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Auto Repair: Most Popular ArticlesThese articles are the most popular over the last month. Glossary If you're trying to fix your car, no auto repair will be successful without a knowledge of car repair terms. This auto repair glossary covers the axle to the ZEV, so there's no way you'll end up with a tire on your steering wheel. Engine Codes Engine codes are the language of your car's diagnostic system. Don't speak OBD II? Don't worry, we've got you covered with a database of every single code your car can throw. Troubleshooting is a snap brake_pad_replace Your brakes have been screaming at you for a week and you know it's time to change your brake pads. Why sit in a cramped waiting room drinking foul coffee and watching Fox News? You could be in your driveway doing the brake job yourself. You'll save a bundle of money and get to soak up a little sunshine in the process. Brake pad replacement is not hard to do if you know what you're doing. Buy an Auto Repair Manual Everybody needs a car repair manual for their car. A repair manual will guide you through auto repairs and maintenance. You can buy your auto repair manual online. If you don't have a repair manual for your car, get one today! Oil Change How-To An oil change is the single most important auto maintenance job you can do for your car. The oil change may be basic, but without it you don't need brakes. It's easy and inexpensive to do your own oil change, and we will show you how with easy instructions and step by step photos. automatic_transmission_help When your automatic transmission starts misbehaving, things can get frustrating really fast. Before you decide to drive your car into a wall, see if you can get closer to the real answer to your car's problem. A simple auto transmission checklist will help out to diagnose your aiutomatic transmission problems. Summer Auto Maintenance Seasonal auto maintenance is important to your car. Auto maintenance should always be a priority, but as the seasons change things come up that might not have mattered last month. Besides, an auto maintenance calendar is a good thing to have in place. If your planning a road trip, all the more important. Replace Your Fuel Filter Your fuel filter is your engine's safety net. Auto repairs can be avoided by keeping a clean fuel filter installed. It takes no time at all to replace your fuel filter, and avoiding the expensive auto repairs that can result from dirty gas is well worth the time. EGR Valve Description The EGR valve is a crucial part of your car's emission control system. The EGR valve was an invention that made your car more efficiently burn its fuel and create fewer emissions. Do you need to know what an EGR valve is? Do you wonder whether you can replace your EGR valve? We'll help you out. ShouldIFixIt The decision to make your own auto repairs is an important one. Before you undertake a specific repair, you have to ask yourself if you are capable of safely, effectively and efficiently making the fix. Making the right decision at this point can save a lot of headache time down the road. OBD Codes 1996-2003 If your car was built between the years of 1996 and 2003, we have your codes covered in this section. Troubleshooting using OBD-II diagnostics makes auto repair diagnosis much easier, you just need to know what it all means. DIY: Replacing Front Wheel Bea "How do I know if I need new wheel bearings?" you ask. Most of the time we don't even know that they need service just like oil changes and tune-ups. No-Start Problems If your car won't start, you're unhappy. Turn the key, no start, you need a jump start. If you don't have a dead battery, it might be the starter, or your wiring, or your fuel injection, cold start, key won't turn, hot start, distributor, fuel pump ... could be a lot of things, but let us help you sort out your car won't start problem. Replace Your Spark Plugs Your car relies on the spark plugs to keep things running smoothly, cleanly and efficiently. Spark plugs wear out every 10,000 miles or so, and with them goes your gas mileage and engine power. Luckily, replacing spark plugs is a 15-minute job that doesn't cost much at all. Check out this simple tutorial and get to it! DIY: Replacing A Serpentine Engine Belt DIY: Replacing Engine Mounts Timing Belt Replacement Data Look here for information regarding timing belts. Timing belt replacement information for most makes including Honda, GM, Chevy, Chrysler, Acura, Audi, Volkswagen, Volve, Toyota, Ford, Daihatsu, Kia, Hyundai, Infiniti, Nissan, Isuzu, Jeep, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Cadillac, Pontiac, Mercedes Troubleshooting Brakes It can be hard to diagnose a brake problem, but troubleshooting your brakes doesn't have to be impossible. Whether it's low brake pressure or a pedal that's hard to press, this brake troubleshooting guide can help you figure out what's wrong with your brakes. CElight That Check Engine light glowing on your dash could be something serious, or it could be a case of the nothings that your mechanic will be glad to charge you $100 to tell you about. Take a look at these common triggers that can cause your Check Engine light to come on for almost no reason at all. DIY: Replace Your Timing Belt How To Replace Your Timing Belt Car Radiator Flush It's important to keep your car's radiator and cooling system clean. Performing a radiator flush at least once a year stops corrosion from building up in your radiator, keeping things nice and cool. This simple step-by-step car radiator flush is the key to good radiator health. Glossary "T" If you're trying to fix your car, no auto repair will be successful without a knowledge of car repair terms. This auto repair glossary covers the axle to the ZEV, so there's no way you'll end up with a tire on your steering wheel. DIY: Jump-Start a Car Follow these straightforward instructions and you'll able to deal with the challenge of jump starting a car quickly and safely. Suspension Troubleshooting Suspension problems are hard to diagnose, but help is on the way. Step by step troubleshooting is how to do it. Whether you have shakes, shimmies, vibrations, bumps, bouncing, knocks, or squishy shocks, we can help troubleshoot with you. It may be your brakes, it could be your shocks or struts, it could even be your uneven tire wear. Ignition Coil Test Your ignition coil can be the culprit in many automotive troubleshooting situations. You will need to test your coil to see if its bad. On-car testing can evaluate, but for a definitive idea of whether you have a bad coil, you need to perform a coil resistance test. This type of coil testing can tell you if your coil is on the way to being bad even before it is obvious. Glossary "S" If you're trying to fix your car, no auto repair will be successful without a knowledge of car repair terms. This auto repair glossary covers the axle to the ZEV, so there's no way you'll end up with a tire on your steering wheel. Honda Rube Goldberg Award Winning Honda Car Commercial made auto parts history. Rube Goldberg machines are exciting, Honda made this ad to highlight the Rube Goldberg machines history and honor the Rube Goldberg concept. Your Auto Repair Questions Answered by your About.com Guide to Auto Repair: Glossary "A" Be sure you know what you're reading before you start an auto repair. Car repair terminology can be confusing, but our complete dictionary should help out. How A/C Works If you understand your car's air conditioning system you can maintain your car's air conditioning system. A/C is not hard to work on if you understand how it works. Check out this A/C description and you'll be the air conditioning know it all. Ignition Coils Ignition Coils Brake Disc Inspection Brakes are pretty much the most important safety device on your car. If you've even partially lost your brakes in the past, you'll remember the change of underwear that followed. Inspecting your brakes twice a year for wear and damage can protect you and your passengers while saving you money by catching any damage before it becomes too costly. Wheel Alignment What is a wheel alignment and how does it effect your vehicle? Replacing a Fuel Pump Your electric fuel pump is the left ventricle of your car. Without a fuel pump your engine will be fuel starved and will not start, or your engine dies, or engine idles poorly. This DIY will show you how to replace your fuel pump using your own tools. Glossary "B" If you're trying to fix your car, no auto repair will be successful without a knowledge of car repair terms. This auto repair glossary covers the axle to the ZEV, so there's no way you'll end up with a tire on your steering wheel. Glossary "C" If you're trying to fix your car, no auto repair will be successful without a knowledge of car repair terms. This auto repair glossary covers the axle to the ZEV, so there's no way you'll end up with a tire on your steering wheel. The Charging System The parts and interaction of the parts of an automotive charging system. Moon Roofs Versus Sun Roofs Your Auto Repair Questions Answered by your About.com Guide to Auto Repair: Moon Roofs Versus Sun Roofs DIY: Drum Brakes DIY: Drum Brakes. How to replace or repair your drum brakes. Replacing Universal Joints DIY: Replacing Universal Joints from your About.com Guide to Auto Repair air filter Your car needs to breathe, and forcing the poor thing to breathe through a thick, smelly sock just isn't fair! Not to mention the effect a clogged air filter has on your gas mileage. Be sure to change your filter on a regular basis. We'll show you how to knock it out in 10 minutes. Glossary "F" If you're trying to fix your car, no auto repair will be successful without a knowledge of car repair terms. This auto repair glossary covers the axle to the ZEV, so there's no way you'll end up with a tire on your steering wheel. Catalytic Converters Catalytic Converters, what they are, what they do and how they do it. How To Wire Your Car For Trailer Lights How To Wire Your Car For Trailer Lights from your About.com Guide to Auto Repair Build Your Own Car At Home Your Auto Repair Questions Answered by your About.com Guide to Auto Repair: Build Your Own Car At Home OBD-II Codes P0100 - P0199 About> Automotive> Auto Repair Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Range/Performance Problem Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit Malfunction Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit Range/Performance Problem Repair Tire If you've ever seen a tire plugged, it seems like some sort of magic. This little black worm somehow wiggles into that hole in your tire, and suddenly it holds air again. The good news is that it's not magic, and you can plug your own tire for about $5. If you know how to repair tires, it's easy. Steering & Suspension An explanation of the Steering & Suspension systems. OBD-II Codes OBD-II Codes P0400 - P0499 Glossary "E" If you're trying to fix your car, no auto repair will be successful without a knowledge of car repair terms. This auto repair glossary covers the axle to the ZEV, so there's no way you'll end up with a tire on your steering wheel. Honda Civic Timing Belt Replacement Your Auto Repair Questions Answered by your About.com Guide to Auto Repair: Honda Civic Timing Belt Replacement T/S Engine Performance Problem Troubleshooting Engine Performance Problems: Part 1 DIY:Replacing Your Fuel Filter How to Change Your Fuel Filter from your About.com Guide to Auto Repair Honda Main Relays From Your About.com Guide for Auto Repair: Honda Main Relays Ignition System Description Your ignition system is an essential component to your car's engine. Without an ignition coil, distributor cap, rotor, spark plug wires and spark plugs, you can't do much at all with a tank of gas. So how does your ignition system work? It helps to know how things work when you need to troubleshoot them, so learning about your car's ignition system (which consists of the ignition coil, distributor and cap, rotor, spark plug wires, spark plugs and, in newer cars, an ECU (computer). DIY: Toyota Camry Door Panel/Front Door Handle DIY: Replacing A Steering Rack from your About.com Guide to Auto Repair Glossary "W" If you're trying to fix your car, no auto repair will be successful without a knowledge of car repair terms. This auto repair glossary covers the axle to the ZEV, so there's no way you'll end up with a tire on your steering wheel. Honda Main Relays Honda Main Relays plug wire check A short in your plug wire can cause your car to run rough, affect your gas mileage adversely and even cause dangerous situations under the hood! Regular inspection of the wires will avoid this, just be sure to know what to look for. Cooling System Defined Your cooling system consists of many parts, including your radiator, water pump, coolant, electric cooling fan and other parts. Understanding how your cooling system works is very important to understanding how to troubleshoot your cooling system if you have an overheating problem. Overheating can be avoided through good troubleshooting and understanding. How ABS Brakes Work How Antilock Brake Systems Work Replacing Transmission Filter DIY: How To Replace Your Transmission Filter Gas-Saving Products Gas-Saving Products: Facts or Fuelishness? from your About.com Guide to Auto Repair IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE (IAC) Auto Repair Glossary IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE (IAC) WHEEL BEARINGS Auto Repair Glossary WHEEL BEARINGS Power Steering Check There's no reason to drive around with malfunctioning power steering. Got a case of the squeals when you turn the steering wheel? Pretty sure it isn't your brakes? Find out if it's a simple fix by checking your power steering fluid level. It's not just a convenience, it's a safety issue if your power steering fails. Finding Pesky Oil Leaks Finding the source of an oil leak can drive you crazy. Next time you have an oil leak, try these suggestions and you'll find that leak in no time. Brake Disc Replacement If your car is doing the shimmy shimmy when you press the brake pedal, it could be a warped brake disc. A brake disc can warp due to heat buildup or wear, and a warped brake disc is a real teeth-shaker. Luckily, they are easy to replace. DIY: How To Replace/Rebuild A Brake Master Cylinder DIY: Replacing A Steering Rack from your About.com Guide to Auto Repair Fuel Regulator Test Your fuel pressure regulator can be the culprit in many troubleshooting exercises. Usually you can tell right away if it's not behaving properly, but if you're still not sure or you want to further rule out the issue, try this easy trick. IGNITION MODULE Auto Repair Glossary IGNITION MODULE SERPENTINE BELT Auto Repair Glossary SERPENTINE BELT Typical Front Wheel Bearing Arrangement Your questions answered by your About.com Auto Repair Guide Coil Test On Car If you're getting no spark at your spark plugs, you might have a bad ignition coil. The ignition coil sends the spark to the distributor, which then sends the sparks out to the spark plugs. A bad coil means no spark, so testing your ignition coil is an important step in troubleshooting an no-start or a no-spark issue. Glossary "M" If you're trying to fix your car, no auto repair will be successful without a knowledge of car repair terms. This auto repair glossary covers the axle to the ZEV, so there's no way you'll end up with a tire on your steering wheel. DIY Wiper Replacement Windshield wipers go bad, and when they do you're car's safety suffers. You should replace your windshield wipers at least twice a year, and by installing new windshield wipers you'll be doing yourself and everybody else on the road a favor. Besides, it's so easy to do, you don't have to wait for an oil change or brakes to change your windshield wipers. PCV VALVE Auto Repair Glossary PCV VALVE Troubleshoot Surge Misfire Troubleshooting is the most important part of auto repair. If you can properly troubleshoot a problem, you won't waste time and money fixing things that don't need to be fixed. If you can troubleshoot your bad engine performance, engine missing, misfiring, overheating, sounds like bad news, or other engine problems, you can repair them and be back on the road. Stuck Car Key Ever get in your car and you can't even turn the car key? Everything seems stuck. There's an easy way out of this jam, and it won't cost you a thing. You won't break your car key in half, either. DIY: Replacing Water Pumps What you need to know to replace your water pump. Auto Repair - Before You Buy An index of Before You Buy Articles for the Auto Repair guide site. EGR VALVE Auto Repair Glossary EGR VALVE Buying Tires All of the numbers and letters on the sides of tires mean something. If you know how to decipher them, you'll be empowered to make a real decision about what tires are right for you, and how to save money buying them. The Diesel Engine What you need to know about the diesel engine. DIY: Repairing Paint Chips The moment you have been dreading has arrived. You have to go to the mall in your beautiful, expensive, brand new car. Making Sense of Sensors Making Sense of Sensors: Part 1. An explanation of the different sensors involved with a fuel injection system. Glossary "D" If you're trying to fix your car, no auto repair will be successful without a knowledge of car repair terms. This auto repair glossary covers the axle to the ZEV, so there's no way you'll end up with a tire on your steering wheel. Glossary "H" If you're trying to fix your car, no auto repair will be successful without a knowledge of car repair terms. This auto repair glossary covers the axle to the ZEV, so there's no way you'll end up with a tire on your steering wheel. Tires Info Important All of the numbers and letters on the sides of tires mean something. If you know how to decipher them, you'll be empowered to make a real decision about what tires are right for you, and how to save money buying them. Dent Repair Repairing a dent in your car body is not difficult. It just takes patience to sand, wet sand, color sand and fill the dent using body filler like Bondo. Bondo is ok to use in small amounts, but don't go overboard with dent repair body filler! Honda Accord Door Panel Your Auto Repair Questions Answered by your About.com Guide to Auto Repair: Honda Accord Door Panel DIY: Replacing Brake Wheel Cyl After a period of time the wheel cylinders will start to leak. When they do the braking force will diminish and, in extreme cases, could cause loss of braking. Glossary "R" If you're trying to fix your car, no auto repair will be successful without a knowledge of car repair terms. This auto repair glossary covers the axle to the ZEV, so there's no way you'll end up with a tire on your steering wheel. Honda Accord Timing Belt? Your Auto Repair Questions Answered by your About.com Guide to Auto Repair: Honda Accord Timing Belt? POWER STEERING Auto Repair Glossary POWER STEERING T/S the Electrical System Troubleshooting the Electrical System: Part 1 Diagnosing A No Start Situation Diagnosing A No Start Situation from your About.com Guide to Auto Repair Honda Civic EX SRS Light Your Auto Repair Questions Answered by your About.com Guide to Auto Repair: Honda Civic EX SRS Light headlight_replacement Don't pay your mechanic an inflated price to replace your headlight bulb when it goes out. For the price of a Happy Meal you can do it yourself. You're four simple steps away from saving a little money and a lot of time by replacing your own bulb. So get to it! Glossary "I" If you're trying to fix your car, no auto repair will be successful without a knowledge of car repair terms. This auto repair glossary covers the axle to the ZEV, so there's no way you'll end up with a tire on your steering wheel. Check Oil Dipstick Checking your oil with your car's dipstick is the single most important thing you can do to extend the life of your car and keep your engine healthy. Use your dipstick! Check out these tips on how to do it safely and correctly. You'll save big money on repair bills, and you get to say dipstick. AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) Auto Repair Glossary AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) GM Converter Lock-Up Problems Diagnosing GM Converter Lock-Up Problems Digital Multimeters What is a Digital Multimeter and how to use it effectively. A/C Leakdown Test Warm air conditioning can be caused by a leaking air conditioning system, causing a freon leak. A common air conditioning leak test is a pressurized dye test. Coolant Check Don't let your car run hot because it's low on coolant. It's easy to check the coolant level in your radiator. It should be part of your regular maintenance routine and only takes a second. MAP SENSOR Auto Repair Glossary MAP SENSOR ANTIFREEZE Auto Repair Glossary ANTIFREEZE Flat Tire Repair Roadside We've all seen it on the shelf, that yellow can claiming it can repair tires in your moment of distress. But will it really work? Is there a discount tire fix that can get your flat tire back on the road? And how much of a pain in the neck is it to use it on a flat tire? Can you repair flat tires with a can? T/S The Brake System Troubleshooting The Brake System Wheel Stud Replacement A stripped wheel stud can be dangerous. Any damaged wheel stud should be replaced as soon as possible. Your wheel hubs and brakes were designed to work with a specific number of wheels studs holding things together. Without all of them you may be compromising safety. Questions and Answers What you need to know about Ethanol as a fuel. Brakes Grinding Listen to the sounds your car makes. If it's making a grinding sound when you stop, it's not something to ignore. Brakes can be expensive to repair if you wait too long. Engine Testing With A Vacuum G Vacuum gauges have been a valuable tool to mechanics for years. Even with modern computer controlled engines a vacuum gauge is still a valuable tool for diagnosing engine and transmission problems. DIY: Replace Your Timing Chain DIY: Replace Your Timing Chain Auto Repair - GuideReviews An index of GuideReviews for the Auto Repair guide site. DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE Auto Repair Glossary DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE Glossary "V" If you're trying to fix your car, no auto repair will be successful without a knowledge of car repair terms. This auto repair glossary covers the axle to the ZEV, so there's no way you'll end up with a tire on your steering wheel. Point Type Ignition Systems Point Type Ignition Systems E85 Compatible Vehicles E85 Compatible Vehicles Tire Repair: Patch vs Plug Your questions answered by your About.com Guide for Auto Repair: Tire Repair: Patch vs Plug Guide Rating and Review Guide Rating and Review: TORNADO Air Management Systems Sounds Rattle Tick When your car is making strange sounds, it might be trying to tell you something. Before you make an auto repair or take your car to the repair shop, do some troubleshooting. You'll save time and money by knowing these sounds. Scan Tool Diagnostics Scan Tool Diagnostics. What you should look fo in a OBD-II scan tool. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID (ATF) Auto Repair Glossary AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID (ATF) Fuel Injection Description Fuel injection was a marvel of automotive engineering. Fuel injection, including single port and multi port fuel injection systems save fuel and add horsepower. They are much greener and more environmentally friendly than carburetors. How do fuel injection and fuel injectors work? What is a fuel rail? Antifreeze: Red or Green? Antifreeze: Red or Green? Dodge Ram 1500 Running Rough Your Auto Repair Questions Answered by your About.com Guide to Auto Repair: Dodge Ram 1500 Running Rough Speed Ratings All of the numbers and letters on the sides of tires mean something. If you know how to decipher them, you'll be empowered to make a real decision about what tires are right for you, and how to save money buying them. OBD Codes 1986 Explanations of the On Board Diagnostic codes for 1995 vehicles are here. Similar to later OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Codes but earlier for pre-1996 vehicles. Battery Post Cleaning If your battery posts are all cruddy, systems in your car can grind to a halt electrically. The most important function of your battery is starting the engine, but if your battery is covered with corrosion often times you can't get a good connection, and thus no start. Even with a jump start, you'll be in the same boat next time you get in the car. Cleaning your battery posts doesn't take any time at all, and the rewards can be large. Diesel Engines vs Gasoline Engines Your Auto Repair Questions Answered by your About.com Guide to Auto Repair: Diesel Engines vs Gasoline Engines Ford Mass Air Flow Sensors Your Auto Repair Questions Answered by your About.com Guide to Auto Repair: Ford Mass Air Flow Sensors Troubleshoot Hesitation Troubleshooting is the most important part of auto repair. If you can properly troubleshoot a problem, you won't waste time and money fixing things that don't need to be fixed. If you can troubleshoot your bad engine performance, engine missing, misfiring, overheating, sounds like bad news, or other engine problems, you can repair them and be back on the road. COIL (IGNITION) Auto Repair Glossary COIL (IGNITION) Glossary "O" If you're trying to fix your car, no auto repair will be successful without a knowledge of car repair terms. This auto repair glossary covers the axle to the ZEV, so there's no way you'll end up with a tire on your steering wheel. Leather Refinishing If you have a hole in your leather seat or your leather seat is worn out and showing wear, there is an easy way to care and repair it. Repairing leather car seats can be an affordable alternative to recovering and refinishing of your leather seats. We'll show you how to care for and replenish your leather seats. Empowerment Automotive Empowerment is a philosophy and a practice. The more you know about your car, the more you can do yourself, and the more you can protect yourself against unnecessary or inflated repair bills. From troubleshooting to repair, anybody can start to learn a little about their car, it's never too late to start, and you can learn or as much or as little as you like. Either way, you're saving yourself time, money and headaches. Did I mention money? How To Replace Your Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid (GM) How To Replace Your Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid (GM) from your About.com Guide to Auto Repair Honda Civic Transmission Crisis Your Auto Repair Questions Answered by your About.com Guide to Auto Repair: Honda Civic Transmission Crisis Does The Turbonator Really Work? Your Auto Repair Questions Answered by your About.com Guide to Auto Repair: Does The Turbonator Really Work? Fuse Replacement When the lights go out in Georgia, or anywhere for that matter, it can be really frustrating if that light happens to be your headlights. Get to know your car's fuse box and you'll be sure to shed some light on the situation. A blown automotive fuse is easy to replace. Auto Repair - TopPicks An index of TopPicks for the Auto Repair guide site. Fuel Tank Sending Unit Replace If your gas gauge readings are bad, or you know that you need to replace your fuel sender, replacing the sending unit isn't difficult. In most cars the fuel sender, also known as the fuel sending unit that controls your gas gauge readings, is in an accessible location to repair yourself. Battery Testing, Maintenance And Myths DIY: Replacing A Steering Rack from your About.com Guide to Auto Repair COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR Auto Repair Glossary COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR Top 6 Tools Guide Picks - Top 6 Tools Jeep Grand Cherokee Crank, No Start Your Auto Repair Questions Answered by your About.com Guide to Auto Repair: Jeep Grand Cherokee Crank, No Start Bulbs and Fuses Bulbs and Fuses Fuel Injector Replacement Many troubleshooting scenarios lead you to the fuel injection system, and sometimes to the fuel injectors themselves. These piezo injectors can go bad and will need replacement. The fuel rail that holds the fuel injectors may also need to be replaced. Replacing your fuel injectors may seem scary, but in fact it's not a difficult repair. Automotive Questions and Answers - Your Auto Repair Questions Answered: Honda Civic Window Pops Out |
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