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A follow up to my light bulb fiasco. I checked several sites and UTube. I was told on one to remove the bumper. In hindsight this would not have been a bad idea as I did put a small scratch on it. It will be easier to remove the scratch however then the bumper. Another instructed me to remove one small screw and pull out the housing, this is the correct procedure, I had to loosen the park lamp assy to reinstall anyway. To replace a headlamp bulb you would have to remove the assy, going to rethink replacing my hlamp bubs with brighter ones, maybe this summer. I do think this repair would have been easier if it had been warmer out and the plastic a little more forgiving. Next time the nipco warms it up before I start, melted plastic is easier to disassemble.
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Front turn signal bulb out on my 2001 Dakota. Piece of cake it’s only a bulb. Little did I know? After a trip to the local parts store to buy a bulb, which are only available in 2 packs, when I need the second one I can never find it.
Reaching behind the headlamp assembly I discovered the bulb does not have enough clearance to be removed from the case. I proceeded to remove the entire headlamp assembly. Should have stopped here and went to a shop. I have over 40 years experience tearing things apart and reassembling them but this was a nightmare. It has been unseasonably warm here but at 40% plastic is not designed to snap apart. I will admit I should have searched for some instructions before going any further but it was just a bulb right. Upon disassembly I discovered it is designed to snap apart the head lamp assembly from the mount, but at 40% this is not easily done. Also the headlamp adjusting screws were rusted into the plastic retainer, if I had researched instructions I would not have had to remove them.
The repair is not that bad once you understand how it is assembled. 3 bolts and a ball joint snap and the whole assembly is easily removed. A large hairpin retainer at the top and a small screw at the bottom and the mount is separated from the assembly.
I did end up replacing both bulbs and the side marker light, reassembly was easy except for snapping the ball joint back in to place. I even ended up with the headlamp alignment on the money.
So the moral of the story is no matter how simple a repair looks read the instructions first, I probably won’t to old to change my ways now, besides you learn from tearing apart more then is required.
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I really liked this and wanted to pass it on
A friend just posted this and I wanted to pass it on... A well-known speaker started off his seminar holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill. He then asked, "Who still wants it...?" Still the hands wer.........e up in the air. "Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now, who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air. "My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, YOU are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you. The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE. You are special-Don't EVER forget it."
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Wandering through a shop the other day, there still are a few that will let me wander around, I noticed a few things.
The toolboxes are huge, they are bigger then a park model home in Phoenix and many are equipped with a laptop computer. With the computer controlled systems and cramped engine compartments today’s techs need a variety of tools to repair modern vehicles. They were also spotless and waxed to a shine, with the $ they have invested this is not surprising. I am sure many have 30 to 50 K invested and this may be a low estimate.
I also noticed a manual on replacing batteries. It listed the necessary steps to take before disconnecting a battery and how to reprogram the accessories after installation. On some models this list is extensive. The power windows require reprogramming on some models.
The numbers of fluid flush and replacement machines were also numerous. Tire repair and replacement also requires more than just a tire machine and a balancer. Special tire machines are required so the expensive rims are not damaged. TPMS also need reprogramming, and no longer just a simple plug is stuck in a tire.
Installing a belt may also require special tools as stretch to fit belts are becoming the norm.
The dollars they charge per hour for repair dont seem quite as excessive as they did before my tour.
Whatever happened to replacing the rear tires, I burnt the tread off of last night, on a manual tire machine, replacing a belt with a crescent wrench and putting some 50 cent gas in my tank.
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Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year To One & All
From The Staff & Management of GreenFlagAuto
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What do you have on your key chain, if it looks like it belongs on a jailer’s belt, you have way too many keys and or junk on it. That Mickey Mouse doll or the bling chain may look cute but the extra weight can and will in time do damage to your ignition switch. Think about it every time you hit a bump the switch and or key tumbler gets jarred. The heavier the weight the amount of force increases. Depending upon your vehicle this may or not be a major expense, on some it is a simple tumbler replacement, still not cheap with air bags and other items to be removed. On some vehicles it can be a major repair involving security systems and modules, keys can run in excess of $100.
Drop your keys in the snow or ice, do not put then in the ignition without drying them off. When you insert the key the snow and ice go with it and this melts and next time you start a cold car this can freeze. Many keys also have security feature built into them and if water is introduced it can cause major problems. Many of keys are sealed but this is not a positive protection. If you do drop your key into a wet mess, or the toilet do not use the remote feature. Remove the battery and dry it by a heat source a heat register is a good spot. Not the oven or the microwave. A hair dryer on low will also work but use caution. This holds true for all electronic devices including remotes and cell phones.
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Hearing of problems with the Chrysler 6 cylinder EGR valve. My 1986 had EGR problems but it was carbureted and didn’t have a transducer, so the CEL never came on. I did have to clean the EGR several times because of a rough idle.
Cleaning the EGR valve is a simple procedure. Remove the vacuum and electrical connector, unbolt the valve. Place the valve upside on a paper towel and fill it with a liquid, carb cleaner works the best. If any fluid leaks you need to clean the valve. I would clean it anyway as you have it removed. Checking for a leak will tell you if you are on the right track.
Remove all traces of the gasket. Using a cleaner scrub the valve, I use seafoam deep creep spray cleaner, there are several other good ones but Seafoam seems to work the best. A soft bronze bristles brush is a big help. Be sure to open the ports and clean them as this is where the problem is.
While your hands are a mess of carbon and seafoam now is a good time to clean the throttle body. This is also an easy procedure. Remove the air tube and clean the carbon from around the tube where the throttle plate meets the tube. Pay attention to the bottom of the tube as there is a port there for bypass air. A old tooth brush , not the wife’s ,works here the bronze brush is a little rough
IF you have a mass air flow sensor installed in the body be very careful when cleaning around it. They are spendy, but usually only found in the body on GM’s.
I always include cleaning the throttle body as part of a tune up and on certain models cleaning the EGR valve. All it takes is some time and gaskets and it is good insurance against future problems.
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General Motors will build its 100-millionth small-block engine on Nov 29, a milestone for the company. It is headed for GM's historic museum.
Introduced in 1955, remember the tri colored 555 Chevy with the continental kit on the rear, it has been used to power everything from passenger cars, boats and industrial machines. Currently Chevy, Cadillac and GMC use it in the United States while Vauxhall and Holden use it overseas.
Chief engineer Ed Cole transferred from Cadillac to Chevrolet, and started to save the design, deceasing weight and adding power. It was a way build engines that took advantage of current production techniques.
I wonder how many 3.8 GM has built, I am sure it will, if it hasn’t already hit a milestone. It doesn’t have the industrial applications like the V8 however an Ii don’t think it is used overseas.
Speaking of engines it looks like the Eco-Boost by Ford is not working out like planned as it has numerous complains of low power. These have mostly been towing problems. When will the engineers learn power or mileage you can’t have both.
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Many times the announcers talk about tightening the belts. Tony Stewart in the #14 was standing on the hood when he won at Homestead. I have never seen driving like that, even Dale Earnhardt in his many comebacks from behind I don’t think ever passed 118 cars in one race.
At the start Carl Edwards had the better car but as the race progressed Tonys car came around, he could drive anywhere on the track and did. Those moves to the inside on the restarts were spectacular.
Pit strategy along with timely cautions, which always help pit strategy, also played a huge part of the win.
Bottom line he wanted it more than Edwards and is definitely a better driver.
I am sure that Bill France and Mike Helton will take credit for the way the Chase turned out but it was Stewart and his will to win that made it work. Loved the way Tony made Mike Helton wait with the trophy. On live TV made it better.
I am sure there are going to be a lot of shuffling this winter and will try to keep up. Just shy of 3 months till Daytona, moved to Feb18 next year.
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Just saw an invoice from a local dealership for replacing a cabin air filter, $69. No wonder the auto repair shops are hurting for business. At the worst you have to remove the glove box which is about 4 screws at the most but usually it is a couple clips and the filter is replaced.
I will have to say that the dealerships are slowly becoming the repair place of choice, for 2 reasons.
Today’s vehicles are becoming dependent on information to repair, special tools, test equipment, and techs with considerable training and skills.
Many of the independent repair shops either cannot afford or don’t have access to many of these. So there quality of repairs is suffering, making the dealership the place of choice.
I recently had the intake manifold gasket replaced on my Bonneville and had to return to have a antifreeze leak repaired, they replaced a connector at no charge but I still have a slight leak and will have to return again. A nuisance to say the least. I thought this was going to be a place to go for repairs but maybe not. They overfilled my crankcase at the last oil change this should have given me a hint.
Really don’t know what the answer is. The right to information act is a beginning but far from becoming a reality. The price of test equipment is not going down, and the availability is always going to be a problem. A lab scope is almost a necessity to diagnosis any ignition or fuel problem and a scanner has been for some time, there price is going down however but there uses are limited.
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Say thank You to a Veteran today or for that matter any day
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Now that I own a crew cab there is very little storage in the cab. Last year I carried a small box and the cables and tow rope were loose. Northland tool had a small shipping box on sale that was perfect for storing everything. Turned out to be a little heavy but will work fine.
Then I took a look at what I had in the box. A orange revolving warning light left over from the days we had wreckers and I would go out to help on calls. Why do I still carry this? An assortment of tools, really what repairs could I do on the road, a few tools are all that I would ever need. A spot light that I have used on occasion only problem is it no longer works. Booster cables tow rope small shovel are staying but I am cleaning out a bunch of stuff.
After looking at what I was carrying I asked myself what repairs can be done on the road on the modern vehicle. The answer is very few. I couldn’t even replace the belt on my Bonneville as you have to jack up the engine. Replace the alternator would be possible but other than that fuses, relays and a few others but not very many. I put a timing chain in a pickup on the road once, replace the timing belt, I am not even sure I could do that in my garage even if my back was OK.
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I think it is time for a quick tire refresher. I will follow up with a involved topic later.
The tire pressure on the sidewall of your tire is NOT the proper tire pressure it is the max pressure and remember you can gain 4 # or more on a hot day when on the road. You can even gain a pound or two driving to your favorite air supply. Check your tires cold before driving and take into consideration the increase when bringing your tires to the proper pressure. The placard on the door jamb or the glove box door will list the correct tire pressure and size. The owner’s manual does not usually list tire pressures due to the many options available. Purchase a decent tire gauge Sears’s sells a digital for less than $10.
The rest of the info on the sidewall refers to tread ware, traction, max speed and manufactures info as to build info and a serial number. This will be discussed in a future topic. The 2 that you should pay attention too are tread ware and traction, they are a sliding scale the harder the tire the better the ware and the worse traction and ride and the opposite for a softer tire, better traction and ride but a shorter tread life. Many of the newer materials have lessened the impact of this problem but it is still a factor.
I think you get what you pay for and this is true with tires, buy the best you can afford but not more then you need for your driving habits. Many tire stores will use the old bait and switch so buyers beware. There are several sites that sell and rate tires, but there are little if any savings when you pay shipping and mounting and balancing, but they are an excellent source of information.
When buying tires I find several I like and then shop, my recent purchases have been at Sears and Sams, both strictly based on price. I was impressed with the service at both, Sears even put chrome shields and valve caps on the Bonneville. Tried to sell me a few things but that I expected.
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If I owned a NASCAR team, and I will as soon as I win the lottery, I would go out and find the teenager with the skills necessary to cheat the new fuel injection system. As Bill Gates once said” there is a newer operating system out there you just have to find the 16 year old who has it in his head”, Now I am not saying cheating is OK but every team walks a fine line and I just want to be ahead of the learning curve.
Earnhardt Jr what is wrong with your team, at your level the mistakes that you keep making are killing you. Loose lug nuts way to frequent. You are a member of one of the best teams in NASCAR, look at the others, Is it time to say you are just not that great a driver and could not adapt to the new car. You have been in several teams and a couple of crew chiefs and still no win.
In hindsight how much did the safety issue in open wheel, and the fact there may not be a sanctioning body next year have to do with Danica Patricks switch to NASCAR. When 5 million dollars are on the line and nobody, of importance, shows up to win it, there is obviously a problem. I think anyone who has their head sticking out of the top of the car is a brick short.
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The most important part of a wintercheck is a weekly walk around. Start by turning on your lights and emergency flashers. Starting on the driver’s side check the wiper and tire go to the rear and check the rear tire and continuing on check the rear lights, now you know why we turned the flashers on.Dont forget the license plate light. Going to the passenger side check the tires and wiper, check the front lights, turn off the flashers. With some help have someone apply the brakes check the brake lights and turn signals, go to the front check the turn signals and flash the brights.
Under the hood, check the battery terminals, all fluid levels, if you have ABS be sure to bleed off the pressure before removing master cylinder cover, pay attention to not only the fluid levels but also condition.
Do a visual inspection of the engine compartment, looking for leaks, loose parts, hoses etc. and belt condition. You will usually find several items you only want to keep eye on for possible future problems.
Many suggest a penny to check for tire wear, I prefer to use the, if they look worn out time to replace. If you tend to be a little anal as I am I would also purchase a few test strips for the brake fluid this can prevent a spendy ABS repair. Here again if in doubt with a fluid change it. 2 fluids I would also smell as well as a visual inspection are the trans and power steering.
I was against fluid changes for a number of years but as the cost to repair and the refinements to the systems I am now a fan of fluid replacements. Replacing the brake fluid has cured many an ABS problem and we expect a lot from our transmissions, do not flush but drain completely and replace the filter.
I used to do this every Sunday but since I have retired I tend to do it when I am puttering around. The most important thing is to do it; it will prevent many problems from catching you unprepared.
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Electronic Stability Control (ESC) helps drivers to avoid crashes by limiting the danger of skidding and losing control as a result of over-correcting the steering. ESC becomes active when a driver loses control of their car. It uses computer controlled technology to apply individual brakes and help bring the car safely under control.
ABS and Traction control are integral components of an ESC system. Every car with ESC has ABS and Traction Control, those with ABS and Traction control do not always have ESC.
I would like to first state I am not a big fan of ABS, true I am a control freak and I like to be in control of my vehicle. I know that ABS will help me maintain control in a skid, ESC will help in a slide and Traction Control will help me if I get stuck. I just like to be able to do some of this myself, the computer may perform with more efficiency and safer but I would like the ability to make a choice here. I don’t like to just stomp and steer. Research has shown that ESC can reduce passenger car crashes by 25% and SUV by 51%, that is by more than 1\2.
I think many of the SUV’s on the road today are an accident waiting for a place to happen. The manufactures are trying to make them ride like a car and they are to top heavy to perform violent maneuvers whether they are on purpose or by accident.
One instance I think ESC would help is when hitting the shoulder. I just don’t see the advantage on ice or snow. When my wife got her Bonneville stuck last winter we had to turn off the traction control to get it out and I know when I slid into a car, a few years ago with my Bonneville, at about 3 MPH I could have stopped quicker without ABS.
I think drivers need to drive smarter and not depend on a computer system to get them out of trouble however I am glad my Grandkids will have many of these features available when they start driving.
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This is a recent post on Forums and I thought it was worth posting here as many DIY are doing head gaskets on older vehicles.
Some techs think that head bolts on all turbo engine should be replaced I agree with this to an extent. Depending on price, some head bolt sets are spendy, then i would use the old. All stretch to torque should be replaced, check manual if they have one torque then they don't have to be replaced if they have a torque followed by a series of tightening specs usually in degrees then replace the bolts. There is no spec as to length
Sealant should be put on any bolts that enter the cooling system, oil should be used on the remainder, do not over oil so you have oil in the bottom of the threads as this can affect the torque, also all threads should be cleaned and or chased with a bottoming tap. Be sure all coolant is removed from the threads as this can cause a premature failure. On stretch to torque the original torque is often quite low so it doesn't take much to affect the tightening sequence.
You are also going to have to clean the cooling system of the oil residue. Dawn detergent works the best for this and flush and then flush some more and then again and again. I would also change the oil and again at 200 miles, Oil should be changed at 200 miles after any head gasket repair as it is almost impossible to keep a small amount of anti freeze from entering the oil.
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With the leaves falling and the mornings turning cooler I felt it was time to pop for tires on the wife’s Bonneville. I knew the Goodyear Eagles did not have enough tread to keep her from getting stuck this winter. Actually 2 of them were fairly new but the other 2 were getting down on tread and they were not that great in snow to start with, also I could buy 4 tires for the price of 2 Eagles. Having owned my own shops for years I am not used to shopping for tires. After a lot of internet searching and a few phone calls I decided on the Goodyear Assurance Comfortred Touring. Did not need the Touring but they only came in her size in the Touring. Originally I was going to stick with Toyo but heard a few bad experiences with them recently.
After shopping for the best buy I purchased 4 on sale from sears after a $80 rebate and free mounting, balancing, valve stems and bead seal which many shops charged for I think I got a good deal. Don’t see why shops would charge for bead seal on aluminum rims it sounds like a invitation for trouble.
The tires have been great fantastic ride, quiet and are holding air. We will see how they do in snow but they are very highly rated. After the Eagles anything would be better. I was surprised they did not try to sell me nitrogen for a couple bucks I may have tried it.
One thing that impressed me was they put chrome sleeves and valve stems on and it really dressed up the wheels.
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Hot weather seems to bring on 2 types of repair, the major being the cooling system, and followed closely by transmission.
Don’t panic if you are having transmission problems chances are it may only be a solenoid or low fluid. Be sure to check your owner’s manual on how to check the fluid level they vary greatly.
If the fluid is OK but looks dark I would take it to a tranny shop and have it scanned, if no codes are present then have them drop the pan and check for debris. There should be NC for a code and road test. If there are no debris in the pan then have them change the filter fill with fluid and recheck. Be certain they use the correct fluid for your vehicle. For instance some Chrysler transmissions are so finicky about fluid that only Mopar ATF Plus 3, Type 7176 will perform correctly.
If the fluid looks extremely bad then and only then would I consider a flush and fill, usually if it is this bad there will be some debris in the pan and most tranny shops will be able to tell if you need a rebuild or not, bad news is they usually will.
Many shops will install a rebuild and repair your transmission when they have time for a flat fee. This is a simple way to go and usually is about the same cost as a rebuild. I don’t recommend used transmissions due to the cost of R&R and you don’t know how long they have sat around.
Remember don’t panic until the service writer comes at you with a clipboard and smile. Also at any time you have the option to stop the process and get a second opinion, or estimate.
In many parts of the country prices vary greatly locally, they are about the same where I live except for one shop that tells you up front they may use some used parts, I have used them on several occasions and have had good luck, but shops like this are hard to find.
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Ford is going to have a tremendous leg up in the mileage race with its new eco-boost engine. They were able to develop this engine because they had money to spend on R&D when the other 2 were trying to survive and pay back the government.
They ran this engine in real life conditions, including a stint in a logging camp, and tore it down in front of spectators at the auto show and it showed very little wear. One valve was carboned but this was due to cheap gas I think.
The electric car, be it full or not, is going to fill a niche but folks as myself who need to go farther than 120 miles, are going to take a serious look at this option. I live in North Dakota and many here go farther than that round trip to do serious shopping.
The 3 cylinder may have a hard time getting started as many are going to be hesitant to buy a 3 cylinder. For years we have been told odd cylinder numbers do not work out and run rough. Remember the Chevy with a 3 cylinder, it was a fiasco.
The fact that it is diesel powered may also be a hindrance but I would expect a gas powered model in the near future. Diesel is OK for trucks and pickups but soccer moms shy away from it.
Time will tell but I think the eco-boost system is going to be the power train of the future.
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