Monday, November 17, 2014
How to Make Turn Signals Blink Faster
Turn signals operate by the opening and closing of a switch, or relay, which interrupts the electrical signal to the light. The switch operates in cadence based upon the electrical signal entering into the relay. Drivers of older vehicles with electrical problems may notice that the relay goes faster when the engine revs up, and slows down when the engine idles. An older relay will also begin to slow down as the electrical contacts in the switch begin to wear out. Speeding up the flashing of the turn signal merely requires installing a new turn signal relay.
Instructions
- 1
Turn the vehicle to "ON" and activate the turn signal.
2Trace the location of the signal by listening for the clicking sound of the relay. Most relays are housed to the left of the steering column, mounted against the firewall in a bundle of wire connections. The relay is a usually a silver cylinder about 1 inch tall. Some newer models use a black box for the relay. You can both hear and feel the clicking of the switch while the signal is active.
3Remove any necessary trim or dash panels to access the relay using a screwdriver or socket wrench as necessary.
4Turn the vehicle off and remove the key.
5Disconnect the old relay by pulling the wiring harness out of the electrical connection. You may have to unscrew a few retaining screws from the relay. Install the new relay in the reverse of the removal of the original. Start the vehicle and activate the turn signal to test. You will notice the signal is faster. Reinstall any dash or trim panels you removed.
A 1988 Honda Car With a V 6 That Will Not Start but Will Turn Over
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.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Why Wont My Mazdas Key Turn In the Ignition
A Mazda key will not turn in the ignition for three main reasons: a problem with the physical key code, a tight steering column or a faulty ignition switch. In each case, the key is not connecting properly with the ignition switch.
Mazda Key Code
The Mazda key can contain a computer chip in its head specifically coded to communicate with a particular vehicle. Starting the ignition requires the correct code. A key inserted without the correct code may not turn at all or may only crank forward without starting.
Steering Wheel Lock
A steering wheel has a lock mechanism to prevent the key from turning in the ignition, a security device to prevent theft. To start the ignition, pull and hold the steering wheel to the right or left before you turn the key.
Tires Turned Tight
A key may not turn the ignition switch when you park the car on a hill with tires turned to the curb or out too tight. This position places pressure on the locking pin in the steering column and prevents it from moving. Rock the steering wheel left and right to loosen the locking pin and start the car.
Lose Ignition Switch
The ignition switch and starter can become loose and slip so the key fails to make correct contact. You can try to push the key in as you turn it. The starter may require replacement or at least tightening.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
How to Turn Off the Seat Belt Bell in a Chrysler 300
You can shut off the seat belt chime on your Chrysler 300. It is there to remind you to put on your seat belt but many people find it very annoying. When you turn off the bell, the seat belt light will still illuminate on your instrument panel. If you turn off the seat belt bell and later change your mind, you can always turn it back on. Keep in mind, however, that in many states it is illegal to drive your vehicle without having your seat belt fastened.
Instructions
- 1
Get into the drivers seat and close the door. Fasten your seat belt and pull a lot of seat belt slack forward with your hands.
2Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "on" position, but dont start the engine. Watch the instrument panel for the seat belt warning light to shut off.
3Unfasten the seat belt and the seat belt warning light will turn on. Fasten the seat belt and wait for the light to shut off.
4Repeat Step 3 two more times, making sure you end the process with the seat belt unfastened. Do this whole process within one minute but also make sure the seat belt light turns off each time. If the seat belt bell turns on while you are doing this procedure, shut off the vehicle and start the whole process again.
5Turn the vehicle off. As you do this, you will hear one final bell to let you know youve done it correctly.
Friday, October 25, 2013
How to Turn Off the Seat Belt Warning Sound in a 2003 F150
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.
2Put 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.
3Fasten and unfasten the seat belt three times, making sure that you end with the seat belt unfastened.
4Turn on the headlights for three seconds then shut them off.
5Repeat 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.