Auto Repair

The ignition switch is actually just one part of the Ford Explorer's starter system; many people consider the switch and lock cylinder to be the complete switch. Of course, the ignition switch is...

The brake booster helps you slow down or stop your vehicle safely by multiplying the force you apply to the brake pedal. Without the booster, you would have to step very hard on the pedal and your...

The condition described by most as "boiling" sometimes isn't. Though excess heat in the power steering system can indeed cause the fluid to boil, there are other conditions that can mimic the effect.

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...

The ignition switch on a Mazda is secured to the steering column. While some vehicles use a simple release pin to access the ignition switch, Mazda uses a different method that requires removing...

The Volkswagen Jetta uses an integrated ignition switch to unlock the ignition and start the car. If the switch fails, you won't be able to start the engine, but the key will still turn. While the...

The ignition switch on a Ford F100 is held to the steering column with a retaining tab inside the steering column. An access hole in the column allows you to easily remove the switch and cylinder...

An ignition key lock tumbler is the ignition switch and cylinder assembly that is secured to the steering column on most automobiles. The ignition key lock tumbler unlocks the ignition and allows...

The ignition switch in a Ford Focus uses a simple ignition lock and switch mechanism that is secured to the steering column. The switch uses a chip that is coded inside the key, which allows the...

The ignition switch in your Chevrolet truck isn't the whole assembly on the steering column, rather just the electric switch connected to the lock cylinder. If the switch is bad (test it by...

Trucks come in all shapes and sizes, but yours may not have the options you want. Some trucks come with a tilt-steering column, which is convenient for entering and exiting the truck. Plus, the...

Steering column covers protect the wiring on the steering column that runs to the turn signal, headlight and cruise control switches. To access these switches, you'll need to remove the cover on...

The ignition tumblers and the lock cylinder of an ignition lock are a sealed unit. When you remove the ignition tumblers, you must remove the casing along with it. Normally, the only time you must...

The ignition tumbler inside the Nissan Quest minivan is secured to the steering column with a retaining clip. The tumblers are small pins inside the cylinder lock that act like a puzzle. When you...

The Chevrolet Lumina was introduced in 1989. The last model year of the Lumina was 2002. The Lumina was designed to compete with the Ford Taurus during this time. While the Lumina was designed to...

If you care for your car yourself, you probably want it to last as long as possible. Here are some important tips you may not know, that will help you get the most miles out of your car.

If you are having trouble with your Dodge van, you're not alone. Dodge has produced some of the most unreliable vehicles on the auto market. Known issues include the poorly designed A604 and 41TE...

The key switch for your Ford truck's ignition system is more properly called a lock cylinder and is in the steering column. If you need to replace the switch, you also will replace the old key....

Dodge Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks can be equipped with up to eight different types of engines ranging from the 3.7-liter V-6 and 4.7-liter V-8 to the 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six diesel...

The steering wheel lock plate holds the steering column bearings in place while providing recesses for the steering wheel locking bolt to latch and lock the steering wheel. Introduced in the...

When buying a used car, you may not get all the options you want. A tilt steering column is option that isn't often available, which is a matter of convenience and safety. Swapping out the...

The power steering pump is a key part of your vehicle, and if it goes out, steering can get sloppy and jerky, potentially causing an accident. Replacing a power steering pump isn't that simple;...

The rack and pinion system in your vehicle is key to proper steering and safety. If yours goes out, your steering will suffer. It will take an hour or so to replace it, but it can be done with...

If your Ford Focus is not starting, and you know the battery and alternator are good, the problem could lie in the ignition system. The ignition switch is a whole cylinder inserted into the...

With a worn-out mechanism or electrical contacts, the ignition switch in your 1998 Chevrolet S-10 will fail to energize the starter solenoid properly. The switch is easy to replace, but you must...

A power steering pump belt is used to transfer the rotating energy produced by the engine to the pump, where the fluid within the pump is then directed to the rack and pinion unit. Over time, the...

The 2001 Chevy Impala came equipped with a standard 3.1L V-6 engine, in a front-wheel drive configuration. The wheel bearings for this car are a hub and bearing assembly driven by the drive axles...

A bad ignition switch will make it difficult for electrical power to reach the starter solenoid on your 1993 Toyota T100, or it will cut power once the engine has started. You can easily fix the...

Replacing the ignition switch in the Chevy Blazer is not a task for the mechanically challenged. A quality repair manual specific for your specific year and series Blazer will help illustrate the...

Tie rods are an important part of your steering system that transfer steering movement to the wheels. If you have a lot of play in your steering wheel, chances are that your outer tie rods are...

The Honda Civic uses a double-wishbone front suspension system and pressed-in wheel bearings called hub bearings. This system is durable and light weight, perfect for the small, nimble Civic. When...

If the steering in your vehicle starts to get stiff and difficult to maneuver, the power steering pump may need to be replaced. If that's the case, remove the power steering pulley and install it...

The power steering pump on a Ford vehicle works in conjunction with the power steering gear, to aid the driver in steering. On a Ford light truck or car, it is pressed onto the power steering pump...

The Ford Taurus is a popular vehicle. However, there are problems specific to the Taurus, such as peculiar noises and quirks, which are the result of poor manufacturing processes that went into...

A bad ignition switch will make it nearly impossible to start your GM vehicle. If you must remove the ignition switch, remember that the exact process can vary due to the large number of GM...

If the mechanical assembly or contact points inside the ignition switch on your GMC Jimmy have worn out, you may have a hard time providing power to the ignition or electrical system, if at all....

The steering gear on a GM vehicle is the gear inside the steering rack that controls steering. When this system fails, a critical failure of the rack occurs. This will leave you without the...

Tie rods are the direct link between the steering gearbox or rack-and-pinion unit and the wheel. On a vehicle with conventional steering, the tie rod ends are connected in the middle by an...

The ignition switch is the component on all vehicles that is usually mounted on the right side of the steering column where you insert the ignition key. Removing an ignition switch on many...

The front wheel bearings on a 1994 Mercury Topaz are pressed into the steering knuckle. This requires the steering knuckle to be removed and the bearing to be pressed out and the new one brought...

When the power steering on a vehicle goes out, it makes steering a chore. Worse yet, it can cause problems with other parts connected to the steering system. A common problem is a broken hose, and...

The Cavalier is a compact car produced by Chevrolet from 1982 to 2005. It is a front-drive vehicle that, over the course of its production run, was available with inline-four-cylinder, V6 and...

The Ford Escape features a rack-and-pinion power steering system. The inner tie rods connect directly to the power steering rack and the outer tie rods bridge the connection from the inner tie...

The device you use with the ignition key in your Ford F250 pickup truck is comprised of two main parts: The ignition switch and the lock cylinder. If either of these these parts is faulty, it...

The air bags in a Ford will need to be removed if you want to remove the steering wheel. The air bag assembly is just behind the center steering wheel cover. To remove the air bag, you'll need a...

The wiper switch on a Honda Accord is contained in the steering column. The wiper switch controls are on the left side of the steering wheel on a stalk that extends out of the column. If your...

A vehicle's ball joints are important components of the steering system. They control the arms and steering knuckles. Ball joints allow your vehicle's suspension system to move while the vehicle...

Tie rods are used in the steering mechanism of a car. You can know instantly when your tie rods need to be replaced because the steering will be off, and your Taurus feels misaligned. Replacing...

Removing a headlight switch is normally a simple procedure for most automobiles. The headlight switch is typically on the turn-signal stalk, so removing the stalk and replacing it will normally...

The turn signal switch is one of the safety mechanism on a vehicle. It allow drivers to operate their left and right turn signals. It is a common mistake to confuse the turn signal lever as being...