Fix It

Replacing the key cylinder on the steering column of your Jeep Wrangler may be necessary if damage has occurred to the tumblers or pins inside the cylinder. A replacement cylinder is available from the Jeep dealer and can be keyed to use your existing key for a fee. The cylinder can be swapped quickly and does not require a bunch of specials tools to complete.

Instructions

1

Sit in the drivers seat of your Jeep and insert the ignition key into the cylinder. Locate the hole in the bottom panel of the steering column directly below the cylinder.

2

Insert a small screwdriver or punch into the hole in the column and push the pin inside the hole up. Turn the key and cylinder to the "On" position then pull the cylinder straight out of the column. Remove the screwdriver or punch from the hole under the column.

3

Turn the key to the "Off" position then withdraw the key from the cylinder. Insert the key into the new cylinder and turn the key to the "On "position on the new cylinder.

4

Insert the cylinder and key into the column the rotate the key to the "OFF" position. Withdraw the key from the cylinder.

The air temperature sensor on the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe monitors the temperature of the air flowing through the intake into the filter. The engine computer regulates the fuel to air ratio based on the temperature readings from the sensor. Buy a new sensor from an auto parts retailer, and change it at home. The sensor mounts in an accessible location and requires no disassembly to access it.

Instructions

1

Raise the hood of the Tahoe. Support it with the prop rod.

2

Locate the air cleaner assembly at the top of the engine compartment, near the firewall. The air cleaner assembly is a large black box with air intake hoses attached to either side and clips securing the cover.

3

Look for a small wire running to the passenger side of the air cleaner assembly, just above the intake hose. The air temperature sensor connects to the end of the wire, threaded into the air cleaner assembly.

You can reset and turn off the "Service Engine Soon" light on your 1997 Saturn L1. The On-Board Diagnostics computer keeps track of regular service intervals. Its important to always do the servicing first before resetting the light. This will allow the vehicles computer to keep accurate track of when the next service is due.

Instructions

1

Pop open the hood of the vehicle. Find the battery. Behind the batter is a black fuse box. Release the retaining clips and lift off the top of the box.

2

Look for the "Reset" button below a reddish-orange block. Press the button and hold it for five seconds.

3

Put the key in the ignition and turn the vehicle on, but dont start the engine. Wait one minute. The light should have turned off. If not, turn off the vehicle and turn the ignition to the "ACC" setting. Press the "Reset" button again and hold it for 15 seconds.

4

Turn off the car and remove the key. Put the key back in the ignition and start the engine. Let it run for at least two minutes. The computer should now have registered the reset and the service engine light should now be off.

The Dodge RAM is a series of pickup trucks in a variety of carrying capacities and trim levels. The 1997 models use multi-port fuel injection to deliver fuel to the engine under high pressure. The fuel pump in these vehicles is part of a module that also includes the fuel gauge sending unit and float. The fuel pump module in a 1997 Dodge RAM is attached to the top of the fuel tank, so you must disconnect the fuel tank to install a new fuel pump.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable with a socket wrench to ensure you dont inadvertently attempt to start the engine. Open the filler cap for the fuel tank to relieve the pressure in the fuel tank and remove the cap from the fuel pressure port on the fuel rail.

2

Attach a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel pressure port and place the open end of the pressure gauges hose into a gasoline container. Open the pressure gauge to relieve the fuel pressure in the fuel system. Remove the pressure gauge from the fuel pressure port and replace the cap.

3

Pump the fuel from the fuel tank into a gasoline container with a hose. Raise the vehicle with a floor jack and support it with jack stands. Disconnect the fuel line and electrical connection from the fuel gauge unit. Remove the mounting screws for the filler tube assembly with a socket wrench and disconnect the filler tube from the fuel tank.

4

Support the fuel tank with a transmission jack and remove the nuts for the fuel tanks mounting straps. Lower the tank slightly with the transmission jack so you can detach the fill hose and vent hose to the fuel tank. Remove the electrical connections for the fuel tank. Disconnect the evaporative emissions line and the fuel supply line. Remove the fuel tank from the vehicle.

5

Disconnect the fuel line to the fuel pump module. Clean the fuel tank around the fuel pump module with the shop towel to ensure that debris doesnt fall into the fuel tank when you replace the fuel pump.

6

Turn the locking ring for the fuel pump module counterclockwise with a socket wrench. Remove the locking ring from the fuel pump module, and clean the fuel filter at the bottom of the fuel pump module. Discard the gasket for the fuel pump module.

7

Install the new fuel pump module and its gasket by performing steps three through six in reverse. Tighten the locking ring for the fuel pump module to 40 ft-lbs. with a torque wrench. Fill the fuel tank with fuel and connect the negative terminal for the battery with a socket wrench.

The 1997 Isuzu Trooper was available in three trim levels: S, LS and Limited. All three were equipped with a 3.2-liter V-6 engine that produced 190-horsepower and 195 foot-pounds of torque. The 1997 Isuzu Trooper engine utilizes three different belts to propel the belt driven engine parts. The tension on the belt is controlled by the swivel mounting bracket on the power steering pump. Adjusting the power steering pump will tighten the serpentine belt.

Instructions

Power Steering Belt Adjustment

1

Open the hood on the Trooper and set the hood prop. Position your body near the power steering pump, in the front of the engine compartment.

2

Loosen the power steering pump swivel mounting bolt on the bottom of the pump using a ratchet and socket. Loosen the power steering pump adjuster bolt on the adjuster plate. Push the power steering pump upward using a small pry bar between the pump housing and the engine block if needed. Tighten the adjuster bolt while maintaining pressure upward on the pump.

3

Tighten the adjuster bolt to 34 foot-pounds using a 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench and socket. Tighten the bottom pump swivel mounting bolt to 34 foot-pounds.

4

Step to the drivers side of the truck and start the engine. Press the gas pedal slightly to increase the engine rpm. If the belt still makes a noise, inspect the belt tensioner plate. If the adjuster bolt is at the limit of its adjustment and you still have a belt squeal, the belt needs to be replaced. If the belt noise still exists and you have room for more adjustment, tighten the belt by repeating steps 2 and 3, until the belt squeal goes away.

Alternator Belt Adjustment

5

Loosen the fixing bolt and the lock bolt on the alternator using a ratchet and socket.

6

Rotate the adjuster bolt in the side of the adjuster to add tension to the alternator belt. Tighten the fixing bolt to 16 foot-pounds and the lock bolt to 17 foot-pounds, using a 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench and socket.

7

Proceed to the drivers side of the Trooper and start the engine. If the alternator belt still produces a squealing noise and the adjuster is set at its maximum adjustment, the belt needs to be replaced. If the belt makes a noise and there is more room for adjustment, readjust the belt using steps 1 and 2.

Air Conditioning Compressor Belt Adjustment

8

Loosen the lock bolt on the tensioner assembly. Rotate the adjuster bolt to tighten the tension on the A/C compressor belt.

9

Tighten the lock bolt to 37 foot-pounds with a 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench and socket.

10

Proceed to the drivers side of the Trooper and start the engine. If the air conditioning belt makes a squealing noise, shut the engine off and readjust the belt tighter using steps 1 and 2. If the tensioner is set to its maximum outward position, the belt needs to be replaced.

When the Toyota Tacoma was introduced in 1995, it featured front struts instead of shocks. The front struts are also erred to as coil over shocks because they are not attached to the integral knuckles of the truck. The true shocks on the Tacoma are in the rear, but older Toyota trucks also have shocks in the front. The difference between a shock and a strut is that the shock is a separate component from the coil spring; thus it doesnt require a spring compressor.

Instructions

1

Park your Toyota Tacoma on a flat, paved surface and place two wheel chocks in front of and behind one of the front tires.

2

Raise the rear of the Tacoma with a jack under the rear differential high enough to support it on jack stands placed under the rear axle, away from the shock bolts, nuts and steel brake lines. Leave the jack in place under the rear differential for added support but have the weight of the truck resting on the stands.

3

Put on safety glasses before crawling underneath the truck with the metric wrench set,

1/2-inch drive ratchet with shallow metric sockets and the replacement shocks.

4

Hold one of the lower shock bolt heads with a metric wrench in place and remove the nut with a ratchet and metric socket turned counterclockwise.

5

Repeat Step 4 for the upper shock and nut. If necessary, replace the nut onto the bolt and strike it with a hammer to loosen the bolts from the upper and lower shock mounts. Remove the nuts and bolts.

6

Replace the upper shock bolt and nut (with washers) onto the new shock and install it by reversing the removal procedure. Replace the lower next shock. This shock will have to be compressed in order to align the bottom bolthole to the mount so that the bolt can go through the hole correctly. Be sure to replace the washer onto the bolt. Tighten the lower nut with the ratchet and socket while holding the bolt head with a wrench.

7

Repeat Steps 4 through 6 for the other rear shock. Raise the truck with the jack, remove the jack stands then lower your Tacoma to the ground and remove the wheel chocks.

The knock sensor is responsible for monitoring the engine block for abnormal vibrations or internal components running out of balance. The sensor sends the information to the engine computer (ECU) and illuminates check engine light on the car, indicating the need for service. Replacement knock sensors are available from the dealer or most auto-parts stores. You need no special tools to replace your Nissan Pathfinders knock sensor.

Instructions

1

Locate the knock sensor on the back of the engine, just below the intake manifold. The sensor is a round, metal object with a single wire coming off its top.

2

Grasp the wire at the boot with your hand and pull it off the sensor. Set the wire off to one side and place a wrench on the hex portion of the sensor.

3

Rotate the sensor counterclockwise to remove it from the block. Discard the old sensor and thread a new one in its place.

4

Tighten the sensor until it is snug, using the wrench, then push the wire you removed from the old sensor onto the top of the new sensor. Do not use any thread-locking compound on the sensor, as it may affect its sensitivity and operation.

There are a few reasons why your transmission could fail on your 1997 Ford Explorer, but none is more common than the transmission fluid being too low. Many people think that they have a major issue with their transmission when it starts slipping. You can troubleshoot your transmission before you decide to take it in for major repair.

Instructions

1

Idle the vehicle for about 15 minutes until the engine is warm.

2

Park the vehicle and set the parking brake. Let the vehicle remain running.

3

Lift the hood on you Explorer and locate the transmission filler tube and dipstick. It is generally located on the drivers side of the engine in the rear. It will be labeled with the word "Transmission."

4

Pull out the dip stick and wipe it with the paper towel. Look at the lines on the dipstick to find "Add" and "Full Hot." Replace the dipstick into the tube and pull out again to check the level. A low transmission level can cause major problems. If the fluid is full and it smells burnt, then your transmission could need a major rebuild or replacement.

5

Turn off the vehicle and let it cool down.

6

Slide under the vehicle with the flashlight and find the transmission. You will know the transmission because you will see the dipstick tube attached to it. Shine your flashlight all around the transmission and look for any wire connections that have become detached. You can also check to see if you have any major leaks.

There are few things more uncomfortable than getting into your Blazer on a cold winter morning and realizing that you have no heat. Because you have to remove the dashboard to replace the heater core, it is often a costly repair. If you have time and patience, you can replace the heater core in your Chevy Blazer in an afternoon.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery prior to starting any work. You need to do this before performing any repairs on your Blazer to reduce the risk of shock or electrical shorts while you work.

2

Locate the heater core on the engine compartment side of the firewall. Disconnect the inlet and outlet heater hoses from the heater core and plug the open end of the hoses to prevent debris from entering the hoses while you are working.

3

Remove the lower dashboard panels from both the left and right sides by turning the retaining screws counterclockwise to remove them and then depress the clips to release the panels.

4

Locate the pivot bracket under the dashboard at both ends of the dash. Turn the bolts on the pivot bracket counterclockwise to remove them from the dash assembly. Turn the Torx screws on the pivot brackets counterclockwise to remove them from the bracket.

5

Lower the steering column from the dashboard by turning the four nuts counterclockwise to remove them from the firewall bracing.

6

Find the steel rod brace located just to the right of center at the bottom of the dashboard. Turn the bolt at the end of this brace counterclockwise using the appropriate socket to remove it from the dashboard.

7

Use a flat screwdriver to pry the speaker grilles and the defrost outlet out of the dashboard. This will expose a series of bolts that are hidden behind the grilles. Turn each of these bolts counterclockwise to remove them from the dash.

8

Hold the dashboard and allow it to tilt towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Disconnect the main electrical plug and the radio antenna.

9

Remove the steel rod brace from the heater core. Once this brace has been removed, use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the six screws that secure the heater core cover to the housing.

10

Remove the screws at the top and bottom of the straps attaching the heater core to the passenger compartment side of the firewall counterclockwise to remove the support straps.

11

Remove the screw from the center of the strap covering the tubes leading to the engine compartment. This is located at the top-left of the heater core. Once this screw is removed, you will be able to pull the faulty heater core from the firewall and install the new one.

12

Reverse all steps to install the new heater core.

The timing chain on a 3.1L Buick engine turns the crankshaft in synchronization to the camshaft rotation. This engine is known for its reliability, but after tens of thousands of miles the timing chain can simply stretch and fail. This can seriously damage the engine and affect performance. Plan accordingly, as the timing chain replacement procedure can require a good part of a day.

Instructions

1

Remove the engine front cover. Rotate the crankshaft until the timing marks are aligned with the crankshaft sprocket, camshaft sprocket locator hole and the engine block. The number one cylinder should be at top dead center (TDC).

2

Unscrew the camshaft sprocket bolt. Remove the camshaft sprocket and the timing chain. Remove the timing chain. Use a crankshaft sprocket remover to remove the crankshaft sprocket. Remove the timing chain dampener bolts. Remove the timing chain dampener.

3

Replace the timing chain. Install the crankshaft sprocket using a crankshaft sprocket installer. Apply GM EOS P/N 1052367 or equivalent to the sprocket thrust surface. Install the timing chain dampener to the block. Tighten the timing chain dampener bolts to 15 foot-pounds.

4

Align the crankshaft timing mark to the timing mark on the bottom of the chain dampener. Hold the camshaft sprocket with the chain hanging down and install the chain to the crankshaft gear. Align the timing mark on the camshaft gear (center line of the locator hole) with the timing mark on the top of the chain damper.

5

Remove the Crankshaft Sprocket Installer. Align the dowel in the camshaft with the dowel hole in the camshaft sprocket. Draw the camshaft sprocket onto the camshaft using the mounting bolt. Coat the crankshaft and camshaft sprocket with engine oil. Install the camshaft sprocket bolt. Tighten the bolt to 81 foot-pounds. Install the engine front cover.

Saturn produced the SC2 coupe from 1997 to 2002. The vehicle was available with either an 8-valve 85 horsepower engine or a 16-valve 124 horsepower engine. The solenoid is actually part of the starter, and the starter assembly has to be removed, repaired or replaced as a single unit. The neutral safety switch, which prevents the engine from starting if the automatic transmission is not in park or neutral, is also part of the starter assembly, as is the clutch start safety switch for manual transmissions.

Instructions

Removing the Starter Assembly

1

Loosen and remove the negative cable from the battery with a box or socket wrench. Raise the front end of your Saturn with a jack and lower it onto jack stands.

2

Spray all of the electrical connections on the starter assembly with penetrating oil. Leave the oil on for a few minutes so it has time to soak into the threads.

3

Put a piece of masking tape on each electrical wire. Note on the tape the wires position on the starter assembly, using the felt marker.

4

Loosen all of the electrical connections on the starter assembly with a wrench and remove the wires. Push the wires so they will not interfere with the repair.

5

Loosen and remove the lower starter mounting bolt with a wrench. Loosen and remove the upper starter motor bolt with an obstruction wrench. If you dont have an obstruction wrench, you can reach the bolt through an opening in the intake manifold support bracket, provided you have a long extension for the socket.

6

Loosen and remove the bolt holding the starter motor rear support bracket to the Saturns frame, using a wrench. Rotate the starter assembly until it will clear the axle shaft support bracket. Pull it to the rear and out.

Replacing the Starter Assembly

7

Raise the starter assembly into place. Install and tighten the rear support bracket bolt with a wrench.

8

Install the upper starter motor bolt and tighten with a wrench. Install the lower starter motor bolt and tighten with a wrench.

9

Attach the wires to their electrical connections and tighten with a wrench. Make sure all connectors are free of dirt and grease.

10

Test the starter solenoid assembly by turning the ignition to crank the engine over. Lift the vehicle up with the jack, remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground.

The manual windows in a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire use a plastic crank to move the regulator down, lowering the window. With age or due to abuse, the handle can break making it nearly impossible to roll down the window. Unlike some other vehicles, the 1997 Sunfires window handle is not secured by a bolt. The window handle on the Sunfire requires a careful hand to release the clip that secures the handle to the metal crank on the regulator.

Instructions

1

Crank the handle until it is facing upward, toward the window. This gives you the room needed to negotiate the tools.

2

Insert the window handle tool between the crank and the washer until it meets the small clip holding the handle to the regulator shaft. Press downward on the metal ears on the clip with the tool until the clip is free from the crank. If a tool is unavailable, you can use two small flathead screwdrivers, one on each ear, to remove the clip.

3

Pull the Sunfires window handle toward you and off of the door.

4

Place the metal clip through the slot on the rear of the new handle, just as it was placed on the new handle.

5

Line the rear of the new widow handle up with splined metal shaft protruding from where the old handle was and press the window handle onto the shaft. The shaft has a light taper, so the clip will engage automatically once the window crank is fully seated.

When the oxygen sensors in your 1997 RAV4 fail, you will find yourself paying significantly more at the fuel pumps until you replace it. The sensor regulates the engines fuel consumption based on the oxygen density of the exhaust. For the most cost-effective repair method, purchase replacement oxygen sensors from an auto-parts store. Change them at home for the cost of parts, saving the labor expense of a service center.

Instructions

1

Raise the RAV4 with a jack and insert a set of jack stands beneath the truck. Remove the jack when the jack stands are secure.

2

Pull the electrical connection apart to disconnect it from the top of the sensor. The sensors are threaded into the exhaust system on either side of the catalytic converter.

3

Remove the sensor with a ratchet equipped with an oxygen sensor socket. Install the new sensor by hand to avoid cross threading, which can damage the sensor and the mounting area. Press the electrical connection into place.

4

Repeat the process for the second sensor if needed. Raise the car with a jack to remove the jack stands. Return the RAV4 to the ground.

In the 1997 dodge Caravan, a single headlight bulb unit contains both the low-beam elements and the high-beam elements. That means theres only one bulb on the driver side and one on the passenger side. The benefit is there aer fewer bulbs to have to replace. The drawback is that, even if only one element burns out (the low-beam element or the high-beam element), you still need to replace the bulb for safetys sake. Headlights obviously enhance vision for nighttime driving, but they can also make your car more visible to other drivers during the day.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of your 1997 Dodge Caravan.

2

Locate the headlight assembly screw, at the top center of the assembly with the burned out headlight, then remove it with the ratchet and a socket.

3

Wiggle/jimmy the headlight assembly forward from the front of the Caravan far enough to reach behind and access the headlight bulb and wire connection.

4

Remove the wire connection from the base of the headlight.

5

Turn the base and retaining bezel of the headlight bulb counterclockwise to remove it from the headlight assembly. Remove and discard the old bulb.

6

Place the replacement 9007 bulb through the retaining bezel (make sure the threads of the bezel are pointed toward the direction of the bulb), then align the bezel and headlight into the headlight assembly. Do not allow bare skin (fingers) to contact the glass bulb portion of the replacement headlight. Skin oils and perspiration will overheat the glass, compromising the life of the replacement bulb.

7

Turn the bezel and headlight bulb base clockwise until it locks into place in the headlight assembly.

8

Reinsert the headlight assembly into position. Be sure to align the guide pins on the back of the assembly into their respective holders. Align the top of the assembly with the assembly screw hole, then replace the screw and tighten it with the ratchet and socket.