So Fix it

Any time a high-pressure fuel system is opened for service, air is introduced into the fuel hose. Bleeding, which requires running fluid through the hose, will eliminate air from the system and help reduce vehicle stalling and intermittent operation problems. The fuel system must be bled to prevent these hazardous operating conditions.

Fuel Filter Work

The fuel hose must be bled when the fuel filter is replaced. Typically, fuel filters are ahead, behind or both ahead and behind the fuel pump. Some fuel filters are made of clear plastic or glass to make it possible to visibly locate the presence of air.

Fuel Pump Work

Modern fuel-injection systems may have two or more fuel pumps. Each of these is designed to work at high pressure. Any time a fuel pump is replaced, it needs to run for a few moments to pull enough fuel through to draw air bubbles out of the fuel line.

Fuel Hose Work

Deteriorated or damaged fuel hoses or lines may themselves draw in under the vacuum of a fuel pump. When a fuel hose or line is replaced, the fuel system should be bled under pressure to draw out any air.

A bad terminal connection can cause the battery to not work. It is definitely worth the effort to check the terminals because it is easier and less expensive to replace the connectors and clean the terminal posts than to buy a new battery.

Failed Electricity

A defective terminal connection prevents the battery from providing electricity to your car, which may result in electrical systems working poorly or not at all. The lights may become dim and the starter may not be able to start the engine.

Corrosion

A bad battery terminal can cause a build-up of a powder-like substance around the post of the battery terminal. This corrosion can cause a batterys poor connection. You can disconnect the battery cables, negative then positive, and scrub the terminal posts and connectors with a mixture of baking soda and water to remove the corrosion.

Poor Charging

If malfunctioning terminals are preventing a good connection to the battery, the alternator will not be able to properly recharge the battery. This could cause the battery to appear dead.

CV joints, or constant velocity joints, help keep all of a cars wheels rolling at the same speed while also helping the suspension adjust to vertical movements. While most CV joints last for many years, a failed CV joint may require replacing an entire drive shaft, according to Samarins, a website useful to people in the used-car market.

Structure

A CV joint consists of a ball-and-socket joint with metal bearings packed in grease and surrounded by a protective rubber boot, according to 2 Car Pros. Each drive shaft includes inner and outer CV joints attached to each end of the shaft. Failure of either joint can lead to serious problems.

Damage

A CV joint becomes vulnerable to failure when the rubber CV boot covering the joint develops a tear. The torn CV boot allows grease to leak out from the bearings in the joint while also allowing grit to enter. Eventually the corroded joint breaks, ruining the entire drive shaft.

Trouble Signs

Diagnosing a CV joint problem early can help prevent total failure of the CV joint. Drivers who hear a clicking or knocking noise when the car makes sharp turns may have a CV boot problem. Replacing the boot and repacking the grease before failure occurs can fix the problem.

The 1993 Cutlass Supreme is a four-door sedan equipped with a 3.1-liter, six-cylinder engine. If your Cutlass Supreme does not start when the engine is warm, it probably is overheating. An overheated engine can be caused by not enough coolant in the system or by a leak in the cooling system. You can troubleshoot this problem yourself and save money by fixing it in your driveway or garage.

Instructions

1

Turn on the ignition so the instrument panel illuminates but do not start the engine. Note that the needle is in the "Red" area of the temperature gauge, if the engine has overheated.

2

Open the hood and locate the coolant tank, which is on the left side of the engine compartment. Remove the tank cap by turning it counterclockwise.

3

Pour 50-50 coolant through a funnel into the tank until you reach the fill line on the side of the tank.

4

Look under your car for leaks from the cooling system. If you find any leaks, have the car towed to a service shop to patch the leak. Driving your car while coolant is leaking could cause further damage to the engine.

The Mountaineer is a mid-sized sport utility vehicle in the Mercury line manufactured by Ford Motor Co. One benefit of the Mountaineer is its size because it can hold up to seven passengers. But, the Mountaineer can have problems starting. If you are having difficulty starting the vehicle, there are diagnostic tests that you can perform at home or on the roadside to solve or gain insight into the problem. These steps also might save time and money.

Instructions

1

Place the key in the ignition and start it. If the key does not turn, try adjusting the steering column. The column could be locked and prevent the key from turning. Once the steering column is unlocked, turn the key again.

2

Also check the fuel gauge. If the fuel level is low, add a gallon of gas and attempt to start the vehicle.

3

Open the hood and check the levels of the oil, coolant and transmission fluid. Low fluid levels not only cause problems but also can prevent the Mountaineer from starting.

4

Test the battery. Turn the key in the ignition to the third position, which turns on the electrical circuits. Turn on the headlights and interior lights. If the lights and displays do not illuminate, the battery either is drained or dead. The battery might need a jump-start or replacement.

5

Listen for noises that might indicate other problems. No noise after turning the key might indicate a faulty ignition switch. A clicking noise indicates a problem with the starter. If the vehicle briefly starts then shuts down, this might be a problem with the fuel pump.

6

Call a professional if none of these steps solve or diagnose the problem and have the vehicle towed to an auto repair garage or Mercury dealership.

A high-pitched squeal when you start your car is more than just an ear-piercing annoyance. It is a sign that there is something wrong that needs to be fixed right away.

Belts

If your car squeals at start-up, the culprit is most likely the belt system. Most newer cars use a single, serpentine belt; older models may have as many as three belts. Look closely at the belt to see if it is worn, torn or otherwise compromised. Replace damaged belts immediately.

Tensioner

If the belt seems to be in good shape then the problem may be with the tensioner. The tensioner controls the belts tighteness on the pulley system. If the belt is loose it can shimmy back and forth on the alternator, water pump, A/C unit or drive pulley. This movement may cause excessive and premature wear.

Slipage

Squealing may be due to a cold or dew-covered belt. This is most common if a car is parked outdoors overnight. A cold or wet belt may slip for the first few seconds until the rubber has warmed up.