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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.

Plug the scanner into this OBD port.

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "ON" position, but dont start the engine.

Wait 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.

Select 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.

Look 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.

Drive the car around the block. Listen to the sound of the engine and note its operation. A burnt valve causes engine movement that might be felt inside the cab. Listen for any ticking sounds; these are indicative of a burnt valve.

Turn off the engine and open the hood. Inspect the the cars valves for burns or cracks. The valves are large metallic cylinders located on top of the engine.

Unplug the vacuum hose that runs into the intake manifold. This is the metallic piece around the valves. Plug the end of the hose into a vacuum gauge. Turn on the Honda and look at the gauge. If the needle bounces, the vehicle likely has a burnt valve.

Ensure the Ford F150 is completely off. Pop the hood and remove the negative cable from the negative post on the F150s battery. Wait five minutes, so that any remaining power within the truck drains out. This is an absolutely necessary precaution. Anytime you work in the vicinity of the dashboard or any air bag components, the SRS system must be disabled. This will keep the air bags from accidental deployment.

Open the passenger-side door and locate the right kick panel. It will be the the right side of the passengers side leg-space.

Loosen the right kick panel. Depending on the model and year of F150 truck, you should be able to pry it off with a trim tab or a flat head screwdriver wrapped in tape. There may be retaining clips behind the panel. In order to avoid any damage to the panel, lever it off slowly. If you meet any signs of resistance, stop and investigate the obstruction.

Remove the right kick panel. The air bag control modue will be behind it.

Remove the two bolts at the rear of the seat. Slide the seat back, and remove it from the bike. Underneath the seat is the battery, as well as various parts of the engine wiring system. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an accidental short circuit.

Remove the plastic primary O2 sensor cover, mounted to the front of the engine. This is secured by a plastic clip that can be undone by hand. Underneath the plastic cover is a black wired plug, which is the primary O2 sensor.

Search along the right side of the motorcycle for the secondary O2 sensor. It is located just to the right of the oil tank, mounted just above the exhaust pipes. The secondary O2 sensor looks exactly like the primary sensor, and is connected into the engine wiring harness, tucked within the chassis frame.

Ask a specialist in diagnostics to assess repairs and maintenance for the car. A diagnostician has no reason to add nonexistent problems to a list of repairs, but he will want to include all the real problems to earn the customers future business. Compare what the diagnostician found to what other shops tell you.

Ask friends, family or an insurance agent for recommendations. Make sure they have actual experience with a mechanics work.

Call any potential repair shops to ask for a list of their trade association memberships and call those associations to confirm membership. Check a shops complaint history with your states consumer protection agency or the local Better Business Bureau. This history also may include the resolution of those complaints. Look not only for the mechanic with a low number of complaints but also for a mechanic with a good history of complaint resolution.

Ask mechanics about their ability to work on your make and model and check their shops for certifications to work on that make and model. Also look at the cars on the work bays or on the lot. A number of cars of the same or similar make and model indicate an ability to work on your car.

Determine the shops prices and the warranty on work done. Shops often post that information in plain view on the work floor.

Talk to the mechanics in the shop. Their willingness to answer questions and the clarity of their answers are indicators of their honesty.

Instruct the mechanic to diagnose the car and reject any mechanic whose estimate is grossly in excess of the diagnostic mechanics estimate. Review the proposals for a clause specifying the installation of new parts rather than used ones.