Showing posts with label to. Show all posts
Showing posts with label to. Show all posts

Friday, June 7, 2013

7 Steps to Keeping the Car Air Conditioner Stay Cold

Car Air Conditioner
WE would always hope that the car air conditioner continues to provide the cool air in the cabin. However, if you remember to take care of him? And to keep the car air conditioner durable cold, just need to check the car air conditioner periodically once a year. You should turn off the switch the car air conditioner so as not to be wasted when the engine is turned on, it is useful as the austerity measures. There are parts of the car air conditioner to consider in the treatment measures and this can be done alone at holiday time.

  • Check your car air conditioner hose, if there are leaks or not. Due to leakage of this section may cause the car air conditioner is no longer cold.
  • Also check whether the receiver / dryer is still suitable to be used or must be replaced. Notice the indicator. When damage occurs, a quick change. Because if not, over time the damage will spread to other tools such as the expansion valve, compressor.
  • Check also whether the lubricant is still adequate or need to be added.
  • Clean the condenser. Because as a heat exchange (where the hot air circulation switch), will certainly a lot of dirt accumulate in these parts and can reduce the cold air produced by the car air conditioner.
  • Also check the cooling unit. When this section is dirty, clean it immediately. Because if not, the cold air generated certainly can not break out because of dirt covered with thick walls of his unit. Whats worse, it turns out can cause rust and if a leak can occur during cleaning.
  • Do not forget to check the freon car air conditioner. Still worth it or not. To fill the freon or gas that must be examined first by the car air conditioner repair service.
  • Also check and clean the evavorator this part of the dirt.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

How to Change the Xenon Headlights on a 2001 Audi A4


1. Open the hood and secure it with the safety latch.
2. Remove the T25 Torx screws located at the top of the headlight using a T25 Torx screwdriver.
3. Remove the T25 Torx screws located on each side of the headlight. An extension can be used with the T25 Torx screwdriver to get a better reach.
4. Pull the headlight out and press the metal clip located behind the assembly to detach the headlight from the wire connector.
5. Pull the turn signal bulbs out. The bulbs are located on the side of the headlight assembly.
6. Remove the headlight back cover and press the metal clip behind the bulb to unplug the wiring.
7. Slide the xenon and high beam bulbs out of the headlight.
8. Insert the new xenon and high beam bulbs into the headlight. Wear disposable gloves to prevent oils from making contact with the bulbs.
9. Insert the metal clip to reattach the bulb to the wiring. Replace the headlight back cover.
10. Insert the signal bulb into the side of the headlight assembly.
11. Insert the metal clip to reattach the headlight to the wiring.
12. Replace the T25 Torx screws located on each side of the headlight.
13. Replace the T25 Torx screw located at the top of the headlight.
14. Test the headlight. Turn on the headlights to ensure proper installation.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

How to Install a Hitch on a Mercedes Ml320


1. Pry open the three plugs in the bumper cover that conceal the screws that hold the bumper cover on. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws.
2. Remove the safety cable for the rear mud flaps if your ML has mud flaps. Pull the bumper cover off by carefully sliding it straight back and set it somewhere where it won’t get scratched or damaged.
3. Install the guide bushings that came with the bumper hitch into the guide holes in the ML’s frame. The frame already has holes for the bushings. Install the trailer hitch braces by inserting the supplied bolts through the brace and the guide bushings. Tighten the nut onto the bolt with a ratchet.
4. Bolt the supplied spacers to the bumper. There is one spacer for each side of the trailer hitch and the holes are predrilled from the factory.
5. Pry open the plastic cover on the driver’s side of the ML located at the inside rear of the car to access the wiring harnesses for the rear end. The wiring harness plug should be visible once the cover is removed.
6. Locate and remove the rubber plug on the inside of the bodywork that covers the hole for the trailer hitch wiring harness. Guide the supplied wiring harness through the hole. Install the supplied rubber plug in the hole along with the wiring harness.
7. Disconnect the ML’s main wiring harness, turn signal indicator and brake module and plug them into the plugs that are on the new wiring harness. Replace the plastic cover that conceals the wiring.
8. Install the trailer hitch onto the bumper, using the predrilled holes in the bumper and the supplied hardware that comes with the hitch. Use a torque wrench to tighten the trailer hitch bolts to 118 ft. lbs.
9. Install the wiring harness bracket onto the predrilled holes in the bumper. These are small and may appear to be covered in paint but are there. Install the wiring harness onto the bracket. Install a 25-amp fuse into the slot numbered “F18” on your fuse box.
10. Use an X-Acto knife to cut a hole for the trailer hitch in the plastic bumper cover. The hitch will come with dimensions and directions for the proper hole size. Reattach bumper cover by sliding it over the guides and then installing the screws that hold it on. Reinstall the rubber caps that conceal the screws.

How to Aim 2005 Audi Headlights


1. Park your Audi so that it is 25 feet away from the garage and facing a closed garage door.
2. Turn on the headlights and open the hood.
3. Turn the adjustment screws on the top of the headlight-housing assembly until the center of the headlight beam is positioned at the bottom of the garage door where the door meets the ground and until both of the headlight beams overlap each other by 50 percent.

How to Check Differential Fluid Levels


1. Locate the differential housing. It is the lump on the axle in between the two tires, known as the pumpkin. If your vehicle has a differential cover, it will have a fill hole.
2. Locate the fill hole. On some models, it will be a square nut head sticking about 1/2 inch out of the cover itself, and on other models it will be an allen-style nut, recessed inside the cover.
3. Remove this plug, either using a crescent wrench or allen key, whichever your application requires.
4. Put your finger in the hole and feel for fluid. If filled correctly, the fluid should be almost to the bottom of the fill hole when on level ground. If you have to reach very far in, add some more.
5. Reinstall fill plug, but dont over tighten. They are designed with a lot of threads so the fluid wont leak, so there is no need to muscle these on. Just make it nice and snug.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

How to Replace Motor Mounts On a Mercedes Benz


1. Pop the hood of your Mercedes Benz to inspect the motor mounts. Common causes of malfunction include loose or fractured mounts. Reference the service manual for your model of Mercedes Benz for more specific instructions on locating the motor mounts. If the mounts are simply loose, you may only need to tighten them.
2. Set up a hydraulic jack underneath the engine of your car. Lift the engine of your Mercedes Benz with the jack until the stress has been removed from the motor mounts.
3. Check the flexible joint on your Mercedes Benz motor mounts for operational quality. Joints on motor mounts may become inflexible over time, reducing the mounts ability to secure the engine without transferring physical shock while the vehicle is in motion. With the pressure relieved from the mounts, you can check the flexibility of each motor mounts rubber-coated joint with a screwdriver. Use your screwdriver to poke the rubber coating on the motor mount and note if the coating has any give to it. If the rubber is inflexible, the mount must be replaced.
4. Remove the motor mounts from your Mercedes Benz. Use a socket wrench and an appropriately-sized bit to remove the bolt securing the mounts to both the engine and other fixtures in the car hood. Some mounts can be removed through the top of the hood while others may need to be removed from underneath due to fixtures blocking the mounts from above.
5. Install your replacement motor mounts into the car hood of your Mercedes Benz. Mounting bolts will be included in the replacement motor mount packaging. Secure the motor mounts by tightening bolts in the appropriate locations with your socket wrench and wrench bit.
6. Release the hydraulic jack slowly to lower the engine of your Mercedes Benz. Close the car hood.

How to Tune a BMW Series 5


Performance Air Intake
1. Unhook the air filter casing from the engine, located on the driver side of the vehicle. A performance intake upgrade will free up horsepower and improve fuel efficiency, and the new air filter can be removed and cleaned periodically for reuse.
2. Lift the old filter out of the casing slowly, making sure dirt and debris does not spill onto the engine bay.
3. Remove any dirt or debris that fell into the intake system carefully.
4. Install the new, aftermarket air filter just as the old one was positioned. Fasten the hardware back into place as necessary.
5. Leave air filter casing off of vehicle to expose filter to more air, ultimately leading to maximum power gain. Regularly monitor the air filter and clean annually.
Oil and Oil Filter
6. Jack each front wheel off of the ground to gain access to the oil pan and filter. Once each side has been lifted, place a jack stand behind the wheel and lower the vehicle down until it rests firmly on the stand. Change engine oil once every 3,000 miles to optimize engine performance.
7. Put the oil recyling container under the oil pan and remove the plug. Let all of the oil drain from the pan and replace the plug when finished.
8. Turn the oil filter counter-clockwise with an adjustable wrench to remove.
9. Add motor oil to the new filter until it is 2/3 full. Use your hand and turn the filter clockwise into position until completely tight.
10. Pour new motor oil into the engines oil compartment with the provided funnel. Check the dipstick to measure the levels of the oil, simply adding more if needed.
Distributor Cap and Rotor
11. Remove the black cap that protects the distributor of the BMW 5-Series. Both of these are located at the front of the engine, and not hard to locate. Unbolt the distributor from its location and set aside.
12. Unscrew the bolts holding the rotor in place. Pull off this shield and inspect the O-ring inside. Replace if necessary.
13. Tug on the spark plug wires from the boot with the provided wire pullers. Connect each wire lead to the corresponding position on the new distributor. Position new distributor into place and put dust shield back on top.
14. Bolt new rotor into place using the old hardware. Fasten the distributor cap back into place using the provided hardware.
15. Jack each side of the vehicle off of the jack stands and lower the car.

How to Use a Redline Fuel Additive for an Audi TT


1. Drive the vehicle until the fuel tank is at least half empty.
2. Open the vehicles gas cap and pour the entire contents of a bottle of Redline Fuel additive into the gas tank.
3. Fill the gas tank with gasoline.
4. Drive the vehicle normally.

How to Replace a Mercedes Oil Pan Gasket


1. Place a drain pan under the drain plug on the oil pan. Open the drain plug with a socket and ratchet then drain the engine oil into the drain pan. Once the oil drains, replace the drain plug into the oil pan and tighten it with the socket.
2. Remove the bolts that secure the oil pan to the bottom of the engine block. Depending on the model of Mercedes you have, there could be as many as 18 to 24 bolts holding the pan to the engine.
3. Pull down on the oil pan to break the seal between the pan and the engine. If necessary, wedge a thin metal scraper between the pan and the engine block to break the seal.
4. Slide the pan forward and maneuver it around the oil pickup tube inside the oil pan mounted to the engine block.
5. Scrape the old gasket off the mating surfaces of the oil pan and the engine block with a metal scraper and a towel. The cleaner you get the two surfaces, the better chances you have of limiting oil leaks.
6. Place a bead of RTV gasket sealer onto the mating surface of the oil pan and allow it to cure for 20 minutes. Place the oil pan gasket on top of the RTV sealer then apply a second bead of RTV sealer on top of the gasket. Allow that bead to cure for 20 minutes before proceeding.
7. Slide the oil pan into place. Be careful not to touch the RTV sealer on any part of the engine while you maneuver the pan into place. Once in place, push the pan directly upward onto the engine and thread a bolt into each corner of the oil pan with your fingers. Only thumb-tighten the bolts.
8. Thread the remaining bolts into the oil pan using a criss-cross pattern. Only thumb-tighten the bolts. Allow the RTV sealer to cure for another 30 minutes before continuing.
9. Tighten the bolts with a socket and ratchet in a criss-cross pattern.
10. Open the oil fill cap on the engine valve cover and place a funnel into the hole. Pour 4 quarts of engine oil into the engine. Remove the funnel and close the cap.

How to Troubleshoot a BMW Cooling System


1. Replace the coolant. By replacing the coolant at regular intervals as suggested by your BMW owners manual, you can resolve many potential issues with the cooling system. The manual will give you the exact amounts and procedures for your particular model BMW.
2. Examine the water pump drive belt. The driving belt controls the operation of the water pump. The belt may need a tension adjustment or a replacement if it has stopped working. Its a common cause of BMW cooling system issues.
3. Check the hoses of the cooling system. Look for any holes, cracks or leaks. If you find any of these issues, order replacement hoses (hoses should be changed every two years as a part of your BMW maintenance schedule). Check the other parts of the cooling system for leaks and clogs as well, including the radiator, heater valve and control valves.
4. Get a reading from the thermostat of your BMW cooling system. If the temperature gauge drops suddenly from high to low, then this could indicate that you have a sticking thermostat or a problem with your fan clutch.
5. Review the speed and efficiency of the fan of your BMW cooling system. Use the auxiliary fan switch on your BMW to check the functionality of the fan to determine if this could possibly be the issue.

How to Replace a Water Pump in an Audi A4 2 8


1. Unfasten the negative battery cable from the battery post on your Audi A4 2.8 litre engine with an open end wrench. Move the cable out of the way so that it does not touch any other metal parts.
2. Take the cap off of the radiator and also off the coolant overflow tank. Place a drain pan underneath the drain plug at the bottom of your radiator.
3. Open the drain plug with an open end wrench and allow the coolant to drain out completely. Once it has finished, close the drain plug.
4. Locate the radiator hose that runs from the radiator to the top of the water pump and remove the hose from the water pump using a screwdriver to unfasten the screw clamp.
5. Unhook the electrical fan wire connector from the plug in connectors that go to the battery and use an open end wrench to disconnect the fan blade assembly from the front of the water pump. Use a socket wrench to unfasten the fan blade pulley from the engine block and remove the fan belt.
6. Disconnect the bolts that are securing the water pump to the engine block and use a screwdriver to pry the water pump away from the engine.
7. Use a putty knife to remove any remaining gasket material or debris from the face of the engine block where the water pump was mounted.
8. Spread a thin layer of gasket seal over the face of the new Audi A4 2.8 water pump and then lay the cardboard gasket material that came with your new pump over the face of the water pump.
9. Position your water pump over the engine block and attach it with the bolts that you removed from the old pump.
10. Place the fan belt around the pulley and reattach it to the engine block by pulling back on the pulley to tighten the belt while you secure the pulley with a bolt to the pulley bracket. Reattach the fan blade assembly to the front of the water pump with bolts.
11. Attach the radiator hose to the top of the new water pump with a screw clamp and plug the electrical connector for the radiator fan back into the electrical wiring plug.
12. Fill the coolant overflow tank about 1/2 full of coolant and place the cap back on the tank. Refill the radiator tank with coolant and water until it reaches the full level and then place the cap on the radiator tank. Reattach the negative battery cable back on the battery post with an open end wrench.
13. Remove the drain pan from underneath the radiator and set it aside. Start the engine to allow the coolant to cycle through the new water pump. Verify that there are no leaks around the new pump. When you are satisfied with the work, turn the engine off and dispose of the drained coolant at your local recycling center or automotive supply center.

How to Properly Use Fuel Injector Cleaner


1. Park in a well lit area. Turn off the engine and put the transmission in park.
2. Open the fuel injector cleaner bottle and set it on your trunk. Remove the gas cap.
3. Insert the fuel injector cleaner nozzle into your gas tank and pour the fluid into your tank.
4. Replace the gas cap and close the tank.
5. Start your engine and allow it to run for a few minutes. As you drive your vehicle, the cleaner will circulate throughout the tank and clean any harmful deposits.

How to Remove the Rear Door Panels on a 2002 Audi A4


1. Remove the door top trim, which will be wood or plastic. Pull the front edge of the trim away from the door gently until you hear the snaps release. Continue pulling the front edge outward until all the snaps release. Pull the trim forward (towards the front of the car) to release the rear fastener.
2. Remove the screws underneath the trim with a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the screws that are concealed in the door handle. Remove the screw from the bottom center of the panel.
3. Starting at the lower, rear edge of the door panel, slide a plastic scraper between the door panel and the door. Pry the door panel away from the door until the snaps release, working your way around the perimeter of the door. You may need to pull hard to get the clips to release.
4. Pull the door panel up vertically to release it from the door once the panel clips are disconnected from the door.
5. Reach behind the door panel and disconnect the cable that goes to the door handle. Disconnect all of the wires that go to the door for the lights, power windows, etc. Installation is the reverse of removal. If you break any clips during removal, you can source them from your Audi dealer.

Friday, May 10, 2013

How to Fix Cold Start Problems on an Audi TT


1. Jump start your Audi TT by opening the engine compartment and connecting the battery to the battery of another car that is running. The red jumper cable will connect to the positive terminals on each battery, which will be indicated by a + sign, while the other jump cable, most commonly black, will be connected to the negative terminals on each battery. Turn your TTs ignition to the accessories position while it is connected to the running vehicle and allow the battery to gain a charge for a few minutes before attempting to start your TT.
2. Check the ignition coils of your Audi TT by opening the hood and removing the plastic engine cover. There is one ignition coil for each cylinder of your engine and they all sit in a row, above each engine cylinder. Turn on your TTs engine and pull each ignition coil one by one before re-inserting it over the spark plug again. If there is no clicking, or spark, coming from the bottom of the ignition coil, then it will need to be replaced. Your engine has enough trouble starting in extreme cold and a faulty ignition coil can only exacerbate the problem. By replacing the ignition coil, you can resolve some cold start issues.
3. Inspect the spark plugs underneath each of the ignition coils. If there is a black and gray, soot-like substance that coats the spark plug, the spark plugs could be causing your issues. Replacing faulty spark plugs can help resolve cylinder misfires often encountered during cold starts of your Audi TTs engine.
4. Bring your Audi TT to a licensed repair shop or dealership and have them test the fluidity of the fuel injectors. The fuel injectors are responsible for delivering the appropriate amount of fuel to be combusted by each engine cylinder. Over time, the injectors can become dirty and clogged, which can impact their ability to evenly distribute fuel to all of your TTs cylinders. Cleaning or replacing dirty or clogged injectors can resolve cold start issues that may be caused by an inadequate amount of fuel being delivered to engine.

How to Replace the Lens on a BMW 325


Removing and Replacing
1. Pull the lever located near the foot pedals on the drivers side of your BMW 325 to unlatch your hood. Face the hood of your vehicle and pull the hood-release lever located in the grille of your car to fully open the hood.
2. Shine your flashlight to the lower right or left corner inside your hood to find the interior part of your corner turn lens. Locate an oval-shaped hole behind the corner turn lens.
3. Push down and outward on the plastic clip within the oval hole with your flathead screwdriver to release the corner turn lens. Continue to keep your screwdriver in place within the oval hole while pulling the corner turn lens out with your free hand. Set the corner turn lens aside for re-installation. Removing your corner turn lens makes the headlight lens accessible for removal.
4. Lift up on the three tabs located on the top of the rubber trim that surrounds your headlight lens with your fingers. Remove the trim to loosen your headlight lens. Set the trim aside for re-installation.
5. Move your fingers around the top of your headlight lens and pull up on the three tabs that secure the headlight lens in place. Repeat this procedure on the bottom of the lens. Pull one tab out from each side of the lens. Pull the lens towards you once all tabs are released.
6. Align your new headlight lens in place. Push it with slight force to snap it into place. Push the rubber trim back into place snapping the connected tabs down. Push the corner turn lens into its original position until it clips back in.
7. Repeat Steps 1 to 7 to replace the headlight on the opposite side of your BMW 325.

How to Replace a Mercedes Benz Antenna


1. Purchase the correct model of antenna for your year of car from your Mercedes dealership or online.
2. Shut off the car and pop the trunk. Locate the antenna housing bolted to the top left corner of the trunk.
3. Squeeze the plastic tabs holding the radio connector and electrical connector into the back side of the antenna housing. Pull the connector out.
4. Unscrew the four bolts holding the antenna housing up with an open-end wrench. Firmly pull down on the antenna housing. The antenna tip is positioned through a rubber gasket so you will have to pull down fairly hard to get it out.
5. Push the new antenna housing through the gasket and bolt the antenna housing into place with the open-end wrench. Reconnect the radio and electrical connector by pushing it into the connector slot until you hear it click. Shut the trunk and youre done.

How to Make Your Own BMW


1. Point your web browser to www.bmwusa.com, and click the link at the upper right, and just below the Home button that invites you to Build Your Own.
2. On the Build Your Own homepage, select the model that you would like to build by clicking the hyperlinked model number. (Example, if you would like to build an X5 535d, go to the column marked X5 for the model, and select the link for the appropriate engine--in this case, the 3.5-liter diesel.
3. Once you have selected the appropriate model and engine, you will have arrived at the page which allows you to build your BMW. You are presented with a photo of the car, and the option to view the front or side, or the entire car in 360 degrees. You will also have the option to view the interior, toggling back and forth between side view and dash view. Across the top of the picture of the selected BMW there are multiple tabs that allow you to toggle back and forth between Exterior Color, Interior, Options, Packages, Accessories, and a Summary of the BMW that you have designed.
4. As you update your preferences in the tabs, to the far right you are able to see a constantly updated summary of the options that you have chosen as you add and subtract them, and the subsequent impact that they may have on the price of the vehicle. Once you have completed configuring your BMW, you are able to follow the links at the top of this column to save (you must create an account) or print your BMW as made by you.
5. Finally, once you have successfully configured your BMW, click the summary tab. The screen that loads will not only offer you a summary of your packages and options (as well as their associated costs), but will offer you a link at the bottom to explore financing and leasing options available through BMW if you are interested in taking the next step.

How to Change the Cabin Air Filter in a 5 Series BMW


1. Shut the engine off and open the hood.
2. Locate the cabin air filter compartment in the rear (near the windshield) part of the passenger side engine bay.
3. Remove the 13mm bolt from the assembly with a socket wrench. Unplug the pressure sensor connection from the assembly.
4. Flip up the two latches that attach the top part of the assembly. Lift the cover and the cabin air filter from the vehicle (the filter is attached to the cover).
5. Remove the old filter from the compartment cover. Insert the new filter, lining up the filter and cover notches.
6. Inspect the bottom part of the compartment for debris (leaves, twigs, etc.) Remove them from the compartment and wipe it with a dry towel.
7. Insert the top part of the compartment with the new filter. Snap up the two latches, reconnect the pressure sensor and tighten the 13mm bolt.
8. Repeat the process for the driver side cabin air filter.

How to Change the Brake Fluid in a BMW Z4


1. Loosen the lug nuts for the wheels. Lift the car with the floor jack and lower it securely onto jack stands. Remove the wheels and set them aside.
2. Open the hood and remove the lid to the brake fluid reservoir. Use the syringe or similar tool to remove the brake fluid from the reservoir and transfer it to a waste container. Fill the reservoir with fresh brake fluid, filling it past the full mark.
3. Locate the bleeder valve on the right rear caliper, located on the upper, outside of the caliper. Remove the rubber cap so that you can access the nut that loosens the valve. Attach the tube for the bleeder kit to the bleed valve on one end and into a clear plastic container with a small amount of brake fluid in it. Loosen the bleeder valve a quarter-turn with a line wrench.
4. Depress the brake pedal from behind the wheel until you see that the new brake fluid coming out of the caliper and into the container. This may take 15 pumps or more. Check the fluid that is coming out of the caliper periodically and ensure that the brake fluid reservoir is still topped up so that air does not enter the brake system.
5. Tighten the bleeder valve, remove the tube and then reinstall the rubber cap on the bleeder valve. Repeat this process for the left rear wheel, the right front wheel and then the left front wheel until all four corners of the car have been bled. Make sure the reservoir stays full of brake fluid during the procedure so that no air is allowed to enter the brake system. Replace the cap for the brake fluid reservoir.
6. Reinstall the wheels. Lower the car off of the jack stands and tighten the lug nuts for the wheels in a criss-cross pattern.

How to Reset the Oil Change for a 2006 330i


1. Insert the key into the ignition, and press the Start/Stop button on the dashboard, located to the left of the vehicles steering wheel. Do not press the clutch or brake pedal when pressing the Start/Stop button.
2. Press the BC button located on the end of the turn signal lever to display the clock. Hold the odometer Reset button located on the dash cluster until the Oil Canister symbol appears on the dashboard display.
3. Press the Up/Down button located on the turn signal lever until the Oil Canister service item appears on the dashboard display.
4. Press the BC button twice to reset the oil reminder. A small Countdown Timer symbol will appear and disappear from the dash display after successfully resetting the oil change reminder. Hit the Start/Stop button to shut off the vehicle.