AUTOMOTIVE FREAKS

Photo by Podknox Emission controls were first introduced in the late 1960s. Their primary purpose was to solve a particular emission need.

Back at that time, these devices were treated as “add-on” components only.

Blowby emissions used to be the main pollutant of automotive. In 1968, the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) became standard.

By recycling the crankcase vapors, the device successfully eliminated blowby emissions.

Another factor that contributed to air pollution was fuel vapors. In 1971 evaporative emission controls were added. The sealed fuel systems and charcoal canisters successfully eliminated the fuel vapors.

In 1973 exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) was added. This reduced hazardous oxides of nitrogen emissions that are produced by automobiles.

However, in 1975 the government required auto makers to install the most significant add-on on all new manufactured vehicles, those add-on were catalytic converters.

The catalytic converter was a big breakthrough in emission control technology. What it basically did was reducing Carbon Monoxide (CO) and unburned Hydrocarbons (HC).

Carbon Monoxide is a very hazardous pollutant since it can be deadly to humans even when they are exposed only to small concentrations.

While Hydrocarbons (HC) is the primary factor that forms urban smog.

The catalytic converter has the ability to reduce 90% of the levels of such pollutants.

The early converters were called “two-way” converter because they reduce the two dangerous pollutants (CO and HC).

They work like an afterburner in the exhaust by reburning the pollutants.

In order to burn those pollutants effectively, an air pump or an aspirator system were used to supply extra oxygen.

CRC 05063 Guaranteed To Pass Emissions Test Formula – 12 Fl Oz.

From 1975 to 1981, the two-way converters were installed on every new car. Three-way converters were introduced as the successor of two-way converters.

These converters had the ability to reduce NOX concentrations in the exhaust.

But in order to do it the converters need an addition of computerized system to control the fuel concentration.

The three-way converters worked differently from the two-way ones.

The two-way ones may operate well in a lean fuel mixture, but the catalyst inside the three-way ones require a rich fuel mixture in order to reduce NOX.

The rich fuel condition produces an additional problem because it raises CO levels in the exhaust.

In order to reduce these three pollutants (CO, HC, and NOX), a three-way converter needs a constantly changing fuel mixture that goes back and forth from rich to lean.

Today’s Technician: Automotive Fuels and Emissions. Classroom and Shop Manual Set (Bk.1)

To maintain the lean and rich flip flops, the engine requires an electronic fuel injection and an oxygen sensor. The electronic injection regulates the amount of fuel that’s injected.

While the oxygen sensor is required to read the fuel mixture condition in the exhaust and send it to the computer to process the information.

Three-way converters also need extra oxygen that’s supplied by an aspirator system or an air pump.

There are “three-way plus oxygen” converters that are designed to make sure air is routed right to the converter to maintain a more efficient operation.

Automotive Fuel and Emissions Control Systems (2nd Edition)

A1 Cardone 32291 Remanufactured Smog Pump

1995 Honda CBR 600 F3 Emissions Control Valve And Hoses

2002 Suzuki GSXR 750 Gsx-r 750 Emissions Control Valve And Hoses

1990 Kawasaki ZX6 ZX 6 D Ninja Emissions Control Valve And Hoses

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1842494/

No matter what kind of car you drive, You should watch Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, she will show you how to gain a better gas mileage. She shared practical things that almost everyone can easily do to save more dollars on gas.

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Photo by Robert Couse-Baker It isn’t a difficult thing to check the automatic transmission fluid. This regular check should be done every month.

When you drive your vehicle and the car starts to have shifts roughly, then you’ll also need to check the fluid.

The roughness may be caused by a low fluid problem. This can happen due to a leak or it’s contaminated with dirt.

In order to check properly you need to move your vehicle to a level parking surface.

By doing this you may get a more accurate reading in order to avoid it from overfilling. After you park the car, don’t stop the engine, keep it running.

It’s necessary to take the reading while the engine is still hot to guarantee an accurate reading.

Now, you may open your owner’s manual if you have no idea about the location of the dipstick.

Finding an automatic transmission oil dipstick isn’t as easy as the oil dipstick.

RTI ATX-2 Automatic Transmission Fluid Exchanger

The dipstick is usually marked with brightly colors like a red or yellow covering.

You’ll likely find instructions in the manual that also tell you to keep the engine running while performing the checks.

You should wear safety goggles before working under the hood. By wearing such goggles you’ll prevent your eyes from any debris that may harm them. They also protect you from flying debris hitting your face.

Prepare a flashlight to help your sight when looking into the engine for finding dipstick location. When the engine is warm, remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.

Put back the dipstick, remove again, and read the fluid level. By doing this you’ll get a better reading. There are two markings on the dipstick, they are “warm” and “cold”.

Red Line 30504 D4 Automatic Transmission Fluid – 1 Quart

Because we take the reading when the engine is still warm, then you should observe the markings for the “warm” readings.

If your reading says that the fluid is not full, then you should add a little bit at a time and check again by using the dipstick.

Repeat this step until the fluid reaches the optimum level. You don’t want to overfill the ATF so make sure you add a little bit at a time.

You need to observe the color of the fluid. ATF fluid should has a pinkish to red color. If you find the fluid is brown, then you need to call a mechanic to evaluate the engine.

In order to add the fluid properly, use a long necked funnel and add the fluid through the hole where the dipstick is put in.

Royal Purple 01320 Max Automatic Transmission Fluid

Once again I should remind you, fill a little bit at a time, you don’t want to overfill it.

Put back the dipstick, wait for a few moments, and then remove the dipstick again, wipe it down, put it back and pull again. Now you may read the new fluid measurements.

There are several types of cars especially the new ones that do not require you to replace the fluid.

But some cars require you to flush the fluid and replace it in every 24,000 miles.

You should confirm this by reading your owner’s manual to obtain the specifics information.

Automotive Transmissions: Fundamentals, Selection, Design and Application

Shell Oil ATFQ ATF DONAX TG QT @ 12/CASE DEXRON III AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID

Mobil MOBIL 1 ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt--6oeicBhUx0/

Watch The Guy Performs Automatic Transmission Fluid Replacement on 2003 Honda CRV

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Photo by saebaryo I’m pretty sure those of you who own a Camry must have been quite satisfied with lots of benefits and durability that this car gives.

But in order to keep enjoying those advantages, you must perform a regular maintenance on your ride.

Without a regular maintenance it’s more likely that you’ll spend more money in the future to repair and fix the damages.

One of the regular maintenance procedures is changing the automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

The shortcut to do this is of course by relying on a professional mechanic to handle the job.

But if you decide to extend your knowledge, save money, and gain the satisfaction of doing the replacement by yourself, then let’s get your hand dirty.

You’ll be needing proper tools and the courage to do this, so get ready.

Below are the steps that show you how to change automatic transmission fluid in your Camry:

First you need to drain the old fluid out from the fluid pan. To do this you should first clean the outward of the pan and its surrounding areas. By doing this you’ll prevent the pan from dirt contamination.

Now, remove the dipstick that’s located in the filler tube and replace it with a funnel. Place a drain pan under the fluid pan. This pan is used for catching the draining fluid that will flow out.

Once everything is set into place, you may use a socket wrench to remove the drain plug of the fluid pan. Put the plug on a safe and clean and take time to let the old fluid drain.

Remove the fluid pan from your Camry. In order to do this, the two bolts need to be loosen in a diagonal fashion.

Because there are bolts with different sizes, so you should pay attention the places which every bolt should go.

You should prepare to catch the pan before you completely remove the two remaining bolts. You may catch the pan by holding it.

The pan often still contains some fluid in it, so you should be very careful when detach it from your car to avoid any fluid from spilling.

Put the pan aside on a clean place.

Now it’s time to disassemble other transmission parts. You need to disconnect the wires of the valve body in order to detach it.

You should also take off the retaining bolts of the strainer. Once again you need to pay attention on which each bolt should go.

Now, you need to remove any debris that still remain on the valve body and throw away the gasket.

You should take an extra caution when doing this step because the valve body usually still contains some amounts of fluid that may drain out.

There’s a magnet that’s located at the bottom of the fluid pan, you may want to clean it.

You should remove all the magnets. There are metal shavings that are attached to the magnets, you need to clean them.

If the fluid pan still contains fluid then it needs to be drained. Wipe off any excess fluid by using a clean rug.

If the gasket is already too old, consider to replace it. In order to clean the transmission better, you need to scrape off more material from it.

Air dry the fluid pan, once the remaining fluid is completely drained out and cleaned.

Now it’s time to reassemble every components that are previously detached.

Photo by rastrus Attach the parts back into its original assembly and replace any parts that need to be replaced like the gasket’s magnets.

When all the assembly is completed, the transmission is now ready to be filled with a new supply of automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

Add the new supply of automatic transmission fluid using the dipstick tube. Observe your Camry’s manual to find out the proper amount and the recommended fluid.

The dipstick usually has a mark that tells the optimum level which the fluid should be filled up to.

Alright, now you have successfully changed the automatic transmission fluid of your beloved Camry. Try to start the engine and let it remains idle for several minutes.

Check your dipstick and make sure the fluid is still within the recommended level. If it’s not, add more fluid.

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If you are the owner of a recent manufactured car, you usually won’t experience any trouble playing iPod through your car radio. Mid level factory fitted car stereos are usually equipped with iPod dock.

This enables you to control the iPod through audio functions on the car radio like enabling track selection and shifting to the next track.

Certain models are able to retrieve the details data of a song like track name and info. They the display the information on the radio display.

If your car is fully integrated with iPod you may not need to take your hands off the steering wheel for changing tracks.

Because there are buttons on the steering wheel that are provided for your convenience. You may use them to control the iPod.

But if you are the owner of and older car, you too have several options to enjoy iPod using your car’s audio system.

Play iPod Through a Cassette Deck

It’s a rare sight to find cars with tape players these days. But believe it or not it’s one of the easiest way to listen to music from your iPod. All you need is an iPod cassette adapter.
What it basically does is injecting the audio signal from iPod into a dummy cassette. So the tape player reads the signal as if an ordinary cassette tape were being played.

However the quality this iPod cassette produces is pretty average. But in our opinion it’s a fair deal due to its affordable price and practicality. Most of these tape adapters don’t require any batteries in order to operate.

Car Cassette Adapter For Apple iPod

Play iPod using FM Transmitter

You can listen to music from your car’s audio system that captures the signal generated by a small FM transmitter.

This FM transmitter is plugged into your iPod and behave like a small FM radio station inside your car. It constantly shoots ultra-short FM radio signal that can be captured by your car radio.

Most cars, old and new are equipped with car audio systems that have a FM radio. So this FM transmitter can work nearly universally on each car that is equipped with a car stereo.

The nice thing about this gadget is wireless. Especially if you don’t like to be annoyed by all the wires. It’s also a good solution if you drive a rental car that isn’t equipped with aux jack or iPod jack.

You need to set the FM transmitter to a blank spot on the dial. When driving on long journeys you should be aware that a blank position of the FM dial in one area, city, or place may be filled in another.

If this happens, you’ll experience an interference on playback like music from the local station overlaps with the music from the iPod. So this gadget perhaps is more suited for local journeys.

Scosche FMDT1 Shifter Style Digital FM Transmitter with USB Port

Griffin RoadTrip FM Transmitter for iPhone and iPod (Black)

iTrip for iPod & iPhone

Connect Your iPod Using an Auxiliary Input Jack

Some car radios are equipped with an auxiliary input. This can be an input brought out to the wiring harness at the back of the stereo or a 3.5mm jack on the front panel.

In the first case, You need to find a way to bring the lead out without it getting in the way too much. This situation is similar to the aux input of a hi-fi system and you can use a similar way to patch in an iPod.

Now, if your stereo provides a 3.5mm input socket, all you need is a normal 3.5mm jack to jack lead. That’s all.

Due to its nature, this auxiliary input jack is immune from interference problems of the FM signals and gives you an excellent audio quality.

3.5MM JACK CAR AUDIO AUX AUXILIARY CABLE FOR IPOD TOUCH

InCarCables Car Stereo Ipod/mp3 Auxiliary Aux-in Input Cable 3.5mm (4ft)

Play iPod Through a Bluetooth A2DP Connection

IPod is able to stream audio wirelessly to a car stereo using Bluetooth. You may use an adaptor that’s plugged into the iPod.

However, in order to work you need to make sure that your car is equipped with Bluetooth interface and supports A2DP ( Advanced Audio Distribution Profile ). Your car radio must also have the regular handsfree support for mobile phones.

It would be a good advantage if your car also supports AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile). This feature enables you to switch tracks using forward and back buttons of your car radio.

Earlier iPods can also use Bluetooth connectivity by adding devices like Griffin’s Bluetrip or other similar tools. However, A2DP support in your car radio is a must have for these devices to work.

Sony Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter for iPod (White)

Motorola D650 Bluetooth Stereo Headset Adapter for iPod

JVC AAT100BT In-Vehicle Bluetooth iPod Wireless Transmitter

Here’s a quick conclusion on Different Ways of Connecting your iPod to a Car Radio.

Car Radio with iPod connector

It has integrated track selection capability and offers the best convenience and result

Cassette Adapter

It’s one of the most affordable solution, needs no batteries, no installation required. The only drawback is it produces average sound quality.

FM Transmitter

It offers “Universal connectivity”, almost all car stereos on the planet have the ability to capture FM radio signals. However, you may need extra batteries and it’s vulnerable to interference.

Aux Input Jack

Perhaps it’s the cheapest solution if it’s already provided by the car radio. It generates excellent sound quality.

Bluetooth

It offers the best sound quality among other wireless connections. You are able to control track selection from the radio car buttons.

IPod is a better choice over tapes and CD. Because it has the ability to store a much larger amount of music, without any need to change the media.

But one thing to consider is the way you interact with the iPod itself while driving. Because anything that can distract your focus from the road should be highly avoided.

So in our opinion Bluetooth with AVCRP and iPod dock are better options to enjoy iPod while driving. Because you can control the music selection and options without having to sacrifice your attention from the road.

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Hi guys, thanks for being the loyal readers of Automotive Freaks, almost everyone agrees when I say that iPod is one of the landmark products from Apple.

Everyday,millions of MP3 songs are being played through this tiny little gadget. iPod has various features that successfully captures the hearts of young generation.

It has been widely known for its extended battery life, huge storage capacity, video features, photo storage, and many more.

If you plan to play iPod through your car stereo system, you may use iPod cassette adapters. This adapter will enable you to connect your iPod to your car’s audio system.

Where to Shop?

I guess this is your first question. iPod has become such a famous device that captures the world’s attention. There are growing number of shops that are specializing in selling iPod accessories.

But you may also find an iPod cassette adapter in electronic shops,music shops, or car shops. It’s better to do a research before deciding to purchase one. One of the best place to research is of course on the internet.

But internet is like an ocean without a limit, so if you ask me where to start, I recommend you start searching from Amazon.

The good things about Amazon are you can read other customer reviews, you have millions of products to choose from, and it often offers very very competitive prices.

If you go to an offline shop, your options are limited and you can’t just browse the items the way you like, you will be facing a salesperson who tells you how nice the product you choose without having any clue about other customers’ reviews.

Amazon Products

BLACK Universal Car Audio Cassette Adapter for Apple iPad / iPod / iPod Touch Gen2 / iPod video / iPod nano / iPod Nano Gen4 / iPod photo / iPod mini / iPod Classic / iPod Classic 120GB

Monster iCarPlay Cassette Adapter 800 for iPod and iPhone (3 feet)

How To Choose The Right Adapter.

Price is one of the key factors to consider. But it’s not the only one. You should also observe the features that come with the adapter.

From our observation the adapters that cost around 25 dollars are the most appropriate ones.

There are other adapters that cost cheaper, but usually they are manufactured from very vulnerable materials that are easily breakable.

In our opinion such gadgets aren’t worth your money in the long term.

You should also check the sound quality of the adapter. If you’re buying from Amazon, you may want to read other customers’ reviews.

By reading these reviews you won’t repeat the same disappointment from the previous customer who bought wrong products.

Installing Adapter.

Installation is actually very easy. All you need to do is simply place the adapter into the the cassette slot of your vehicle.

Make sure you reconnect the whiles to the relevant cords in the adapter when you remove the cassette player.

NEW JWIN JACK401 CD/MINIDISC CASSETTE ADAPTER KIT FOR PORTABLE CD PLAYERS STEREO BOOM BOX AUDIO

Using the adapter.

Once you’ve completed the installation, you can start enjoying the music from your iPod.

But first, you need to connect the iPod to the cassette player by using the headphone jack that comes with the cassette adapter.

You may adjust the music volume by using either the volume in the iPod or the stereo system in the car itself.

Usually you need to set the volume of your iPod to 50 percent at least, so that the sound can be heard.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-fwvYAEa-MRs/

Watch the demonstration of using a Cassette Adapter to Play iPod / iPhone.  Simple and cheap.

Music Tips.

To promote safety while driving, you are highly advised to construct the playlists in your computer for the songs you want to be played.

By doing this you don’t need to change tracks while driving. This behavior is very dangerous because the focus of your eyes can be distracted from the road and may lead to fatal accidents.

Consider setting your iPod on repeat mode if you are on a long journey. This to make sure the iPod will continue to play songs during the entire trip.

Music from your iPod can be the best company in a long journey or a road trip. Especially when you travel alone.

So, it’s never a bad idea to install a cassette adapter for your iPod.

Griffin Direct Deck Universal Cassette Adapter for MP3 Players (Black)

CAR CASSETTE TAPE DECK ADAPTER ADAPTOR ALL IPOD MP3 CD

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Are you looking for a solution for integrating your beloved iPod with the audio system of your vehicle?

iPod Kit for Car, that’s the gadget you’ll be needing to accomplish the task. All you need to do is attach the kit to your car stereo and as the result,you’ll be able to control the iPod from the radio’s controls.

But before installing this car iPod kit you should remove first the negative cable that’s connected from the battery post.

You may ask Mr. Google to find an iPod kit for your car. But if you ask me, I’ll recommend Amazon because it’s more straightforward and often offers the most competitive deals, that’s my humble opinion.

There are several types of iPod kits to choose from.

The first is those that connect your iPod to the amplifier through an auxiliary input. The most typical problem with these kits is you need a separate connector in order to charge the iPod.

InCarCables Car Stereo Ipod/mp3 Auxiliary Aux-in Input Cable 3.5mm (4ft)

AUX Audio Cable 3.5MM White Jack For iPod/MP3/Zune/Car Audio

The second type is iPod kit that harness the FM radio frequency to transmit data. The kit uses FM transmitter that you can plug to headphone input or USB port of your iPod.

It’s very easy to use and there’s nothing to install

The problem with the second type is in its reliability. Since it uses frequency to transmit data, there are external factors that may interfere the quality of sound that’s transmitted.

The sound that’s generated through the radio is usually not too clear.

Car Mp3 Player FM Transmitter for Ipod Mp3 Mp4

Griffin RoadTrip FM Transmitter and Car Charger for iPod *Damaged Box*

Now, the best type of iPod system in my opinion is those that use a wire harness that has the ability to connect directly to CD changer port of your car or amplifier wire harness.

USA SPEC PA11-HON2y – iPod to 2003-2006 Honda Factory Radio Interface w/ Auxiliary Audio input

How To Install :

1. You should remove the center dashboard panel.

Do a quick observation upon your center dashboard and find out whether you must remove only the area where the radio is located or a big portion of the front panel.

For some types of cars, you’ll need to remove the whole center panel in order to gain access to the wires that are located behind the radio.

In order to pry the panel off, you can use a hard piece of plastic. There are clips that hold the panel in place. These clips are usually located along the inside of the dashboard.

You should be careful not to make any scratch while removing the panel.

2. Pull out the car radio.

After removing the panel, you may now pull out the radio. You may attach the wire harness for your CD changer to a slot that’s usually available.

If the CD changer is attached to the slot already, pull it out and use the wire harness that’s provided by the iPod kit. The iPod kit’s module should be attached to the other end of the cable.

There is one more cable, this cable connects the module and your iPod. Attach the end of the cable that goes into the slot on the module.

Insert the cable into the dashboard. You should find a place for running the cable out from the dashboard.

Some prefer to run it through glove compartment. But this method has a weakness because you must keep opening the compartment in order to access the iPod.

At the passenger’s side, on the side of the center dashboard, you will find a panel. Loosen the panel by removing its screws.

Now you need to run the cable for iPod out through this area and replace the panel.

Pac AAI-FRD04 Auxiliary Input for Select 2004?2007 Ford Vehicles

3. Now, you may further install the panel and the radio back.

Place the cables and wires that run from and to the car stereo back into dashboard.

Keep the module inside the dashboard together with those wires and cables.

You should do it carefully and make sure there’s enough room for car radio.

Push the radio gently into the right position inside the dashboard.

Attach the previously removed center panel on the dashboard. Snap it firmly into place.

Make sure the panel is flush on the dashboard. Connect the cable for iPod to your iPod’s USB port.

If the iPod Kit comes with a dip switch, you should set the switches according to your car stereo’s configuration. Read the manual to find out the settings guide.

Congratulations, at this point you should have successfully installed the iPod kit. You may play all your favorite songs that are stored on the iPod.

If you need to access the next or previous songs and increase or decrease the volume, You can do it from your radio’s controls.

DICE i-Toyota-R-5v iPod Integration Kit for Toyota, Lexus and Scion

Dice i-BMW-T Silverline Pro BMW/Mini Cooper IPod Adapter w/ Aux Input

This video explains vividly “How to Install The iPod Adapter/Module” I recommend you to watch this guy in action as a visual guide.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-oyOOdQ7a4GM/

DICE i-Honda-R4-5v iPod Integration Kit for Acura and Honda (03+) with Navigation

DICE i-Audi-R-5v iPod Integration Kit for Audi, Bentley and Lamborghini

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Photo by thosch66The first Camry was designed and built early in 1980. It was targeted for economical front-wheel-drive sedan segment. It was equipped with a front transverse-mounted four-cylinder engine.

The fact is Camry has grown in size through the years. But as a mid sized car Camry still rely on its four cylinder, transverse-mounted engine in order to harness the front wheels.

The brake light switch that’s located under the dashboard of your Camry is used for activating rear brake lights whenever the brake pedal is depressed. A bad brake-light switch may lead to malfunctioned rear brake lights.

Now, let’s learn how to replace the brake light switch:

1. First, you need to open driver’s side front door.

2. Find the brake light switch. It’s located near the top of the brake pedal and mounted to the underside of your Camry’s dashboard.

3. Pushing in the tabs on both side of the wiring connector and pull it straight out in order to unplug it from the brake light switch.

4. Hold the switch and turn it around counterclockwise. Pull it straight out from the mounting hole

5. Insert the replacement brake light switch into the hole and rotate clockwise until it locks firmly.

6. Plug back the previously unplugged connector into the new switch until it snaps properly.

The obvious signs of malfunctioned brake-light switch are whether the brake lights don’t work at all or they remain on all the time.

Most of the time this problem can be fixed by replacing the switch. But however you should check the brake lights’ fuse first before deciding to purchase the new replacement switch. This fuse that is used by all brake lights is located inside Camry’s fuse box.

To find the location of the brake-light fuse, you should refer to your Camry owner’s guide.

If there’s only a single brake light that is not working then it’s more likely a blown bulb or there’s something wrong with the bulb socket which most of the time is corrosion.

You may purchase the replacement brake-light switches of your Camry at local Toyota dealer. You may also order brake light switches online which is very easy and convenient, just check out below.

The benefit of purchasing online is you can read the reviews from other users and perform research on several alternatives. More options are always better.

Beck Arnley 201-1566 Stop Light Switch

Standard Motor Products Stoplight Switch

Standard Motor Products Stoplight Switch

B.S. STOPLIGHT SWITCH 84-05 BT

Standard Motor Products STOPLIGHT SWITCH MC-SLS1

Vortex Racing BRK-INLINE PRESSURE SWTCH 1.25 Wiring Brake Light Switch – RS100

Painless Wiring 80171 Brake Light Switch/Press.

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How many of us who face difficulties when trying to find out what causes the starter problems on Camrys?

Fear not, let’s learn how to perform several easy tests to find out the cause of the problem.

They are simple tests, you will need a test light. You may also prepare a multimeter in case we need it.

Many times, starter system problems are caused by loose or damaged connection, it’s also possible they are caused by worn out component that has stopped operating.

Starter Doesn’t Operate at All

If you experience that the starter doesn’t operate at all, you may perform a simple test which can help you trace the problem.

Now, try turn on the headlights and ask someone to turn the ignition key to “Start”. Observe the lights, if they remain bright, you may want to check for a bad or open component in the circuit of starter.

Now follow the path along your starter circuit, use a test light to help you do this. Begin the checking from the battery, see if there’s a loose connection or corosion, dirt or grease.

As you test each connection at the ignition switch, neutral start switch, and solenoid, ask a friend to turn the ignition to key to “Start”.

When your test light bulb does not come on, it means the voltage stops on that connection. If this happens, that is the troublemaker.

If during the first test the headlights dim, you should the check the battery for voltage. Make certain that all of the connections in the starter circuit are in tight and clean condition. You may take the starter to your local auto parts store or auto shop for further test.

Starter Makes Noise

The first step is check your battery whether it has the correct voltage or not. Check every connection,make sure they are clean and tight.

When necessary, you may raise the front of the Camry. Support it using jack stands. Use a ratchet or wrench and socket to make sure the mounting bolts of the starter are tight.

You may want to make sure you installed the correct starter if you have just replaced it.
If you installed the wrong one, the flywheel ring gear and pinion gear on the starter won’t mesh properly.

At each component in the starter circuit you should do a voltage drop test at the connections. Use your multimeter to do this.

Now probe the terminal and the fitting at every component connection. If everything is normal the voltage should not exceed 0.5 volt.

If you deal with an old motor starter, those defective or worn internal components are most likely fail to operate the pinion gear properly.

When necessary, detach the starter and bring it to your local auto parts store or auto shop for further tests.

Starter Operates Slowly

Similar to previous tests, you may want to check for proper voltage at the battery and make sure all starter circuit’s connections are in clean and tight condition.

Perform a voltage drop test at every connection as explained in the previous “Starter Makes Noise” section.

Raise the front of your car and check to make sure that all the connections are secured and the starter is tightly mounted.

If necessary, remove your starter and bring it to the nearest auto parts store or auto shop for further examination.

Buy Camry Starter here…

New Starter 1998-2001 Lexus ES300, 1999-2003 Lexus RX300, 1998-2004 Toyota Avalon, 1998-2001 Camry 2.2L, 2002-2003 Camry 2.4L, 1998-2005 Camry 3.0L, 2001-2003 Highlander, 2001-2003 Rav4 2.0L, 2004-2005 Rav4 2.4L, 1998-2002 Sienna 3.0L, 1999-2001 Solara 2.2L, 2002-2003 Solara 2.4L, 1999-2003 Solara 3.0L

New Starter Toyota Camry Rav4 1998-2005 28100-74270

Keyless Entry Remote Fob Clicker for 1999 Toyota Camry With Do-It-Yourself Programming. Factory Replacement.

Watch the video on How to Change Starter on Nissan Sentra

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-31xZMpesBXU/

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Photo by follettmotors_com These days, most cars have engine control systems that respond to inputs from various sensors. These systems work to adjust and regulate emissions, engine performance, and other major functions.

These sensors are required to give precise information to prevent unnecessary fuel consumption, emission failures, and driveability problems.

Oxygen sensor is one of the key sensors that gives important signal to computer system in the engine.

Oxygen sensor is usually called O2 sensor. It was first introduced in 1976 on 240 Volvo vehicle. In 1980, California issued its emission rules that required lower emissions. During this time more and more cars were equipped with O2 sensors.

And in 1996 the government issued OBD-II regulations. The auto manufacturers responded it by producing cars with multiple oxygen sensors, some had as many as four.

In order to monitor unburned oxygen as the exhaust exits the engine, an O2 sensor is attached in the exhaust manifold. This monitoring is done to adjust fuel mixture.

When the sensor senses low oxygen it means the fuel mixture burns rich, the system will respond by injecting less fuel.

When the O2 sensor signals high oxygen,it means the fuel mixture burns lean, the system will respond by injecting more fuel.

There are several other factors that may affect the fuel mixture condition (lean or rich). They are engine coolant temperature, throttle position, air flow, engine load, barometric pressure, and air temperature.
All these factors are monitored by sensors.

But the most essential information is the signals that are retrieved from O2 sensor.

So if there are problems with the oxygen sensor, this may generate significant impacts on the engine and its performance.

The process of computer system regulating fuel mixture based on inputs from oxygen sensor is called “feedback control loop”.

Photo by lumachrome This loop works as follow:

The computer system reads the signal from oxygen sensor and respond by adjusting the fuel mixture. This action will change the fuel / oxygen ratio, because the condition changes the O2 sensor reading changes. The computer system will then respond to this change. The system works on and on like this, flip flop back and forth from lean to rich.

This loop enables catalytic converter to perform at highest efficiency while maintaining the proper balance of overall fuel mixture. The whole mechanism will produce minimum emission.

Well does this system look complicated to you ? Yes It is complicated, but fear not what you need is just understand the big picture.

When a cold engine is first started, the oxygen sensor usually sends no signal,if this is the case the computer system will adjust to rich fuel mixture. The same condition also happens when the O2 sensor fails. This situation is referred to as “open loop” operation.

If the engine is unable to enter closed loop (ideal condition, flip flop from lean to rich), the engine will run in over rich condition that will waste much fuel and increase emissions.

This may happen when oxygen sensor fails to send signal once it reaches operating temperature or the O2 sensor’s signal is lost.

Another possibility is a bad coolant sensor. In order for the computer to decide whether or not to enter closed loop, it will also check the engine coolant temperature.

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Photo by Honda CB77 Restoration Your Honda Civic needs electrical spark generated by the spark plug wires in order to run properly. A distributor assembly is used by Civic to deliver power to the spark plugs. The plugs, they run between your engine and the distributor. If the plug wires has problem, the engine won’t be able to run. Hard starting and misfiring are common problems that are caused by poor spark-plug. Spark-plug wires should be checked and replaced if necessary every 30,000 miles. Most auto parts stores sell the replacement plug wires.

Here are the steps to Replace them:

1. Open your Civic hood and find the spark-plug wires. They are located on top of the engine.

2. On top of the engine, hold the end of spark plug wire and wiggle it back and forth. Pull it up and out of your engine. In order to prevent connecting a wire in a misplaced position on the distributor or engine, you must completely replace one spark-plug wire before moving on to the next one.

3. Follow the wire back to the distributor.

4. Pull the distributor end of the wire off the distributor electrode by grabbing it.

5. Attach the new spark-plug wire end by pressing it over the distributor electrode. Now press well the other end down into your engine’s plug over the spark plug’s top.

Arnold 490-250-0009 Honda Spark Plug Replaces NGK BPR6ES

Spark Plug Cap HONDA/30700-ZE1-013

92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 Honda Civic High Performance 9.3mm Spark Plug Wires

1992-2000 Honda Civic 4 Cyl Spark Plug Wires Set- APC 9.3mm

NGK (8026) HE71 Premium Spark Plug Wire Set

Learn how to fix when there’s oil in your Civic Spark Plug tube, It’s Fast and Cheap. Below is the Video (For Free Registered Users):

This is the video that shows you how to check and clean or replace your spark plug. It uses 2008 Civic as an experiment car, but this technique is also applicable to many cars. (For Free Registered Users):

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Agri-Cover 12289 Access Roll-Up Cover Tonneau Cover

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