Active Auto Maintenance & Repairs Posts
How To: Smoke test and find an EVAP leak in a 2003 Dodge Caravan
This is a great video for mechanics (and possibly do-it-yourselfers) for troubleshooting an emissions problems in a 2003 Dodge Caravan. You'll learn how to do a quick smoke test and find a possible leak in the EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control system). The problem can be as simple as a faulty hose.
How To: Repair a stripped-out aluminum oil pan on your vehicle
It happens more times than it should— negligent oil changes. This happens most often with aluminum oil pans on cars and trucks, because aluminum is fragile and should be treated with care and a gentle hand, not a torque power wrench. Using an air-impact gun will only cause damage when installing the bolts, causing the oil to leak from the pan.
Change a Roadside Flat Tire: The Definitive Guide
Someday, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday, you'll find yourself on the road in your car, maybe on the highway, and you'll hear something.
How To: Bypass the kickstand safety switch on a motorcycle
In this tutorial, we learn how to bypass the kickstand safety switch on a motorcycle. If you have broke your kickstand switch, you can easily bypass it while you are on the road so you can set your bike. All you need to do this is a piece of electric tape. If you don't have this on your bike, the vehicle will completely turn off while it's in use. To do this, unplug the switch that is the kickstand safety switch. There will be two electrical tabs in this, stick a screwdriver in them to remove...
How To: Make an external fuel tank and pump for starting dead cars
If your car cranks and won't start, you may need to put some fresh fuel in it. Rather than push the car inside, why not construct an external fuel tank and pump system for fixing the car in the field? This video will show you how to do it.
How To: Diagnose and replace a blown head gasket
A blown head gasket is a very serious problem, in fact, if you have one, your car probably isn't running. But, just because your car isn't running, doesn't mean you've blown the head gasket. In this video series, you'll learn how to find, check, and replace or repair a leaking or blown head gasket. And PLEASE REMEMBER every car is different so buy and check your cars repair manual before starting.
How To: Fix Broken Plastic Tabs on Bumper
A common problem on bumper covers is that the tabs that attach the bumper to the car get broken. This is critical, as this is what secures and aligns the bumper cover. Many times, a broken tab is all that is wrong with the bumper cover. With the cost of these plastic parts $200 to $700, the replacement cost can break the bank.
How To: Replace the knock sensor in a Saturn S-Series car
One day, your car may break down and you won't be able to afford to hire a mechanic, so what do you do... you look on the web for some how-to vehicle repair videos and become your own car mechanic, that's what. You don't need any advanced training to perform repairs and simple maintenance on your automobile, but you may need a few tools. Invest in the basic tools and you'll be prepared for just about any car malfunction you can think of. These tutorials will help get you on your way, as long ...
How To: Install Replace Alternator 2003-08 Dodge Ram 5.7L
1A Auto shows you how to repair, install, fix, change or replace a broken or bad alternator. This video is applicable to 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08 Dodge Ram pickup
How To: Install Replace Rear Bearings 2001-05 Honda Civic
Learn How to Install Replace Rear Bearings 2001-05 Honda Civic
How To: Install Replace Rear Struts 2001-05 Honda Civic
1A Auto shows you how to repair, install , fix, change or replace your front struts with their loaded struts. This video is applicable the 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 Honda Civic
How To: Install Replace Radiator 2004-08 Dodge Ram 5.7L
In this video 1A Auto shows you how to repair, install, fix, change or replace a broken, damaged, or leaking radiator. This video is applicable to the 04, 05, 06, 07, 08 Dodge Ram pickup
How To: Replace Install Transmission Mount 2001-05 Honda Civic
1A Auto shows you how to remove, install, change or replace a broken, worn out, transmission mount. This video is applicable to the 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 Honda Civic
How To: Install Replace Front Drive Shaft 2002-08 Dodge Ram 1500
1A Auto shows you how to repair, install, fix, change or replace a front 4x4 drive shaft that is not working, engaging or is defective. This video is applicable to the 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08
How To: Diagnose and fix seemingly unrelated electrical problems on a car
When it rains, it pours. If all sorts of electrical systems on your car have seemed to break at once with no relation to each other, they might actually be related. Watch this video to learn how multiple electrical problems in a car can often be traced to one source and fixed, saving time and money.
How To: Gap a Spark Plug
Learn how to easily gap a spark plug for a car,truck,ATV, motorcycle, lawnmower or pretty much any vehicle. This tutorial will show you hoe easy it is to do.
How To: Find electrical shorts in a car with a test light and fix a broken 12v plug
Your car's electrical system is massive and complicated. Trying to find a short in the system might sound like a job for a professional, but in this video you will learn how you can use an $8 test light to locate a shorts in your car's electrical system. It will also teach you how to fix it if the problem is the cigarette lighter, now more commonly known as the 12 volt plug.
How To: Fix the blend door actuator motor on a '99 Mercury Grand Marquis
If the air conditioning on your car doesn't work and the condenser does work, you may have a broken blend actuator door motor. It's hard to get to, but there's a way to do it without removing the dash board, and this video will show you how to do it.
How To: Fix sticking power steering with Sea Foam Trans Tune
Is your power steering binding when you're trying to turn? Or maybe it turns real easy to the right, but extremely hard to turn to the left? Well, that's a classic sign of a power steering rack that has problems. But before you go out and buy an expensive rack and pinion, and take the whole front end of the car apart to replace it, you might want to try a little trick first— Sea Foam Trans Tune, which is also for hydraulic and power steering systems.
How To: Replace the radiator cooling fan in a 1998-2004 Dodge Intrepid
Get under the hood and get your hands dirty with some home auto repair. This video will explain how you can remove and replace the radiator cooling fan in a 1998-2004 Dodge Intrepid. Once you've watched this do it yourself auto repair video you'll be ready to roll up your sleeves.
How To: Repair a spark plug thread in a Ford F150
The video begins with a guy saying that his Ford F-150 is making a weird sound. He turns the truck on and lets us hear the sound. The truck is then taken into a workshop and we find out that the engine has blown the spark plug.
How To: FIx a leaking coolant bypass tube on a 3.8 Chevy engine
Gaskets are the bane of most complex vehicles, but that doesn't mean that every time the coolant is leaking from the Chevy 3.8 motor the intake gasket is leaking. The problem can also be a leaking coolant bypass tube, and this video will show you how to diagnose and fix that problem.
How To: Replace the water pump and timing belt on a Ford Escort automobile
This guide to replacing the timing belt and water pump on a Ford Escort is for a 95 Escort, but it will likely help with several different types of vehicles. Watch as both the timing belt and the water pump are removed carefully from the car and then replaced with new parts.
How To: Change the transmission fluid and filter in your car
Proper car car can extend the life of your vehicle. This instructional video demonstrates how to change the transmission fluid and filters in a 2006 4.7L 4x4 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The process should be similar for other cars, but when in doubt consult a professional. If you're confident under the hood, then save a few dollars and do it yourself.
How To: Replace a windshield wiper motor
Replacing the windshield wiper motor on your car is a necessary repair that some car owners must take care of. Learn how to replace your own windshield wiper motor in these free auto repair video instructions featuring a certified mechanic.
How To: Remove the head and cylinder of a Honda DIO engine
This scooter engine modification tutorial shows you how to remove the head and cylinder of a Honda Elite DIO scooter motor. This video shows you how to work on the motor when it is out of the scooter.
How To: Troubleshoot Trailer Wiring Issues or Problems
Learn how to troubleshoot, fix or repair trailer wiring issues or problems. This video will show you how to diagnose and troubleshoot common issues what your trailer lights aren't working correctly.
How To: Replace a thermostat on a GM 3.1L or 3.4L automobile
Replace the thermostat on your GM 3100 or 3400 vehicle with this nifty tutorial. The video shows you how to replace a thermostat on a 3.4L GM but it should also help you repair a 3.1L GM as well. Just a heads up - you'll need to replace an o-ring when you install the new thermostat as well.
How To: Solder Two Pieces of Wire Together
This video will show you How To Solder Two Pieces of wire Together
How To: Clean Car or Truck Battery Terminal Posts from Corrosion and Acid
This video will show you how to clean the battery cable terminals on your battery.
How To: Fix and Repair a Broken Wire Using Butt Connectors
This video will show you how to repair and fix a broken wire using different butt connectors and also a wire tie.
How To: Remove and clean the throttle body in a Saturn car
One day, your car may break down and you won't be able to afford to hire a mechanic, so what do you do... you look on the web for some how-to vehicle repair videos and become your own car mechanic, that's what. You don't need any advanced training to perform repairs and simple maintenance on your automobile, but you may need a few tools. Invest in the basic tools and you'll be prepared for just about any car malfunction you can think of. This tutorial will help get you on your way, as long as...
How To: Fix engine oil leaks by replacing the oil pump seal
If your engine is leaking oil from under the pulley in the front of the engine, you probably need to replace the oil pump seal. In this video Emmy Award-winning mechanic Scotty Kilmer will teach you how to do just that at home.
How To: Replace a Saturn S-Series engine coolant temp sensor
One day, your car may break down and you won't be able to afford to hire a mechanic, so what do you do... you look on the web for some how-to vehicle repair videos and become your own car mechanic, that's what. You don't need any advanced training to perform repairs and simple maintenance on your automobile, but you may need a few tools. Invest in the basic tools and you'll be prepared for just about any car malfunction you can think of. These tutorials will help get you on your way, as long ...
How To: Replace motor mounts
Removing and installing a motor mount is no easy task. Learn how to replace motor mounts from a certified mechanic in these free auto repair video instructions.
How To: Replace a CV Joint
If you've never replaces a CV joint in a front wheel drive vehicle, it may seem like an intimidating task. But it can actually be easy if you have a good place to perform the work and have all the tools necessary to complete the task. And some good instructions, of course. Watch below for all the tools you'll need to properly change CV joints on a car, then hit up the link below to see the rest of the videos in this free series.
How To: Fix error code P0500 on a Nissan Quest
If the speedometer on your car isn't working and the check engine light is on, get your scanner out and look for code P0500. If you get that code, watch this video to learn a quick easy fix for the problem.
How To: Replace and repair the rack and pinion on a Ford Escape or Mercury Mariner
The Mercury Mariner, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute are the exact same car with different skins, so what works on one works exactly the same on the others. Watch this video to learn how to replace the rack and pinion steering gears on any of these cars.
How To: Remove the multifunction switch from your Saturn S-Series automobile
When you remove the multifunction switch from your Saturn S-series car, be sure to disconnect the battery and remove the airbag fuse so that you can safely interact with the switch.