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Chrysler Corporation began designs for a minivan in the 1970s. The Dodge Caravan debuted in 1984 along side its sister vehicles, the Chrysler Town & Country and the Plymouth Voyager. The 1997 Dodge Caravan was produced in eight different sub-model packages. The turn signal bulb on the 1997 Caravans are all located, accessed and replaced in the same manner, regardless of the sub-model designation. Removal and replacement of the bulbs requires some mechanical skills. Replacement of the 1997 Caravan turn signal bulbs should take about one hour, depending upon individual skills.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of the Caravan. Visually inspect and locate the two headlamp mounting bolts at the top rear of the headlamp assembly. Remove the headlamp mounting bolts, using a 3/8-inch drive ratchet and socket with a 6-inch extension -- the addition of an extension between the ratchet and socket will allow you to turn the ratchet completely around while you simply hold the extension and socket in place.

2

Pull the headlamp assembly forward and rest the assembly on the front bumper of the Caravan. Reach behind the assembly to access the outermost bulb socket assembly. Remove the bulb socket from the bulb by prying up the small tabs with your fingers or with a small flat-head screwdriver. Rotate the bulb locking cap on the back of the headlamp assembly counterclockwise in relation to its position. Slide the cap back and off the turn signal bulb. Pull the turn signal bulb out of the headlamp assembly and discard it into a trash receptacle.

3

Grab a new turn signal bulb from its packaging, using a paper towel or napkin between your fingers and the bulb. Never touch a turn signal bulb directly with your fingers, as the oil from your fingers can cause the bulb to burn out prematurely; the turn signal bulbs also act as running lights on the Caravan, so they heat up similar to headlamps. Insert the new bulb into the rear of the headlamp assembly.

4

Install the locking cap over the light bulb and turn it clockwise until it is snug on the rear of the headlamp. Plug the bulb socket into the new light bulb. Reinstall the headlamp assembly back into position on the Caravan. Install the mounting bolts downward through the assembly and begin threading them, by hand, to assure correct threading of the bolts. Tighten the bolts with your 3/8-ratchet, socket and extension assembly until the bolts are snug. Turn the ratchet 1/4-turn farther to secure the headlamp bolts. No torque is needed for the headlamp mounting bolts.

5

Repeat the processes in Step 1 through Step 4 to complete the turn signal bulb replacement on the second side of the Caravan. Turn the key to the accessories or "II" position in the ignition of the Caravan after you have completely installed both turn signal bulbs. Turn the left turn signal on and visually inspect its correct operation by either stepping out of the vehicle or checking the bulbs flash lecting off another surface. Turn the right hand turn signal on and inspect its correct operation in a similar fashion. Lower the hood after the operation inspection is completed.

The engine timing in your 1997 Ford Ranger has a profound effect on the trucks overall ride quality. When the timing is off, the engine might shake, sputter and rattle, causing a decrease in power and comfort. This can also cause your engine to burn fuel inefficiently, leading to poor fuel economy and harmful pollution. To remedy the problem, reset the timing on your engine back to the correct factory specifications.

Instructions

1

Turn on the Ranger and let it run for 10 minutes, then turn it off.

2

Open the hood and locate the timing wires in the engine bay. These wires will be in a small, gray wiring harness located next to the distributor cap.

3

Pull the insert out of the harness to disconnect the engine timing.

4

Connect the black timing light cable to the Rangers negative battery terminal and the red timing light cable to the Rangers positive battery terminal.

5

Connect the third timing light cable to the spark plug one cable. In the Ranger this is the cable at the front of engine block, the furthest to the left (passengers side).

6

Turn the engine back on while pointing the light at the timing cover.

7

Loosen the bolt on the distributor cap using a socket wrench and a 13mm socket.

8

Turn the distributor cap slowly until the markings on the timing cover light up.

9

Tighten the bolt on the distributor cap, then turn off the engine and remove the timing light.

10

Reconnect the timing connector.

Chrysler uses the Jeep marquee for its line of off-road and sport utility vehicles. The 1997 models include the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. These vehicles use multi-port fuel injection, requiring the fuel pump to deliver highly-pressurized fuel. The fuel pump in a 1997 Jeep is located under the vehicle, requiring you to raise the vehicle to service the fuel pump. These fuel pumps are not user serviceable, so you must replace a malfunctioning fuel pump.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the cable to the negative terminal on the battery with a socket wrench. This will prevent the accidental discharge of fuel while you replace the fuel pump. Siphon fuel from the fuel tank into a gasoline container until the fuel tank is below 1/4 full.

2

Block the front wheels with chocks to prevent the accidental movement of the vehicle. Raise the vehicle with a floor jack and support it on jack stands. Disconnect the fuel hoses from the fuel sending unit.

3

Disconnect the electrical wiring from the fuel sending unit. Turn the locking ring from the field sending unit counterclockwise with a hammer and brass punch. Remove the locking ring and detach the field sending unit from the vehicle. Remove and discard the O-ring on the fuel tank.

4

Remove the fuel filter from the fuel sending unit and discard it. Detach the electrical wiring from the fuel pump. Release the clamp on the fuel line for the fuel pump and disconnect the fuel line. Remove the nut for the top mounting bracket of the fuel pump with a socket wrench. Detach the fuel pump from the rest of the fuel sending unit.

5

Replace the fuel filter on the fuel pump and install the fuel pump into its top mounting bracket with a socket wrench. Connect the electrical wiring and fuel lines to the fuel pump. Place a new O-ring on the fuel tank.

6

Place the locking ring onto the fuel sender unit and turn it clockwise with the hammer and brass punch until it reaches to the stop on the fuel tank. Connect the fuel lines and electrical wiring for the fuel tank. Lower the vehicle with the floor jack and fill the fuel tank with fuel. Start the engine and check for fuel leaks.

Unlike many other vehicles, the blower motor in a 1997 GMC Jimmy is sealed inside the blower motor compartment from the factory. A perforated access panel must be cut and removed in order to replace a faulty motor. The most common sign of a faulty blower is squealing or screeching when the blower fan is set to a medium or high speed setting. This is due to the motor bearings failing after many hours of use. Another common problem with the blower motor is failure of the motor armature assembly. In this situation, the only symptom would be a non-responsive motor despite the desired speed setting.

Instructions

Removal

1

Pop open the hood and support it with the hood prop. Disconnect the negative battery terminal with an 8 mm battery wrench.

2

Remove the bolts holding the VCM to its mounting bracket with a ratchet and metric socket. Leave the VCM connectors attached and swing it to the side and out of the way.

3

Squeeze the spring clamp holding the feed hose to the coolant reservoir with a pair of pliers and slide it away from the end of the hose. Remove the coolant feed hose from the reservoir. Remove the bolts holding the reservoir to the vehicle with a metric socket and ratchet. Remove the reservoir from the vehicle while turning it to its side to prevent coolant from spilling out. Pour the coolant into a drain pan and set the reservoir aside.

4

Disconnect any electrical connectors blocking the blower motor compartment. Remove the screws at the bottom of the from blower motor cover with a ratchet and metric socket. Disconnect the blower motors electrical harness.

5

Cut along the perforated cut lines with a utility knife to separate the upper portion of the cover from the blower motor compartment. Grip the upper half of the cover and tear the remaining section of the access cover away from the blower motor compartment along the tear lines. Cut along the perforated lines on the bottom portion of the cover with a utility knife and then tear the remaining section away from the blower motor compartment until the lower access panel is free.

6

Remove the screws holding the blower motor in place and remove the blower motor from the blower motor compartment.

Installation

7

Set the new blower motor into position inside the access panel and reinstall the blower motor retaining screws with a ratchet and metric socket.

8

Join the tabs of the upper and lower blower motor access panels together to form one panel. Cut a piece of black duct tape to the width of the lower access panel and affix it to the bottom leading edge of the lower access panel.

9

Set the access panel into place and reinstall the panel retaining screws. Align the cut areas of the access panel with the blower motor compartment and seal the cut line areas with black, self-adhesive weather stripping. Let the adhesive set for 15 minutes before proceeding.

10

Reconnect the blower motor electrical harness and the electrical connectors in front of the blower motor compartment.

11

Set the coolant reservoir into position and reinstall its retaining bolt. Reconnect the coolant feed hose and reposition the hose clamp.

12

Set the VCM into position and reinstall its retaining bolts. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and full re-fill the coolant reservoir with a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and DEXCOOL coolant until the level reaches the FULL COLD mark.

13

Turn the ignition on and test the blower motor on each fan setting.

It can be scary when you are driving and your "service engine soon" (SES) light comes on. There are multiple issues that can cause the light to come on. While some may be simple, others may be a big problem. There is no way to tell for sure at the moment what is wrong unless your Nissan is also acting funny.

Instructions

1

Check your gas cap. This is a very common issue that triggers an SES light in Nissans. If the gas cap isnt sealed properly or if it was opened while the truck was running, the light will come on. Replace the cap if necessary. If you took the cap off when your engine was running, you can reset the SES light by disconnecting and reconnecting your battery cable.

2

Diagnose the problem with your vehicle by using a universal code reader. This machine reads the error code your truck is giving, and tells you the corresponding problem for that code. Taking it to a mechanic is always an option, but this usually costs money. Take your truck to an auto parts chain and have your SES diagnostic done for free.

3

Use the universal code reader by putting your truck into its diagnostic test mode. Turn your ignition on, but do not crank the engine. Depress and fully release the gas pedal five times quickly within five seconds. Wait seven seconds and push the gas pedal down and hold it for 10 seconds. This should cause the SES light to start blinking. Let off the gas pedal. The number of blinks (for example, one blink equals "1," five blinks equals "5," ten blinks equals "0") tells you what error code you have. You can then look it up. After you have your results, hold the gas pedal down for 10 more seconds to erase the memory and reset your SES light.

The Chrysler Concorde began production in 1993 and ran until 2004. The Concorde is a four-door sedan that comes with an automatic transmission. If your 1997 Chrysler Concorde isnt starting after the engine gets hot, you might have a problem with your cooling system. You dont have to be a car mechanic to figure out what is wrong with your Concorde. You can figure it out yourself.

Instructions

1

Turn the Concorde off and remove the key from the ignition. Allow the car to sit for about three to four hours so the engine cools. Open the hood to the Concorde to allow the engine to cool quicker.

2

Locate the coolant tank on the left side of the engine. Look on the side of the coolant tank for the fill lines (labeled "coolant"). They will be translucent so you can see how much coolant is inside the tank.

3

Use a funnel to fill the tank with more coolant. You can find coolant at a local department store or at an auto shop. Fill the tank to the fill line with 50/50 coolant.

4

Look underneath your Concorde to look for any coolant leaks, which could be from the water pump. Get a mechanic to look over the water pump and make sure it does not need replacement.

The Volkswagen, or VW, Golf is a small family car that has been in production since 1974. The 1997 model belongs to the third generation of this series, which VW manufactured from 1991 to 1999. The fuel system in a 1997 VW Golf uses a small transfer pump, or sending unit, in the fuel tank to move the fuel out of the tank. The procedure for removing the fuel sending unit is generally the same for most VW cars made from 1993 to 1999.

Instructions

1

Raise the vehicle with a floor jack, and support it safely on jack stands.

2

Remove the fuel pump fuse from the fuse box under the dashboard, using the list on the fuse box as a guide. Start the engine, and allow it to idle until it stalls from fuel starvation.

3

Turn the ignition off, and disconnect the batterys negative cable with a socket wrench. Wrap a clean shop rag around a connection on the fuel line to soak up spilled fuel. Loosen the connection with a socket wrench to relieve the pressure in the fuel system. Tighten the fuel connection, and replace the fuse for the fuel pump.

4

Remove the rear seat from the vehicle, and disconnect the access cover under the seat with a socket wrench. Detach the electrical connector and fuel lines from the fuel sending unit.

5

Turn the retaining ring for the fuel sending unit counterclockwise with a socket wrench, and remove it from the fuel sending unit. Pull the fuel sending unit from the fuel tank, and empty the fuel in the sending unit into a container approved for gasoline. Discard the gaskets for the fuel sending unit.

6

Mount new gaskets to the new fuel sending unit, and install the sending unit in the fuel tank. Fasten the retaining ring to the sending unit with a socket wrench. Connect the fuel lines and electrical wiring to the fuel sending unit. Fasten the access cover for the fuel sending unit, and replace the rear seat.

7

Connect the batterys negative cable with a socket wrench, and lower the vehicle.

The 1997 7.3 Power Stroke Diesel is found in Ford trucks and SUVs made that year. If you cant get your 7.3-liter diesel to start, there are a few things that you should check over before calling a mechanic. You dont have to be a Ford technician to get your 7.3 working again. You can do it yourself with just a few tools and minimal knowledge of how the engine works.

Instructions

1

Make sure that you have enough gas in your tank. Turn the ignition until the electrical panel lights up. Check over the fuel gauge to make sure that the tank is full. Fill the gas tank as needed.

2

Check the battery connections. The electricity from your battery helps turn the motor over. Make sure that the connections are tight. Tighten the connections with a pair of pliers if needed.

3

Change the fuel that is already in the tank. Seasonal fuel can has condensation in it. This water in the gas will cause misfires in your diesel motor. Change the fuel out with a siphon hose. Connect one end of the hose to an empty container. Connect the other end of the hose to your gas tank. Pump the fuel out and add fresh fuel as needed.

4

Check the starter connected to the engine. Jack the front of the vehicle up and locate the small black box under to the right of the engine. Have a friend crank the ignition. If you hear a clicking noise, the starter needs to be replaced.

5

Have a service technician check any leaks coming from the engine. Service technicians have onboard diagnostic machines that will be able to troubleshoot the leaks.

Removing the belt tensioner on a Dodge Caravan may become necessary if the spring or other components inside the tensioner are worn or failing. The tensioner is not serviceable; replacing a defective unit is the only option. The tensioner keeps the serpentine belt tight. If the tensioner fails, the belt may come off the pulleys, damaging the belt, pulleys or accessories. Replacement tensioners are readily available from the Dodge dealer or larger auto parts stores.

Instructions

1

Open the hood, and locate the negative battery cable. Follow it to the end, where it meets the battery. Remove the retaining bolt with a wrench, and remove the bolt and cable from the battery. Set it aside.

2

Locate the tensioner on the passengers side of the engine, and place a socket on the bolt in the center of the tensioner pulley. Insert a breaker bar into the socket, and rotate the tensioner counterclockwise, loosening the belt.

3

Remove the belt from the tensioner, and lay it aside. Rotate the tensioner back to the home position. Remove the breaker bar and socket from the axis bolt. Locate the bolt at the end of the tensioner arm.

4

Place a socket and ratchet on the tensioner retaining bolt, and turn it counterclockwise, loosening the bolt. Remove the bolt and tensioner as a unit, pulling them up and out of the engine compartment.

Removing the taillights from your 1997 Chevy S-10 pickup to replace the bulbs or complete assemblies takes just a few minutes. The taillights on the S-10 use standard 3157 dual-filament bulbs available from any auto parts store. The taillight housing also contains a 921 bulb that illuminates when you shift the truck into reverse. If the entire assembly requires replacement, salvage yards, the dealer or some auto parts stores can provide a new assembly.

Instructions

1

Open the tailgate of your S-10, and allow it to rest on the support cables. Locate the two retaining bolts on the inside edge of the tailgate opening, near the latch.

2

Remove the two retaining bolts with a 10-millimeter socket and ratchet. Set the bolts aside so you can reuse them later.

3

Grasp the taillight assembly from the rear, then pull it straight back from the bedside, removing the assembly from the truck until you can access the wiring on the back.

4

Grasp the bulb sockets, rotate them counterclockwise and remove them from the rear of the taillight assembly. Remove the taillight assembly from the truck.

Removing the alternator from the engine compartment in your 1997 Honda CR-V may be necessary if the alternator is bad or if you need to access another part of the engine sitting in front of it. The alternator is located on the right side of the engine and sits down low, near the crankshaft pulley. If you suspect there is a problem with the alternator, you can have it bench-tested at most auto parts stores once it is removed from the car.

Instructions

1

Remove the retaining bolt from the negative battery cable end where it meets the battery with a wrench. Remove the cable from the battery and isolate it from the battery terminals.

2

Locate the two electrical connectors on the rear of the alternator. Unplug the four-prong connector and set it aside. Remove the nut from the terminal on the back of the alternator then remove the battery wire from the terminal. Set the battery wire off to one side and thread the nut loosely onto the terminal for safekeeping.

3

Remove the lock nut on the upper mounting bolt at the front of the alternator with a socket and ratchet then slide the upper bolt out of the alternator.

4

Unscrew the lock nut on the lower mounting bolt with the socket and ratchet, push the alternator towards the engine and remove the belt from the pulley. Slide the lower mounting bolt out of the alternator and mounting bracket then lift the alternator out of the engine compartment.