Tuesday, February 4, 2014

How to Install a Jetta MK4 Hazard Switch

The hazard switch for your Volkswagen Jetta MK4 is an important safety item, designed to provide a visual alert or emergency warning for passing motorists. Properly installing a new hazard switch will restore functionality as well as reduce chances of unwanted damage to the interior components.

Instructions

    1

    Turn off the vehicle and remove the ignition key.

    2

    Examine the top portion of the middle dash console and locate the two center vents, above the rectangular-shaped hazard switch.

    3

    Insert the flathead screwdriver between the center-most left or right sides of one of the vent diffusers. Position the screwdriver blade in front of the pivoting nub. Gently pry the vent diffuser from the dashboard to unhinge the pivoting nub.

    4

    Remove the screwdriver and pull the vent diffuser completely out of the dash panel. Remove the remaining center-mounted vent diffuser from the vent panel, using the same process outlined in the previous step.

    5

    Remove the two Torx screws, located inside the vent holes, securing the center vent panel to the dashboard, using an appropriate Torx bit and a screwdriver attachment.

    6

    Pull the bottom edge of the vent panel to aid in the removal process. After detaching the vent panel from the dash, disconnect the wiring harness connected to the rear of the hazard switch.

    7

    Push on the rear of the hazard switch to pop the unit out through the front side of the vent panel.

    8

    Insert the new hazard switch into the vent panel, taking note of the proper orientation of the old switch button.

    9

    Connect the harness to the rear of the hazard switch.

    10

    Fit the vent panel to the dashboard and replace the screws. Replace the vent diffusers to complete the installation process; use the flathead screwdriver to help align the pivoting nubs with the corresponding vent panel retaining holes.

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Monday, February 3, 2014

How to Recover a Vinyl Dash

How to Recover a Vinyl Dash

A well-maintained interior is important to all car enthusiasts. Old cars are loved, but no one wants them to look old. A cracked, faded dash is an eyesore in many classic cars. Many of the options for restoring these dashes are expensive, such as sending them out to be redone from scratch, or depend on luck (finding an original dash in good condition). Another alternative is to recover the existing dash with matching vinyl.

Instructions

Prepare the Dash

    1

    Remove the dash from the car and any trim that comes off with the dash.

    2

    Trim any loose pieces of vinyl or foam with the razor blade.

    3

    Scrub the dash with the dishwashing detergent and brush.

    4

    Rinse the dash thoroughly with clean water.

    5

    Place the dash in the sun to dry. It may take a day or two to completely dry. It must be absolutely dry to prevent mold.

    6

    Wipe down the dash with a clean rag. Use the razor to remove any newly loose pieces.

    7

    Fill any cracks in the dash with silicone. Thoroughly coat each crack. It is better to use too much than not enough.

Applying the Vinyl

    8

    Lay the vinyl good side down. Place the dash face down on the vinyl.

    9

    Trim the vinyl to fit the dash. Use masking tape to hold it in place.

    10

    Flip the dash over. Use the marker to trace openings in the dash that will be cut out later.

    11

    Remove the vinyl covering. Caully cut out any needed openings.

    12

    Spray the dash with spray adhesive. Stretch the vinyl back over the dash. Use more spray adhesive around the back to firmly attach the new vinyl.

Finishing the Dash

    13

    Push down firmly on the vinyl as it dries to prevent any bubbles from forming.

    14

    Wipe the dash down after it dries with a clean rag to remove any adhesive on the front of the dash.

    15

    Reinstall the dash.

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DRZ 400 Battery Wiring

DRZ 400 Battery Wiring

The DRZ 400 is a motocross bike that is as comfortable on the street as it is on the track. Japanese manufacturer Suzuki built the bike with a 400-cubic-centimeter engine. It is no longer in production, haven given way to a newer model with a 450-cc engine displacement. Like most modern motorcycles, the battery is wired using two terminals, one positive and one negative. It is best operated with a maintenance-free 12-volt motorcycle battery that requires no acid pack for activation and no assembly after purchase.

Instructions

    1

    Remove the screw that secures a cover panel on the rear-left side of the DRZ 400, just in front of the rear wheel. Pull the cover panel off to reveal the battery compartment.

    2

    Slide a battery into the compartment with the terminals facing up and out.

    3

    Slip the rectangular nut into the positive terminal, which is indicated by a "+" sign. Hold the positive (red) battery cable on top of the terminal and drop the battery screw through the cable and into the nut. Tighten the screw by turning clockwise with a screwdriver until the screw and cable are secure against the terminal.

    4

    Repeat Step 4 for the negative (black) battery cable on the DRZ 400.

    5

    Place the rubber terminal covers over the battery and the battery protector on top of the terminal covers. Press the decorative cover plate over the battery compartment and replace the screw by turning clockwise with a screwdriver until the cover is snug against the frame of the bike.

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Sunday, February 2, 2014

How to Replace the Headliner Material on a Dodge Caravan

Headliners can become ripped when moving big objects or over time it will start to sag from the glue breaking down. Replacing the headliner in your Dodge Caravan is easy to do, but time consuming. It can take up to 3 hours to complete this project. So make sure to allow for enough time to do this project.

Instructions

    1

    Lift the hood of the van and unhook the negative battery cable. Lower the hood when the cable is removed.

    2

    Use a screwdriver to remove the sun visors and coat hangers.

    3

    Pull the rubber door trim loose on all the doors. You dont have to remove the trim completely you just need to pull it loose so it uncovers the edge of the headliner.

    4

    Loosen the top portion of the Caravans trim. Depending on the model of the Caravan you will either have screws or metal clips holding the trim in place. If the trim is held on by screws, unscrew one or two screws from the top just enough that the trim can be pulled away from the edge of the headliner. If the van has metal clips holding the trim on, use a flat head screw driver to pry one or two clips away. Pull off just enough so that the edge of the headliner is free.

    5

    Remove the dome lights. The front dome light is held in place by metal clips. Use a flat head screw drive to pry the clips loose. The rear dome light can be removed by taking the lens off and sliding the light back and forth to remove it. When you have the lights removed unplug the electrical connectors.

    6

    Remove the back seatbelt bracket. Use a socket wrench with the correct size socket. Loosen the bolt and then loosen the trim panel enough that the edge of the headliner is free.

    7

    Remove the headliner board from the back of the van. When its removed lay it on a flat surface and using a wire brush remove any of the foam and old glue. Get the headliner board as clean as possible.

    8

    Lay the new liner on the board and make sure that some of the material is hanging over the front and back of the board.

    9

    Fold the material back about half way and apply spray adhesive. Replace the material to the wet adhesive and rub it out with the palms of your hands. Smooth out the wrinkles. Do the same thing on the other side.

    10

    Put the headliner board back into the van when its dry. Replace everything the same way it came out. Only start at the last thing you removed and work backwards from there. Replace the negative battery cable, close the hood.

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Specifications for Dana Axles

Specifications for Dana Axles

Dana Holding Corp. manufactures equipment and parts for the agricultural, industrial, automotive and transportation markets. Spicer is a sub-brand of the same company responsible for manufacturing axles for many different types of vehicles, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles and off-highway vehicles.

Passenger Car Axles

    Dana Spicers axles for passenger cars consist of a front axle with different assemblies and a ring and pinion. The back axle also has a ring and pinion as well as all the necessary seals, gaskets and bolts. The rear axle features an open limited slip with specialized Dana technology. Dana Spicers axles for passenger cars are designed to be customizable to wide variety of cars.

Commercial Vehicle Axles

    Spicer axles for commercial vehicles feature steer and drive axles that are designed to withstand wear. These axles provide protection against spinning out and have triple lip Viton seals that protect them in all temperatures and environments. They come equipped with a drop gear tooth profile that gives them longer life and quieter operation.

Off-Highway Axles

    Dana Spicer axles for off-highway vehicles are available in both steer and rigid versions. They have load ratings from 1,200 to 140,000 pounds and can be used for construction, forestry and mining. These axles are designed so they have minimal maintenance costs and can operate in rugged conditions. They are available in various track widths, rations and capacities and can be customized for most vehicles.

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Saturday, February 1, 2014

Problems with Car Air Conditioning

Problems with Car Air Conditioning

A cars air conditioner that isnt working properly, or isnt working at all, may be caused by a variety of problems, ranging from broken buttons on the console to loose hoses. Although most air conditioning problems need to be fixed by a mechanic, having an idea about what is going on under the hood will help you know what to expect and what questions to ask.

Broken Controls

    When you notice a problem with your air conditioning, check the dashboard controls before anything else. Poor air conditioning may simply indicate a broken knob, button or digital display, according to the Auto Media website. See if any of buttons or dials look damaged before you assume that the air conditioning unit itself is experiencing problems.

No Cool Air

    Air conditioning units that fail to produce cold air may be lacking rigerant. While it is natural for cars to lose some coolant over time, any significant loss is likely to affect the temperature of the air coming out of the vents. Refilling the coolant is a simple procedure, but a mechanic should test the system for any leaks to prevent the problem from occurring again. Water or oil spots beneath the car may indicate a rigerant leak.

    A lack of cool air may also indicate a loose or broken belt, clogged valve or faulty air compressor. Since specialized equipment is often needed to diagnose these problems, they are best handled by a mechanic. If no air is coming out at all, it may be that the blower fan is malfunctioning.

Unpredictable Air

    If the air coming from the cars vent is not as cool as usual, or if the cool air is unpredictable, it may be due to ice that has formed in the air conditioning units tubing, according to the Edmunds website. In order to resolve this problem, the system must be vacuumed in order to remove any unwanted moisture. The line may also be blocked by other contaminants. Other causes of partial cooling include a loose drive belt or defective clutch.

Noise

    Loose or shaky hoses may cause the air conditioning system to run louder than usual. Unfortunately, noise may also indicate that the compressor itself is going bad. High pressure or contaminated rigerant are other causes of this problem.

Odor

    Occasionally, the air coming from your cars vents may have an unpleasant odor. This is almost always caused by bacteria growing in the air conditioning system, reports the AA1 Car website. Even if you can tolerate the smell, the microbes in the air create a health hazard. Solve this problem by having a mechanic spray the system with a chemical solution.

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How to Replace Freeze Plugs

How to Replace Freeze Plugs

Freeze plugs are expansion units inserted into the sides of engine blocks. Freeze plugs protect against damage incurred to the engine resulting from freezing. The plugs respond to a possible freeze of the engine block by protruding outward. Freeze plugs play an integral role in engine operation as they prevent the engine from needing a complete overhaul. You will need to replace leaking or damaged freeze plugs to ensure the safety of your engine block.

Instructions

    1

    Remove the engine block from the car if possible. Removing the engine block will require the assistance of a professional mechanic. You will be able to replace a freeze plug without removing the engine block. Locate the damaged or leaking freeze plug. Freeze plugs are located on the side of the engine block. Apply the punch to the side of the plug and begin to remove the plug using the hammer.

    2

    Remove the plug entirely from the engine block using the pliers.

    3

    Clean the inside of the area where the plug is inserted with the cloth.

    4

    Insert the new freeze plug into the empty socket, using the front of the seal driver to pop the plug into place. You can use the seal driver or the hammer to tap the plug in further. Use your fingers to make sure the plug is secured.

    5

    Apply some sealant on the plug for extra measure.

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