Auto Repair Articles

Question:
My 2003 Toyota Camry ac light is flashes . I tried to add r134 however the compressor will not kick in . Is there a way to by pass the pressure switch like the old days ? If not what can I do ? I checked relays/fuses. tried to add r134 but compressor would not kick in .

Answer:
These systems aren’t like the good ole days, but the concept is still the same.

I have encountered the same problem you’re having countless times. And most of the time (90%), the problem lies within the M/C Clutch relay located under the fuse box under the hood. The relay shorts out and shuts down the A/C. A newly designed relay is offered from Toyota if the part number falls within the failed one. I have attached a file for your review.
Service Bulletin on this issue

Question:

I have a 1992 Ford Ranger and my Air Conditioning does not blow cold anymore. The Fan Blows warm air no matter what I set the temperature to. What do I need to Do?

Answer:

The first thing you will want to do is to make sure the electrical portion of the air conditioning system is working. Once you know the electrical system is functioning properly you can move on to determining if the system is just low on freon or if it has a leak. If the unit has a small leak, you may want to charge it as it may last you the summer at little expense. If the system has a large leak you will need to find the leak and fix it before you recharge the system. For complete detailed Air Conditioning diagnostics and recharging instructions and electrical troubleshooting visit www.freeautomechanic.com/airconditioning.html

Question:
I have a 1993 Prelude that doesn”t like to start when the inside temperature of the car gets to warm, open the windows to cool down a few minutes and it starts right up. Is there a ceramic block or resister inside the cockpit we”re not aware of? Very perplexing. 
 

Answer:
There is a main relay under the dash that powers the fuel pump. These relays are bad about the board in the relay cracking and once the interior of the car is hot, it won’t engage the relay. Some people take the relays out and fix the problem with the relay but I have never had much luck with that theory. Its located under the drivers side of the dash. Replace this relay and I bet your problem is solved. 

Question:

I have a 1990 Chevrolet Corsica. Several things in the interior of the car aren’t working and I have a hunch its fuse-related. Can someone give me a diagram of the fuse locations and what size fuses are supposed to be where??
 

Answer:

Look and see if this is the one you need. Located in the left side end of the dash pad.

Question:
How do I loosen the belt tensioner on a 2000 Ford f-150 4×4 with the 5.4L. I need to loosen the belt to replace the alternator.

Answer:
Use a ratchet and insert it (3/8″) in the end of the tensioner and rotate counter clock-wise.
4.6L/5.4L Engines
To Remove:

1) Before servicing the vehicle refer to the precautions at the beginning of this section.
2) Rotate the tensioner counterclockwise.
3) Remove the drive belt.

To Install:

1) Install the drive belt.
2) Rotate the tensioner clockwise.

Question:
What would cause me to loose all accessory power throughout the whole car in a 1998 ford Taurus with the dohc v6. So for I’ve tried all the relays and fuses and what I’ve found is over half of the fuses inside the car don’t have any power going to them. On the outside in the power distribution box there is power to everything but not getting to the inside fuse panel. There is power to everything inside the power distribution box under the hood #3 has power going in and out the accessories that don’t work are as follows shifter release switch, wipers, radio, cigar lighter, dome light, brake lights, speedo, hazards, mirrors, power windows.

Answer:
Assuming all fuses are already checked and good. You need to trace the TAN/BLK wire from #1 Fuse to #28 & 29 Fuse location and check for short or open in the wire. Remove the #1 fuse to Isolate the circuit when testing with your multi-meter. Wiring Diagram : http://www.freeautomechanic.com/leroy2.pdf

Question:
I have a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer with a vortec 4200 engine  that will not start. The battery has a good charge. I put it on a charger to double check. When you turn the key half way all the gauges come up Then when you try to start all gauges drop down. The only thing you hear click is a relay coming some where by the transmission. As soon as you let up on the key all gauges come back up.  I already tried charging to battery , turning all electrical off. Why is this happening ?

Answer:
The number one cause for a no start is a shorted/bad battery. If this is the original battery, I recommend replacing it even if you test it as good. This is a common failure for GM vehicles.

the 2nd most common reason for a no start is a failed starter. To test this, you will need someone to hold the key in the start position while you check for battery voltage at the “s” terminal (small wire) at the starter solenoid. If you get battery voltage, replace the starter.

Question:

My warning light came on and said check gauges on the dash. The heat gauge was as high as it could get so I  stopped checked the motor and fluids, everything looked good. So I started again and the heat gauge dropped to normal then it wold rise and drop but was not overheating. What could this be?

Answer:

This is an indication of a failing thermostat. It is sticking and should be replaced as soon as possible.

 - Toyota Motor Corp and General Motors Corp are recalling more than 662,000 vehicles sold in the United States due to defects in power windows, the two companies said on Wednesday.

Toyota will recall 539,500 Corolla and Matrix vehicles for the 2003 and 2004 model years, it said in a statement.

GM said it would recall 122,598 Pontiac Vibe hatchbacks, which share the same platform with Toyota’s Matrix and are built by GM in a joint venture with the Japanese automaker. Continue Reading »

By now I am sure you have heard about the Dex-cool issue involving the need to replace the intake manifold gaskets of GM cars from 1995 to 2004. And you are also aware that GM lost a class action settlement ( http://autorepairarticles.com/category/recalls/ ) . If you had this repair done, you have until Oct 27, of this year to get your money from GM. Follow the link posted above to get the required form and read the entire issue.

What causes the issue in the first place?

The Dex-cool turns acidic after a couple years and creates havoc on you engine gaskets. it actually eats away at them like cancer. Now you might want to know do you have to use Dex-cool. The answer is No. But in order to use the old green coolant you must flush the coolant system completely as you can NOT mix green and orange coolant or it will gum up your coolant system.

How do I avoid problems on my new gaskets ?

Have your coolant changed every 2 to 3 years as age is important for this and not so much mileage.