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If your Lexus RX 300 cigarette lighter will not remain in place when pushed inward, there are a few steps you can take to repair the problem. You can fix a cigarette lighter for a Lexus RX 300 as a do-it-yourself project, but if your efforts do not solve the problem, you should take it to your local Lexus dealership for repair service.

Instructions

1

Retrieve your manual. Then, check the fuse box. The fuse box of a 2001 Lexus RX300 is located behind the coin holder drawer, to the left of the steering column. Check your manual to see which fuses operate the cigarette lighter socket. If the fuse is blown, you will see a small, broken wire in the interior of the plastic shell of the fuse. Replace a blown fuse with a fuse rated for the same amperage.

2

Pull out the ash tray to gain access to the lighters wiring connector. The 12 volt and ground wires are connected to the socket. Also, identify an L-shaped wire that has a rubber coating. This is a fuse. Find the two small terminals at the bottom of the L-shaped, rubber-coated fuse. Remove the fuse, then bend a paper clip in an L-shape and place it where the L-shaped, rubber coated fuse was positioned. You should position the L-shaped paper clip at the end of the socket.

3

Remove the ash tray from its panel. Remove any small Phillips screws. Then, remove each spring found on the side of the ash tray.

4

Disassemble the lighter assembly or lighter housing, by loosening a hex nut at the bottom of the lighter assembly. To accomplish this task, the panel must be off. Then, reassemble the lighter assembly. Check to see if your lighter will stay in position when pushed inward.

5

Replace the lighter with a standard size cigarette lighter from your local auto parts store. If a fuse is not burned out, and if disassembling and reassembling the lighter socket still does not help the lighter stay in, take your RX 300 to a Lexus dealership.

6

Explain the problem with the RX300 cigarette lighter fixture, and ask a Lexus service professional to inspect your cigarette lighter socket. The dealership should inspect your RX300 to check for any possible wiring or electrical problems.

The Dodge Caravan is a minivan that uses 3.8L of oil. If you are having problems starting your Dodge Caravan, you need to check out two issues: the battery and the fuel level. The battery on the Caravan is used to start the engine, however, the engine cannot run without fuel. Checking the battery life and the fuel on your Caravan will determine if replacement parts are needed. You dont have to be an auto mechanic to solve your problem. You can do it yourself.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of the Dodge Caravan and locate the battery. This should be on the right side of the motor.

2

Look the battery terminals over for any corrosion. Loosen the battery terminals with a socket wrench and then remove the terminals from the battery.

3

Use a wire brush and soda to remove the corrosion from the battery terminals. Connect the terminals back onto the battery and then try to start the van.

4

Jump start the van with jumper cables and another car battery if needed.

5

Allow the van to run for 15 minutes and then turn the van off. Try to restart the van. If the van doesnt restart then the battery is not holding a charge. Replace the battery.

6

Check the fuel level. Add 1 gallon of gas to your Dodge Caravan and then try to start the van. If the van starts up, replace the gas gauge in the van.

The 300ZX is a sports car that is manufactured by Nissan. If you are having problems starting your 300ZX, you can troubleshoot the issues before you spend money on a mechanic. Typical problems occur with the cars battery and fuel levels. There are certain factors that will determine what you need to do to get your engine running again. These are if the ignition does not turn over, if the engine will not crank, and if the engine does crank.

Instructions

Ignition Wont Turn

1

Check the key that you are using and make sure it is the correct one for your 300ZX.

2

Try starting the 300ZX with a different key. Duplicated keys can fail to turn over the ignition.

3

Turn your 300ZXs steering wheel from side to side while you are starting the ignition. The steering wheel could be locked up.

Engine Will Not Crank

4

Open the 300ZXs hood and check the battery terminal connections. Make sure that you have the negative connection and positive connections on the correct battery terminals.

5

Clean any corrosion off the terminals with baking soda and a wire brush, then reattach the cables to the battery terminals.

6

Charge the battery with a pair of jumper cables and another car battery.

7

Replace the battery if it cannot hold a charge.

8

Check the alternator with an experienced mechanic.

Engine Cranks

9

Check the fuel level in the car.

10

Refill the car with fuel if there is an insufficient level of fuel.

11

Open the hood of the car and check the spark plug for corrosion. Clean off the corrosion with a rag and baking soda.

12

Check the timing belt for cracks or breaks. Replace the timing belt if necessary.

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.

When your PT cruiser doesnt go into gear or doesnt move when placed in gear, the problem may not be the transmission, but may be caused by another problem. Narrow down the list of possible problems before taking it to the mechanic, and end up paying for expensive and un-needed repairs.

Instructions

1

Turn on the vehicle and make sure you have removed the parking brake. Many people forget that they engaged the parking brake and this will prevent the car from moving when it is in gear.

2

Press the clutch all the way in and set the shifter to its first or reverse position if the transmission is manual. If the clutch pedal is not fully depressed the shifter will not go into gear. Disengage the clutch pedal and see if the car moves. Try all gears to start and move the PT cruiser. Pump the clutch pedal several times and try to place the shifter in gear without forcing the sifter. Turn the engine off, if this does not work and try to shift with the car engine off. If you can shift while the PT cruiser is off , then you probably need the clutch repaired.

3

Turn off the car, go to the front and look on the ground for fluid leaks.Check the transmission fluid levels in the PT Cruiser with an automatic transmission. Open the hood and look for the transmission dipstick next to the air filter. Be caull not to confuse this dipstick with the oil dipstick. Refer to the PT cruiser owner manual to locate it if you cannot easily see it. Check the fluid levels with the car turned off but the engine warm. Remove the dipstick and clean it with a cloth, reinsert the dipstick and remove again. Read the level, and if the level is low, add some more transmission fluid.

4

Look for color change of the fluid. If the transmission fluid smells burnt, and is a brown or black color, this is an indication of transmission problems.

5

Look at the linkage, lever and bushings underneath the engine. Determine whether there is extensive wear on any of these parts. Early PT cruisers tend to have excessive wear on bushings and linkage causing gear shifting problems, and the problem can be misdiagnosed for a transmission problem by an inexperienced mechanic.

6

Ask two or three mechanics inspect the PT Cruiser to ask for a quote. Choose the most reliable, experienced mechanic who offers you a fair price for the repair. Ask all mechanics their estimated repair time.

All Harleys, including your Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster, are fundamentally simple machines. They move because an electrical spark ignites a mixture of gasoline and air in a cylinder. The resulting explosion drives the cylinder down. The linear motion is translated into a circular motion that eventually turns your rear wheel. Your Sportster will not run when there is no spark, no air, no gas, no expulsion of the exhaust that results from the explosion or when any of all that is not just right. If your Sportster wont run, walk up to it and do the following.

Instructions

1

Inspect the spark plug wires on the left side of the bike just above your engine. Trace the wires from a rectangular box, called a coil, under the seat to the spark plugs which stick out of the tops of your cylinder heads. Push loose connections back together with your fingers.

2

Unscrew your spark plugs from the heads by turning them counterclockwise with a padded spark plug socket and a socket ratchet or breaker bar. Remove the plugs and examine them. The spark plug electrodes should be light gray or tan.

3

Clean plugs that are fouled with a nail file. Measure the distance between each pair of electrodes with a feeler gauge. The electrodes should be .040 inch apart.

4

Correctly gap the spark plugs with a spark plug gapping tool, as needed.

5

Remove the Allen bolt and washer that connect a tab on the back of the seat to the fender. Use an Allen wrench to turn Allen bolts. Pull the seat up -- and back -- to remove.

6

Bridge the positive and negative terminals on the battery with a 12-inch length of insulated wire. Ensure the connection sparks.

7

Examine the battery terminals and cables. Clean corroded cables with a small wire brush. Charge batteries that do not spark with a motorcycle battery charger for four hours.

8

Replace the seat. Bolt the fender tab to the fender. Shift the motorcycle into neutral.

9

Open the gas cap. Visually inspect the tank to ensure it contains gasoline.

10

Open the petcock. Fully extend the enricher knob. Start the motorcycle. Push the enricher knob halfway in after 30 seconds.

11

Push the enricher knob completely in when the top of the engine under your right hand becomes warm to the touch.

12

Twist the throttle and allow the Sportster to run. Release the throttle. If the engine dies the throttle speed or the fuel adjustment screw are improperly adjusted. If the engine dies turn off the motorcycle.

13

Unfasten and remove the air cleaner cover on the right side of the motorcycle with an Allen wrench for carbureted motorcycles. Remove the air cleaner under the cover using a Torx wrench.

14

Turn the throttle while you stare at the right, upper quadrant of the carburetor. Observe the throttle cam that is mechanically connected to the throttle with the throttle cables.

15

Start the motorcycle. Use a flathead screwdriver to adjust the idle speed upward until the motorcycle will continue to run without stalling.

16

Turn off the motorcycle. Replace the air cleaner and the air cleaner cover.

Hot weather can impede your 1984 Honda from starting properly if the coolant has not been monitored properly. Heat can also cause a battery to die out because the car will be running the air conditioning all the time. Your 1984 Honda could also cease to start if you have a clog in your fuel system. All of these can be diagnosed with minimal knowledge of your Accord. You dont have to be a mechanic to get your car running again.

Instructions

1

Put your key into the Accord and turn the ignition. Look to the dashboard to see if the control panel is lighting up. Make a not of the fuel levels and the battery level when your turn the ignition.

2

Fill the car with fuel if your gas gauge shows that the tank is empty.

3

Open the car hood and look at the connections to the battery. Reconnect the terminals if the battery terminals have come loose.

4

Use another car and a set of jumper wires to start the Accord. Connect the jumper wires to the battery according to the "+" and the "-" signs on the wires. Connect the other ends to the battery on the other car.

5

Start the other car and then try to start your Accord. Leave the Accord running and then turn it off after 15 minutes. Try to restart the car. If the Accord does not restart, replace the battery.

6

Turn the ignition and press the gas pedal all the way to the floorboard of the Accord. This will stop the throttle sensor from adding gas to the engine and clear your fuel plugs. Try to start the car with the fuel plugs cleared.

The turbo diesel in your Isuzu Trooper is perred by some drivers because of the fuel economy. If you are having problems with the turbo diesel engine, there are a few things that you can do before you take it in for service. You can check common issues yourself with little hassle.

Instructions

1

Turn the key in your Troopers ignition to engage the instrument panel. Make a note of the fuel gauges level. If you dont have enough gas to start the Trooper, fill the tank up with gas and then try to start the vehicle.

2

Replace the fuel with the proper kind of diesel. Summer diesel can get cloudy in winter months. This can cause the fuel filter to clog.

3

Raise the Trooper with a jack to check the starter. Have a friend turn the ignition and listen for the starter to buzz. The starter is the small black box next to the engine. If the starter buzzes or clicks, you need to have it replaced by a service technician.

4

Look at the bottom of your Trooper for any fuel or liquid leaks. Have any leaks checked by a certified mechanic.

5

Use a voltmeter to test the battery. Check the battery sticker to get the volt rating. Most diesel engines use a 6.5 V battery. Connect the leads from the voltmeter to the battery terminals on the top of the battery. If you dont get the 6.5 V reading, have the battery replaced or jump the car.

The 2003 Chevy Trailblazer is mid-sized SUV. If your Trailblazer will not start, you could be looking at a problem with the battery or the fuel level in your SUV. When the battery charge is too low, the engine will not be able to start. The engine runs on gas so you need a sufficient fuel level to get the motor running. You can troubleshoot the problems with your Trailblazer with little knowledge of the subject before you go see a mechanic.

Instructions

1

Open the hood to your Trailblazer and locate the battery next to the engine.

2

Take a socket wrench and loosen the battery terminals. Look the battery terminals over for any corrosion. Use a wire brush and soda to get rid of the corrosion.

3

Replace the battery terminals on the battery and then try to restart the Trailblazer.

4

Use another car and a pair of jumper cables to "jump" your Trailblazer. Leave the SUV running for 5 minutes to charge the battery before cutting it off.

5

Try to restart the SUV. If the SUV does not restart, replace your battery.

6

Check the fuel level in your Trailblazer. Put gas into the gas tank and try to restart the car. Your car may have a broken fuel gauge. Adding gas will allow the car to start properly.

Most automobiles contain a drivers side cable that causes the latch on the hood to open when you pull it. If your hood does not latch, you might have a broken latch cable or an issue with the assembly of the latch. But if the problem is less complex, such as a latch mechanism that is simply stuck in the open position, you can fix it easily enough.

Instructions

1

Prop your vehicles hood open.

2

Spray the hood latch with WD-40. Give the solution about five minutes to absorb into the mechanism.

3

Moisten the latch cables with the WD-40. If they are inside a rubber compartment, such as a rubber guide, insert the can of WD-40 at the tip of the opening and shoot the lubricant onto the cables. Otherwise, spray the lubricant directly onto the cables.

4

Grab the latch with your hands and push it until it closes. Move the latch back and forth until it opens and closes with ease. The hood should now latch when you attempt to close it.

You need to reset the check engine light on your Dodge after you have had regular service or after youve replaced an electronic component that caused the light to go on. In addition, the computer code needs to be cleared so that it can function properly.

Instructions

1

Locate the fuse panel cover on your Dodge. This is located on the dash under or near the steering column. Pull down on the panel using your fingers.

2

Look for the port within the fuse panel that looks like it will fit the connector end of your diagnostic reset tool. This tool can be purchased from your local auto parts retailer.

3

Plug the connector into the port.

4

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "II" position. Wait for the blinking light on the reset tool to turn off. Look on the instrument panel of the Dodge to see that the engine light has turned off as well.

Problems with the windows on Mini Coopers are not uncommon. Several issues have been reported with the motors on the window burning out and leaving the window stranded in whatever position it was last in. There are a number of solutions to the problem which you can try yourself before taking the car to the dealer which may be useful, particularly if it is not under warranty. You can recognize a problem when the window stops dipping when you open the door.

Instructions

Reset the Window Position Sensor

1

Put in the key and turn the ignition on but leave the engine off.

2

Hold the window button in the up position for 10 or more seconds.

3

Open the door to make sure the window closes correctly and test the window for normal operations. Dipping of the window is the small drop down when you open the door and the small jump up when you close it again. If the window still does not work then move on to check the fuse.

Check the Fuse

4

Open the fuse box. You can find it using the Minis owners manual.

5

Remove the fuse for the windows.

6

Check the fuse and replace if needed.

7

Test the windows for proper operation. If they are still not working then check the motor connection.

Check the Window Motor Connection

8

Turn the engine off and remove the key.

9

Close the door while sitting in the drivers seat.

10

Tap on the door firmly with a closed fist just above the speaker.

11

Test the windows for proper operation. If this does not work then take the Mini to a repair shop to have the motor replaced or replace the motor yourself.

A 1969 Chevy truck might be having starting problems because of a dead battery or an insufficient level of fuel in the gas tank. The battery is one of the most important components of starting a vehicle. Without the battery, the motor will not get the electrical charge that it needs in order to start. By jump starting the battery, you can get the battery to charge up. Adding fuel to the gas tank could also be a quick fix to your starting issue.

Instructions

1

Check the fuel level in your Chevy truck. Add fuel if you think that you might have a broken gas gauge. Get a mechanic to replace your gas gauge.

2

Open the hood and attach the positive lead from your jumper cable to your battery. Connect the negative lead from your jumper cable to the negative terminal on your battery.

3

Get a friend to attach the positive and negative leads from the jumper cable to their cars battery.

4

Start your friends car and then start your Chevy truck. Leave the truck running for a about 5 minutes to allow the battery to charge.

5

Turn the truck off and then restart the truck. If the truck does not restart, you will need a new battery.

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.

2

Pop the hood to your 626 and look over the battery terminals. The battery terminals connect the battery to the motor.

3

Clean the battery terminals with a wire brush and some soda if any corrosion has built up.

4

Jump-start the 626 and let it run for about 5 minutes so the battery can charge.

5

Cut the car off and try to restart the car again.

6

Replace the battery if the car will not restart.

The Chevrolet 7.4-liter engine is primarily used in Suburbans. When having problems with your 7.4, there are several things to do before taking it to a repair shop. Common issues include the battery, fuel and starter problems. You can diagnose these minor problems. However, a qualified mechanic should always perform major repairs.

Instructions

1

Turn the key in the ignition and listen for any sounds coming from the engine. If you hear "clicking" then a technician should test the alternator on a diagnostic machine.

2

Turn the ignition halfway to turn on the instrument panel. Look over the instrument panel to make sure you have enough fuel to start the engine (if not, add about 1 gallon of gas).

3

Open the hood of the vehicle and look over the battery connections. If you find the battery connections loose, tighten them with a pair of channel locks or pliers. Try to restart the car. If the car will not start, the charge might be low.

4

Use a voltmeter to test the battery. Connect the positive and negative leads of the voltmeter to the positive and negative leads on your battery. Look over the reading. If the reading is under 11 to 12 volts, you need to charge the battery.

5

Connect a battery charger to the positive and negative terminals on the battery. Plug the battery charger into an electrical outlet and let the unit sit for about 12 hours. Try to restart the vehicle after 12 hours. If the vehicle does not start, you need to replace the battery.

6

Get under the vehicle and look for the starter. The starter is a small black box on the right side of the engine. With the emergency brake engaged and the car in "Park," have a friend turn the ignition and listen for a "buzzing" noise coming from the starter. If you hear the buzzing, you need to have the starter replaced by a service technician.

The Mercedes 320 is a four-door sedan. If you are having problems getting your 320 to start, there is probably something wrong with your fuel levels or your battery. The battery for the 320 is located in the trunk of the car. Jump starting your 320 is a good way to give the battery the spark it needs to charge properly. Adding gas to the fuel tank could also be the quick remedy you need.

Instructions

1

Turn the key to your 320 to engage the fuel gauge. Look at the fuel level and determine if you need gas. Add gas as needed and then start the car. If the gas gauge doesnt come on, you probably have a problem with your battery.

2

Pop the trunk and locate the battery on the right side of the trunk. Connect the positive and negative clamps from your jumper wires to the positive and negative terminals on the battery.

3

Connect the other ends of the jumper wires to a running cars battery terminals. Start your 320.

4

Leave the 320 running for a little while so the battery can charge. Turn the car off and then try to restart the car.

5

Replace the battery if the car will not restart.

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.

2

Check 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.

3

Inspect 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.

4

Check the windshield wiper linkage, or the part that moves your Park Avenues wiper blades. If the linkage is bent or damaged, replace it.

5

Lift 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.

General Motors makes a variety of automobiles, but they all have two things in common--all of the vehicles must have a good battery and enough fuel to start the motor. If you are having problems starting your GM vehicle, you can troubleshoot the issues with the battery and the level of fuel in the GMs tank. Troubleshooting these issues will save you time and money before you employ a mechanic to look at your GM.

Instructions

1

Check the fuel level in your GM. Make sure you have enough gas to start the car. Add gas if needed and then start your GM.

2

Pop the hood and connect the positive lead from your jump cable to your battery. Connect the negative lead to your negative terminal.

3

Get a friend to attach the positive and negative leads from the jumper cable to their cars battery.

4

Start your friends car. Start your GM. Leave the GM running for a little while to charge the battery.

5

Turn the GM off and then restart the car. If the car does not restart, change your battery.