Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
If the clutch fluid line in your car has gone bad, you'll be able to tell by watching out for a few particular things. Learn about symptoms of a bad clutch fluid line with help from an expert in the automotive industry in this free video clip.
In the 2002 model year, the Jeep Liberty took over the base-level slot in Jeep’s lineup that the Cherokee had held for 17 years. The 2005 Jeep Liberty had two gasoline engines available, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.7-liter V-6. Both of these engines used oxygen sensors to monitor the amount of harmful toxins in the exhaust. The front oxygen sensor -- sometimes referred to as the upstream oxygen sensor -- monitors the amount of oxygen in the exhaust as it exits the engine and uses this information to adjust the air-to-fuel ratio. Its readings also set the baseline for…
The parking distance control option on BMW’s 2011 X5 truck uses ultrasound sensors integrated into the bumpers to aid in maneuvering tight spaces, such as for parking. The PDC sensors detect objects within 7 feet of the X5, and depending on the PDC option, emit an audible proximity warning, as well as visual warning on the control display panel in the middle of the dashboard above the vents. Replace a sensor in the case of a malfunction as indicated on the control display.
The crankshaft position sensor, or CKP, on a 2001 Mercedes-Benz C240 is located on the right-rear side of the engine block, just behind the driver’s side cylinder head, adjacent to the firewall. This sensor is part of the computer-controlled engine management system, designed to maximize the engine’s fuel economy and performance. This sensor sends information to the engine control module, or ECM, about the crankshaft’s rotational position in relation to the engine block. The ECM uses this information to determine how to effectively manage the engine. When the crankshaft positions sensor fails, the engine may not start at all. Once…
In 1995, Honda offered four engine configurations for the Civic: three variations of the 1.5-liter engine, and a 1.6-liter engine option. Each engine uses an electronically controlled coolant temperature sensor. This sensor is a thermistor that converts the engine temperature to voltage and sends this voltage to the engine control module, or ECM. The ECM uses this information make decisions about how to properly manage the engine, such as when to turn on the cooling fans. When this sensor fails, the engine cannot accurately determine the coolant temperature, and poor or erratic engine performance may result. Replacement coolant temperature sensors…
The 1998 Mazda 626 base model came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission. The 2.0-liter engine has two oxygen sensors that relay how much oxygen is in the exhaust gas as it passes through the exhaust system. If your vehicle is equipped with a California-mandated emissions system, there is one oxygen sensor at the top of the exhaust manifold and one just below it. If your 626 is equipped with federal-mandated emissions, your oxygen sensors are located below the exhaust manifold and behind the mid exhaust-mounted catalytic converter. Because of their delicate internal components, oxygen sensors…
The 2003 Toyota Tundra came standard with a 3.4-liter six-cylinder and a five-speed manual transmission. To meet federal emissions standards Toyota placed an oxygen sensor before and after the catalytic converter on the left and right exhaust piping. The upstream oxygen sensors are located on the lower base of the left and right exhaust manifolds, while the downstream oxygen sensors are located at the exit pipe of the catalytic converter on the left and right exhaust pipes.
Ford has been producing the F-150 1/2-ton pickup since 1975, when it was introduced as a heavy-duty 1/2-ton and produced alongside the F-100 1/2-ton pickup. Ford dropped the F-100 from its lineup in 1983. Ford equipped the 1998 F-150 with a 4.2-liter V-6 base engine or optional 4.6- or 5.4-liter V-8s. The 1998 F-150 has two three-way catalytic converters and four oxygen sensors – two before and two after each converter – referred to as “upstream” and “downstream." Each sensor has a position number assigned to it to identify its location.
If the TPS, or throttle position sensor, fails on a 2002 Ford Escape V-6, it will cause a host of problems. The check engine light will illuminate, indicating that the computer has recognized a failure and set a code. The idle will become increasingly unstable, the car will surge at cruise speeds, the transmission will shift erratically, the car may stall at idle and the car will hesitate when accelerating.
The oxygen sensor in your vehicle monitor the amount of oxygen that is left over after the combustion process, and are used to help the computer adjust the air-to-fuel ratio accordingly. Since oxygen sensors only can be mounted in the exhaust system, they are subject to expansion and soot buildup over time.
The 1996 Chevy S-10 Blazer has four oxygen sensors: one on each side of the engine in the pipe directly below the exhaust manifold collector and one downstream forward of the catalytic converter and one after the converter. The two sensors closest to the engine sense the percentage of expelled oxygen in the exhaust flow, indicating the quality of the mixture ratio. The two fore and aft of the converter determine the effectiveness of the catalytic converter by comparing the differences in oxygen ratios between the inlet and outlet of the converter, which can also be used to recognize a…
The 2001 Toyota Celica base model came with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. The oxygen sensors on your Celica tell the computer how much oxygen is in the exhaust, so the air-to-fuel ratio can be adjusted for optimal emissions and performance. There are two oxygen sensors on your Celica; one before the catalytic converter and one after. Replacing either oxygen sensor is a straightforward task, but you will need a special socket to remove and install the oxygen sensors.
The 1989 model year brought a complete redesign of Nissan’s flagship sedan, the Maxima. Experts considered this version of the Maxima the most beautiful to date, and it was also significantly larger than previous models. The 1989 Maxima uses just one oxygen sensor to monitor the level of oxygen in the exhaust and send this information to the electronic control unit. The ECU then uses this information to adjust the air-to-fuel ratio in the combustion chamber to keep the Maxima at peak performance.
The most common engine in the 1986 Ford Ranger is the 2.9-liter V-6 with fuel injection. The crankshaft position sensor is part of the computerized engine management system. Its purpose is to monitor the crankshaft's position and engine speed. The sensor is of the hall-effect type and is situated on the front engine cover, where it senses the passing of the teeth on the reluctor ring directly behind the crankshaft balancer. As the teeth pass in front of the sensor, they disrupt the magnetic field, causing a fluctuation in voltage as ascertained by the computer.
Ford introduced the 4R100 four-speed automatic transmission in 1997 to replace the E4OD transmission. The 4R100 is a heavier-duty transmission than the 4R70W and is used in the supercharged F-150 Lightning, Excursion, and the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks. The 4R100 has a transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor located inside the transmission that is accessed by removing the pan and filter. Replacing the sensor gives you the added bonus of a new filter and some fresh fluid.
Exhaust gas recirculation is a method of reducing or eliminating toxic pollutants produced by automotive engines. The device that controls the flow of these exhaust gases is called an EGR valve. Taking steps to halt the function of the EGR valve not only has detrimental effects on engine operations, but a more serious repercussion of such activity is the violation of federal law. The United States Environmental Protection Agency mandates that no emission-control designs or devices are to be removed from a vehicle or rendered inoperable. This law applies to anyone, including consumers, and fines can be levied in the…
In 2001, Mazda re-entered the lucrative SUV market when it released the Tribute, which, like the Navajo before it, had a Ford donor: the Escape. The 2002 Mazda Tribute came standard with Ford’s 2.0-liter Zetec engine, which cranks out 130-horsepower. To keep emissions low, the Zetec engine uses a crankcase ventilation system to funnel toxic gases from the crankcase back into the combustion chamber for re-burning. The positive crankcase ventilation valve is the heart of the crankcase ventilation system, as it opens and closes under very specific loads to allow these gases into the engine. When the PCV valve becomes…
Dodge began offering the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 for the RAM truck in the 2003 model year for most available trim levels. Dodge implemented four oxygen sensors into the exhaust system of the Dodge RAM to monitor the amount of oxygen left over after the combustion process. The onboard computer system uses information received from these oxygen sensors to adjust the air to fuel ratio to help provide optimal performance and emissions. The oxygen sensors are located just before and after the catalytic converter on the left and right exhaust piping.
The crankshaft position sensor on a 2005 Hyundai Accent is located next to the flywheel on the right side of the engine compartment. This sensor actively monitors the rotational position of the crankshaft and sends this information to the powertrain control module, or PCM. The PCM uses this information to make a number of decisions about how to efficiently manage the engine, including when to fire the spark plugs. When the crankshaft position sensor is faulty, the engine may start and stall, or it may not start at all. Replacement crankshaft position sensors are available from auto parts stores and…
Your 1998 Chevy s10 came with a 4.3-liter six-cylinder and a five-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Your engine control system uses oxygen sensors that are connected to the exhaust piping that relay how much oxygen, or lack thereof, is in the exhaust as it exits the engine, and then as it exits the catalytic converter. The engine uses this information to adjust the air-to-fuel ratio to improve emissions and engine efficiency. Your S10 has three oxygen sensors, one on each exhaust manifold down-pipe, and one just after the catalytic converter.
Your 2003 Mitsubishi Galant came with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. Both engines use oxygen sensors to detect how much oxygen is in the exhaust system when it exits the engine and the catalytic converter. These sensors have an impact on your fuel economy and engine performance, because as the engine runs the Galant's onboard computer uses information received from the oxygen sensors to change the air-to-fuel ratio accordingly. A faulty oxygen sensor will likely turn on the check engine light and will cause you to fail an emissions tests.
The 2003 Dodge Neon came in four trim levels, SE, SXT, R/T and SRT-4. The SE and SXT trim levels shared a 132-horsepower, 2.0-liter engine and the R/T trim level used a 150-horsepower, 2.0-liter engine. The high-performance SRT-4 model came with a 214-horsepower, turbocharged 2.4-liter engine. All three engines used a manifold absolute pressure sensor to read the pressure or vacuum in the intake manifold, which the vehicle’s computer used to change injector pulse and ignition timing. The MAP sensor uses a silicone sensor to sense the pressure, which makes cleaning it with harsh cleaners a risky task that can…
The Z3 made its first appearance in the U.S. in the 1996 model year with only a 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine. In 1997, BMW added in an optional 189-horsepower, 2.8-liter in-line six-cylinder engine to complement its standard 138-horsepower, 1.9-liter engine. The base-level four-cylinder on the 1997 Z3 uses two oxygen sensors, one before the catalytic converter and one after it. These oxygen sensors are responsible for keeping close tabs on the air-to-fuel ratio and harmful exhaust emissions, by testing the oxygen density in the exhaust system. Replacing the 1997 Z3’s oxygen sensors is a straightforward task that most DIYU mechanics can…
In 1993, Jeep upped the ante in the SUV market by releasing the Grand Cherokee, a more luxurious mid-sized SUV. The 2002 Grand Cherokee came standard with a 195-horsepower, 4.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine. Being an in-line-six engine, federal emission regulations require just two oxygen sensors, one upstream and one downstream. Replacing the two oxygen sensors in a federal emission-compliant 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a straightforward process, but it may require additional heat for those hard-to-remove sensors.
The Rodeo, Isuzu’s compact SUV, hit the marketplace in the 1990 model year. It gained fame in the 1993 model year, as it became the base vehicle that Honda manufactured its first SUV, the Passport, on. The 1995 Rodeo came standard with a 120-horsepower, 2.6-liter four-cylinder engine. As with all modern on-road vehicles, the Rodeo has oxygen sensors mounted to its exhaust system to monitor the air-to-fuel ratio and exhaust emissions. Replacing both oxygen sensors – upstream and downstream – on the 1995 Rodeo is a straightforward task.
The 2006 model year marked the end of the line for the Stratus, as Dodge discontinued it the following model year. The 2006 Stratus came standard with a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and had an optional 200-horsepower, 2.7-liter V-6 available. Both engines used a manifold absolute pressure sensor to monitor the vacuum level in the manifold, which in turn allowed the powertrain control module to adjust injector pulse and ignition timing. Because the MAP sensor uses a silicone sensing unit, harsh cleaners can cause more damage than good. For this reason, you cannot clean the sensor, making replacement the only…
The 1998 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with a 190-horsepower, 4.3-liter Vortec V-6 engine. As with all engines of its era, the 4.3-liter Vortec engine uses numerous sensors strewn throughout the drivetrain. The manifold absolute pressure sensor monitors pressure changes in the intake manifold and relays this information to the Blazer’s computer system so it can adjust the air-to-fuel ratio accordingly. Replacing the MAP sensor is straightforward, but finding it can be a little difficult if you don’t know where to look.
The idle air control, or IAC on a 2003 Ford super duty F-250 with a V-10 is located on the side of the throttle body. Its purpose is to regulate the engine idle rpm by allowing a metered amount of air to bypass the throttle plate when the throttle is closed.
GMC released the full-size Savana van in the 1996 model year as the replacement to the aging Rally Wagon. The 2005 GMC Savana 3500 came standard with a 6.0-liter engine that cranked out 300 horsepower and 360 foot-pounds of torque, so it could handle heavy loads. A set of four oxygen sensors monitored the exhaust as it exited the engine and after it passed through the catalytic converter. These sensors would measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust to determine if the engine’s air-to-fuel ratio was correct and if the catalytic converters were operating correctly. Replacing a failed oxygen…
The Xcode integrated development environment is the IDE used to develop applications for the OS X and iOS operating systems. The application is updated frequently by Apple to address changes to the iOS and OS X architecture and SDK. When switching to an updated version of Xcode, however, you may run into difficulties while compiling your projects because of an error labeled "Base SDK Missing."
The throttle position sensor in the 1997 GMC Jimmy is on the throttle body opposite the throttle linkage. It’s a potentiometer that measures the degree of throttle opening. It contains three wires, a 5-volt power wire from the vehicle control module, better known as the VCM, a ground wire and a signal wire to the VCM. The VCM measures the signal wire voltage to determine throttle opening. Signal voltage varies from one-half volt at idle to 4.5 volts at wide-open throttle.
Modern televisions all use some type of circuit board to control the image that appears on the screen. Plasma TVs, though, are a bit more complicated. The screen you see is actually several layers, including one with ionized gas, that work together to produce the picture. Circuit boards such as the upper and lower Y-buffer manage the process. When the TV starts to fail, knowing more about the boards will help you identify which one needs replacing.
The application of linear programming to resolve computer programming error codes is a common practice. Computer programmers create error-correcting codes that transmit digital information over unreliable channels. Decoding these error-correcting codes using linear programming requires a strong knowledge of algorithms and their application. Error-correcting codes are codes written for the purpose of reconstructing data or computer programming codes that have errors, without having to rewrite an entire program. Linear programming provides the mathematical language used by programmers to correct these errors.
The 2001 Ford Expedition came with a 4.6-liter V-8 or a 5.4-liter V-8 engine. The exhaust gas recirculation valve, on either engine, is responsible for the induction of a small amount of exhaust gas into the intake manifold for the purpose of lowering emissions. The EGR valve is located on the left side of the engine and can be easily accessed from the top side of the vehicle.
The 1998 Dodge Stratus came with a choice of three engines, the SOHC 2.0, the DOHC 2.4 and the 2.5-liter V-6. The 2.0- and 2.4-liter engines have the camshaft sensor on the rear of their cylinder head. The 2.5-liter V-6, however, has the camshaft sensor in its distributor, which is non-serviceable and must be replaced wholesale. The camshaft sensor plays an important part in the Stratus' ignition and fuel injector timing.
Many houses have ventilation ducts running through the attic that move air from one place in the house to another. These ducts may have problems that can cause air flow difficulties, limiting the circulation of warm or cool air throughout the house. Checking for such problems can help you to determine whether your air ducts were improperly installed or have other issues that are causing poor circulation of air throughout the house.
The Maytag DG512 is an older gas dryer model that can develop problems over time. When the dryer does not heat, it cannot properly dry the clothing. A malfunctioning radiant flame sensor prevents the gas dryer from igniting and keep it from reaching the desired temperature. If the dryer is no longer under warranty, you can save yourself a repair bill by replacing the radiant flame sensor yourself.
The 1993 Mazda Miata uses a combination camshaft and crankshaft sensor in one. It is called the crank angle sensor or camshaft interrupter magnet. To order the part, use the crank angle sensor terminology. The sensor is at the top rear of the cylinder head and is a round object, about 3.5 inches in diameter. Its purpose is to signal the location of the crankshaft relative to top dead center on the compression stroke. This information is used to regulate the fuel injection and ignition timing.
Before 1997, Chevrolet had two vehicles with nearly the same name, the Lumina and Lumina APV. The former was a midsize sedan, and the latter was a minivan. Chevy ended this confusion with the 1997 release of the Venture minivan. The 2003 Venture came standard with a 185-horsepower, 3.4-liter V-6 engine. The Venture has two oxygen sensors to monitor the harmful gases in the exhaust. One sensor monitors the exhaust as it leaves the engine, and the other after the exhaust has passed through the catalytic converter. Changing the oxygen sensors in the 2003 Venture is straightforward but does require…
Toyota introduced the RAV4, a compact SUV, to the U.S. marketplace in the 1996 model year. In 2006, Toyota completed the second redesign of the RAV4, increasing its overall size and slightly modifying the appearance of the SUV. The 2005 RAV4 came standard with a 166-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2.4-liter engine has two sensors on the exhaust that many people call “oxygen sensors.” The technical term for the upstream – pre-catalytic converter – oxygen sensor is the air-fuel ratio sensor, and the technical term for the downstream – post-catalytic converter – oxygen sensor is the heated oxygen sensor. Replacing…
The Dodge Stratus debuted in the 1995 model year as a part of Chrysler’s top-to-bottom overhaul of all of its lineups. The 1998 Stratus came standard with a 132-horsepower, 2.0-liter engine that used a small sensor called the camshaft position sensor to monitor the rotation of the camshaft. The powertrain control module takes the data from the camshaft sensor, in the form of voltage spikes and valleys, and uses that information to synchronize the fuel injection system. Changing the 1998 Stratus’s camshaft sensor requires removing the resonator and air filter outlet tube, but overall it is a straightforward task.
When the Dodge Caravan was introduced in 1984, it shook up the automotive world. It all but eliminated the need and desire for station wagons and gave families an option other than bulky full-size vans. The 1999 Caravan came standard with a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that it shared with other Dodge models. When the camshaft position sensor goes out of calibration in the Caravan’s 2.4-liter engine, there is no way to adjust it. The only way to repair it is to replace the sensor.
The Tribute hit Mazda showrooms for the 2001 model year. This Ford Escape-based compact SUV came standard with a 130-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and had an optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine available. The differential pressure feedback EGR sensor measures the pressure drop in the exhaust gas recirculation tube and relays the information to the powertrain control module. The PCM uses this information to determine if the EGR system is functioning correctly or not. The DPFE sensor is so straightforward and simple to replace, you don’t even need tools.
Throttle position sensor and switch problems are common on the 1996 Nissan pickup. A failed sensor commonly sets either a TPS- or transmission-related code. A more dependable, updated sensor is available for the 1996 Nissan truck. The sensor has two plugs: brown for the sensor and gray for the switch. The TPS is a potentiometer. It signals the computer with a varying voltage as the throttle is opened. The computer uses the amount of throttle opening and the speed at which it is opened to regulate fuel injection on time, as well as ignition timing.
There have been some interesting “not quite” vehicles in the automotive realm, such as the not-quite-car, not-quite truck El Camino and Brat; the not-quite-car, not-quite-van Caravan, Voyager and Town & Country; and the not-quite-SUV, not-quite-truck Avalanche and Explorer Sport Trac. Another vehicle that meets this qualification is the PT Cruiser, which is not quite a van, not quite a car, and not quite an SUV. The 2004 PT Cruiser came standard with a 2.4-liter non-turbo engine that uses a camshaft position sensor mounted in the cylinder head to help regulate fuel and ignition timing. Installing the cam sensor in the…
In 1983, Chevrolet released its first American-built compact pickup, the S-10. Prior to the release of the S-10, Chevy farmed its compact pickup truck, the LUV, from Japanese auto builder Isuzu. The 1996 S-10’s base 2.2-liter engine uses two oxygen sensors, one upstream and one downstream, which is technically called a heated oxygen sensor. Together these sensors monitor the amount of toxins escaping the exhaust system. They also have a small effect on the air and fuel mixture. Changing the oxygen sensors on the 1996 S-10 with a 2.2-liter engine is straightforward -- once you know where to find them.
The name “Maxima” dates back to the old Datsun days, where in 1981, the top trim level of the Datsun 810 was the Maxima. The 2007 Maxima, which was three years removed from the seventh generational change of the Maxima, came standard with a 255-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. A mass airflow sensor used a heated wire to measure the density and amount of air entering the engine, and the engine control module adjusted the fuel to compensate for the air. When your 2007 Maxima shows the symptoms of a failed MAF sensor, you have to make certain that the MAF…
In 2001, Chrysler released an oddity in the U.S. marketplace, a sort of micro-van if you will, known as the PT Cruiser. This Neon-based vehicle with its retro styling gave customers the room they needed on the inside without the extra bulk on the outside. The 2001 PT Cruiser came fitted with a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The camshaft position sensor helps maintain the timing of the engine; when it fails, the result can be a rough-running condition or a total non-starting condition, and you must replace it. Replacing this all-important sensor is a straightforward task that most do-it-yourself mechanics…
The Sebring debuted in 1995 as Chrysler’s top-level coupe and later became more of an all-around model, coming in a coupe, convertible or sedan body style. The 2006 model year Sebring was one of the model years where you could choose from any of the three body styles. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine came standard on the base model Sebring. The camshaft position sensor reads the rotation of the camshaft and sends its readings to the powertrain control module via electrical pulses. The PCM uses this information to adjust fuel and ignition timing. Changing the camshaft position sensor is a simple…
Before replacing the mass airflow sensor on a 1986 Buick Century, it’s advisable to suspect a cause of the failure of the mass airflow sensor. Inspect the air filter and the charging system as well as the wiring to the sensor. Check the positive crankcase ventilation, or PCV valve, for an accumulation of oil residue from blowby past the rings or valve guides. Oil on the mass airflow sensor wire will cause a malfunction or failure.
