March 6, 2010
Automotive Consumer, DIY, How To Auto Repair
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Summary: Jeep Grand Cherokee’s with dual zone have a common problem of blend doors breaking at the point of actuator engagement. Vehicles affected are 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees. The automatic temperature control can be affected on the driver or passenger side, making the temp control inoperable. Until recently the refrigerant had to be discharged and the dash removed for repair. Now with a WJ blend door repair kit # K6855685AB, from Mopar/Chrysler/Fiat the repair can be done in the vehicle by even modestly experienced individuals. The kit includes an aluminum door door, a plastic door, a spindle, grease and patch material for resealing the evaporator case after repair. PDF Jeep instructions provided in this car repair article.
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February 14, 2010
Automotive Specialty Tools, DIY, How To Auto Repair
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Video I made a while back showing the specialty tool in use.
Summary: Automotive repair blog article on changing intake gaskets on GM 3.1 and 3.4 v-6 engines. Often the problem of water in the oil is mis-diagnosed as blown head gaskets. There are many time saving tips that can be used when changing the gaskets in this and Denlor’s original tech article linked within. The image above is click-able, it opens a new window for Youtube – just watch the volume! The tool is a Lisle 48500, we’ve been selling it for several years now.
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January 17, 2010
Auto Scan Tool, DIY, General Interest
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Autel code reader is an inexpensive solution for DIYers and a popular choice for pro’s when dragging out the big scanner can be avoided.
A recent question from a customer:
I have the following vehicles (2002 camry, 2007 camry, 2001 dodge deisel truck). my 2002 camry is giving a intermittent engine light and I’m thinking about buying a scanner. If I buy one I want one that will help me the most to ID the problem so I’m trying to figure out which models give me the most capability for my vehicles. I was considering the Techscan 7000 or the actron cbp-9185 or cp9190. I’m looking for much more than just something that tells me the code…. I want it to help me figure out what part is bad and am wondering if one model is better than another for my vehicles? If you have a different model you prefer please let me know which one and why. It is very difficult to understand what these scanners can do that makes one better than the other.
December 24, 2009
Automotive Consumer, DIY
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Summary: A common problem is when both turn signals and hazard lights go out at same time, on a VW New Beetle. The next question - Where is the flasher located?Many cars have seperate flashers, one for the turn signals and one for the hazard lights. A good reason for separate flashers is that both are unlikely to fail at the same time and a driver in an emergency situation would be able to turn on some flashing lights to alert other drivers. VW, was unable to grasp this idea so they designed a dual purpose flasher relay - when it fails, the turn signals and hazards will NOT work. The turn signal and hazard flasher relay is integrated into the hazard flasher switch. When the relay fails it will cause both the turn signals and the hazard lights to stop working. The unit is replaced as an assembly, see the picture below.
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December 13, 2009
Auto Technician / Mechanic, Automotive Specialty Tools, DIY, How To Auto Repair
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Summary: Rear wiper motors on many types of SUV’s and mini vans commonly fail. One reason they fail is due to infrequent use. Electric motors tend to work better when they are used often. Sometimes a rear wiper motor can be tapped lightly to make it work temporarily. This is a quick test (used a lot on Fords) that will help to verify there’s power present at the motor. The wiper motor may stop again before long, but knowing that the motor is getting battery voltage without having to take the trim panel off for testing is a definite plus. The vehicle featured in this car repair article is a Chevy, which doesn’t have the common Ford rear wiper problem. The 1999 S-10 Blazer hatch has been opened and closed many times over the years. This can cause the wiring from the body to the hatch to weaken over time much like breaking a wire hanger by bending it in the same position repeatedly.
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December 6, 2009
Auto Technician / Mechanic, Automotive Specialty Tools, DIY, How To Auto Repair
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Summary: Mopar 4.7 engines used in many Jeep and Dodge vehicles share a common problem. Misfires which are accompanied with coolant loss, rear heater not working properly and engine temperatures running a higher than normal range, could have a leaking head gasket. There’s a couple of simple ways to check for a blown head gasket, one is by using a block test kit, another way is to use a cooling system pressure tester and removing the spark plug in the misfiring cylinder.
November 22, 2009
Automotive Consumer, DIY, How To Auto Repair
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Summary: This automotive repair blog is on a common Chrysler Pacifica seat problem. The drivers lumbar support can fail in one of several ways besides having a bad switch. The motor can fail, the cable can strip or the mechanical flex plate may wear and come apart. The lumbar support mechanism can be changed easily by anyone who is somewhat mechanically inclined. Unlike in some other cars, the seat cover does NOT have to be removed, just the rear access cover taken off for access. This is done in the vehicle making the replacement an easy do-it yourself project.
October 10, 2009
DIY, How To Auto Repair
64 Comments
Heater hose clamps like pictured can be removed easily with special hose clamp tools.
Summary: In this auto service repair article, we cover how car heaters work. Knowing how the automotive heater system is designed to work, allows the car owner or auto tech to diagnose problems more quickly and easily. Car heaters are designed much differently than home heaters, therefore diagnosing and repairing auto heaters requires different service procedures. Auto service tips and information provided in this car repair article is written by a master automotive technician that has many years in the field. The info. is provided in simple language that is easy to understand by anyone – experienced in auto service or not.
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October 9, 2009
Auto Technician / Mechanic, Automotive Consumer, DIY
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The Robinair AC Machine is one of the most popular units for car air conditioning service.
Summary: In this auto repair article we discuss the reasons why a car’s air conditioning system may leak water inside the vehicle. Sometimes the fix is simple and other times the repair can be much more labor intensive. As an automotive technician that’s worked over 25 years in Florida, I’ve dealt with this problem many times on different models. If leaks aren’t fixed quickly, the carpet and padding underneath can become a breeding ground for mildew and harmful bacteria. People with certain allergies can be affected the most.
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October 5, 2009
Automotive Consumer, DIY, How To Auto Repair
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Summary: This auto repair article covers the common problem of ”the key being stuck in the ignition.” The shift interlock system is usually the cause of the key being stuck in the ignition lock. We do a general overview of this problem as it is related to a wide range of vehicles and have a specific vehicle, a 2006 Jeep Liberty that has the problem too. As with all vehicle systems, it’s best to have an understanding of how the system works to be able to diagnose the problem properly.
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