Car Repair and Maintenance

How To

• Automobile Owners Manuals Online
          ...
• Automotive Definitions and Acronyms
  Quick Jump: A  B  C  D...
• Automotive Repair: Helpful Hints
  Tips for Finding a Trusted Repair Sho...
• Buying Car Tires: When, Where, and How
  Tires are the most important, but lea...
• Car Fluid Leaks: What to Do
  If it has metal parts and moves, then...
• Check Engine Light: What It Means and What To Do
  Every vehicle manufactured to be sold...
• Do I Really Need New Shock Absorbers?
  A shock absorber's primary function i...
• Drive Cycle and Emissions Readiness, What does it mean?
  When a vehicle has an Emissions Syste...
• Fuel System Additives: Do They Really Work?
  As required by the EPA, all gasoline ...
• How to Prepare for Changing Seasons
  The shifts in temperature and moistur...
• How To Replace Wiper Blades
  With newer vehicles it is often econo...
• How to Save Money on Car Insurance
  In today's tight economic times, most...
• I Have No Heat; What Could Be Wrong?
  Completing our Heater and A/C Diagnos...
• Misfire, What Does the Term Mean?
    Related Information Check ...
• My Air Conditioning is Having Problems, What Could Be Wrong?
  A/C Systems should be worked on by qu...
• My Windshield Washers Don't Work! What Could Be Wrong?
  First, check that the windshield wash...
• Regular Gas: Is It Okay to Use in Your Car?
  It's happening to most of us. As gas ...
• Smog Check: Obtaining a California Smog Certificate
  Why Do We Need Smog Checks? The fede...
• Testing For Head Gasket Failure
  Catastrophic cylinder head gasket fai...
• The Repair Cost of Hybrids: Should You Be Worried?
  If you’ve used our RepairPrice ...
• Tune Up: What Exactly Is It?
  What is a Tune Up? The phrase "My c...
• Weak Or No Heat? Is It The Heater Blower?
  Heat is delivered when the blower mot...
• What Does Drivability Mean?
  The formal concept of drivability is ...
• What is Causing My Brakes to Vibrate?
  Brake Rotor Modern cars and truc...
• What Is Engine Knocking?
  When an engine knocks, it releases po...
• What Is Engine Pinging?
  Here are some common reasons for an e...
• Why Are My Brakes Making Noise?
  What's the noise? How severe is the p...

Brakes

• Anti-Lock Brake System
  The purpose of an Anti-Lock Brake Sys...
• Brake System
  Related Services & Repairs ABS...
• ABS Control Module Replacement
  The ABS control module is located eit...
• ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement
  To replace the ABS wheel speed sensor...
• Bleed Brake System
  Air bubbles can enter the brake syste...
• Brake Caliper Replacement
  Brake calipers operate in much the sa...
• Brake Drum Remachine/Resurface
  To re-machine, or resurface, bra...
• Brake Drum Replacement
  A technician must remove the wheel to...
• Brake Flexible Hose Replacement
  Flexible brake hoses may require repl...
• Brake Fluid Replacement
  The brake bleeder screws (located at ...
• Brake Master Cylinder Replacement
  To replace the brake master cyli...
• Brake Pads Replacement
  As the brakes are applied, brake pads...
• Brake Rotor Re-Machine
  Vibration felt in the brake pedal or ...
• Brake Rotor/Disc Replacement
  Brake pad material wears out over tim...
• Brake Shoes Replacement
  To replace the brake shoes, the wheel...
• Brake Wheel Cylinder Replacement
  Drum brake systems are generally used...
• Front Brake Caliper Replacement
  Brake pads are located in the brake c...
• Parking Brake Shoes Replacement
  The parking brake is applied by ...
• Rear Brake Caliper Replacement
  When the driver depresses the brake p...
• Wheel Bearing Replacement
  Failing wheel bearings develop e...
• Wheel Bearing Service
  Failing wheel bearings become lo...

Drive Train

• Drive Train
  If you’ve read the engine ...
• GM 4wd Warning Light Issues
  GM push button 4wd systems: These sy...
• Clutch Assemby, Manual Transmission Replacement
  When the clutch assembly is not opera...
• Clutch Cable Replacement
  A failing clutch cable may make the c...
• Clutch Fluid Replacement
  To replace the clutch fluid, it is fi...
• Clutch Master Cylinder Replacement
  The clutch pedal is directly attached...
• Clutch Slave Cylinder Replacement
  The clutch master cylinder generates ...
• Differential Drain and Refill
  The differential contains gears and b...
• Drive Shaft Repair
  The drive shaft must be able to rotat...
• Drive Shaft Universal Joint Replacement
  If you hear squeaking or clunking whe...

Suspension and Steering

• Active Suspension
  Active Suspension is a computer contr...
• Power Steering
  Power Steering uitlizes a belt-driven...
• Suspension and Steering
  Related Services & Repair Bal...
• CV Boot Cover Replacement
  The rubber CV boot keeps grease in th...
• CV Half Shaft Replacement
  Each half shaft has two constant-velo...
• CV Joint Replacement
  If the CV boot becomes damaged, greas...
• Front Coil Spring Replacement
  To replace the suspension coil spring...
• Front Control Arm Replacement
  To replace the front control arm, the...
• Front Shock Absorber Replacement
  The integrity of shock absorbers is e...
• Front Suspension Strut Replacement
  To replace the suspension strut, the ...
• Front Sway Bar Replacement
  To replace the old sway bar, mounting...
• Front Wheel Bearing Replacement
  Failing wheel bearings develop excess...
• Inner Tie Rod End Replacement
  To replace the inner tie rod end, the...
• Leaf Spring Replacement
  A suspension leaf spring may be ...
• Lower Ball Joint Replacement
  Without the pivoting motion afforded ...
• Power Steering Add Fluid
  To check the fluid, there is either a...
• Power Steering Hose Replacement
  To replace power steering hoses, flui...
• Power Steering Pump Replacement
  To replace the power steering pump, t...
• Rear Coil Spring Replacement
  To replace the suspension coil spring...
• Rear Shock Absorber Replacement
  The integrity of shock absorbers is e...
• Rear Suspension Strut Replacement
  To replace the suspension strut, the ...
• Rear Sway Bar Replacement
  To replace the old sway bar, mounting...
• Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement
  Failing wheel bearings develop excess...
• Steering Gearbox Replacement
  It may become necessary to replace th...
• Steering Rack Boot Replacement
  To replace the steering rack boot, th...
• Steering Rack Replacement
  To replace the steering rack, the ste...
• Strut Bearing Replacement
  When the steering wheel is turned, th...
• Thrust Rod Bushings Replacement
  Wear in the thrust rod bushings may c...
• Tie Rod End Replacement
  To replace the tie rod end, the wheel...
• Upper Ball Joint Replacement
  Without the pivoting motion afforded ...
• Wheel Alignment
  Manufacturers have wheel alignment sp...

Heating and Air Conditioning

• Heating and Air Conditioning
  Related Services & Repairs AC...
• Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement
  To replace the air conditioning compr...
• Air Conditioning Condenser Replacement
  To replace the air conditioning conde...
• Air Conditioning Evaporator Replacement
  It is difficult to detect leaks in th...
• Air Conditioning Recharge
  To recharge the AC system, gauges are...
• Heater Blower Motor Replacement
  Heater motors on many vehicles may op...
• Heater Blower Motor Resistor Replacement
  The highest speed of the Heater Blowe...
• Heater Control Valve Replacement
  If it is no longer possible to turn t...
• Heater Core Replacement
  To replace the heater core, the cooli...

Engine

• Cooling Fan Operation
  The water and antifreeze mixture (eng...
• Cooling System
  Your car’s engine runs most eff...
• Engine
  Related Services & Repairs Dri...
• Primary Ignition System
  The voltage can vary from 5,000 to 8,...
• Secondary Ignition System
  The ignition coil secondary windings ...
• Coolant Expansion Tank Replacement
  The expansion tank should be checked ...
• Cooling Fan Motor Replacement
  Some vehicles may use multiple electr...
• Distributor Cap and Rotor Replacement
  The distributor is a main component o...
• Engine Cooling Fan Assembly Replacement
  When a vehicle is traveling fast, rus...
• Engine Oil and Filter Change
  Manufacturers differ in their recomme...
• Engine Oil Change
  Manufacturers differ in their recomme...
• Engine Oil Pressure Switch Replacement
  An engine generally produce...
• Fan/Drive Belt Replacement
  Drive belts are made of rubber and we...
• Fuel Filter Replacement
  Many manufacturers don't specify...
• Fuel Injector Replacement
  For an engine to operate, it needs ga...
• Fuel Pump Replacement
  Good gas atomization ensures maximum ...
• Head Gasket Replacement
  If the engine is allowed to overheat,...
• Ignition Coil Replacement
  To replace the ignition coil, the ele...
• Ignition Switch Electrical Portion Replacement
  A problem with the ignition swit...
• Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder Replacement
  The ignition lock is an anti-theft de...
• Ignition Wire Set Replacement
  As the engine rotates, it operates th...
• Lower Radiator Hose Replacement
  Radiator hoses are made from rubber s...
• Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement
  Problems with mass air flow sens...
• Oil Pump Replacement
  The oil pump may be located in the oi...
• PCV Valve Replacement
  The PCV valve circulates en...
• Radiator Replacement
  When a vehicle is traveling fast, rus...
• Spark Plugs Replacement
  Spark plugs generally come one p...
• Thermostat Replacement
  To replace the thermostat, the c...
• Timing Belt Replacement
  In order to maintain the mechanical i...
• Timing Chain Replacement
  In order to maintain the mechanical i...
• Upper Radiator Hose Replacement
  Radiator hoses are made from rubber s...
• Valve Clearance Check and Adjust
  Engines are made of many differe...
• Valve Cover Gasket Replacement
  Gaskets deteriorate over time, allowi...
• Valve Job
  A valve job is an inspection, machini...
• Water Pump Replacement
  A failing water pump may start t...

Electrical and Lights

• Electrical and Lights
  Related Services & Repairs Al...
• GM Passlock anti-theft systems
  Related Services& Repairs Sta...
• GM Passlock Security Light Issues
  Related Services& Repairs Alt...
• GM Theftlock Radio Issues
  "LOC" or "INOP" displayed on your GM ...
• GM VATS (Vehicle Anti-theft System)
  Related Services& Repairs Sta...
• Module Logic Lock-up
  Electronic control modules can develo...
• Alternator Replacement
  The alternator produces an alternatin...
• Battery Cable End Replacement
  The battery cables must be secure and...
• Battery Cable Replacement
  The battery cables must be secure and...
• Battery Replacement
  Periodically check battery cables to ...
• Brake Light Bulb Replacement
  You may need to remove the lamp assem...
• Door Window Motor Replacement
  Intermittent electric window operatio...
• Door Window Regulator Replacement
  Vehicles equipped with electric windo...
• Engine Stalling After Battery Replacement
  It is not uncommon for late model veh...
• Fog Light/Driving Light Bulb Replacement
  You may need to remove the lamp assem...
• Headlamp Bulb Replacement
  You may need to remove the lamp assem...
• License Plate Light Bulb Replacement
  You may need to remove the lamp assem...
• Memory Loss Associated with Battery Replacement
  Related Services& Repairs Rel...
• Side/Marker Light Bulb Replacement
  You may need to remove the lamp assem...
• Starter Replacement
  When the starter motor causes th...
• Tail Light Bulb Replacement
  You may need to remove the lamp assem...
• Third Brake Light Bulb Replacement
  You may need to remove the lamp assem...
• Turn Signal Bulb Replacement
  You may need to remove the lamp assem...

Exhaust and Emissions

• Drive Cycle Issues: What to do when the Drive Cycle will not complete
      Step One, double c...
• Drive Cycle: How to Perform a Basic Drive Cycle
    What is the purpose of a Driv...
• Evaporative Control (EVAP) System
  System Overview    &n...
• Exhaust and Emissions
  Related Services & Repairs Cat...
• Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System
  The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) s...
• Fuel Management System
  The fuel management system is a compu...
• GM OBD I Code Chart
  12 No distributor referenc...
• OBD II Code Chart
  P0100 Mass or Volume Air F...
• OBD II Code P0101
  OBD II Fault Code: P0101 Mass Air ...
• OBD II Code P0125
  OBD II Fault Code: OBDII P0125 ...
• OBD II Code P0128
  OBD II Fault Code: OBDII P0128 ...
• OBD II Code P0130 and P0136
  OBD II Fault Code: OBDII P0130 Ox...
• OBD II Code P0131 and P0137
  OBD II Fault Code: OBDII P0131 Ox...
• OBD II Code P0132 and P0138
  OBD II Fault Code: OBDII P0132 Ox...
• OBD II Code P0135 and P0155
  OBD II Fault Code: OBDII P0135 Ox...
• OBD II Code P0171 and P0174
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0172 and P0175
  OBD II Fault Code: P0172 Fuel Syst...
• OBD II Code P0300
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0301
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0302
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0303
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0304
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0305
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0306
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0307
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0308
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0401
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0401 Ford Ranger, Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0401 Honda Accord, Honda CRV, Honda Odyssey
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0401 Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Rav4, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Pickup
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0402
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0402 Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Rav4, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Pickup
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0402-Ford Ranger, Ford Trucks, Ford Vans, Ford Cars
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0420
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0420-Toyota
  Related Information heck Engine Li...
• OBD II Code P0440
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0442
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0442 Jeep
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0450
  Related Information Emission Gas D...
• OBD II Code P0455
  Related Information Check Engine L...
• OBD II Code P0740
  OBD II Fault Code: OBDII P0740 ...
• Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System
  When the engine is operating (usually...
• Secondary Air System
  Secondary air is used most commonly d...
• Spark Control System
  The spark control system is a set of ...
• Variable Valve Timing System
  The variable valve timing system adju...
• Catalytic Converter Replacement
  The catalytic converter looks similar...
• Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Replacement
  If the EGR valve does not open and cl...
• Exhaust Manifold Replacement
  Exhaust manifolds are subject to extr...
• Exhaust Pipe Replacement
  The exhaust pipe routes harmful exhau...
• Exhaust Tail Pipe Replacement
  The vehicle exhaust system should be ...
• Front Oxygen Sensor Replacement
  Over time, oxygen sensors become "laz...
• Muffler Replacement
  Exhaust gases are forced out of the e...
• Oxygen Sensor Replacement
  Over time, oxygen sensors become "laz...
• Rear Oxygen Sensor Replacement
  Over time, oxygen sensors become "laz...

Scheduled Maintenance

• Oil Life Monitor Systems
      From the 1970s unt...
• Scheduled Maintenance
  Are You a “Normal” or &ld...
• 10,000 Mile Service
  The 10,000 mile service is a minor se...
• 100,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 102,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 105,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 108,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 110,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 112,500 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 114,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 115,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 12,000 Mile Service
  The 12,000 mile service is a minor se...
• 120,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 125,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 126,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 127,500 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 130,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 132,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 135,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 138,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 140,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 142,500 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 144,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 145,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 15,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 150,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 18,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 20,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 22,500 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 24,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 25,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 30,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 35,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 36,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 37,500 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 40,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 42,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 45,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 48,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 5,000 Mile Service
  The 5,000 mile service is a minor ser...
• 50,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 52,500 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 54,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 55,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 6,000 Mile Service
  The 6,000 mile service is a minor ser...
• 60,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 65,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 66,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 67,500 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 7,500 Mile Service
  The 7,500 mile service is a minor ser...
• 70,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 72,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 75,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 78,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 80,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 82,500 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 84,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 85,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 90,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 95,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 96,000 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• 97,500 Mile Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ti...
• Air Filter Replacement
  The air filter should be inspected, c...
• Automatic Transmission Fluid Change
  Transmission fluid should be changed ...
• BMW Maintenance Inspection
  Related Services & Repairs Oil...
• BMW Oil Service
  Related Services & Repairs Ins...
• Cabin Air Filter Replacement
  Manufacturers generally recommend ins...
• Cooling System Coolant Change
  The engine’s cooling system...
• GM Maintenance I
  Related Services & Repairs GM ...
• GM Maintenance II
  Related Services & Repairs GM ...
• GM Maintenance Service
  Required services for many newer GM v...
• GM Oil Life System (GMOLS)
  Related Services & Repairs GM ...
• Inspection I
  Related Services & Repairs Oi...
• Inspection II
  Related Services & Repairs Oi...
• Maintenance Minder
  Related Services & Repairs Ma...
• Maintenance Minder Sub Item 1
  Related Services & Repairs Ma...
• Maintenance Minder Sub Item 2
  Related Services & Repairs Ma...
• Maintenance Minder Sub Item 3
  Related Services & Repairs Ma...
• Maintenance Minder Sub Item 4
  Related Services & Repairs Ma...
• Maintenance Minder Sub Item 5
  Related Services & Repairs Ma...
• Maintenance Minder Sub Item 6
  Related Services & Repairs Ma...
• Manual Transmission Fluid Replacement
  A manual transmission, also known as ...
• Throttle Body Service
  When a Throttle body is serviced, a t...
• Tire Rotation
  All 4 tires on a vehicle do not wear ...
• Transfer Case Fluid Replacement
  Transfer Case Fluid - much like front...
• Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement
  To replace the automatic transmission...
• Windshield Wiper Entire Blade Replacement
  Wiper blades are replaceable and shou...
• Windshield Wiper Inserts Replacement
  In many cases, the rubber insert can ...