Consult eHow’s collection of auto repair How Tos before visiting the mechanic. Diagnose car problems from the muffler to the headlights and save a bundle in the process. Charging a dead battery or fixing a flat tire? eHow’s got the basics covered. Bumper crunched following a fender bender? eHow’s even got helpful suggestions about repairing minor dents and dings. Whether fixing it yourself or arming yourself with knowledge so you don’t get taken to the cleaners at the body shop, eHow can help.
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Without a clean fuel filter, your Toyota Tundra's fuel injectors will become clogged and the fuel pressure regulator may cease working, which can cause major problems for the whole engine. Most...
Kia Motors, known for its 10-year powertrain warranties, has been selling cars in the United States since the early 1990s. The automaker has built several notable vehicles during this time,...
If you've ever taken your vehicle to a car dealer or garage for repairs, there's a good chance you interacted with a service advisor. The service advisor is typically the point of contact for the...
The 2007 Dodge Caliber occupies the class of "crossover vehicle" for automaker Daimler/Chrysler. A crossover is a vehicle that has some of the same properties of sport utility vehicles while...
The Check Engine light on your Ford Crown Victoria indicates a problem with your vehicle's emissions control system. The Check Engine light comes on as a result of the Crown Victoria's computer,...
You should replace the headlights on your 2003 Nissan Altima right away if they burn out or malfunction. Most states have laws requiring that your lights be in full working order at all times; if...
You should replace the high-mount brake light on your 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer as soon as possible if you notice that it is not working. Driving with a malfunctioning brake light can put your...
If you have ever seen a mechanic change a vehicle tire on the rim you have seen them use a tire installation tool. Well, for the do-it-yourselfer who does not have one of these hydraulic machines,...
The front brake rotors on a 1995 Chevrolet S-10 do the majority of the braking on the small truck, and the parts wear out anywhere from every 10,000-30,000 miles, depending on your driving habits....
The instrument (gauge) cluster is your guide to the car engine's internal operations; if it goes out, you'll be basically "driving blind." In this case, the project car is a 2004 Chevrolet...
Older cars use a master cylinder by itself to provide the hydraulic power to operate the brakes on the car. The problem was, mashing the brake took a lot of strength that not everyone had. As a...
The Toyota 4Runner is known for longevity and a well-built engine able to take hundreds of thousands of miles before having problems. Although the engine can take a lot of abuse, the components...
The starter motor has a pretty big job on a Volvo. It takes the power stored in the battery and uses it to physically turn over the engine and get it started. Over time, the electrical motor in...
On a 2000 Chevrolet S-10 pickup, there is an ignition module located on the engine that helps control the spark going to the distributor coil, which puts out power to the plugs. If your truck...
The Honda Civic radiator is constructed with plastic tanks and an aluminum core. The good quality metal radiators are no longer used, in favor of the more lucrative and easily manufactured plastic...
The 1999 Mitsubishi Galant uses a combination of multi-grooved belts and v-belts to drive the engine accessories including the water pump, alternator, power steering and air conditioning. Unlike...
There's nothing like a brand new car, the open road and a sunny day. And there's nothing that can ruin that day faster than a semi-truck speeding by and flinging a rock into your previously...
There are two oxygen sensors integrated into the exhaust system of the 2001 Saturn SL. The sensors help the 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine generate an ideal fuel-to-air ratio for optimum...
The windshield wiper motor in a Volkswagen Jetta controls the function of the windshield wipers. Because of this, it's important that you check the motor periodically to make sure it is working...
Car window molding is made of synthetic rubber; after a few years of frequent use it starts to crack and age. The rubber often becomes dry and less effective in insulating your vehicle. In...
The 2002 Nissan Altima comes equipped with all wheel disc brakes. Nissan recommends that you inspect the components of the braking system frequently to recognize and service brakes that are in...
Maintaining your car's oil supply is vital to the health of the engine and many other moving parts that require lubrication to keep them from overheating because of friction. One of the weakest...
The 2003 Chevy Trailblazer blower motor is located under the glove compartment, close to the passenger kick panel. Some models have an optional dual air system, in which case there is a second...
The 240SX was a sporty compact coupe sold by Nissan from 1988 to 1998. The first-generation 240SX (1988 to 1994) was dubbed the S13 model. If you want to upgrade your 240SX's stereo speakers,...
Radiator repairs sometimes entail removing the radiator. In such cases it's often easier to unhook the electrical wiring to the fan and leave it attached to the radiator. The two can be separated...
In 1997, the engine of a Ford Escort utilized an oxygen sensor located just off of the exhaust manifold. This sensor is heated by the exhaust gases, then takes information from the exhaust gases...
Front axle assemblies are only used on four-wheel drive models of the Dodge Dakota truck. The axle assembly is connected to the engine and the differential. You may need to disconnect other...
The steering gearbox in a Nissan Xterra translates the twisting motion from the steering wheel into turning the wheels side to side. Over time, the gears inside the gearbox can start to wear out,...
The front damper pulley on a 2001 Honda Civic, otherwise known as the harmonic balancer, is secured to the crankshaft with a single 19mm bolt. The harmonic balancer is used for dampening the...
The CV joint on a Nissan is part of the drive shaft, which transmits the engine's power to the front wheels. The CV joint functions as a fully articulated connection, much like a person's wrist....
The engine of your 2001 Blazer requires a cooling system to operate properly, and one of the main parts in that system is the radiator. Over time, corrosion, damage from impacts and accidents can...
The Ford 5.4l V-8 engine is a powerful and popular engine that's been used in multiple generations of Ford F-150 trucks. In a 2005 model, as is the case with this project vehicle, it uses a pair...
When you turn the key on a 1996 Saturn wagon, the ignition circuit closes, which activates the starter motor. The starter motor then injects a gear into the side of the flywheel and spins it,...
The fuel pump is the heart of the fuel delivery system on a 2001 Ford Focus. Intermittent pump failure can lead to poor engine performance, stalling and no-start conditions. If the pump cannot...
The 2000 model Buick Regal has disc brakes in both the front and rear. Disc brakes consist of a brake rotor and hydraulic caliper on each wheel, controlled by a vacuum assisted master cylinder....
You can save money by doing simple auto repairs. Replacing a side view mirror is easy and requires few tools. You do not need to know about such complex automotive systems as the engine or...
Only three wires attach to the back of the 1966 Ford Mustang's alternator. These three wires connect the voltage regulator to the alternator. The voltage regulator is located inside the engine...
Installing crankshaft main bearings and connecting rod bearings is much more involved than simply pressing the bearings into place and bolting the components into the engine. To prevent each...
Replacing the windows of a car is not only a costly affair, but also one which takes a lot of time. The good news is, you can do it yourself. So there's no need to lose patience on waiting for a...
The 2000 Lexus ES300 uses individual coil packs to power the spark plugs, a job previously performed by a distributor. This system offers a smooth running engine with great gas mileage. However,...
The rotary engine in a 1985 Mazda RX-7 is a completely different animal than the traditional internal combustion engine and functions completely differently. For example, not all vehicles use an...
Replacing the serpentine belt on a 2001 Chevy Tracker is an essential part of maintaining optimal engine performance. The serpentine belt is the power behind the alternator, the water pump, and...
The Honda Civic is a popular car to customize, and there are lots of different ways to go about doing it. One common thread, however, involves lowering the car to gain handling and performance...
Replacing the serpentine belt in a 2005 Nissan Altima is an integral part of proper engine maintenance. The serpentine belt is responsible for powering the water pump, the alternator and the power...
In a GMC Suburban, the gas tank is made of a thick plastic. Although this is great for durability and resisting corrosion, it's also easier to puncture in an accident or if you hit a large bump....
Installation of a replacement serpentine belt on your 1997 Ford Thunderbird is a repair that a beginner home mechanic can do to lower his auto repair costs. Inspect the drive belt at your normal...