Sunday, April 27, 2014
How to Find the Code for My 2000 Honda CR V
You can find the code for your 2000 Honda CR-V right at home. The 2000 Honda CR-V comes equipped with an On-Board Diagnostics I computer (OBD-I) that retrieves and stores trouble codes sent to it from various sensors positioned throughout the vehicle. When the computer receives a code, it illuminates a service or warning light on the instrument panel. You can retrieve these codes with a small, computerized device called an OBD I code scanner, available at auto-parts stores or online.
Instructions
- 1
Find the OBD port on the underside of the drivers-side dashboard near the steering column. Its the same size and shape as the end of the OBD-I code scanner.
2Plug the scanner into this OBD port.
3Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "ON" position, but dont start the engine.
4Wait for the scanner to turn itself on. Some code scanners have to be manually turned on, so you may have to find the "on/off" switch.
5Select the command "Retrieve Codes" or something similar -- it varies by scanner brand -- and wait for the code scanner to carry out the command. Write the codes it retrieves down on a piece of paper.
6Look up the codes in the scanners manual. Unplug the scanner from the port and have the vehicle serviced or repaired based on the diagnostic information obtained from the codes.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Hub Nut Tourqe Specs for a 2000 Chevy Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is one of the best selling trucks of all time. It is rugged, reliable and available with four-wheel drive. However, the front hub assembly must be serviced or replaced occasionally, due to wear and tear. When this happens, the hub nut, which connects the axle shaft to the hub assembly, must be tightened to the right torque setting. If it is not tightened enough, it will loosen and cause an unsafe condition in the front end. On the other hand, over tightening can strip the threads, leading to a costly repair. It also subjects the bearings to unnecessary heat and wear.
Clean the Parts
The underside of a car may be covered with dirt, oil, grime, snow or ice. Clean the parts thoroughly with brake cleaner or degreaser before disassembling or re-assembling any of your cars suspension components.
Determine Torque Setting
The hub nut for a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado is 155 foot-pounds, or 210 Newton-meters.
Use the Proper Tools
Always use the proper sockets, wrenches and torque wrenches. Ill-fitting sockets will strip bolt heads. Tighten the hub nut with a 35 mm socket. A dab of medium-strength thread locker, such as blue Loctite, will prevent the nut from loosening.
Test Drive
When the hub, brakes and wheels are assembled, check for looseness and excessive play. Test drive the truck and verify that the four-wheel drive and ABS systems work.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
How to Replace a Crank Shaft Pulley From a Mitshibusi Eclipse 2000
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a coupe that Mitsubishi Motors has produced since 1990 in the United States. The 2000 model is a third-generation Eclipse, which includes the 2000 through 2005 models. The 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse is available with either a four-cylinder 2.4-liter engine or a six-cylinder 3.0-liter engine. The procedure for replacing the crankshaft pulley in a 2000 Eclipse varies slightly, depending on the engine size.
Instructions
- 1
Remove the negative battery cable with a socket wrench to keep the engine from starting during the crankshaft pulley replacement.
2Turn the belt tensioner counterclockwise to relieve the tension on the accessory drive belts. Remove the drive belts from around the crankshaft pulley.
3Raise the vehicle, and support it on jack stands. Disconnect the right front wheel with a lug wrench to access the crankshaft pulley. Remove the splash shield from the right front fender with a socket wrench.
4Remove the bolts that attach the crankshaft pulley to the crankshaft sprocket with a socket wrench, if your vehicle has a 2.4-liter engine. Disconnect the center retaining bolt from the crankshaft pulley, if your vehicle has a 3.0-liter engine. Attach a suitable puller to the crankshaft pulley, and remove it from the crankshaft.
5Align the key way on the new crankshaft pulley with the key on the crankshaft, and mount the pulley to the crankshaft.
6Fasten the crankshaft pulley to the crankshaft sprocket with the retaining bolts, if your vehicle has a 2.4-liter engine. Fasten the center mounting bolt to the crankshaft pulley, if your vehicle has a 3.0-liter engine.
7Tighten the retaining bolts to 18 foot-pounds with a torque wrench for a 2.4-liter engine. Tighten the center mounting bolt to between 108 and 116 foot-pounds for a 3.0-liter engine.
8Connect the splash shield to the right front fender with a socket wrench, and install the wheel with a lug wrench. Lower the vehicle, and mount the accessory drive belts. Adjust the tension on the drive belts by turning the tensioner clockwise. Attach the negative battery cable.
Friday, April 4, 2014
2000 Ford Explorer Spark Plug Removal
You can remove the spark plugs on your 2000 Ford Explorer right from your home garage, saving yourself time and money. You should replace the spark plugs every 100,000 miles. The Ford Explorer gives you easy access to the spark plug wires, making the spark plug change quick. It will take you about a half hour to an hour to finish the job.
Instructions
- 1
Start with a cooled engine. Pop the hood and find the spark plug wires on either side of the engine.
2Pull the wires off and turn one of the spark plug wires by the large piece on the end of it. This is called the boot.
3Put a socket into the socket wrench with an extension and put it over the spark plug and turn it counterclockwise until the plug is free. Brush the debris out of the boot and cylinder well with a wire brush. Spray anti-seize compound inside the boot and on the new spark plug thread.
4Screw the new plug into the well by hand. Test the spark plug tension with a tension tester tool and make any adjustments necessary with the socket wrench until it meets the requirements delineated in the vehicles owners manual.
5Put the wire back in place and turn it a half turn to the left. Next, turn it to the right until the wire locks on the spark plug.
6Repeat steps 2 through 5 for the remainder of the spark plugs.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
How to Replace the Starter in a 2000 Cadillac DeVille
The starter in the 2000 Cadillac Deville works in the same manner as most automotive starters. A solenoid sends an electrical impulse to the starter which, in turn, causes a gear within the starter to turn. This causes the engine to roar to life. If the starter fails, the engine doesnt start. When this happens, the only way to remedy the situation is to remove and replace the starter with a new one or a rebuilt one.
Instructions
- 1
Drive the Cadillac Deville onto a set of front-end ramps to gain ground clearance between the bottom of the vehicle and ground. Pull the parking brake to prevent the Deville from rolling off the ramps while you are under it.
2Open the engine hood and remove the negative battery connector from the battery. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nut on the connector.
3Locate the starter on bottom of the engine, on the drivers side of the Deville. Use the replacement starter as a visual aid. Its located behind the bell housing, between the transmission and the transmission cross member.
4Remove the starter wire from the back of the starter. The wire attaches to the starter with a small nut. Use the adjustable wrench to remove the nut and then slide the wire off the threaded post.
5Disconnect the wiring harness on the starter solenoid. The solenoid bolts to the starter, thus it gets removed with the starter. To disconnect the harness, push down on the release tab and pull the harness off the solenoid.
6Remove the three nuts that secure the starter to the bell housing with a 7/16 wrench. Hold the starter with one hand while you remove the final bolt.
7Pull the starter out of the bell housing and place the new starter into place. There is a small gear on the end of the starter that meshes with the flywheel in the starter.
8Secure the starter with the three bolts and the 7/16 wrench.
9Reconnect the wiring harness to the starter solenoid on the Deville by pushing the connector onto the solenoid until it snaps into place.
10Reconnect the starter wire onto the end of the starter.
11Reconnect the negative battery connector.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Front End Alignment Specifications on a 2000 Chrysler Cirrus
The Cirrus replaced the the LeBaron as Chryslers entry-level, four-door, mid-sized luxury sedan in 1995. It was part of the JA platform, along with the Dodge Stratus and Plymouth Breeze. Chrysler erred to the cars collectively as the "cloud cars" because their names came from meteorological terms. The Sebring replaced the Cirrus in 2001 in the United States, but car continues to be produced in Mexico.
General Alignment Information for 2000 Chrysler Cirrus
The 2000 Chrysler Cirrus was available in LX and LXi trims. The front-end alignment specs are the same for both trims. The caster, camber and toe are the three most important alignment aspects in most vehicles. The caster angle is not adjustable on the front end of the 2000 Cirrus but should be set at +3.3 degrees. If the caster angle is off, it could be indicative of bent or damaged parts that require more extensive repairs. Always consult an owners manual or a certified mechanic before attempting to make any automotive repairs.
Camber Specs for the Front Wheels
Camber is the measurement, in degrees, of how a tire leans or tilts. If the top of a tire leans away from the center of the car, it has a positive camber. If the top of a tire leans toward the center of the car, it has a negative camber.
The limits of the camber angle for the front wheel of the 2000 Chrysler Cirrus are -.6 to +.6 degrees, with the ideal setting being zero degrees.
Toe-in Specs for the Front Wheels
The front wheels of most cars are angled slightly toward one another to help take weight off of the bearings. The toe-in is the difference in the measurements between the fronts of the tires and the backs of the tires. In other words, the toe-in is derived from measuring the space between the fronts of the two front tires and the backs of the two front tires and then subtracting the former from the latter.
The toe-in on the front end of the 2000 Chrysler cirrus can range from zero to +.5 inches, with the ideal being +.1.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
How to Diagnose Front Hub Bearings on a 2000 Ford Windstar
Faulty front hub bearings can cause a number of symptoms, such as grinding, whirring, humming, shaking and excessive vibrations. These symptoms are usually most audible when turning a corner. The excess heat, friction and weight from the vehicle components cause the bearings to degrade slowly over time, causing an increase in play and looseness in the bearing unit. Because the front hub bearing bearings sustain the weight of the engine and transmission, their condition can worsen quickly creating a serious safety concern.
Instructions
- 1
Raise the front of the vehicle with a jack and lower it down onto two jack stands. Check to make sure that the vehicle is firmly supported. Place two wheel chocks behind the rear wheels and set the parking brake.
2Rotate the tire in both directions and listen for any grinding or roughness. A faulty bearing will sound rough and feel gritty while youre turning the tire. The tire should spin freely and smoothly; if it rattles or grinds while spinning then the wheel bearing is faulty.
3Grip the wheel with two hands, one on top of the wheel and one on the bottom. Rock the tire in and out while feeling for looseness. The tire should be firm and fixed in place; you should not be able to wiggle it all. Any slop or looseness from top-to-bottom indicates a bad wheel bearing.
4Lower the vehicle back to the ground and remove the wheel chocks. Drive to an empty street or highway for testing.
5Accelerate to 40 MPH and make an abrupt lane change to the left while listening for bearing noise. Accelerate back to 40 MPH and make an abrupt lane change to the right while listening for bearing noise. If the bearing noise increases when turning to the left, then the right side hub bearing is faulty. If the bearing noise increases when turning to the right, then the left side hub bearing is faulty. This is because turning to one side increase the load on the bearing of the opposite side when the weight transfers, exaggerating the bearing symptoms.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
How to Remove the Head Lights in a 2000 Dodge Intrepid
The 2000 Dodge Intrepid headlight has removable bulbs to simplify the replacement process. If a headlight bulb burns out, you can replace the individual bulb instead of having to buy a costly headlight assembly. You can buy a 9005 high beam bulb or a 9006 low beam bulb from an auto parts retailer and change them at home in minutes.
Instructions
- 1
Raise the hood of the Intrepid and secure it with the support rod. Remove the bolts securing the crossbar over the headlight assemblies using a socket and ratchet. Set the crossbar aside.
2Disconnect the wiring harness from the bulb you need to change. The inside bulb is the high beam and the outer bulb is the low beam. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise. Pull straight back to remove the bulb socket from the car.
3Pull the bulb out of the socket. Push the new bulb into the socket and insert it into the headlight assembly. Turn it clockwise to lock it. Push the electrical connection into place until it clicks.
4Repeat the process on the other side. Set the crossbar in place and secure it with the mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts with a socket and ratchet.
5Close the hood and test the lights.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
How to Jack Up a 2000 Ford Taurus
A lonely, moonlit road, in the middle of nowhere is not the place to discover that you do not know the proper jacking procedure for your Taurus. Getting the vehicle safely up, and off the ground is best learned in a calm and safe setting. Learning the proper procedure first, before you actually need it, can go a long way toward ensuring that you can safely raise and lower your Taurus when that unexpected flat tire, or other roadside emergency arrives.
Instructions
- 1
Place the Taurus on level ground. Engage the parking brake and put the transmission in park.
2Locate the wheel which is diagonally opposite the wheel that is being lifted and block it. It can be blocked with a rock if necessary.
3Locate one of the four notched sections of the rocker flange. There is one near each wheel, under the body panel, at the bottom. The top of the jack is designed to fit into this notch.
4Place the jack under the notch and raise it by turning the handle clockwise. Guide the jack face into the notch. Continue turning the jack handle clockwise until the vehicles tire is off the ground. To lower the jack, turn the handle counterclockwise until the vehicles tire is back on the ground and the jack can be removed. When finished, be certain to unblock the opposite wheel.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
How to Replace a 2000 Ford Focus Thermostat
The thermostat in the 2000 Ford Focus works by opening a jiggle valve as the temperature of the radiator fluid rises. As the valve opens, the thermostat allows more fluid to flow through the radiator, thus cooling the fluid and the engine temperature down. Over time, engine buildup in the coolant system causes the thermostat to corrode. This corrosion causes the thermostat to fail. When this happens, the valve stays in the open position and reduces the engine temperature, thus reducing the amount of heat the Focus produces inside of the car. This means you must replace the thermostat in your 2000 Ford Focus.
Instructions
- 1
Open the radiator drain plug by inserting a -inch ratchet drive into the drain plug, then drain 2 gallons of radiator fluid into a drain pan. The plug loosens by turning the ratchet counterclockwise. Close the drain plug once you drain the fluid. This drops the fluid in the radiator below the height of the thermostat. This prevents fluid from draining from the radiator hose as you replace the fluid.
2Locate the area on the top of the engine where the upper radiator hose connects. The hose connects to the thermostat housing. Remove the hose by loosening the band clamp with a screwdriver, then pull the hose off the thermostat cover.
3Remove the two bolts that secure the thermostat housing to the Ford Focus with a 9/16-inch socket. Lift up on the housing to remove it from the engine.
4Pull the old thermostat out of the intake manifold and then place the new one into the intake. The design of the thermostat allows it to fit into the intake in one manner.
5Lift the old gasket off of the intake manifold and wipe the surface clean with a shop towel. Place the new thermostat gasket onto the intake.
6Wipe the bottom of the thermostat housing clean with a shop towel and place it on top of the gasket. Tighten the thermostat housing in place with the old bolts.
7Slide the hose onto the thermostat housing and secure it by tightening the band clamp with a screwdriver.
8Open the radiator cap on the top of the radiator and drain the 2 gallons of fluid back into the Focus. Close the cap once you are finished.
Friday, November 15, 2013
How to Troubleshoot the Crankshaft Position Sensor on a 2000 Xterra
2000 model year Nissan Xterras came equipped with two engine choices: A 2.4-liter four cylinder engine and a 3.3-liter six cylinder engine. Both of these engines contain a crankshaft position sensor which electromagnetically monitors the position of the crankshaft. The ECM reads the signals from the crankshaft sensor and fires the spark plugs based on this information. If the crankshaft sensor fails, the ECM does not know when to fire the plugs, resulting in a dead engine. Because the crankshaft position sensor contains an electrical coil, its condition can be determined by measuring the resistance across its terminal pins with a digital multimeter. The procedure for checking the crankshaft position sensor is identical for both engine variations.
Instructions
- 1
Shut off the engine, open the hood, and let the engine cool down for one to two hours to avoid any burns.
2Shine a work light on the back side of the engine block, where the engine meets the transmission bell housing. Locate the crankshaft position sensor. It is set into the engine block near the upper left corner of the transmission bell housing. Disconnect the sensors electrical connector and remove the bolt holding the sensor to the block with a ratchet and metric socket.
3Remove the sensor by pulling on it while twisting it back and forth. Once the sensor pops out, dry it with a clean shop rag. Inspect the sensor for cracks or chipping. Replace the sensor if you find any crack or chips.
4Set your digital multimeter to Ohms or resistance. Use the two multimeter probes to measure resistance across the crankshaft position sensor terminals. The specified value is 166.5 to 203.5 Ohms at 68 degrees Fahrenheit. If the sensors resistance falls outside this value then it is faulty and needs to be replaced.
5Visually inspect the crankshaft position sensors wiring harness on the vehicle. Look for bare spots on the wires and chips or cracks on the plastic connector. Insert a small flat-head screwdriver into the metal connector pins and wiggle the screwdriver back and forth. The pins should remain in position and should not be loose. Inspect the pins for excess corrosion or damage. If any of these conditions exist, replace the crankshaft position sensors wiring harness.
6Turn on the ignition and set your digital multimeter to "DC Volts." Probe the light blue wire on the crankshaft position sensors electrical connector with the red multimeter probe. Ground the black multimeter probe and look at the voltage reading. The reading should be between 2 and 12-volts. If the value is out of this range then the sensor is not receiving power, and youll need to troubleshoot the engine wiring harness. Connect a test lamp to the positive battery terminal and probe the ground side of the crankshaft position sensor. If the test lamp doesnt illuminate, then the ground is bad and youll need to troubleshoot the engine wiring harness.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
How to Change a Timing Belt on a 2000 Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is a compact sport utility vehicle that Kia Motors has manufactured since 1993. The 1993 to 2002 models are first generation Kias, which have a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter engine with a double overhead camshaft. This type of engine requires a timing belt to synchronize the movement between the camshaft and crankshaft. You will need to replace the timing belt at regular intervals, typically at least 60,000 miles.
Instructions
- 1
Disconnect the wiring harness for the fuel pump behind the rear seat. Start the engine, and allow the engine to stall. Turn the ignition off and connect the wiring harness. Remove the cable from the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench to ensure you dont start the vehicle during the timing belt replacement.
2Remove the drive belt for the alternator. Disconnect the air duct from the radiator with a socket wrench and detach the upper radiator hose. Remove the attaching bolts for the clutch fan and its shroud. Remove the clutch fan and shroud as an assembly.
3Disconnect the mounting bolts for the splash guard with a socket wrench and detach the splash guard. Loosen the lock bolts for the air conditioning drive belt to reduce the tension on the drive belt. Remove the bolts on the timing belt covers with a socket wrench and detach the covers.
4Turn the timing gear clockwise until the timing mark on the left cam pulley aligns with the I mark on the seal plate, and the timing mark on the right cam pulley aligns with the E mark on the seal plate. Loosen the tensioner bolt with a socket wrench and pull the tensioner away from the timing belt. Tighten the tensioner bolt to reduce the pressure on the timing belt and disconnect the timing belt.
5Place a driver through a hole in the camshaft pulley to prevent it from turning. Disconnect the attaching bolts for the pulley with a socket wrench and remove the pulley. Remove the locking bolt for the lower timing belt pulley and remove the pulley.
6Install the camshaft pulleys and torque its mounting bolts to between 35 and 48 foot pounds. Connect the lower timing belt pulley and torque the locking bolt to 120 foot pounds. Align the left cam pulley with the I mark, and align the right cam pulley with the E mark. Install the timing belt onto its pulleys.
7Loosen the bolt on the tensioner with a socket wrench to tighten the timing belt. Torque the bolt to between 27 and 38 foot pounds with a torque wrench. Install the timing belt covers and install the drive belts for the air conditioning and power steering. Install the splash guard and the alternator belt. Attach the upper radiator hose and install the clutch fan assembly. Install the air duct to the radiator.
8Fill the cooling system to the correct level and attach the negative battery cable with a socket wrench. Start the engine and check for coolant leaks.
Monday, November 11, 2013
2000 Lexus ES300 Electric Problems
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received several complaints about electrical problems in the 2000 Lexus ES300. Although no deaths or injuries were reported, some consumers are reporting severe and costly damage to their vehicles. As of 2010, no recall has been issued by the manufacturer to repair these problems.
Electrical System and Airbags
Some 2000 Lexus ES300 owners have reported electrical system problems as it relates to the vehicles airbag system. In some cases, the airbags have failed to deploy during an accident. In other cases, drivers have been injured when electric/wiring problems in the air bags failed to protect them during crashes.
Ignition Module
NHTSA has received complaints about electrical problems in the ignition module of the 2000 Lexus ES300. The vehicles may fail to start, and the engine warning light may come on. Some Lexus owners report that replacing the sensors and engine control unit (ECU) remedy the problem, while others continue to experience problems.
Dome Light and Battery
Reports to NHTSA indicate that intermittent electrical problems with the dome lights wiring system may excessively wear down the battery in the 2000 Lexus ES300. One consumer reports having had the battery in her ES300 replaced twice, even after having the dome lights bulb and fuse changed.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
My Mazda 2000 626 Wont Start
The Mazda 626 is a four-door sedan. If you are having problems getting your Mazda 626 to start, there are a couple of key components to check in the car before you pay to have it checked out. The battery is the main piece of the puzzle when it comes to a car starting. The battery sends an electrical charge to the motor to get the car running. The fuel level can also be something that causes the car to sit without starting.
Instructions
- 1
Check your 626s fuel level. If you suspect your gas gauge to be broken, add some gas to your car and try to start it up.
2Pop the hood to your 626 and look over the battery terminals. The battery terminals connect the battery to the motor.
3Clean the battery terminals with a wire brush and some soda if any corrosion has built up.
4Jump-start the 626 and let it run for about 5 minutes so the battery can charge.
5Cut the car off and try to restart the car again.
6Replace the battery if the car will not restart.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Windshield Wipers Wont Work on My 2000 Buick Park Avenue
Like most passenger cars, the windshield wipers on a Buick Park Regal can stop working for a number of reasons. Most wiper problems can be traced to an electrical failure. Some are simple to detect, diagnose and repair; others may require a voltmeter and an intermediate knowledge of electrical systems.
Instructions
- 1
Located the fuse box underneath the drivers side of the dashboard. Replace the two fuses that controls the wiper switch and wiper motor. Both fuses are located on the next-to-last row, with a blank fuse holder between them. Test the wipers.
2Check to see if the vehicles turn signals are working. Since the turn signal is located on the same switch as the windshield wiper, the switch may need replacing. Its possible for the turn signal to be working if the windshield wiper is not working, but its unlikely that both stop working at the same time without a switch problem.
3Inspect wiring underneath the dashboard and hood. Use a small flashlight to look for frayed or broken wires. Debris and regular wear-and-tear can damage wires. Reconnect broken wires, being careful to wrap them in electrical tape, or replace them entirely.
4Check the windshield wiper linkage, or the part that moves your Park Avenues wiper blades. If the linkage is bent or damaged, replace it.
5Lift the hood, turn the wipers on, and listen for the motor located underneath the wiper linkage. If you cant hear the motor, it may needs replacing.
Friday, October 4, 2013
How to Add Refrigerant to a 2000 Grand Marquis
Lack of refrigerant is one of the most common causes of air conditioning system problems. A vehicle with no refrigerant in its A/C system will not blow cold air. One way to add refrigerant is to take the car to a mechanic. However, if you would like to save a few dollars, you can fix the problem yourself. Adding refrigerant to a 2000 Grand Marquis should take no more than 30 minutes.
Instructions
- 1
Consult your owners manual to determine the right refrigerant for your car model and purchase the refrigerant.
2Connect the pressure gauge and the service hose to the lip of the refrigerant can. Form a tight seal between the service hose and the refrigerant can.
3Open the valve on the refrigerant can slowly to allow a small amount of refrigerant into the service hose. Close the valve on the refrigerant can.
4Connect the end of the service hose that is not attached to the refrigerant can to the low-pressure service fitting on your vehicle. On a 2000 Grand Marquis, this pressure service fitting is located underneath the hood near the compressor. Identify the pressure service fitting by locating a thin hose covered by a plastic cap near the compressor.
5Turn the ignition on and allow the car to start. Turn the air conditioner to its maximum setting.
6Open the valve on the refrigerant can fully to allow refrigerant to flow into your vehicles compressor.
7Fill your compressor until the pressure gauge reaches the recommended range of your vehicle. Consult your owners manual to determine the recommended range.
8Turn off the ignition on your car and disconnect the service hose from the pressure service fitting.