Hot Auto Maintenance & Repairs How-Tos
How To: Replace a blown out spark plug on a Ford Triton engine
Fort Triton engine offer a lot of power and value, but do have a tendency to blow out their own spark plugs. Watch this video to learn how you can use a special tool to drill out, re-trap, and install an insert that will fix your spark plugs without having to take the head off the motor.
How To: Replace a leaking transmission solonoid pac on a Dodge Caravan
The Dodge Caravan is getting a little long in the tooth as a model, but if you still have an old one you should check this out. It will teach you how to replace the transmission solonoid pac after it starts leaking, a common problem with these cars.
How To: Fix the E brake on a Chevy Tahoe if the rear back braking plate is replaced
The Chevy Tahoe isn't the most reliable vehicle, bless it's heart, and home maintenance skills are a must if you're going to enjoy owning one. If you're replaced the rear brake backing plates recently and noticed the E-brake not working after that, watch this video to learn whether you lost the pin under the adjuster pad and that's causing the problem.
How To: Test the fuel volume on your car
Reading the fuel pressure and volume in your car's fuel system is a great way to determine whether your engine is working properly. This video will teach you how to use a meter to read the fuel volume directly from the fuel system.
How To: Adjust the valves on a 1996 Honda Civic
Having clean, functional valves is essential to proper engine function. Honda cars need to have their valves adjusted when they start to make noise. In this video you will learn how to adjust the valves on a 1996 Honda Civic.
How To: Fix the A/C drain problem on an '02 Jeep Liberty
Jeeps, for all their rugged charm, are not very well-made cars. They are rife with mechanical issues, and the '02 Jeep Liberty is no different. In this video you'll learn how to fix the A/C draining issues in these cars that leads to the passenger side carpet getting wet.
How To: Understand and assess the fuel trim in your car
The fuel trim in your car is the mixture of air and fuel in the engine, which needs to remain in balance for an engine to run properly. This video will teach you about how to assess the fuel trim on your vehicle and adjust it.
How To: Locate the starter on a GM 4.2
Replacing the starter on a GM 4.2 might not sound too hard, but it is trickier than it sounds because the starter itself is hard to locate. Watch this video to learn exactly where it is and what to look for.
How To: Change the idler arm on a 1993 Nissan pickup
The idler arm is an important part of all modern cars, and fixing them is mercifully similar across brands. In this video you'll learn how to change out the idler arm on a '93 Nissan pick-up, but you can apply these techniques to lots of other makes.
How To: Listen to bearing noise and determine where it comes from
Most wheel bearings that aren't brand new make some noise when you're driving. If you want to be able to tell whether there's a serious problem, watch this video to learn how to lift the car up and use a listening device to figure out exactly where the noise is coming from.
How To: Turn off the check engine light on a 1991 Suzuki Sidekick with a hidden switch
The 1991 Suzuki Sidekick is quite vintage at this point, and they're fun little cars. If your Sidekick's check engine light is on and there's nothing wrong with the engine, use the hidden switch you'll learn about in this video to turn it off.
How To: Replace the wheel bearings on an '01 Ford Taurus
The wheel bearings on a car are the part of the wheel that allow it to spin and carry momentum so effectively, and properly functioning ones are essential. If you want to save some money and replace the wheel bearings on your 2001 Ford Taurus yourself, watch this video to learn how to do it.
How To: Disconnect a car battery before working on the electrical system
If you work on your own car and don't want to get electrocuted, you should disconnect the battery before you do any major work. This video will show you how to do it quickly and safely, ensuring your continued auto maintenance safety.
How To: Get a car with a dead battery to run with a push start
If you've ever left the lights on in your car for a long time or just have a bad alternator, then you know all too well the pain of a dead battery. This video will teach you how to push start a dead battery car, which can often restore it for long enough to get you to the shop.
How To: Torque cylinder head bolts on a Honda Accord
Cylinder head bolts are big, strong bolts that do much of the work required to hold your engine together. If you've taken your engine apart and are putting it back together, you're going to have to torque the cylinder head bolts to get the block back together, and this video will show you everything you need to know to do it on a 2000 Honda Accord.
How To: Fix a spark plug well oil leak in a Honda Accord
If you've got oil leaking into the spark plug wells on your Honda Accord, you're not alone. This a pretty common problem, and fortunately for you this video is here to show you how to fix it, assuming you're decent at auto maintenance already. Make sure you line everything up when you reinstall the rock assembly!
How To: Repair a minor windshield leak from the side mirrors on an LLV postal truck
Unless the windshield is obviously cracked, there are only two other possible causes to a leaky windshield. One is from the seal around the whole glass, because it's broken or worn by age, and the other is the more common culprit on LLV postal trucks, and that's where the side mirror bolts on. This is is hard to see without a mirror and flash light, but check it before you replace the windshield, because if it's the source of the leak, you'll still have a leak even after replacing the windshi...
How To: Replace the left (non-driver's side) windshield wiper pivot on an LLV postal t
Unlike other automobiles, the LLV (Long Life Vehicle) postal truck is driven on the right side of the vehicle, not the left. This can complicate repairs for any mechanic if they're not familiar with these trucks which carry mail across the country by the United States Postal Service (USPS). One repair that isn't easy is replacing the windshield wiper pivots. Actually, the driver's side (right) wiper pivot is pretty easy, but the left side is quite a chore. If the one's you're working on are w...
How To: Replace the rear cargo door roller track on an LLV postal truck
The rear door track is a must-have for postal workers on their LLV postal trucks. If they can't open the back cargo door, how would they get us our mail? So, when dealing with a broken cargo door track, this video will help you replace the roller track, which is actually quite easy. The United States Postal Service (USPS) uses these "Long Life Vehicles" for almost all mail deliveries! If you have another problem, check out the other LLV videos.
How To: Diagnose an electrical problem with a fuel pump on an LLV postal truck
If you're working on a LLV postal truck, this video will show you how to determine if you've got a bad fuel pump or not. It's a quick diagnosis trick to determining if there's an electrical problem with the fuel pump, and first you need to take out the ECMB fuse, plug a jumper wire where it was, use a multimeter and labscope to see what's going on. The United States Postal Service (USPS) uses these trucks for all their postal deliveries, and if you're the mechanic working on it, this and the ...
How To: Avoid using bad flywheels for an LLV postal truck
When replacing flywheels on an LLV (Long Life Vehicle), which is a postal truck used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) and made by Grumman, always look for the quality of the new flywheels ordered. Just because they're new doesn't mean they're good. The ring gear can sometimes be welded off-center to the plate, which will make the starter teeth grind the new flywheel. If you don't want to replace the fly wheel a second time, watch this video to see how to spot check them.
How To: Fix a transmission leak at the speedometer drive gear on an LLV postal truck
A common problem for an LLV postal truck is a transmission fluid leak at the speedometer drive gear on the side of the transmission. This video will show you how to repair this transmission leak at the seal. LLV stands for the Grumman Long Life Vehicle, which the United States Postal Service (USPS) for all mail delivery. More than likely, it's an O-ring problem (speedo seal) where the speedometer cable attaches.
How To: Replace the window regulator on the side door of an LLV postal truck
A frequent repair on the Grumman Long Life Vehicle (LLV) is changing out the window regulator on the side door of the postal truck. The United States Postal Service (USPS) uses these trucks for mail delivery, so the window regulator goes through a lot of use. The first thing to do on this repair is take the door off. Watch the video to find out the whole procedure.
How To: Replace a control arm on an LLV postal truck or Chevy S-10 pickup truck
The control arm on a Grumman Long Life Vehicle, or LLV, postal truck (used by the United States Postal Service (USPS)) is exactly the same as the control arm on the Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck, so the replacement procedure is almost identical. This video will show you that procedure, but it's important that you get the right part for the side you're replacing. The LLV is right-side steering, so the driver's side is the passenger's side on the S-10. It's a little confusing, so be careful.
How To: Remove and replace the timing belt on a 1997 Mazda 626
If you have (or are working on) a 1997 Mazda 626, the timing belt is a relatively easy replacement job. If you need a little guidance from a professional mechanic, then follow along to this video for the step-by-step instructions for removing and replacing the timing belt in the '97 Mazda 626.
How To: Remove and replace a front wheel bearing on a 1991 Ford Explorer
A wheel bearing doesn't have to be a costly fix for the mechanic. It could be a relatively cheap repair job for all you do-it-yourselfer types. There are different types of wheel bearings, but the type explained in this video, on a 1991 Ford Explorer, is a self-contained all-in-one assembly. If you have a '91 Ford Explorer, or a different vehicle with this kind of wheel bearing, then you're in luck… watch and learn.
How To: Reset the timing on a Chevrolet pickup truck
Anytime your do work on the distributor, you're going to have to reset the timing on your vehicle. This video covers resetting the timing on a Chevrolet pickup truck, but this method could also work for other make and models pickups. In order to reset the timing, you have to disconnect the set timing connector. Watch and see the whole process.
How To: Install a camshaft sensor and/or synchronizer on a 1998 Ford Windstar 3.0L
This vehicle covers a 1998 Ford Windstar 3.0L which came into the shop without the chief complaint being it was stalling and running bad. After the scan, they got a code P0340, which is a cam sensor fault. The problem could lie in any part of the circuit - the sensor itself, the wiring, or the PCM. Watch and learn to see how to install a new camshaft sensor and/or synchronizer.
How To: Lift the bed of a Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck for easy access to the fuel pump
If you're working on a Chevrolet S-10 or similar pickup truck, the easiest way to getting to the fuel pump is not by dropping the gas tank, but by lifting the bed of the truck. If you have the mechanic's equipment, you can get this done fast! Doesn't have to be a Chevy S-10. Could work for any lightweight pickup truck.
How To: Lift a pickup truck bed instead of dropping the tank for fuel pump access
For most vehicles, the only way to replace the fuel pump is by dropping the tank, which could take a long time. But on most flatbed pickup trucks, there's a simpler way to access the troublesome fuel pump. Simply unbolt the bed and lift that sucker up! See the trick to avoiding the gas tank.
How To: Replace a timing belt on a 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT
Before you begin, take note that this Mitsubishi engine is an interference engine, so damage will occur if this procedure is not done correctly. In this two-part tutorial, you'll see the process for replacing the timing belt on a 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT with a 3.0L quad cam engine. This will show you the way to do it without expensive tools to hold the cams in place.
How To: Quickly test the functionality of a coil-on-plug system in almost any vehicle
Working on a coil on plug system can be pretty frustrating for mechanics. So, if you're trying to diagnose a no-start or misfire, how do you know if that spark plug coil is firing? Is that even your problem? This video will show you two methods for troubleshooting the misfire problem. The first quick little test involves a coil-on-plug adapter (tester). Keep watching for the second method. This works for almost all vehicles.
How To: Use a lab scope and inductive pickup to test a coil on a car spark plug
One reason your vehicle may be misfiring is from a spark plug problem. To help you out, this video, aimed at mechanics, will help you diagnose the problem by using a lab scope and inductive pickup to test a coil on a spark plug. This could be done for virtually any vehicle. If you have the equipment, this is the test to try out.
How To: Use a smoke machine to identify a cylinder compression leak in a truck
The truck in this video was having a misfire problem during routine service. This video for mechanics will show how to find the problem of this misfire. The first thing to look at is the lab scope. After that, comes time for the smoke machine test to identify a possible cylinder compression leak. Watch and learn. This is very similar for a lot of different automobiles.
How To: Test vehicle relays in place with stranded copper wire
This is a really great tip for any mechanic's toolbox. Most people switch out relays in the vehicle to determine whether they're bad or not, but sometimes that doesn't do the trick. Sometimes it's necessary to check the relay in place, in the relay box, and there's a simple trick to doing so, for any automobile. Just wrap some stranded copper wires around the contacts and plug it back into the relay box. Then test!
How To: Use a coffee maker to install wheel bearings into an axle without a press
Many axle bearings must be pressed on, and it's a fairly simple job if you have a press available. But if you don't have a press, try this little trick to get the job done. All you need is a coffee maker. Yep, that's right. Make yourself a pot of hot joe, and when it's done, place the bearing on the heating element. By the time you finish the cup of hot coffee, your bearing should be hot enough to expand. This could work for any vehicle!
How To: Troubleshoot a mysterious coolant leak on a 1999 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L
The main complaint for this 1999 Jeep Cherokee, 4.0L, is that the Low Coolant Light keeps flashing on and that it keeps needing coolant. Nothing seems to be leaking on the ground, so where's the leak going? After doing the normal pressure test to spot the leak, and the combustion gas leak, and the overnight test, nothing seemed to work. The coolant leak could not be identified. So, it must be the cylinder head, right? But you need evidence of that first. Watch and learn how to prove your theo...
How To: Troubleshoot a misfire (code P0305) on a 1999 Mercury Villager 3.3L
If you didn't find the solution to your misfire problem in this video, then the 1999 Mercury Villager 3.3L might have a code P0305 (Cylinder #5 Misfire). This is great troubleshooting advice from a professional mechanic to help you diagnose the problem. The vehicle is a '99 Mercury Village, 3.3L, with 150,000 miles on it. The chief complaint is the CEL (check engine light) comes on and it runs like it has a misfire. It feels like a steady consistent misfire, which is code P0305. Watch the vid...
How To: Troubleshoot a misfire (code P0304) on a 1999 Mercury Villager 3.3L
As a mechanic, you can't get paid until you fix it, and you can't fix it until you diagnose it, which means a quick diagnosis means a quick fix which means a quick payout. If life was always this easy! This automotive video will show you how to troubleshoot and diagnose a 1999 Mercury Village, 3.3L, with 150,000 miles on it. The chief complaint is the CEL (check engine light) comes on and it runs like it has a misfire. It feels like a steady consistent misfire, which is code P0304 (Cylinder #...
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.