So Fix it

A 1987 Ford Truck relies on two things to start: the battery and fuel in the gas tank. If you are having problems getting your Ford truck to start, you can troubleshoot these two issues and make sure that everything is working properly. If you have a dead battery, you might need to replace it. However, if the battery is just low on a charge, you can jump start the car and allow the battery to charge up.

Instructions

1

Open the hood to gain access to the battery and the battery terminals.

2

Loosen the battery terminals from the battery and clean any corrosion off of them with a wire brush and soda. The sodas carbonation will eat away at the corrosion and allow you to scrub it off with the brush.

3

Reconnect the battery terminals to the battery and try to start your truck.

4

Jump start the 1987 Ford truck with jumper cables and a friends car. Allow the truck to run for about five minutes and then cut it off.

5

Try to restart the truck. If the truck will not restart, replace your battery.

6

Check your fuel level. Add 1 gal. of gas to your truck and then try to restart it. If the truck starts up, replace the gas gauge.

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.

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.

The CRF250X is a small engine manufactured by Honda for use with dirt bikes. If you are having problems with your CRF250X after washing it, there are several things you can do before you take it to a service shop. Many engines should not washed with a garden hoses because the water can get into the starter or the alternator. You can test these items in just a couple of seconds.

Instructions

1

Turn the key in the ignition of the CRF250X and listen for a "clicking" noise. If you hear this clicking noise, your alternator has been damaged by the water you used to wash your bike. Take the dirt bike to a service station to get the alternator checked. Service shops have specific tools to test the alternator.

2

Take the bike to a service station where they can check your starter if you dont hear a clicking noise, but the bike still will not start. The starter can get damaged by water also. Service stations have specific tools to test your starter.

3

Look at the gas gauge while the electrical panel is on. If the gas gauge is low, fill the tank and try to start the bike. If the bikes gauges dont light up, you have a problem with your battery.

4

Locate the battery under the seat of the bike. You should see two wires going to your battery, a red one and a black one. Make sure that these wires are securely connected to the batterys terminals. Use a pair of insulated pliers to tighten the connections to the battery. Try to restart the bike.

5

Connect a voltmeter to your bikes battery if it still wont start. Connect the red lead to the positive (+) terminal on the battery. Connect the black lead to the negative (-) terminal on the battery.

6

Look at the reading on the voltmeter. If your reading does not provide a result at or about 12 volts, the charge is too low. Connect jumper cables to your bikes battery terminals and then connect the other end of the jumper wires to the "+" and "-" terminals on a different battery.

7

Start the other bike and then try to start your CRF250X. Allow the bike to run for 15 minutes and then cut the bike off. Try to restart the bike. Replace the battery if the bike does not restart.

Toyota Corollas door handles can get stuck or simply not opening doors. The 2004 Toyota Corolla repair manual includes a little information on how to remove the inside door panel, but you may need help from a professional. In a few easy steps, your car door handles can be replaced or fixed.

Instructions

Removing the Car Door Panel

1

Remove the interior door panel. Remove the screws holding the panel to the door and "unsnap" the plastic panel siding. The 2002 Corolla has three screws as well as the snaps. The handle casing has one screw and two underneath the armrest in the middle of the panel.

2

Open the door and keep it open while manually locking the door, then use a screwdriver to unscrew the broken door handle. Set this screw in a safe place. You must remove the broken piece entirely. If you cannot remove the broken handle entirely, there is another solution later.

3

Remove the armrest by pulling it up from the snaps. You may need to wedge a flathead screwdriver under the pad to push it up and reveal the screws beneath. Unscrew these two screws and set aside with the other.

4

Check inside the door handle compartment for possible broken parts or pieces missing. There may be something lodged or wedged inside the handle. Take a wiping cloth or wet towel and clean the area, then check the door handle from the outside. If it is still stuck, then you simply need to replace the car door handle.

Replacing a Toyota Corolla Door Handle

5

Remove the door handle by starting at the bottom left or right side of the doors panel. Put your fingers under the plastic and pull it from the snap. It should come loose with a bit of pressure.

6

Unsnap each part of the door panel. This is a tedious process but the entire door panel must come off. Then lift the panel up and over the locking device once the panel is free. Try supporting the panel with your legs. Try to not let the panel fall to the ground. You may need assistance. If you have power windows and locks, there will be wires coming from inside the door panel, which will restrict how far the panel can be moved. Do not disturb these wires.

7

Lift the panel up and over the locking device once the panel is free. Support the panel with your legs. Try to not let the panel fall to the ground. You may need assistance. If you have power windows and locks, there are power chords andd wires coming from inside the door panel which restricted how far the panel could be moved. Do not disturb these wires in any way.

8

Look inside the door for a metal arm with an L-shaped end extending out to where the door handle was before. The tip of the metal arm needs to insert into the new door handle.

9

Take the metal arm and attach it to the door handle. The door handle needs to be inserted into place inside the door panel. Snap the metal arm once inside the door handle. You may need pliers for this.

Reattach the Door Panel

10

Attach the door handle in the door panel to the door itself. Three arms extend from the back of the door handle. There are two L-shaped arms, and one is a cylinder. They match the receiving pieces in the door frame. Line each of these as you push the door panel back on.

11

Realign the door panel by lifting it up and over the locking device before lowering it back into position.

12

Slide the door panel to one side as the door handle slides into place into the door. This brings the hole of the screw into line with the corresponding hole in the door.

13

Snap the door panel back into place. You will need to press hard on the door panel and listen to each one snap to make sure that it is securely fastened back to the door.

14

Test the handle after closing the door. Screw in the three screws from before and replace the armrest pad by snapping it back on.

The Schwinn Campus Scooter is designed for college students to get across campus. If you are having problems with your Schwinn Scooter, there are a few components that you can check out before you take it into a repair shop. Schwinn electric scooters rely on two 12-volt batteries to start. If you have a dead battery on your scooter or the battery wires are broken, the scooter will not start.

Instructions

1

Look over the wire connections going from the battery to the scooters motor. Make sure there are no broken or frayed wires. Have the wires replaced by a professional.

2

Look for any corrosion on the metal connections going from the wires to the scooters battery. Use soda and a wire brush to remove the corrosion and then reconnect the wires to the scooters battery.

3

Test the battery with a battery tester to make sure it holds a full charge.

4

Charge the battery for six hours and then reconnect the battery to the scooter.

5

Replace the battery if necessary.

It is frustrating when your car door will not open, especially when you are in a hurry or are battling extreme weather. There are a variety of reasons why a car door wont open. Identifying the problem and eliminating the cause are the first steps to fixing the car door. There are a few common issues that will help identify the problem.

Instructions

1

Eliminate the easy fixes. Check that the door locks are open. Many people lock the doors without realizing it, or the doors lock automatically when the door closes. If the door will not open from the inside, check that the child safety lock is not engaged. If the child lock is on, the door will not open.

2

Check the seat belt. If the seat belt has not fully retracted, it may be blocking the doors latching mechanism. Give the door a firm shove from the inside while pulling the door handle open. This may take quite a bit of force and multiple attempts. Once the seat belt is taken off the latch, the door will open.

3

Remove the panel of the door to access the mechanical components. Reference the car manual for the location of the door locks and its parts. Look for a broken rod or loose cable. Replace the broken part at your local automotive store.

4

Lubricate the door hinges. If the door consistently jams or opens with extreme difficulty, using a spray lubricant might be all you need. Open the door to access the hinges. Spray a liberal amount of lubricant to the hinge. To work the lubricant into the hinge, open and close the door without shutting it completely. If it continues to creak or is difficult to open, add more lubricant.