2004 Scion XB - air conditioner it does not cool down on the inside like it has

QUESTION:

I have a 2004 Scion XB, the problem that I just started experiencing in is that when I am running the air conditioner it does not cool down on the inside like it has in the past. This vehicle has been in an accident that had front end damage. could the accident have something do with the air conditioning not get as cold as it has in the past. Also the a/c unit has not been charged for 4 yrs or better yet since the scion was bought.

ANSWER:

More than likely it just needs to have the freon level topped off. Newer cars have tighter tolerances due to less freon being installed at the manufacturer. Have the freon topped off and all should be well once more. There is the possibility the condenser has been damaged and has a very slow leak.

Air Conditioning Diagnostics

slip, brake , and vsm light all light up at the same

QUESTION:
2005 Infiniti qx56 v8, why do my slip, brake , and vsm light all light up at the same time when ever they want to? I turn it on and pull off and all three are lit up in my odometer I am not sure why. My brake is not in but the light is still on and so is the slip light and the vsm light. I don't know what it is.

ANSWER:
There are several reasons for the lights to come on. About the only thing you can do without a scan tool is check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder. If it is close to the minimum level it may drop below on turns and stopping which will cause all of the lights to turn on.If it is full,you will have to have the system scanned to determine what is failing and either make the repair yourself or have it repaired.

tried to connect with scan tool, no communication

Question:
1995 Mitsubishi eclipse gs-t tried to connect with scan tool, no communication. car has OBD2 port and am using a MAC taskmaster with the latest updates.

Answer;
In most cases when a scanner will not communicate, it is due to a blown fuse. It is usually the cigar lighter/radio fuse but not limited to. Check and replace any bad fuse and it should work.

2007 Acura MDX Recalls

Trim: 2007 MDX Base Sport Utility
Retail Value: $23,550.00
Body Type: SUV
Whats New: Revised Gen II MDX arrives shortly with a stout 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, and a magnum load of premium standards. Luxuriously appointed, this midsize SUV boasts leather upholstery, 253 watts of premium sound, a power moonroof, and seats for seven, though room is tight. Key options include an Entertainment Package with rear-seat DVD, a Technology Package, and a Sport Package with active damping.

Recall Date:
FEB 05, 2008

Model Affected:
2007 ACURA MDX

Summary:
HONDA IS RECALLING 2,032 HITCH STYLE BIKE RACKS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON MY 2003-2007 AND SOME MY 2008 HONDA PILOT, RIDGELINE, AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE "HITCH" STYLE BICYCLE RACK.

Consequence:
WHEN MOVING THE BIKE ARM BRACKET TO ITS DOWN POSITION, THIS PINCH BOLT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF CAUSING SEVERE LACERATION OR AMPUTATION TO THE USER'S FINGERTIPS OR HAND.

Remedy:
OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT THULE AT 800-THULE91 (800-848-5391) TO OBTAIN A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS OR OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

Potential Units Affected:
2032
Notes:
HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

am told that basically all the 2.3 heads are interchangeable

QUESTION:

I am putting a 2.3 in an 1953 Willy's and am told that basically all the 2.3 heads are interchangeable but that the block changed in 1974 or 1975 ?

ANSWER:

The change was in 1974. 1974 -1984 2.3 are the same. then the heads were changed a bit to accompany the start of fuel injection. Even some of the 2.0 engine heads will interchange with the 2.3 but they have smaller valves so I wouldn't recommend it. The short blocks are basically the same from 1974-1994.

heater/air conditioning fan that runs on high all the time

Air Conditioning Dash Console

QUESTION:

I have a 2007 Mercury grand marque that has the heater/air conditioning fan that runs on high all the time. the other functions on the system all seem to work fine. I HAVE ISOLATED THE CIRCUTS BY REMOVINE THE BLOWER FUSE AND THE RELAY AND THE FAN STOPS. IT HAS THE ELECTRONIC TEMP CONTROL MODULE ON IT, THE BLOWER DIAL SEEM TO MOVE OK. I'M THINKING IT MUST BE THERE

ANSWER:

In most cases the relay is stuck internally and replacing it should fix your issue. You can swap it with a "like" relay for testing. If this does not cure what ales your vehicle, then the only thing left is the module itself.

steering problems - when I steer the brake pedal is depressed

QUESTION:
My 2001 f250 7.3 liter has power steering problems. I have replaced the pump and the hydro assist but I still have trouble steering and when I steer the brake pedal is depressed and brakes are applied sometimes brakes are completely locked up. Could this be from bad fluid.and my new hydro assist is still good.I thought i had all the fluid out but it still is not clear fluid.

ANSWER:
This is caused by a failed check valve inside the Hydro-boost Assembly at the master cylinder. if you have replaced this part already then you have received a faulty re-manufactured one. Take it back and get a different one. I have seen this issue before. No it is not from bad fluid. The ONLY thing that will cause this is as I described. "This is caused by a failed check valve inside the Hydro-boost Assembly at the master cylinder."

Free automotive wiring diagrams?

Free Automotive Wiring Diagram Downloads

QUESTION:

looking for a download of wiring diagram for a 94 Mitsubishi mirage.gotta fix my daughters car ! This is a 1.5L m/t a/c bare bones car no frills at all. Autozone nor the library have any info on it where I live. so if you have any better resources I'd appreciate the help.

ANSWER:

Freeautomechanic.com

They will provide you with a basic automotive wiring diagram in an email that can be downloaded, viewed, saved or printed for future use . Basic Automotive wiring diagrams are available free for domestic and Asian vehicles. Some European wiring diagrams are available also. Please be specific on what area of the vehicle you need a wiring schematic for. The images are in ".pdf " format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader to be viewed at there highest quality. This will insure the ability to read the automotive wiring diagram with ease. Adobe Acrobat Reader is available as a free download at Adobe.com

It over heated for like 5 minutes blowing white smoke out the back and will not turn over anymore

QUESTION:
I have a 1998 Oldsmobile Regency with a 3.8L V6 SFI engine. It over heated for like 5 minutes one day then started blowing white smoke out the back and will not turn over anymore. It has been tested for a blown head gasket and that isn't what it is. A mechanic has it now and has replaced the Plenum gasket, injector O'rings, Lower intake manifold, and spark plugs, the plugs being the last thing tried. It started twice for him but when he turns it off it wont turn over again. We also tried a new battery. Someone told me something about a restart button. Sounds crazy to me but I'm no mechanic. Already Tried: Injector O'rings, Plenum gasket, Lower intake manifold, Battery, Spark plugs. This car was babied by my grandmother never missed an oil change or anything. Plugs being the last thing tried... Or the newest part on the car rather.

ANSWER:
The first test that needs to be performed is a compression test. This is how you determine if the head gasket is blown. The initial description of what happened is classic to a blown head gasket. Take the guess work out of it and let the compression test prove it. All cylinder pressure should be within 20 psi of each other, if not... you have a blown head gasket or cracked head(cracked head is not very common).

If the starter just doesn't turn over then it can be tested by checking for power at the starter with the key in start position. If it has power and does nothing (no click, no nothing) then the starter needs to be replaced. If it gives a hard click. then the engine may be vapor locked from coolant entering the cylinders.... so back to the first thing first. Have a compression test performed(which should have been the first thing done).

If the mechanic says he can not perform this, then you need to take it to a different shop.

1985 Camaro, the engine will start but not stay running.

QUESTION:

I have a 1985 Camaro, 2.8 litre multi-port fuel injection. The motor has about 55,000 miles on it. I was driving down the road when it lost power. Now the engine will start but not stay running. I can hear the fuel pump running.



ANSWER:

First thing you will want to do is check for any computer codes. This can be done by you . Extract GM Codes . If there are any codes, repair as needed or let me know what the codes are if you are not sure what to do.
If there are no codes then, you need to have the fuel pressure tested. It needs to have at least 40 psi with just the key on and the engine not running(see testing procedure below). If not, replace the fuel pump.

Another way to test this is to have someone spray starting fluid in the air filter while you start it and keep spraying to see if it will stay running. If it stays running on the starting fluid, then you need a fuel pump.

TESTING
1) Relieve the fuel system pressure and check that there is an adequate quantity of fuel in the tank.
2) Connect a fuel pressure gauge to the pressure connector fitting located on the end of the fuel rail.
Fig. 1:Fuel pressure can be checked using an inexpensive pressure/vacuum gauge


3) Make sure the ignition switch has been in the OFF position for at least 10 seconds and that all accessories are OFF.
4) Turn the ignition switch ON and the pump will run for about 2 seconds. Note the system pressure with the pump running, it should be between 40-47 psi.
NOTE: The ignition switch may have to be cycled to the ON position more than once to obtain maximum pressure. It is also normal for the pressure to drop slightly when the pump first stops, but it should then hold steady.

5) If the pressure is not as specified, verify that fuel pump operation is heard in the tank.
6) If fuel pump operation is not heard, inspect the fuel pump relay and wiring.
7) If fuel pump operation is heard, inspect the filter and lines for restriction.
8) Start the engine and make sure the pressure decreases about 3-10 psi at idle.
9) If fuel pressure does not decrease, inspect the fuel pressure regulator and hose.
10) Disconnect the fuel pressure gauge.

How hard is it to replace a raidiator on a 1999 Acura Integra

Question:
My question is how hard is it to replace a radiator on a 99 Integra if I decided to do it myself?

Answer:
It is about a 2 hour job, I would say if you have not done this kind of work before I would leave it to a mechanic because this is kind of a tight fit and can be a bit difficult.

1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
CAUTION
Do not open the radiator drain-cock or remove the radiator cap when the cooling system is hot and under pressure. This can cause serious burns from hot, pressurized coolant. Allow a sufficient amount of time for the cooling system to cool down before opening up the system.


2) Loosen the radiator drain plug and, using a large capacity container, drain the cooling system.
3) Remove the radiator cap.
4) Disconnect the upper radiator hose.

NOTE: It is recommended that each clamp be match-marked to the hose. Observe the marks and reinstall the clamps in exactly the same position when reinstalling the radiator.


5) Remove the radiator hoses.
6) Label and disengage the wiring from the thermosensors and the electric fan assemblies.
7) For vehicles with automatic trans-axles, disconnect the oil cooler lines at the radiator. Plug the trans-axle ports and the hose ends to contain the fluid and prevent contamination.
8) Remove the radiator. Be careful not to damage the radiators cooling fins while removing the unit. While the radiator is not heavy, it may be awkward. Use both hands to steady it during removal and installation
9) Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure. Refill the cooling system with the proper type and amount of coolant.

NOTE: You may need to bleed the air out of the system to avoid the possibility of a trapped air pocket that may cause engine overheating.

is the fuel pump in the gas tank?

QUESTION:

I have a 1991 Pontiac Transport Van, is the fuel pump in the gas tank?

ANSWER:

Your fuel pump is located in the gas tank. The gas tank will need to be removed to replace the fuel pump. Most all vehicles from 1990 on and some earlier models have the fuel pump in the tank. This is how most all fuel injected vehicles are now.

It is also a good idea to replace the fuel filter at the same time to help keep out any contaminants that might get in the line, this will help keep the fuel injectors from getting clogged that would turn into a poor running engine and poor fuel mileage.

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My battery light came on while driving home and now it won't start

QUESTION:

I have a 1997 Chevy Monte Carlo and my battery light came on while driving home and now it won't start. It drove home fine even with the battery light on. The next morning i went out to start it and nothing. What could it be?

ANSWER:

Generally when the alternator starts to fail a Battery light will illuminate on the dash board. This means the battery is no longer being charged , this does not mean the battery has a problem.

Testing : Using a multi-meter set to DC volts, connect the positive and negative leads to the same on the battery with the car's engine running. You should see from 13.2 - 14.7 volts. If you see less than this and confirm it is the same when the engine is running or not, then you know the alternator is not charging.

was told that I have a "leak" at the right hand corner in the rear of the engine

QUESTION:

I have a 2001 Caddy DTS and was told that I have a "leak" at the right hand corner in the rear of the engine..The car has never overheated and it has 84000 miles on it....I have seen the "low coolant" light come on and the coolant was in fact low....Is there a "quick fix" like stop leak or what? I do see coolant on the ground and I have noticed a "small" shift in the temp gage going toward an increase in temp.

ANSWER:

If the leak is so small that you do not see any fluid on the ground after it sets then there is a product that you can add to the coolant system that will take care of this issue. This magical product is called "Bar's Stop Leak", it has been around for years and has served automotive mechanic's well. You can purchase it at just about any auto parts store. Follow as directed on the label. You can try this product with a 50/50 chance that it will take care of the issue. You have only the purchase price of the product to loose at this point. If it does not take care of the issue, then you will need to have the engine coolant system pressure tested, the exact location of the leak diagnosed and the proper repair made.

Reference : Engine Overheating

Jaguar convertible with dead battery. Can't get trunk open.

QUESTION:

1997 Jaguar convertible with dead battery. Can't get trunk open. How do I charge the battery? The battery(which is dead) is in the trunk not under the hood. There is no key slot in the trunk and the remote won't work. It is a Jaguar 1997 XK8 convertible.

ANSWER:

Pop the hood, and connect a battery charger to the vehicle. There are cables that attach to the battery and run to the engine compartment and they connect to a terminal that will have a red cover over it. There should be a red plastic cover off to the side, pull off the cover and connect the positive terminal here. and connect the negative terminal to an all metal portion of the engine. Let it charge for at least 15 minutes and then you should be able to open the trunk.

This procedure is also listed in your owners manual that is usually located in the glove box.

2006 Mazda five is a tire eater--apparently others have this problem

QUESTION:

Our 2006 Mazda five is a tire eater--apparently others have this problem with inside tire wear--tires last 10,000 miles or less and get dangerous. Is there a fix and is Mazda willing to deal with this problem? Already Tried: Multiple trips to dealer for fixes and tires--none seem to work.

ANSWER:

As of today, There is no recall for this issue. There are only 2 recalls for the 2006 Mazda5.
1) Recall ID # 05V412000 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
2) Recall ID # 06V463000 - LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

The tire issue is not covered at this point by keep all your recipes for any tires you do buy so that if or when then do have a recall on this issue, you will be able to get your money back. Make sure you are having your tires rotated at there proper interval and have receipts for this as well.

If this car was bought used, you may need to have a 4 wheel alignment done.

Where is the Coolant Level Sensor located ? My radiator low light intermittently comes on and goes off

QUESTION:

I have a 1998 Mercury Mystique GS. Where is the Coolant Level Sensor located ? My radiator low light intermittently comes on and goes off within 2 minutes of starting up and driving. I've checked the coolant level and it is full, temperature gage is normal, no antifreeze leaks under the car. I'm thinking I have a bad sensor. How expensive is it to replace? Today, driving to work it stayed on constantly - about a 20 mile commute. Already Tried: Checked coolant level, it was full. Topped off coolant level and slightly overfilled it. Checked for hose leaks - none. Checked under car for leaks - none. Replaced upper radiator hose a year ago so am not worried about circulation problem. Temperature gage is normal and engine doesn't run hot.

ANSWER:

The Coolant level Sensor is located in the overflow tank. Look for the electrical wires and there it is. You may just be able to add some coolant to the overflow tank to take care of the issue. It does not read the radiator level, just the overflow level.

If you need to have it replaced, it should cost under $100.00 parts and labor.

When the fluid in the cooling system heats up, it expands, causing the pressure to build up. The cap is the only place where this pressure can escape, so the setting of the spring on the cap determines the maximum pressure in the cooling system. When the pressure reaches 15 psi, the pressure pushes the valve open, allowing coolant to escape from the cooling system. This coolant flows through the overflow tube into the bottom of the overflow tank. This arrangement keeps air out of the system. When the radiator cools back down, a vacuum is created in the cooling system that pulls open another spring loaded valve, sucking water back in from the bottom of the overflow tank to replace the water that was expelled.

What GM crank and rods can you use to make a stroker

QUESTION:

What GM crank and rods can you use to make a stroker out of a 350 or a 327, use to know all the tricks but have been out of racing tooooooooooooo long or just getting old timers

ANSWER:

350 block or Large Journal 327 Block. You can install a 400 crank and rods with 400 pistons and this gives you a 373 Stroker, or bore it .30 and you get a 383 or bore it .60 and you get a 388 Stroker. If you use a large journal 327 block you will need to grind a small bit off the bottom of the cylinder so the crank does not catch. Many of the old school racers used the 327 large journal block because the cylinder walls are thicker making it stronger.

If you have it internally balanced you can use the 350 balancer and flywheel (no one will know unless they take the bottom apart.

broke the key off in the ignition. How do we get the key out?

Question:
My husband has a 1998 Mercury Mystique. He broke the key off in the ignition. How do we get the key out? We only had the one key. In locked position

Answer:
Unfortunately there are not a lot of options here. You cannot get to the backside to push the key out without removing the lock cylinder, and you cannot remove the lock cylinder with it in the 'locked' position without damaging it.

One option is to use a powerful magnet, and hope the key clings to the magnet and slides out. Also, You can try banging on the steering column...sounds funny but it has worked in the past!

If not, you're going to have to either tow it to a repair shop, or have a locksmith come out and drill out your lock cylinder and install a new one.

My car will not start every time

Question:

I have a 1994 Chevy S-10 with a 2.2L engine. It will not start every time I try. It does nothing when I turn the Key, the lights on the dash come on but nothing else. But, if I keep trying it will eventually crank over and start. What could be the problem?

Answer:

This is actually a classic description of a failed/failing starter assembly. What happens is on the inside of the starter there are contact points called"brushes". These contact points are what deliver electricity to the "armature"(the rotating part) and cause it to turn. When these brushes where down far enough then the cap the electricity has to jump becomes to great and makes it difficult to jump the gap.

The fix for this issue would be to have the starter replaced. The part runs about $75.00 for a remanufactured starter and around $125.00 for a new one with about an hour for labor.

Neutral - The Forgotten Gear

SAVE MONEY WITH BETTER FUEL MILEAGE

I years past we, as drivers, have relied on the "Over-Drive" gear to get us the peak fuel mileage we desired. It is true that in highway driving, Over-drive is the best gear to have your vehicle in to achieve this goal. But when it comes to city driving, Neutral can be the friend your best friend.

My daily driver is a 1989 Chevrolet Corvette that has around 65,000 miles on it. It is a 6 speed manual shift. The Corvette has a 350 ci. tune port fuel injection V8 engine, and is stock. I do keep the oil changed regular and replace plugs every other year. The vehicle is equipped from the factory with a shift light that gives you the best points to shift at to achieve the best fuel mileage and also has a digital "instant average fuel mileage" meter. I had been getting around 22 mpg with my normal driving habits. Recently with the inflated fuel pricing I started paying closer attention to the shift light and my fuel mileage increased to 24 mpg. After a few fill ups and still getting 24 mpg I almost became obsessed with the fuel mileage. Being a mechanic and owning my own shop, not to mention my education in the field, i wanted to come up with a way to increase my fuel mileage further. And the most efficient way, was to continue shifting when the shift light suggests and pop the gear selector into neutral and coast as often as it permits. Yes, every down hill can be achieved with neutral (still maintaining the speed limit with in 5 mph) and my fuel mileage jumped to 26 mpg. It may not seem like much but every bit helps. I enjoy seeing the look on peoples faces when I tell them that my big V8 Corvette gets 26 mpg in the city! And I would be willing to bet that your fuel mileage can improve also by not forgetting about Neutral and the best thing is, it has no additional cost and doesn't have to be added. It has been there for years but sadly overlooked.

Air Conditioner Not Working - Troubleshooting

Air Conditioning System Diagram

HOW IT WORKS:
Freon is compressed and flows through the condenser where it is cooled into a liquid. The freon passes through the receiver/dryer to remove moisture. Once the freon leaves and enters the expansion valve/orifice tube The high pressure liquid becomes a vapor and is extremely cold as it passes through the evaporator and on to the compressor to repeat the cycle.

HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT IT :
Check for Compressor Clutch Engagement - Turn the air conditioner to the "on" position and set controls to the coldest setting. Start the engine and allow to idle. Then open the hood and inspect the clutch at the front of the compressor, is it turning? "engaged" if so, the system has enough refrigerant to activate. If the system is low on refrigerant it will not work properly. In this case an air conditioner recharge kit is needed to recharge the system. If the compressor clutch is not turning proceed to next step.

The key is difficult to insert / remove from ignition

QUESTION:

I have a 94 Camry. The key is difficult to insert / remove from ignition and won't turn at all. I've tried the spare key and it won't even insert all the way into the lock. Saw online about removing lock cylinder, but can't turn to ACC position

Answer:

You can either drill the lock cylinder which is no picnic or what I do is drive a square shank screw driver into the key slot then put a wrench on the shank and force the tumbler cylinders to the ACC position. Obviously use common sense here not to break the whole housing off. I have had good success at doing it this way.

2005 Chevy Silverado error code P0449 registers

Question:
2005 Chevy Silverado error code P0449 registers when cleared it comes back after a couple starts. What could be the problem

Answer:
This is usually a problem with the Evaporative Emission Canister Purge Solenoid. If it was me, I would do a bit of troubleshooting BEFORE replacing parts. You could just have a loose or broken wire or connector.

Where are the transmission fill ports and fluid level checks for a 2003 Ford Explorer

QUESTION:

Where are the transmission fill ports and fluid level checks for a 2003 ford explorer. i dropped the pan and come to find out that i do not have a normal fill port. Need to put the transmission fluid back in the vehicle to get it on the road. Tools and any other key facts would be greatly appreciated. Already Tried: Looking for fill ports for the transmission fluid and really could not distinguish where to put the transmission fluid. have had other " good car guys" look at it an they were just as befuddled. need to know how to so i can get my car back on the road.

ANSWER:

There is a special tool that screws into the "drain plug in the bottom of the pan. But if you can rig up something to squirt the fluid into the pan from the bottom then you do not need the tool. The easiest way is to put as much fluid that you can in the pan itself before bolting the pan back up. This makes the job a hell of a lot easier. Then start the truck let it get pretty warm and open the plug on the bottom of the pan(just the TX-30 torx bit screw) and when fluid just barely flows out of the hole then you are going to be at approx the correct level.

Vistaprint Coupons

If you own your own business or are thinking of starting one then there is no better way to look professional than with a quality business card and printed apparel with your company Logos displayed for all eyes to see. Vistaprint has be around for years and I personally have used there services and have received adequate service. If you head over to the vistaprint web site by following the link posted above you will be taken to a self help logo creation template. You simply add your desired text where asked to do so and follow the instructions. You will be prompted with at least a dozen different designs and you can even opt for text only if you wish. If you want to have a professional design something more extensive they offer this service as well.

Vistaprint also offers other services and is offering some discounts for these other services. I have added the coupon codes below for reference in case there is something you might want to save some money on.

Coupon Code - Description
Labels50 - 50% Off Address Labels
FreeInvite - 10 Free Invites
BizCard08 - 50% Off Business Cards
FreeBrochures08 - 25 Free Brochures
CarDoor25 - 25% off Car Door Magnets
Checks25 - 25% off Checks
PC50 - 50 Free Oversized Postcards
Stamps50 - 50% Off Small Rubber Stamps
TShirts25 - 25% Off T-shirts