Archive for August 11th, 2008
Replacing Ford Headlights
How horrible would it be one day to wake up and realize you don?t have any headlights? I think it would be pretty bad, it would not be safe to even drive your car if your headlights are broken or don?t work.
Your lights are one of the parts that will last you a long while. But since they are on the exterior they are exposed to elements that can be damaging. They can loose their original luster. You can give your Ford vehicle a new fresh look by changing the grille, mirror, taillights, Ford hood and spoiler.
It is really simple and easy to replace Ford parts, especially the lights. The reason for that is Fords popularity. A good place to look for the parts is Ford Parts Online; they are one of the most trusted auto parts dealers on the internet. So check them out if you need to replace any parts on your Ford vehicle.
But let?s go back to your Ford lights. It?s quite easy to change them yourself, just follow my directions and you?ll be on the road again.
First remove the exposed plastic or metal trim around the housing to get the headlight ring and screws. Using the right tools remove the four ring screws. Be careful, because it is pretty easy to strip them. Put some penetrating oil on each one for a few minutes. Also be sure not to turn the headlight-aiming screws.
Once you remove the retaining ring the headlight will be free. Just unplug the wiring connector that is in the back of the headlamp.
Then plug back the connector into the back of new headlight then place it in the mounting base. The headlight will position itself due to lugs in the back, but if it doesn?t then that means you have it upside down.
Turn on the new headlight to see if it is working. If it doesn?t come on it probably means there is a problem with the wiring.
You next step would be to replace the retaining ring. But again, be careful about the screws. The last thing would be to replace the trim elements that you had to remove.
Mitch Johnson is a successful freelance author that writes regularly for <a href="http://www.atv-parts-n-accessories.com/" title="http://www.atv-parts-n-accessories.com/" target="_blank">http://www.atv-parts-n-accessories.com/</a> . His articles have also been featured on related sites such as <a href="http://www.myautopartstips.info/" title="http://www.myautopartstips.info/" target="_blank">http://www.myautopartstips.info/</a> and <a href="http://www.mybestautoparts.info/" title="http://www.mybestautoparts.info/" target="_blank">http://www.mybestautoparts.info/</a>
Check engine light on Dodge diesel…Can you fix it?
When your check engine light on Dodge diesel truck is flashing, it is a good indication that your engine computer is warning you that either your diesel emission system is failing or one of its sensors is defective. The best way to confirm if you have a fault code is to reset it by disconnecting the battery cable terminals or locating the computer fuse and unplug it for a minute or two. If the check engine light on Dodge diesel returns, it means a system failure is indeed established and it must be retrieved. You can either buy a code scanner to do this or go to the nearest parts store so they scan the code free for you.
Before scanning for engine fault codes, make sure the following are done:
Air and fuel filter replaced
Regular oil change completed
All the intake and exhaust valves adjusted
(Especially if the engine has too many miles)
Battery cables cleaned and tight including all the visible ground wires. (This also
assumes that the battery itself is fully charged and in good condition).
All fluid levels topped up (a low coolant level can indicate an external leak caused by defective water pump).
Basic diesel engine testing before repairing check engine light codes
Sometimes, even if your Dodge engine has a fault code, some basic repairs must be done first before troubleshooting the code. Failure to do this can lead to problems diagnosing the real cause of the code. Doing a visual inspection can also help you find basic problems like (1) Does it smoke ‘black” all the time at the tail pipe? (This indicates bad fuel system like injectors)
(2).Does it smoke blue at the tailpipe? (This is an indicator of a worn or tired engine). (3) Are all the glow plugs working properly? (Check for operation and compare each resistance).
Sometimes, doing the above checks can save you a lot of time and frustrations usually if the codes or check engine light disappears after doing the basic repairs. Besides, these are common repairs most garages will do and charged you for it before repairing the Dodge fault code.
Repair strategies after getting the check engine light on Dodge diesel
Once you get the fault code and basic repairs done, it is a matter of getting the proper instruction or service manual to verify the sensor or circuit you are checking. A good wiring diagram becomes handy when doing this task. It looks very challenging at first but as soon you treat each sensor or circuit individually, everything will fall into place.
Should you need more assistance in doing this, there are lots of automotive online assistance available willing to help you for paid membership. Some of them will not even charge you if the code is not fixed or carries 90 day guaranty. With all these resources, there is no need to bring your Dodge diesel truck to any garage if you have a check engine light problem.
Mr. Richard Trent is an automotive writer specializing in online car and truck repairs. Learn to conserve gas and save $200-$300 right now by watching his troubleshooting video located at http://www.automotivetroubleshootingsecrets.com
Automobile Maintenance Checklist Posted By : Bo Bee
Thing you need to do to your car to keep it in tip top shape.
New Challenger Parts Make A New Car Feel Classic Posted By : Tom S Powers
The Dodge Challenger is one of the most anticipated car releases in the United States. The Challenger, a redesign of a classic American muscle car, recaptures the heyday spirit of the 1960’s and 1970’s era of classic cars. Its rerelease will delight a new generation of automobile enthusiasts, giving them a chance to relive the experiences of the zenith of the muscle car era.