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In 1995, Honda moved the Accord out of its boxier look into a curvier, fresh appearance that helped it stand out of the import sedan crowd. The facelift retained the previous body style's combination of side-mounted corner lights and front bumper-mounted turn signals. Both lights appear to be affixed permanently to the Accord's front fascia, thanks to the craftily concealed fasteners. You don't need to resort to removing the entire front bumper cover to replace either light; in fact, all you need is a single screwdriver and a couple of minutes of your time.
Most people consider their truck's headlights and taillights to be mandatory safety equipment, neglecting the lowly instrument cluster light. While the smaller bulbs hidden within the instrument cluster do little more than illuminate the speedometer and indicators, their presence can make a difference when sun sets. Replacing these bulbs is complicated by the fact that they are only accessible from the rear of the instrument cluster. This calls for the removal of radio, instrument cluster and the surrounding trim panel.
The 1999 Alero was the first year replacement for Oldsmobile's aging Acheiva sedan and was intended to compete head-to-head against its more established import competitors with a decidedly fresher appearance that its predecessor. The Alero's turn signal flasher relay also doubled as the hazard light relay and switch, placed conveniently enough on the dashboard just to the right of the steering wheel. Should the turn signals fail, the entire switch needs to be replaced. Doing so, however, requires some disassembly of the dashboard and instrument cluster to access the switch. While this may sound daunting, the job can be completed…
In 1972, General Motors needed a small truck to satisfy the growing demand for such a vehicle in the U.S. To help keep costs and risks as low as possible, GM bought Isuzu pickups, installed some Chevy badges and dubbed it the LUV. After 10 years of market evaluation, GM finally released its own compact pickup, named the S-10, which spelled the end of the LUV. By 2001, the S-10 was entrenched in Chevy’s lineup and was a perennial success. Unlike its predecessor and early-model-year S-10s, the 2001 S-10 has a composite headlight system that allows you to replace just…
Headlight Restoration. Part of the Auto Center series. Learn how to restore your headlights to their original glory and improve their brightness.
Electrical circuits are one of those odd things that are usually a lot less complicated than they appear, especially if you look at it from the point of view of an electron. You -- the electron -- start at the battery, then travel through a wire to the junction box. From there, you might go to an accessory or switch, or you might stop off at a second fuse box on the way. If the switch lets you through, you go to the accessory, then back to the battery through the ground. All in less time than it would take…
Vans are a strange entity. Once beloved, then derided, then forgotten altogether, the van has in many ways filled the space in societal memory that station wagons once did. And late-90s Chevy vans stand apart as one of the prime examples of the breed. Reliable as anything else on the road, versatile in a way that many modern vans aren't; part-time conveyance, full-time motel and a comfortable place for a half-dozen adults, it's kind of difficult to justify not owning at least one. But, no matter where you take your van, you won't get far if you can't see where…
Of all the older automotive technologies that will probably never be missed, sealed-beam headlights have to be right at the top of the list. About 20 years ago, automakers almost simultaneously switched to the plug-in-style headlights we use today. These headlights use a mounting system with a bit of history though -- one based largely upon the turn signal mounting systems in use since the 1960s. The Volkswagen Passat's turn signal bulb, and turn signal housing, is so easy to replace that you could very nearly do it in the dark -- which you may have to, at some point.
Germans, as a rule, don't like to make working on anything especially difficult -- but neither are they known for calling for the typical tools, or for doing things the usual way. Take the Jetta, for instance: while most automakers would have you take half the car's front end apart to replace a turn signal assembly, VW makes things simpler, if a bit stranger, by building the assembly so that you need nothing more than your two hands.
Never let it be said that Eastern auto manufacturers don't know how to learn by a good example. Mazda's been using numbers to designate its models for a long time, but only in recent years has the company gone all-out and taken up the BMW model of designation. Like the BMW 5-Series, the Mazda 5 is basically the same as a Mazda 3 (or 3-Series), and a little smaller than the Mazda CX-7 (or 7-Series). And, being mechanically identical to it's smaller Mazda 3 cousin, the procedures used to adjust the headlights are almost identical. Can't fault a company for…
The 1998 Dodge Stratus base model came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission. Your stratus is front wheel drive, which means rotational power is transferred from the transmission to the wheel by a constant velocity or CV shaft. Your CV shaft has two constant velocity joints that allow the axle to move up and down with the suspension, as well as flex to the left and right when turning the wheels without disrupting power delivery. When replacing either axle shaft, you will also need to replace the axle shaft nut, retainer and spring washer.
The Frontier was introduced as a 1998 model and is still in production as of 2012. The Frontier is Nissan’s smallest truck, with the base models being powered by a four-cylinder engine. The plastic headlight assembly on the Frontier has a replaceable halogen bulb. Accident damage, stone chips and upgrades to aftermarket units may all be reasons to replace the entire headlight assembly on your Frontier.
The Nissan X-Trail is a car-based -- or crossover -- sport utility vehicle that is powered by a transverse, front-mounted four-cylinder engine that powers the front wheels. A four-wheel-drive system is available as an option. The X-Trail's large, vertical taillight assemblies are mounted high on the vehicle body and combine the functions of stop lights, parking lights, turn signals and back-up lights. The taillight assembly must be removed for replacement or to replace individual bulbs.
Guacamole tends to turn brown after its been exposed to air for a period of time. Learn if you can add anything to guacamole to prevent it from turning brown with help from the writer of a weekly food column in this free video clip.
The shifter bulb, also known as the transmission shift position indicator lamp, on a 1998 Ford Escort is located beneath the center console. This lamp illuminates the shifter position indicator panel when the headlight switch is turn to the “On” position. This helps the driver view the gear selector’s position in low-light situations. When this bulb burns out, the position indicator panel remains dark despite the headlight switch’s position, making it difficult to determine the position of the gear selector at night or in dark environments, such as garages. Replacement shifter position indicator bulbs are available from most auto parts…
Infiniti equipped the 2003 FX35 models with a xenon bulb headlamp system. Over time, the bulb can fail because of vibration or shock caused by driving over rough road surfaces. The bulb and bulb socket snap into the back of the headlamp housing, allowing you replace the bulb without removing the entire headlamp assembly. Remove some engine compartment components to gain access to the headlamp housings.
Hand signals are the norm for drivers using a vehicle that is not equipped with turn signals. Automatic turn signals have pretty much eliminated this practice, save for some motorcycles and antique autos. A simple electrical device flashes the turn signal lamps on and off, eliminating the need to stick your hands out the window to signal other drivers your intended direction. Activating the turn signal lever or the hazard light switch of your vehicle activates the flasher and causes the needed lamps to flash on and off, signaling other drivers where you intend to go.
For many years, headlights were fairly simple things; essentially just big, glass light bulbs mounted to the front of a car and directed somewhere toward the forward direction. But all that began to change in the 1990s; not primarily because of a desire for better lighting, but rather out of a desire to fully integrate those lights into the car's bodywork. That got us thinking about headlight dimensions, focus and brightness and how to keep the headlight working at its best for years to come.
Just because a headlight has fogged up or developed a similar type of problem doesn't mean it's done for good. Restore a headlight with help from an automotive expert in this free video clip.
Sometimes called "illuminated entry" systems, perimeter lights are the lights that welcome you into the interior of your car. If you unlock your car with a key, there's no sound, and neither headlights nor tail lights flash. If you use your keyless entry system, the horn gives a short beep, the headlights and back-up lights flash, and the interior lights reward you with sufficient light to ensure the interior is safe to enter.
If you want to manage your Amazon Web Services server by using a computer that is running LAMP, a Linux distribution for Web servers, you first need to properly configure AWS. Configuring your AWS server for LAMP requires you to create a new virtual server. You can do so from within the AWS interface.
Model year 1980 was the second production year for the new dual overhead cam engine variation of Honda's successful CB750 series motorcycles. The '80 CB750K was fitted with combination turn signal/running lights attached to the front fork, and a set of standard turn signals attached to the rear fender's license plate holder. The turn signals, however, were easily damaged by the slightest of falls. Replacing the turn signals is a relatively simple task that is complicated by a multitude of wires in a rainbow of colors. Understanding what wires are attached to what will make the task all the easier.
The 2007 Mazda 6 was available in 13 different trim packages. The base engine in the 2007 Mazda 6 was a 2.3-liter in-line four-cylinder, that produced 156-horsepower and 154 foot-pounds of torque. An optional 3.0-liter V-6 that produced 212-horsepower and 197 foot-pounds of torque was available for some trim packages. The factory license plate light bulb for the 2007 Mazda 6 is bulb No. 2825. This bulb is interchangeable with bulb No. 168 and bulb No. 194. LED versions of all three bulb numbers are available. The conversion to LED bulbs is as simple as changing bulbs.
Water can enter the taillight and even the rear hatch area of a 2005 Acura RSX if the gasket between the taillight and the vehicle body has been damaged or leaks due to age, allowing water to enter the housing. Repairing the taillights will require their removal and examination, along with replacement of the gaskets.
The 2007 Toyota Sienna employs several combination light bulbs, located within the corner and lift-gate lens assemblies. Although the taillight bulbs for your Toyota Sienna have the potential to last several years, frequent operational checks of the exterior lighting systems should be made to ensure proper functionality and driving safety.
Installing an LED light in a PlayStation 3 controller’s home button is one of the most common modifications for gaming accessories and allows you to illuminate the controller while playing your favorite game. Many companies offer LEDs that are compatible with the PS3 Dualshock controller and come in a variety of bright colors. When you install the light, it will create a glowing effect in the main PS button. Before modifying the controller, however, make sure the LED light is less than 5 volts. Using an LED light with a higher voltage will drain the battery in the controller.
The 2004 Mercedes C230 was available as a Sport Coupe and Sport Sedan. Both were equipped with a 1.8-liter in-line four-cylinder engine that produced 189 horsepower and 192 foot-pounds of torque. Modifying the taillights on the 2004 C230 with tint can give the car a sleeker appearance. Many people use tint on their vehicle windows for protective and aesthetic purposes. Tinting the taillights is solely a cosmetic upgrade that covers the bright red and white of the taillights and makes them less noticeable.
The turn signal lights for your 2006 Volkswagen Beetle are important safety components designed to alert oncoming and rear-approaching traffic of your intention to change lanes or turn. Replacing a defective turn signal bulb as soon as possible will help you avoid tickets and possible accidents.
The Cobra name was introduced by automotive creator Carroll Shelby in 1962, and Ford Motor Co. quickly bought the concept from Shelby. The Ford Mustang SVT Cobra was launched in 1993, in collaboration with Ford Motor Co. and Shelby Special Vehicles Team. The 2003 Mustang SVT Cobra was equipped with a 4.6-liter DOHC supercharged V-8 engine, that produced 390-horsepower and 390 foot-pounds of torque. The taillamp or taillight bulbs on the 2003 SVT Cobra are accessed through the trunk of the Mustang, with each lamp individually housed inside a taillamp assembly.
Two model years in the early 1980s were key in the progress of Chevy and GMC: The 1982 release of the S-10 and S-15 compact pickup trucks sparked excitement, and the 1983 release of the Blazer, based on the S-10, and the Jimmy, based on the S-15, extended the brands' reach. The 1997 GMC Jimmy was two years removed from a significant redesign and included a special off-road package called the “Highrider.” GMC mounted the front turn signals on the 1997 Jimmy on the front bumper, and the rear brake lights doubled as the rear turn signals. Replacing the turn…
The Chrysler 300 was introduced in 1955, and the 300M was introduced in 1999. The 2000 Chrylser 300M was equipped with a 3.5-liter high-output V-6 engine, capable of producing 253-horsepower and 255 foot-pounds of torque. The headlight assemblies on the front of the 2000 300M contain the high-beam and low-beam bulbs. Replacing the headlights on the 2000 300M, will increase your visibility. Replacing the headlghts will also make you more visible to oncoming traffic.
Chevy used a composite, one-piece headlamp housing system on the 2003 S-10 models. The headlamp housing contains the high-beam, low-beam and turn signal bulbs in individual compartments within the housing assembly. The high-beam bulb is a single-filament, halogen bulb with no reflector coating on the tip that snaps into the innermost compartment in the headlamp assembly. Bulb changes can be made quickly, without the use of tools.
An escutcheon plate is a decorative metal plate that fits at the base of doorknobs to hide the hole that would otherwise be visible through the door. They are also functional because they block would-be drafts from flowing through the door as well. If you love your escutcheon plates but the doorknobs have become worn, the knobs can be replaced with a new set that have a similar style and color.
Exposed to traffic and unprotected by carpeting, stair treads and risers on an interior staircase can take a beating over time and show signs of wear and tear. Not only are such wooden treads and risers unattractive, they are unstable and can pose as a hazard. Replacing such treads and risers becomes necessary to preserve the appearance and integrity of the staircase. The process is not as hard as it seems, because the damaged or worn out treads and risers form cutting templates for the replacements.
A stair banister can instantly transform a common staircase into a focal point in your home. It also provides a function by giving guests a safe object to hold onto as they ascend or descend the staircase. If your banister has become damaged or wobbly or if you simply want to update the look of your staircase, replace your banister. Replacing your banister is a do-it-yourself project that requires a small amount of time and investment.
High Intensity Discharge lights are wired into an electrical system using a voltage converter called a ballast. Standard lights run a small amount of voltage across a thin wire, called a filament. The wire heats up and glows because of the electrical current flowing through it. The HID lights, however, require a large amount of voltage to create light. An arc of 20,000 volt electricity jumps between two terminals and ignites xenon gas in a tube filled with some metal halide salts and mercury. The result is much brighter than standard bulbs, but it takes some wiring to get the…
Ford’s 2002 Rangers come equipped with an instrument cluster that displays operational information gauges such as vehicle speed, engine rpm and transmission gear selection, as well as critical performance information gauges such as fuel status, engine coolant temperature, oil pressure and battery charge state. Additional information is indicated on the Ranger’s instrument cluster by warning lights that illuminate as needed. The gauges are backlit for visibility during low light situations by a series of small light bulbs. Replace burned out bulbs to maintain instrument visibility.
As with commercial construction, where lighting quality is determined by the federal agency Occupational Health and Safety Administration, there are are also regulations for lighting within a home. The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America and the National Electrical Code provide guidelines that are often adopted by local code bodies as mandates.
While a metal railing on an interior wood stairway is visually striking, you may need to replace the rails if it is old, deteriorated, aged or rusted, both for safety and aesthetic reasons. Unlike wooden railings, metal railings have brackets along the lower end of each post that allow them to be mounted easily to the flat surfaces of indoor stairs. Ensure you use the correct fasteners to anchor the wrought-iron railing to the stairway.
The spin-and-scrub mechanism in a Hoover SteamVac carpet cleaner is controlled by the turbine assembly located at the bottom of the appliance. If your SteamVac is not scrubbing using the brush system controls it cannot clean properly, and you should manually replace the turbine assembly. A new turbine part can be ordered from the Hoover manufacturer or an online retailer.
A transducer is defined simply as a device that converts one type of energy into another. For example, a light bulb converts electrical energy into visible light and heat, while a solar cell changes light into electrical energy. When it comes to audio, transducers have a variety of roles, from the change of acoustic energy to electrical energy, and also the change back from electrical to acoustic. Transducers of different types are used for both stages of transfer.
The Craftsman Chipper/Vac model number 987.799601 is equipped with a 5-horsepower Briggs & Stratton four-stroke engine. The primer bulb on this model is located on the side of the carburetor, which is on the side of the engine. Primer bulbs can dry out and crack over time, causing them to need replacement. The replacement of the primer bulb is fairly simple; a matter of minutes if you're handy with a pair of pliers.
The 1995 Jeep Wrangler was offered in a trim package called the Rio Grande, which was based on a 1995 Wrangler body and frame, with two doors and a four-wheel drive drivetrain. The 1995 Rio Grande was equipped with a 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine and a manual transmission. The taillights are mounted outside the body of the Jeep. Accessing the taillight bulbs involves disassembling the taillight housing assembly partially.
A broken air-conditioning unit can make driving during the summer months unbearable. One of the problems that can cause a Honda Civic’s AC unit to fail is a blocked cabin filter, which has to be replaced from the car's interior. A cabin filter that is blocked with dirt and debris may limit the amount of cooled air that flows through the vents from the A/C. If the problem persists, it may be related to the inner workings of the A/C unit itself.
Most Harley-Davidson motorcycle headlights mount directly onto the triple tree, the clamp-like structure that supports the front fork and handlebars. This placement allows the headlight to turn in the direction the motorcycle is steered, providing enough light to illuminate a darkened curve in the road. When the headlight bulb burns out, remove and replace the bulb through the headlight's easy-to-access location on the triple tree. While there are some differences between the ranges of machines offered by Harley-Davidson, the job is straightforward and can be performed on most of the company's motorcycles.
Despite the complex inner workings of your bathroom door knob, replacing the assembly isn't difficult. This is because all the complex parts of the door knob are part of one compact and cohesive component -- which you can remove and replace without even having to know how it works. With experience, you should be able to complete this project in under an hour, though it's a good idea to budget a full afternoon for your first attempt.
Stair lifts are highly beneficial for people who have difficulty climbing stairs, effectively allowing them to reach the top or bottom of a staircase by sitting on a seat that electronically moves up and down the stairwell. Sometimes, if lighting is not bright enough, it can be difficult to see the stair lift. One solution is to create a lighted path along the stairwell by using strings of bright LED lights.
In addition to improving your field of vision and illuminating debris or uneven road surfaces, properly aimed headlights alert other drivers to your presence. However, bad roads, potholes and engine vibrations can cause the headlights on a Harley Davidson Sportster to shift out of position, leading to possibly dangerous driving conditions. Good illumination is a necessity when riding at night or in poorly lit areas, so make aiming the headlights part of the bike's regular maintenance program. The procedure is cost-free, straightforward and easily accomplished with the help of a friend and a few common household tools.
Many cars come with two speaker holes pre-installed on the rear deck, and most already have speakers mounted. However, if you have a subwoofer mounted in your trunk, it will usually be necessary to make a third hole to make it audible inside the automobile cabin. Most rear decks are constructed with a thin metal shelf covered by cardboard or a leatherette plastic substance, and both layers must be neatly cut to provide a third hole in the deck.
The human eye has the ability to blend the color of light sources in a manner most take for granted. Film and digital sensors, on the other hand, render light based on wavelength, so prints made from images will show the effects of the light used. Photographing an interior using available light can include daylight through windows and artificial light from incandescent, fluorescent and other types of bulbs. Several strategies exist for dealing with multiple sources.