So Fix it

When a manufacturer recall is issued for a particular vehicle, the manufacturer provides the parts and labor necessary for the repair free of charge. After this repair is made, the dealership logs the vehicle identification number and stores this information in a computerized database. This information is kept on file in order to keep track of which vehicles have been repaired. In order to obtain this information, the VIN is needed.

Instructions

1

Locate and record the VIN for the vehicle in question. The VIN is displayed underneath the windshield on a small plaque in the lower-left (drivers side) corner.

2

Contact a new car dealership in your area by telephone that sells that particular make and model of vehicle. Ask to speak to a service adviser in the service department.

3

Tell the service adviser that you are looking for recall information on a particular vehicle. Read them the VIN when prompted. They will look up the repair information in their computer system and notify you if the vehicle has been repaired according to the recall repair instructions.

Ramps are inclined planes---one of the six simple machines, and probably the oldest of them. While modern materials, configurations and purposes have changed the ramps appearance and construction methodology, the basics of its design pre-date humanity and still apply today. Ramps come in all sizes and can assume a variety of forms to suit any vehicle application.

Construction

Ramps come in two basic types---hollow or solid. A solid ramp has no empty space in the middle to collapse under the load, making them far stronger and more stable than a hollow ramp. The obvious downside is that solid ramps are very heavy, which makes them difficult or near impossible to transport and place.

Plane or Self-Supporting

Look at any ramp from the side and youll see that it basically forms a right triangle. Self-supporting ramps use a vertical support to suspend the high end of the ramp plane; a simple plane ramp spans the distance from a higher point to a lower point. In addition to being fully portable, self-supporting ramps can be stronger and less prone to bending since the support effectively shortens the ramps inclined plane. However, the ramps vertical legs require some sort of reinforcement or triangulated tie to keep them from kicking out under load.

Approach Angle

The ramps plane angle determines its approach angle, which is an important consideration when it comes to vehicle loading and ramp versatility. Imagine wedging one end of a yardstick under your front tire, then pulling the other end up until it hits the bottom of your front bumper. The angle that the yardstick forms relative to the ground is its approach angle, or the steepest ramp that it can traverse. Departure angle works the same way, but extends from the back of the rear tire to the bottom of the rear bumper. A low car with a long front overhang (like a Saleen S7) will have a lower approach angle than a jacked-up truck with a short front overhang (like a Hummer H1). Lower approach angles necessitate a longer ramp with a shallower angle.

Break-Over Angle

Break-over angle is the inverse of approach angle, and is equal to 180 minus ramp angle. Break-over angle is an important consideration since the top of the ramp effectively forms a peak that the bottom of the vehicle must be able to clear. Very low and long-wheelbase cars like the 1958 Cadillac Eldorado will have a lower break-over angle than taller, shorter-wheelbase vehicles like the Jeep CJ.

Load Rating

A number of factors go into determining a ramps load rating, including ramp size, material used and construction methodology. Self-supporting ramps are generally limited by their vertical supports, since the vehicle load is almost always trying to push them out from under the ramp or bend them in half.

A typical front end alignment consists of adjusting caster -- forward or rearward tilt of the steering axis; camber -- inward or outward tilt of the top of the tire; and toe -- inward or outward tilt of the front of the tire -- to prevent excessive tire wear, improve handling, and straighten an off center steering wheel. Many manufacturers, like Toyota, do not provide adjustment for caster and camber from the factory. In the 1997 Toyota Camry the toe angle is adjustable on all four wheels and, while caster is not adjustable, camber can be adjusted using aftermarket bolts in the struts.

Instructions

1

Apply the parking brake and start the engine. Center the steering wheel and turn off the engine. Apply the brakes and lock them in place using the brake pedal depressor. Clamp the alignment machines targets securely to all four wheels and level the targets using the built in bubble level. Compensate for wheel run-out according to the machines procedure.

2

Determine which wheels need a camber adjustment by comparing the initial readings of the alignment machine with the factory specifications. Remove the upper strut-to-steering knuckle mounting bolt using a wrench, socket, and ratchet.Install the adjustable aftermarket bolt in upper bolt hole and tighten it securely.

3

Loosen both strut-to-spindle mounting bolts on the right rear strut. Rotate the upper, adjustable aftermarket, bolt to adjust rear camber until it is within specifications. Rear camber in the 1997 Camry should be -.75 degrees +/- .75 degrees. Camber should also be equal on both sides. Tighten the strut bolts to 145 psi using a torque wrench. Adjust the left rear camber in the same manner.

4

Adjust the right rear toe angle by loosening the jam nuts on the right rear toe arm using a 21 mm wrench and twisting the adjuster nut until the toe is within manufacturers specification. The rear toe on the 1997 Camry should be .10 degrees +/- .05 degrees. Tighten the jam nuts securely. Adjust the left rear toe in the same manner.

5

Adjust the front camber to -.8 degrees +/- .75 degrees in the same manner as the rear camber and tighten the strut bolts to 156 foot-pounds using a torque wrench. Loosen the jam nut on the right front tie-rod and rotate the tie rod to adjust toe to 0 degrees +/- .05 degrees and tighten the jam nut securely.

6

Start the engine and center the steering wheel. Verify that the front toe angle is within specifications. Readjust front toe, if necessary. Remove the targets from the wheels and test drive the car to verify it drives properly.

The emission controls on an Oldsmobile Cutlass are fully integrated with ignition and fuel system controls. All of these control systems work together to ensure the engine works efficiently with minimal production of harmful exhaust gases.

Crankcase Ventilation System

The crankcase ventilation system controls unburned fuel vapor that leaks from the pistons into the crankcase. Normally these vapors would leak into the atmosphere since they are under pressure. If left alone they contaminate the engine oil and allow sludge to build up in the crankcase. The crankcase ventilation system recycles these gases back into the air intake so they can be re-burned in the pistons. The Positive Crankcase Valve (PCV) controls how much of the gas is recycled at any given time.

Evaporative Emission Control System

The Evaporative Emission Control System (EEC) is a carbon canister that reduces emissions of fuel vapors from the fuel system. It stores fuel vapors and vents them through a filter containing activated charcoal. The charcoal absorbs vapors while the engine is not running. The charcoal releases the vapors into the air intake manifold when the engine is running. A solenoid closes the canister to air when the engine is turned off so that fuel vapor is not lost to the atmosphere.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation System

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation System, or EGR, reduces oxides of nitrogen emissions. Nitrogen oxides are often written as "NOx" and they are harmful to human and animal health. The EGR is a valve which, under certain conditions, allows some exhaust gas to recirculate into the intake manifold. The exhaust gas then cools combustion temperature and controls detonation of the fuel/air mixture. The EGR valve is mounted on the intake manifold and uses manifold vacuum to open up and vent some exhaust gas into the intake manifold. It is activated only when the engine reaches normal operating temperature. Too much exhaust flow into the intake manifold can cause stalling after a cold start or during deceleration.

Thermostatic Air Cleaner

The Thermostatic Air Cleaner (THERMAC) warms air entering the carburetor when the engine is cool and maintains a controlled air temperature into the carburetor. This reduces the amount of time the choke needs to be on and results in better fuel economy and lower harmful emissions.

Air Management System

The Air Management System injects oxygen into the exhaust ports, exhaust manifolds and catalytic converter to burn off any fuel vapor left in the exhaust gas. The system shuts off only during deceleration or rapid acceleration to prevent backfiring. The system reduces the levels of hydrocarbon and carbon-oxygen combinations in exhaust gases.

For the experienced mechanic or auto restoration enthusiast, bargains and challenges alike can be found at the junkyard in the form of salvage vehicles. The state of California has specific regulations governing the sale and registration of these vehicles.

Definition

The state of California defines a salvage vehicle as one that has sustained damage from an accident or other cause (fire, smoke or flood) to such an extent that an insurance company has decided making repairs is not economical and will not fix the car.

Salvage classification

If an insurance company settles with the owner of a vehicle deemed a total loss, the company must obtain a salvage certificate for the automobile. If an owner retains possession of the vehicle as part of a settlement, the insurance company is required to notify the state Department of Motor Vehicles, and the owner is required to obtain his own certificate of salvage within 10 days of the settlement.

Fee refund

Once a car is classified as a total loss, an owner who does not intend to repair the vehicle but retains possession is eligible for a refund of a portion of the vehicle registration fees previously paid to the state. Fees returned are one-twelfth the annual fee multiplied by the number of full months remaining until the cars current registration is due to expire. Drivers who wrecked their vehicles and were cited for driving under the influence are not eligible to receive these fees back.

Disclosure

State law requires owners of salvage vehicles to notify the purchaser, at or before the time of sale, of the vehicles total loss salvage status. If a seller does not make this disclosure, she can be sued.

Re-registration

If a vehicle previously designated as "salvage" is privately repaired and becomes operational, an owner can apply to re-register a car as a "revived salvage vehicle." The automobile is subject to a safety inspection by a California Highway Patrol officer, an emissions test performed at a regulated inspection station, and tests to ensure the cars brakes and lights are fully functional. Those wishing to re-register a previously salvaged vehicle must provide proof of ownership. The state of California will not consider re-registering cars using out-of-state salvage certificates.