Do It Yourself Auto Repair

This article will tell you how to change a fuel injector or fuel injector O-ring as well as intake manifold gaskets and Throttle Body gasket.

Changing a flat tire should be the next thing that you should learn after learning how to drive. If you are in the middle of a highway driving alone and one of your tires suddenly becomes...

The ignition switch on a Dodge diesel is on the steering column. The switch and cylinder are one unit. You'll know when your switch has failed when you turn the ignition key to start the vehicle...

The Ford Windstar sliding door panel is much easier to remove than the front door panels. While the front door panels have electronic components, multiple screws and panels to remove, the sliding...

When fixing your car or something around the home, you may need to reuse a bolt which has been stripped, which means that the threads have been deformed or damaged. You could replace the bolt...

Subaru Foresters use an air conditioning compressor to push freon coolant through a series of lines to an evaporator and condenser. This system dries and cools the interior of the SUV. The...

A worn ball joint on a Camaro causes a knocking noise over rough surfaces when beginning to loosen in its pocket. A severely worn ball joint is dangerous inasmuch as it will come out of its pocket...

The manufacturer recommends that the timing belt be replaced every 60,000 miles. From results on the history of this engine, it's important not to exceed this limit. This is an interference engine...

A Jackson Racing supercharger increases the performance of your vehicle dramatically. However, over time, you can become bored with this level of performance and want more. At that point, boost...

Automobiles are manufactured with shock absorbers at each wheel, to dampen bumps and rough terrain. The function of a shock is to resist the upward motion of the spring, which has the tendency to...

When I brought my car into the dealership, their salesperson said I needed a new fuel filter and battery. Guess what? This was going to cost me over $200. I figured it was easier to do it myself,...

When rebuilding an engine, you will often find rust in the cylinders. Before installing your pistons and new piston rings, it is essential to remove the rust so that the piston rings ride smoothly...

The fuel filter in your Toyota Camry is designed to prevent contaminants from reaching the engine through the fuel tank. Occasionally, the fuel filter needs to be replaced to maintain the vehicles...

Automobiles are manufactured with optional air conditioners, which use a pressurized freon coolant system to cool the interior. A compressor circulates this freon, and can fail for several...

Headlights may be the most overlooked and underappreciated part of a car. Like any material, headlights become damaged and dulled over time. Unlike a dusty dashboard or muddy carpet, however,...

A defective power window switch on your vehicle may be an annoyance. Having a window stuck in the down position, however, also becomes a safety issue if you must leave your car in a parking lot....

The Ford Excursion was produced between 2000 and 2005. It is the longest and heaviest SUV ever produced, according to Edmunds.com. The Excursion shares many components with the Ford Super Duty...

Subaru Outbacks are manufactured with electric power windows, actuated with a switch module on each door panel. The module can be taken out and replaced quite easily and should take the average...

The instrument panel on a PT Cruiser houses the gauge cluster for the vehicle. The instrument panel gives the driver vital information about the water temperature, oil level, speed of the engine...

Scratches on a car's clear coat can be frustrating. They can mar the surface and reduce the appearance of your car. Luckily, if your car has a few scratches in the clear coat of the paint job,...

The Toyota Yaris was introduced in 2007; it replaced the Echo as Toyota's sub-compact offering. Both the Yaris sedan and hatchback use the same shift knob, which makes removal the same for both...

The Honda Accord's shift knob is simple to remove and replace, whether your Accord is the seventh-generation model (2003 to 2007) or the eighth-generation model (2008 to 2010). Both models use the...

If the plastic exterior door handle on your Volkswagen is damaged or broken you must first remove the interior door trim panel before removing the handle. Removing the door handle on a Volkswagen...

The sole purpose of an oil pan is to store the oil used by the engine. Oil pans are one-piece designs, which makes them fairly durable. However, they can sometimes crack. Oftentimes the crack can...

If a door is becoming difficult to close because it is not lining up perfectly with the door striker, the door bushings are probably worn. To test the door hinge bushings, lift up on the door at...

The motor mounts on a Nissan Altima hold the engine in place. They perform a very basic--but very important--function. The mount is actually secured with two large bolts. One bolt connects the...

Rust and other corrosion of a gas tank can lead to engine problems and eventual engine failure, and holes in the tank can render it unusable. You can fix both of these problems by using a sealant...

If you have a lot of play in your steering wheel, chances are that your outer tie rods are worn. If your tie rods are worn, replace them immediately because it is very dangerous to drive a vehicle...

Every time you do an oil change or pop the hood you should take a look at your radiator hoses and make sure they are in good condition. Over time the temperature fluctuations degrade the hose and...

Are you wondering how to reset your check engine light in a 1998 Honda Accord? Resetting your check engine is sometimes required when you install new parts into your car and the light does not...

The indicator lights, also known as the turn signal lights, on a GMC Jimmy are the amber-colored lights located on the front and rear of the vehicle. Most states require these lights to be...

When most people think of exhaust systems on their vehicle, they think of mufflers, but an important component that comes before the muffler is the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter...

Pontiac produced the Grand Am between 1973 and 2005. The last generation Pontiac Grand Am was the 1999 to 2005 model. This model had a center-console mounted shifter covered by a leather boot. The...

Motorhome shocks are replaced in the same manner as regular truck shocks, as most recreational vehicles are based on large truck designs, using similar hardware. The average backyard mechanic can...

A Mustang's intake manifold is responsible for directing air and fuel into the cylinder heads. The manifold is a one-piece component, which makes it durable. However, the intake manifold uses four...

Leaks are not uncommon as automobile radiators age, even if the radiator happens to be in a low-mileage vehicle. Unfortunately, new radiators can be expensive, even if you are able to save money...

Automotive power windows use a motorized window regulator to operate a pane of glass inside the door. This motor can wear out and require replacement because of worn bushings, moisture or a power...

Replacing a Jeep fender is a common repair for most Jeep owners. By changing the stock fenders and installing new tube fenders you can add wheel clearance height and a custom look to the front end...

You must remove the door panel on a Volkswagen Passat if you need to access any of the wiring behind the door, the window scissor lift, or the lock rod and door handle. The door panel is held in...

The automatic transmission cooling hoses on a Jeep help to keep the transmission cool and running smoothly. When you need to flush the transmission; or if the hose begins to look dried out or...

The Subaru Outback has been in production since 1995. Built on the Subaru Legacy platform, the Outback has gained notoriety for its reliability, economy and its ability to go anywhere with its...

Clear coat is regularly used to seal painted metal, providing shine and important UV protection. Clear coat is prized for its longevity. However, over time clear coat can lose its shimmer or even...

The Toyota Camry name is usually associated with quality. This reputation is usually justified, however, no car is perfect, and each will ultimately require repair at some point. Removing and...

Jump starting a car with a dead battery is a trouble-free procedure, but safety precautions must be followed when dealing with electrical current and an engine component containing battery acid.

The MAP sensor in your 1998 Jeep Cherokee is responsible for measuring the airflow going to the engine. MAP stands for "manifold absolute pressure". As the name suggests, the MAP sensor is mounted...

The fan clutch on a Toyota is a silicone-filled device that engages the fan when the temperature of the engine rises above the value of the thermostat. As the temperature drops, the fan blade is...

The process to replace the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor on many Buick models is rather involved, since you must remove the drive belt and balancer/pulley from the crankshaft. Then you will...

Monroe shocks use a gas-pressurized cylinder to cushion hard jolts and keep the vehicle stable on the highway. These shocks can wear out or leak, lowering efficiency or failing completely. The...

The idle air control valve (usually referred to as the IAC valve) is an important part of your engine. The valve regulates the average rotation of your engine at idle. If your IAC valve is faulty,...

There are two types of CV Joints you may encounter in vehicles: the Rzeppa and Tripod. Some axles come equipped with Rzeppa joints at both ends; other models have an Rzeppa joint at the outerboard...