubber can become dry and cracked from weather conditions or from improper maintenance. Window rubbers can also shrink over time. With just a few supplies, they are easy to repair.

Instructions

1

Wash the window rubber thoroughly with soap and water. Any type of soap will do; dishwashing soap works well. Wash with a sponge to avoid causing additional damage with the pressure from a hose.

2

Dry with a lint-free towel. If the rubber is cracked, a traditional towel can get cut on it, or leave lint behind.

3

Apply urethane sealer to the rubber with a paintbrush or applicator pad. Thoroughly coat cracked and chipped areas.

4

Cure the urethane overnight. Curing is allowing it to dry before exposing it to the elements, including sunlight and extreme heat.

The Volvo S70 is a great mid-size luxury car from a Sweden. It comes with many luxury amenities standard, such as power windows. However, European car electronics do have a higher than average failure rate, so to avoid exorbitant import repair costs, you can repair the switch yourself. The switch controls the position of the window by controlling an electrical motor. The switch itself could have damage or the wires leading from the switch could be frayed.

Instructions

1

Drive the Volvo S70 to a garage or other covered area, perably a garage though. You do not want to work on the cars electronics out in the open in case it starts to rain or precipitate. Put the Volvo S70 into "Park" and then engage the parking brake to keep the car from moving while you work on it. Turn the Volvo S70 off and pull the key out of the ignition.

2

Open the door with the window switch that you want to repair. Open it all the way so you have the most room to work with. Take a thin flathead screwdriver and wedge the tip into the seam around the window switch and the armrest bezel. Pry the switch out gently and pull it out by hand, but do not disconnect the wires yet.

3

Inspect the switch for any obvious damage. If the switch itself is damaged then unplug the control wires from the switch. Plug the wires plugs into the port on the new switch and place it back in the armrest. If the switch is fine but there is corrosion on the wires, then pull the wires up and out of the port at the bottom of the switch well. Plug the replacement wire into the port at the bottom of the switch well and then into the old switch.

4

Wedge the switch back into the armrest and then turn the Volvo S70 on. Roll the window up and down to test the window switch. If it does not work then pry the switch out again to make sure the wire plugs are firmly pushed into the port.

Repairing problems in any car can be time consuming and frustrating when a person doesnt know the accouterments which make the cars year and model unique. While some car manuals can be used as reference even when the car year is different, it is always helpful to find information about the specific car in question. A good way to approach any repair questions is to peruse knowledgeable sites as well as the car manual.

Instructions

1




Start by going to the Free Online Auto Repair website. At the top of the page near the logo, click on "Troubleshooting Guide". On the next page near the top, right click on "Nissan". On the new page click "Nissan Altima" from the list of Nissan models. This link leads to the part of the auto repair site that is devoted to solving or repairing Altima problems. Go through the sections and see if there is any information that may help in figuring out how to repair a 1993 Nissan Altima.

2




Get a repair manual for the 1993 Nissan Altima. While there are a few places which allow manual downloads, one in particular is the Auto Repair Manuals website. Type "1993 Nissan Altima" into the search box located at the top left of the page. When the search results come up, click on "1993 - 2006 Nissan Altima, Haynes Repair Manual". This link will bring up a page that allows this product to be purchased. There are also some free websites which may have the manual as well.

3




Talk to someone who has considerable knowledge in working on cars. Some car repair shops can do a paid general look-through of the car in order to determine what the problem is. It may also be helpful to seek out people experienced in car repair that fix their own vehicles. Even though their specialty may not be the 1993 Nissan Altima model, their familiarity with cars in general may be enough to isolate the problem and start repairs.

4

Compare all the resources gathered and use them to repair the problem at hand.

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.

Replacing the EGR valve on the engine of your Ford Escape may become necessary if the valve is not working or damage occurs to the valve or tube. The EGR valve sits on the top of the engine near the rear of the block and looks like a round disk with a small vacuum tube attached to the top center of the disk. A steel tube runs from the base of the valve to the exhaust manifold that threads into the side of the EGR valve.

Instructions

1

Open the hood and locate the EGR valve. Remove the vacuum line from the top of the line. It pulls loose if you grasp the boot and pull straight up. Lay it aside.

2

Locate the tube coming into the side of the EGR valve from the exhaust manifold. Locate the nut on the tube where it meets the EGR valve and turn it counterclockwise with a wrench and then pull the tube away from the valve.

3

Locate and remove the two bolts on the base of the EGR valve with a socket and ratchet and then remove the valve and gasket from the engine. Discard the old valve and place a new valve on the engine, making sure to install a new gasket between the valve and engine.

4

Install the two retaining bolts and torque them to 18 pound-feet with a socket and torque wrench. Install the riser tube into the side of the EGR valve and tighten the nut to 30 pound-feet with a torque wrench and crows foot wrench.

5

Install the vacuum line on the top of the valve, pushing it straight on until it seats tightly. Close the hood of your escape.

It used to be a lot easier before the days of catalytic converters and resonators and other complicated and integrated exhaust components to repair a cracked muffler pipe. Now the exhaust systems contain many variables that create difficulty when trying to attempt simple repairs. However, with this in mind, the aftermarket exhaust industry has also found some clever ways to work around the complicated systems. If you do indeed have a cracked muffler pipe, you may have some options left before you have to spring out the cash to replace the entire system.

Instructions

1

Lift the vehicle safely and securely on a car lift.

2

Put on the safety glasses.

3

Locate the cracked muffler pipe.

4

Put on the welding shield and weld the cracked muffler pipe if the crack is located on a bend in the pipe and a sleeve clamp or buddy sleeve would not be a viable option.

5

Use the sleeve clamp to cover the crack in the muffler pipe if the crack is small, located on a the seam of the pipe, or if the pipe is broken in a straight section of the muffler pipe. Wrap the clamp around the cracked pipe, place the nut and sleeve brace on the other side of the bolts, and tighten using the ratchet, socket and a hand wrench.

6

Use a buddy sleeve to reconnect a separated muffler pipe. This would only be an option if the pipe was completely broken in half on a straight section of the muffler pipe. The buddy sleeve would reconnect the two halves of the pipe and you would use to exhaust clamps of suitable size to tighten the buddy sleeve to the cracked muffler pipe.

The Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve, or PCV valve, in your 2001 Nissan Maxima prevents the crankcase emissions from flowing back into the engine, causing a rough idle and poor-running car. When the PCV valve wears out, replace it to keep your Maximas engine running at its best. Buy a replacement valve from an auto-parts retailer and change it at home in minutes.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of the Maxima. Locate the PCV valve on the drivers side of the valve cover, near the firewall. It is a black, elbow-shaped valve with a rubber vacuum hose attached to the end.

2

Pull the vacuum hose from the exposed end of the valve. Grasp the top of the valve and pull it straight out of the valve cover.

3

Insert the new PCV valve into the cover, pushing it into place until it is secure. Push the vacuum line onto the open end of the valve and make sure it is tight.

4

Start the engine and listen for any skipping or rough noises during idle -- they would indicate that you may not have inserted the valve completely.

Depending on the year, make and model of your Ford F-150, the vehicle may have a temperature sensor and a sender: If the truck as a gauge, it will have both; if not, it will only have the sensor. The sender may be located in the radiator or near the thermostat housing. It reads and sends the temperature of the water/antifreeze mixture to the gauge. The sensor also sends the temperature of the water/antifreeze mixture to the computer, so that the computer can make adjustments in timing, air and fuel mixture, and other adjustments needed by the truck to run ai its optimum performance levels and get the best fuel mileage.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of the F-150.

2

Inspect the front, center of the engine and locate the rear of the thermostat housing. Find the thermostat housing by following the top radiator hose from the radiator to the block.

3

Place your hand on the sensor that is mounted in the intake manifold, just behind the thermostat housing. The sensor has a round plug, which has wires coming from the wiring harness plugged into it. If you remove it, the base will look like a large bolt that screws into the intake manifold.

4

Push the plastic harness connector out and lift the wiring harness plug out of the sensor. Using the socket, unscrew the coolant temperature sensor from the intake manifold.

5

Wipe a thin layer of anti-seize compound on the threads of the coolant temperature sensor. Screw the sensor into the intake manifold. Plug the wiring harness back in.

Repairing a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 equipped with the 5.9 liter Cummins diesel motor may be simple or difficult, depending on the required repairs. The 5.9 liter, 24-valve Cummins diesel was available in model years 1998 through 2002 before being replaced with a common rail injection system. Many repairs may be completed by a do-it-yourself owner, while others should be performed by a professional mechanic. The first step in repairing your Dodge 2500 is to identify the problem and all affected parts.

Instructions

1

Diagnose the issue with the Ram by evaluating the pickups performance and referring to the manufacturers auto repair guide. Stalling, slow throttle response or lack of power may indicate an issue with the fuel systems or turbo charger. Trouble shifting could mean a transmission problem. The 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 is also equipped with a data port located underneath of the dash board on the drivers side. Plug a code reader, available at most auto parts stores or through a professional mechanic, into the port and read any codes that may indicate issues with one or more of the trucks operating systems.

2

Identify the components and parts that operate the affected systems and test their performance. Note any under-performing, or broken, parts for replacement. Check to make sure that routine vehicle maintenance, such as oil change and transmission service intervals, are also up to date.

3

Remove broken, or malfunctioning parts, and take them to a local auto parts store to match for replacement. Use only parts that are application-specific to the 2001 Dodge Ram 2500, or intended for universal use. Install new parts according to the manufacturers specifications and perform any neglected routine maintenance.

4

Test drive the vehicle under variable driving conditions and evaluate whether or not the issue has been solved by the replaced or repaired parts. If not, refer back to the manufacturers auto repair guide and re-evaluate the source of the Ram 2500s problem.

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.

Oxygen sensors monitor the oxygen saturation in your Ford Explorers exhaust. The fuel to air ratio is regulated based on the readings from the oxygen sensors. A failing oxygen sensor can cause decreased fuel economy. Improve your fuel consumption as well as your Explorers emissions by replacing faulty oxygen sensors. You can purchase a new oxygen sensor at an auto parts store or Ford dealership.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the battery cable from the negative battery terminal. Set the cable in a secure area away from the terminal.

2

Lift the truck with a jack and position a set of jack stands securely beneath it to support the vehicle while you work under it. Remove the jack when your Explorer is secure.

3

Locate the O2 sensors along the exhaust. Depending on the engine your Explorer is equipped with, there are anywhere from one to four O2 sensors along the exhaust pipes and the manifold. Change your O2 sensors one at a time to make the process easier.

4

Disconnect the electrical connection from the top of the sensor. The electrical connection plugs into the wiring pigtail on the top of the sensor.

5

Unscrew the sensor from the manifold or exhaust pipe using an oxygen sensor socket and ratchet. Discard the old sensor.

6

Coat the threads of the new sensor carefully with anti-seize compound if your new sensor is not pre-treated with it. Many sensors are pre-treated with anti-seize.

7

Install the sensor using an oxygen sensor socket and ratchet to tighten it securely. Attach the electrical connector to the pigtail.

8

Raise your Explorer with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the truck to the ground.

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.