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Troubleshooting electrical home lights is something you can do with a variety of different tools including a pin voltage tester. Troubleshoot electrical home lights with help from a longtime…
For years General Motors has produced high-performance vehicles across its many lines. If you purchased a Chevy, Pontiac or even a Saturn Redline, in most cases there were engine options that allowed…
For more than 25 years the Chevrolet S-10 had been one of the most popular compact trucks on the road. In 1996 there were a number of options available for this truck, including two different engine…
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…
The Virago was the Yamaha's cruiser of choice long before Yamaha introduced its Star-series of cruiser-styled motorcycles. Sure, the 1995 Virago 535 was overshadowed by its larger 750 cc and 1,100 cc…
The Civic has always been a staple in the import compact car scene, making it more of a Goliath in David's clothing amongst its competitors. Outwardly, the 1997 Civic appeared to be available in only…
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven." It's unlikely that, Koheleth, Son of David, revered Jewish teacher and author of Ecclesiastes was a gearhead,…
The typical minivan is designed to economically convey its passengers from point A to point B in relative comfort, something that Ford had nailed with its original Windstar van. For the 2004 model…
After years of use, abuse and exposure to the elements, the wiper arms on your vehicle will begin to lose their tension, which will eventually affect overall wiper performance. Obstructions that…
"Rich history" might not be the first phrase that comes to mind when looking at a seventh-generation Buick LeSabre, but there's plenty of heritage there if you peer a bit deeper. The LeSabre…
In some ways, the W210 -- sixth-generation, 1995 to 2003 -- E-Class was the car that brought Mercedes into its modern era. Throughout its production cycle, the E-Class saw not only a return to style…
Every path leads, and every path wends, but even the best are destined to end. Such was the case Ford's 1979 Fox-body restyling of the classic Mustang shape. Throughout its production run, the Fox and…
The word "equinox" derives from the Latin roots "equi" and "nox," which translates as "equal night." The phrase refers to the two times of the year when the…
When you own a vehicle there is an expectation as to how long the brakes should last. Some brake pads last longer than others, but when you purchase a new vehicle you would think that the pad quality…
Birds do their business just like humans do. Their waste is noxious and toxic, and it can damage hard surfaces such as wood. Indoors, bird droppings can leave harmful germs in your bird’s food,…
For more than 30 years the Chevrolet Blazer was the icon of General Motor's mid-sized SUV's. In 2002 they introduced the Trailblazer to eventually replace the smaller and aging Blazer. For about four…
Some automotive niches are defined by the vehicle's purpose: sports car, pickup truck and minivan among them. Some, like crossovers and minivans, are defined by the market. But on Planet Car, maybe…
If your house has cast-iron drain plumbing, the main soil stack probably features a brass cleanout plug at the point where it connects to the sewer, and possibly at one or two other places as well.…
Gasoline is becoming more expensive every day. At at average gas price of $4 per gallon, the thought of poor fuel mileage can make anyone cringe. Replacing the spark plugs in your 2001 Toyota 4Runner…
Retro is the future. That's been the operating principle at Chrysler for more than a decade now, and it's proven a successful marketing strategy for cars like the 300C, Charger and PT Cruiser. But,…
Magnets and magnetic fields are not only fascinating, but also baffling to many people. On your vehicle it is hard to imagine that a magnetic field is used to turn 12 volts into about 40,000 volts or…
Keeping all the fluids in your vehicle changed on a regular basis is one of the most important things you can do to keep your vehicle running properly. Let’s take a look at them, as well as when and…
Is your check engine light on? Want to know what it means? All cars since 1996 use an industry standard on-board diagnostic system that you can check to see exactly what is causing that check engine…
Driving in winter conditions is something you should prepare for. Here’s Chris Duke's checklist for getting ready for that first cold cruise.
Today's vehicles come with a number of actuators that allow the engine to run efficiently. The idle air control valve allows the computer to maintain the right idle speed when various loads are placed…
Sometimes nails in the heels or soles of shoes become damaged or fall out. Lengthen the life of well-made shoes inexpensively by repairing them yourself. You can replace a bent or broken shoe nail…
For two decades, Audi's A4 has been carrying the compact executive car standard not just for its parent company, but for the auto industry as a whole. True, BMW's offerings might have been nimbler or…
Necessity makes strange bedfellows, and that's certainly true of Volvo's S40 executive compact. At various points in its production related to Mitsubishis, Protons, Fords and Mazdas, this Swede has a…
The 1998 Ford Focus was such a segment-making automobile, it's almost hard to believe that it directly replaced the Escort. While a decent enough car in its time, the Escort's chassis and engineering…
You should always be on the lookout for a few key signs of trouble after your timing belt gets replaced. Learn about things that you need to know after a timing belt gets replaced with help from an…
If the car is shaking after replacing the timing belt, the timing marks may not be configured properly. Find out what to do if your car is shaking after replacing the timing belt with help from an…
Aligning the camshaft if your timing belt broke is something you need to do very specifically or you risk destroying your entire engine. Align the camshaft if your timing belt broke with help from an…
The timing belt needs to be placed on a camshaft in a very specific way or your car isn't going to run at peak efficiency. Place the timing belt on a camshaft with help from an experienced automotive…
If fuel is leaking down into the oil of your motor when it sets, you likely have an issue with your carburetor. Find out what to do if fuel is leaking down into the oil of your motor when it sets with…
A timing belt compression failure means that your timing belt likely wasn't installed properly. Diagnose a timing belt compression failure with help from an experienced automotive professional in this…
Fixing a squeaky timing belt could require you to get an alignment or a few other basic solutions. Fix a squeaky timing belt with help from an experienced automotive professional in this free video…
If you're experiencing engine vibrations after a timing belt adjustment, it can be a sign that the belt wasn't installed properly. Learn about engine vibrations after a timing belt adjustment with…
If your car is leaking oil and antifreeze with lots of smoke coming out of the tailpipe, the first thing you need to do is pull over. Find out what to do when your car is leaking oil and antifreeze…
A squealing timing belt is usually a telltale sign that the belt is actually loose. Stop a squealing timing belt with help from an experienced automotive professional in this free video clip.
Modern consumers might see it as just another pretty face in the crowd, but Dodge's Neon was the "It girl" of its day. On paper, the Neon wasn't anything particularly spectacular: in every…
You can tell more about the kind of driver that goes with a vehicle by looking at the kind of stuff you find inside. Inside of a Lamborghini, you're almost certain to find at least one watch that…
You might find it strange that Maximus insists on peering out the open window, catching the breeze as you're driving along. Sticking his head out the window is fun and pleasurable, which is why he…
The F-150 is arguably Ford's best-selling pickup truck of all time, but sometimes, a bigger truck is needed to finish the job. While not quite as monstrous as Ford's F-350 behemoth, the F-250 Super…
Early on, the GMC Jimmy really didn't have to try that hard to capture the marketplace. Alongside its corporate brothers, the Jimmy's very size and nature appealed to the same kind of people who buy…
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…
The idle air control solenoid on the 1995 Chevrolet Camaro with the 3.4L engine is located directly above the throttle position sensor on the throttle body. The IAC controls engine idle by controlling…
Improperly adjusted sprinkler valves do not supply even coverage of water on your lawn and must be corrected to prevent dry areas or pooling water that can lead to lawn diseases and pests. Rain Bird…
Auto enthusiasts have always sought to customize their rides since the dawn of the automobile. Throughout the years, generation after generation of car owners endeavored to set their car apart from…
Getting optimal fuel mileage and performance out of your 2001 Ford Taurus can be as simple as maintaining the vehicle. Many people don't replace the fuel filter as often as they should. You should…
Honda's beloved Civic has always been a mainstay in the import compact car community, earning itself a staggering array of aftermarket goodies intended to help the relatively inconspicuous machine…
In 2008 Ford resurrected the famed Taurus. This model came from the Ford 500, which did not have the name recognition the Taurus did. The new Taurus was larger, and this brought with it the need for…
A bad fuel pump relay won't prevent your 1996 Chevrolet S-10 from firing up, but if it takes several extra cranks to get the engine started, there's a good possibility that the fuel pump relay is the…
The Cirrus was one of three nearly identical models produced and sold by Daimler-Chrysler's Plymouth, Dodge and Chrysler subsidiaries. Originally introduced in 1995 as a direct replacement for the…
Checking for malicious code in WordPress will make sure that your site isn't harmful to visitors. Check for malicious code in WordPress with help from an experienced computer professional in this free…
The Regal started out as a top trim level on the Buick Century in 1973, and five years later split off to become its own model. That was good timing, too; while earlier Centuries had been beautiful…
Squatting is an essential movement for strengthening your lower body. The most popular type of squat exercise is the back squat, which requires you place a barbell on your upper back. This…
In a perfect world, cars, trucks, and automotive components would last forever. But there's a delicate balance between cost and longevity, so vehicle manufacturers constantly push the engineering…
The positive crankcase ventilation valve for your 1997 Ford Ranger is a simple device, designed to meter and divert unspent hydrocarbon gasses from the engine's crankcase. The unspent gases, also…
The 2004 model year was the final production year of the Chevy S-10. It was equipped with the 4.3-liter V-6 engine, which had been the workhorse for many GM trucks for years. This engine would provide…
The 1998 Nissan Maxima had a gas mileage rating of 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. These were good mileage ratings at that time. The best way for you to continue to get the best fuel economy out of…
Leaving your child alone in the car for a minute or two can be very tempting. Getting a young child in and out of a carseat and carrying her into everyplace you frequent can seem like a hassle,…
Maintaining a 1999 Chevrolet Astro van is the best way to prevent your engine from having problems in the future. The engine in this van has a tendency to burn oil. Typically you would need to replace…
Some days the fighting and bickering between kids can seem relentless. When it's time to hit the road and the kids are holding things up with their petty arguing over front seat privileges, it may be…
There was a time when a car's engine idle speed was controlled mechanically by the slight opening of the carburetor's throttle valve. Ford's 1999 Escort relied on a fuel-injected throttle body that…
Ceiling fans move cool air around a room to help decrease the temperature as much as possible. Learn about ceiling fans and cooling with help from a Foreman for Lighty Contractors in this free video…
Modern cars have numerous sensors that send information to the vehicle's control modules. One sensor in particular that sends information to several systems is the ambient air temperature sensor, also…
Yamaha's TT-R110E was an entry-level off-road motorcycle aimed directly at young, budding riders, filling the gap between the diminutive PW-50 and Yamaha's decidely more race-focused YZ-class…
The functionality of the topmost switch on your iPad’s right edge has evolved over time. Originally, it was a rotation lock that prevented the screen display from reorienting whenever you moved…
Iron and wrought iron chairs last for many years with proper upkeep. Since they are made from metal, the bottoms of the chair legs can damage floors and wooden decks without protective caps in place.…
You spent hours polishing and waxing your 1996 Ford Mustang for the cruise-in down the road, certain that you were going to win "Best in Show." You never made it to the show because on your…
The Civic has always been a leading name in the compact car market, a testimony to Honda's insatiable quest to provide high-quality yet budget-friendly vehicles. The 1997 Civic's universal appeal is…
The Honda Accord was first released in 1976 and promised high gas mileage and low emissions. At this point the Accord was a true import as far as Americans were concerned, but in 1982, it became the…
By the late 1990s, the Mazda 626 – the midsize car from Japanese automaker Mazda – was on its last legs. Indeed, in less than five years Mazda would finally pull the plug on the car, which…
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…
Spark plugs replaced, check. Oil and filter changed, check. Air filter, yup. That's pretty much how most people approach their tune-ups. But what about your cabin air -- pollen -- filter? This filter,…
In today's hustle and bustle society, a no-start situation in a vehicle is a very unwelcome event. When the engine does not turn over on the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban, it can be an indicator that the…
The Grand Am has been a staple in Pontiac's automotive lineup since its inception in 1973 and Pontiac produced five generations before the model's retirement in 2005. The fifth generation Grand Am --…
As the nation's best-selling sedan, it's hard to imagine Toyota's Camry as anything less than well-equipped. And early 2000 Camrys were no exception. In fact, the Camry could be equipped with an…
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…
Croc shoes often are accessorized with decorative buttons, which are manufactured in many shapes, ranging from cartoon characters to flowers and symbols, to name a few. When you get tired of old…
Slanted doorways can be tricky when it comes to installing doors. It might not seem obvious at first, but when you hang the door and shut it, it sticks or binds on the doorjamb. If you try to adjust…
During times of lower energy costs, installation of residential ductwork often was regarded as an opportunity to cut building expenses, rather than as a critical component of energy conservation.…
The fuel filter is your Cutlass Supreme's first line of defense against the possibility of allowing rust and other contaminants from being transferred from the fuel tank to the engine and throttle…
Driving has always been a visceral event that places the driver in a connected state with the vehicle. This synergy between man and machine can manifest itself in the form of a constant awareness of…
Despite its unusual name, the Volusia filled the role as an 800 cc entry in Suzuki's Intruder V-twin cruiser series between 2001 and 2004. While the Volusia shared much of its styling with its…
The water control assembly in a toilet is something that you're going to have to replace every so often. Replace the water control assembly in a toilet with help from a Foreman for Lighty Contractors…
Installing 1X4 interior trim is very easy to do, so long as you're using the appropriate installation methods. Install 1X4 interior trim with help from a Foreman for Lighty Contractors in this free…
Pomegranate facial oil needs to be used in a very particular way for the best possible results. Use a pomegranate facial oil the right way with help from a medically-trained aesthetician, makeup…
There are a few different ways in which you can remove built-up facial oil depending on your preferences. Remove built-up facial oil with help from a licensed cosmetologist with over 5 years of…
Throwing out furniture always requires you to keep a few important things in mind for the best results. Throw out furniture with help from a master precision craftsman in this free video clip.
Non-paneled doors provide a great decorating opportunity and a way to really open up your room. Decorate non-paneled doors with help from an accomplished interior and life designer in this free video…
Miniature rack and pinion devices are a great way to teach kids some basic engineering and physics. Individual parts of a rack and pinion that are designed for remote controlled car steering…
If you're looking to change a muffler on a Kenmore riding lawnmower, in all likelihood your lawnmower is actually a Craftsman. The Kenmore brand is one Sears uses for appliances; Craftsman is Sears'…
Headlight Restoration. Part of the Auto Center series. Learn how to restore your headlights to their original glory and improve their brightness.
Spark Plugs - Changing and Maintenance. Part of the Auto Center series. Get tips on how to properly change and maintain your spark plugs.
Tire Wear - What Are Your Tires Telling You. Part of the Auto Center series. Learn what the wear on your tires means so you stay safe on the road.
Removing key lines in InDesign is something you can do to clean up your illustration. Remove key lines in InDesign with help from an experienced designer and illustrator in this free video clip.
Until recent innovations in automotive production and lubrication came along, the break in process for new car engines was rather tedious, and best adhered to closely. Vehicle speeds were to be…
The later-model heavy duty GM pickup was a far different animal than its predecessors. GM made the controversial switch from a solid front axle to an independent front suspension with the late-model…
Your 2001 Honda Sportrax is designed to provide you with years of off road fun, and with a name like Honda you should expect that reliability. Because Honda has always been reliable and claims to put…
While the name stretches back all the way to the 1930s as a trim package on the standard Chevrolet pickup, the Silverado as a model of its own didn't debut until GM introduced the next-generation…
The Kawasaki Teryx is an amazing four-wheel drive off-road vehicle that has as many fun-filled uses. Designed with the avid outdoors-man in mind the Teryx has the ability and flexibility to travel…
Your driving down the road and your check engine light comes on, you would think a problem with the engine would cause some kind of drivability problem, but in this case it doesn’t. Trouble…
The Pontiac Fiero was born in 1984 as a two-seater mid-engine coupe with lots of potential. Whether that potential was eventually realized or not, the addition of a V-6 engine option in 1985 was a…
Steering pumps provide the might and muscle to "power" steering. They operate continuously, anytime the vehicle engine runs. The hydraulic steering system is pressurized whether the steering…
Regardless of the Polaris Ranger model you have, it is an excellent utility vehicle that will generally suit any purpose you may have of it. If you happen to use your ranger in the elements, you will…
Despite the lackluster interior and the poor resale value, the 2004 Ford Taurus still provided exceptional power and reliability with the equipped 3.0-liter engine. Regardless of the reliability, your…
Equipped with a manual transmission and a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine, your 1997 Nissan Sentra is equipped with the same evaporative emissions system that every other car on the road has.…
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 --…
"Built Ford tough." This iconic slogan may have debuted in 1979, but it's been a philosophy at the Blue Oval since Henry rolled those first mass-produced cars off the line. And it was a…
German automakers have been facing an interesting quandary for years. On the one hand, German precision engineering and high-quality construction methods typically make for cars that run far longer…
There was a time when automakers routinely made heater core, evaporator and blower motor replacements seemingly as difficult as possible. On older vehicles, the blower motor was often hidden behind…
It's no secret that Mikuni made its name building licensed copies of the French Solex carburetor, or that the company has maintained the same basic side-draft design for more than 50 years. But the…
Your 1988 Chevy S10 could have come equipped with a four-cylinder engine or one of two six-cylinder engines. The front wiper motor on your S10 rotates a slightly bent arm that leads to the rotation of…
With a base model offering a 2.5-liter six-cylinder and an automatic transmission, the 1998 Mazda Millenia has decent and reliable power. Even while the technology existed to have individual coil…
In the days before, engines were far less advanced than they are coming off the production line now. Even throughout changes to the engine that required a new breed of mechanic and high tech tools,…
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…
Powered by a 4T65E and a 3.1-liter in the base model or a 3.8-liter in the LTZ model, your 1996 Lumina is still a reasonably common car on the road today. Despite a good reliability after a long life…
So the engine in your 98' Civic has began to run rough and performance has fallen far below an acceptable level. You're likely experiencing a rough idle and a bucking or jumping sensation during…
With a combined gas mileage of 24 miles per gallon, the 1992 Accord wasn't the most fuel efficient vehicle Honda ever produced. Even with the well known reliability of Honda made vehicles, they are…
One thing you can say about Ford: it still builds trucks like it used to. And that's usually a good thing, except when it comes to doing things like replacing a damaged oilpan, or removing the oilpan…
The 1992 was nothing if not versatile. Available in dozens of different configurations and trim levels, the ninth-generation also offered no less than five different engines and seven different…
The best trucks are like ideal sparring partners: big, dumb, tough and patient. The 1996 F150 may not have been as dumb as some of its ancestors, but it was still tough enough to make owners feel…
It has been said that the true measure of a machine's greatness is not how long it lasts, but how easy and cheap it is to fix. Let's look at two polar opposites: the Ford Super Duty and the Chevrolet…
The Chevy S10 minitruck made its chops as a smaller alternative to full-sized trucks, which means a few things insofar as design is concerned. The "mini" aspect meant that the S10 had to…
Let's all give GM a round of applause for the Aveo; not so much for building a popular, inexpensive, efficient little car with partner Daewoo, but for building a car that's almost impossible to…
Chevy's S10 Blazer may have been something of a Frankenstein at the time, but it's proven itself over and over again in the marketplace. While the Blazer itself may have gone out of production in…
Based on the idea of economy the base Jeep Liberty offered for the 2005 model year came with an inline four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission. Despite the nice trim package it seems…
Your MTD 24-inch snow blower is equipped with a 5 horsepower air cooled engine and can shoot snow about 5 to 6 feet away from the area you’re clearing. Aside from normal maintenance like oil…
Offered by Ford in a number of trim levels, several different engines and a few transmission/drivetrain options the 2000 Ranger base model came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed…
While it was undeniably a good car, the fourth-generation Mazda 626 didn't make history because of its sporty handling, perky V-6 engine or even its brand-new OBD-II computer system. No, the…
Automakers, as a rule, build vehicle bodies from the outside in. Even with such a versatile offering as the Silverado, there are still far more interior options than exterior ones. So, it makes sense…
The 1999 Silverado was a turning point for General Motors' trucks. The Silverado's brand-new GMT800 platform offered strength and versatility that no light-truck platform ever had, and the cost…
Despite the six decades that separated them, the PT Cruiser had a lot in common with the 1937 Chrysler Airflow. Styling was the primary commonality; you don't have to look too hard to see the…
With a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission you 1997 Camry was built to conform to either federal emissions or California emissions. If your vehicle is built to…
With a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic transmission you have power and luxury in a car that didn't cost you 3 million dollars to purchase. Like all vehicles of this era, your…
The Ford nine-inch rear-end is, in many ways, the big-block Chevy of third members. It's been the go-to axle for racers of all types since its introduction decades ago. But all nine-inches aren't…
Even as technology and methods of fuel delivery have advanced over the years, the fuel system on your 5.4-liter remains rather simplistic. A lack of fuel at the fuel injectors can be caused by faulty…
Bumpers, as the name might suggest, lead a difficult life. They're the first thing to get hit in most collisions, and they're designed to flex upon impact. This flexing is good when it comes to…
The automotive industry is a funny creature; both resistant to change and adaptable to it, the best automakers have a talent for grasping the finer points of public opinion and government mandates,…
Bushings help to isolate road noise and catch it before it works to the chassis, but they have two problems: they go bad, and they're a pain to get out of the control arm and back in. In fact, some…
A car's door is nothing like most doors; in many ways, it is a self-contained machine, part control center, and part vault opening. There's a lot going on inside of your Jetta's door, from the power…
One thing you have to appreciate about the Germans: they usually make servicing and replacement procedures fairly easy. One thing that might drive you nuts about the Germans: They typically make those…
Being a fighter pilot isn't all barrel rolls, lining up the crosshairs and pulling 8G turns over the top; in fact, most of the job consists of paperwork and tedious waiting that you don't often see in…
From the Japanese word "kanmuri" -- or "crown" -- the Camry certainly has been the jewel in Toyota's sales crown for quite some time now. At the time of its release, the…
In a way, it's not really fair to call the later-model Pacifica a "minivan." The minivan as a concept was an evolution of the station wagon -- a taller evolution, but still a sedan…
The Chevy S10 is a lot of things to a lot of people, but it is, above all else, still a truck. And a truck, by definition, is light in the rear to allow for its cargo carrying and towing capabilities.…
Depending on who you ask, the 2001 to 2009 might have been the last "real" Jaguar ever produced. At least, the last Jaguar that didn't look like an Aston Martin. Based largely on the popular…
The means to suspend an engine and transmission in a chassis has not evolved much in recent automotive history. Solid rubber engine mounts were commonly employed when the vast majority of cars were…
Known worldwide for safety for the the better part of the 20th century, Volvo made its name using the latest in technology to save lives. But, unfortunately, those technological innovations don't…
