Fix It

Removing the shifters from the floor of your Jeep Grand Cherokee for replacement or to access another part of the Jeep requires the removal of the center console. The bolts that secure the shifters are under the console and you cannot get to them with the console in place. The shifters are both mounted in on a bracket so they must be removed as a single unit and replacing one means replacing both. Replacement shifter assemblies are available from the Jeep dealerships parts department or you may find a used assembly from a salvage yard in like new condition, saving you money.

Instructions

1

Sit in the drivers seat of your Jeep and set the parking brake. Insert the ignition key into the ignition and turn the key just far enough to unlock the transmission. Depress the brake pedal and shift the transmission all the way to the rear then turn the key back to lock.

2

Lift the rubber mat out of the front bin in the console, exposing the retaining screws under it. Remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver and set them aside.

3

Open the armrest on the console and locate the two screws in the base of the compartment. Remove the two screws with a Phillips screwdriver and set them aside. Slide the rear cup holders out to allow you to access the two screws under the rear of the console.

4

Remove the rear retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Lift the console up and over the shifters then set it aside.

5

Locate the two cables coming to the front of the transmission and transfer case shifts and pry the retaining clips up and off the bracket with a small pry bar. Using a screwdriver, pop the shift cable off the side of the shifter on both sides then lay the cables aside.

6

Remove the four retaining bolts that secure the shifters and bracket to the floor of the Jeep with a socket and ratchet. Lift the entire assembly straight off the mounting studs and remove it from the Jeep.

Replacing the washer fluid pump in a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix can help increase visibility through your windshield. The process of replacing the pump should take no more than a half-hour, and you can purchase the tools and materials your need at an auto parts store.

Instructions

1

Open the hood. Remove the washer fluid tank bolts with a 3/8-inch drive ratchet and socket.

2

Pull the entire washer bottle assembly out from under the hood. Detach the hoses from the bottle. Do this gently, so as not to stretch or rip the lines.

3

Remove the old washer fluid pump by pulling it upward toward the top of the washer fluid bottle. The pump is locked in place by the washer fluid bottle itself.

4

Install the new washer fluid pump onto the bottle.

5

Reinstall the washer fluid bottle hoses. Reattach the washer fluid reservoir to the vehicle.

Replacing the flasher in your Jeep Cherokee may be necessary if the turn signals or the emergency flashers stop working. The flasher controls both operations, and if it fails it usually stops working completely. Replacement flashers are readily available from any auto parts store or Jeep dealer. The flasher is buried behind the fuse panel, so it will take a little time to reach but the whole job shouldnt take more than about an hour for most experienced DIY mechanics.

Instructions

1

Open the drivers door of your Jeep and locate the access panel for the fuse box on the end of the dash. Remove the fuse box access panel by unsnapping it from the right cowl side trim panel.

2

Remove the nut securing the right cowl side trim to the junction block stud with a socket and ratchet. The nut is near the center of the fuse block.

3

Remove the two screws along the edge of the right cowl side trim to the right of the fuse box using a Phillips screwdriver. Set the screws aside.

4

Pull the trim panel off and locate the flasher inside the junction block. Unplug the combination flasher from the junction block.

5

Push the new flasher into the block. Position the trim panel back in place. Install the retaining screws along the right side of the fuse box and tighten them with a screwdriver.

6

Install the nut in the center of the fuse block. Tighten it with a socket and ratchet. Snap the access cover onto the fuse panel. Close the door of the Jeep.

Removing the glove box from the dashboard of your Jeep Grand Cherokee may be necessary if you are working on something behind the dashboard or if the glove box has damage to it that requires replacement of the entire assembly. You will not need any tools to remove the glove box, and the entire process takes just a few minutes to complete. Replacement components and assemblies are available from the parts department at any Jeep dealer.

Instructions

1

Open the glove box until the stops on the back edge are resting against the rubber stop bumpers in the upper glove box opening. Reach into the glove box and, with the middle finger of each hand, push the rubber flap on the two glove box stop bumpers toward the front of the vehicle.

2

Roll the glove box door down until the stops on the back edge of the glove box pass through the openings in the upper glove box opening. Grasp both ends of the glove box door, then twist and pull the door as necessary to disengage the inboard hinge hook from the inboard hinge pin on the dashboard.

3

Raise the glove box door until it is perpendicular to the instrument panel then twist the door slightly counterclockwise and shake the door slightly to disengage the remaining two hinge hooks from the instrument panel.

4

Pull the glove box straight out of the dashboard. Set it aside in a safe place so you can reinstall it later if you will be reusing it.

The Pontiac Grand Am has many parts incorporated in its design. Locating a large part is simple because it stands out. However, if youre trying to locate the Powertrain Control Module, this may cause a level of difficulty.

Significance of PCM

The PCM is an electrical computer that stabilizes the many sensors that your Pontiac Grand Am has. Without the PCM, things such as coolant malfunctions and overheating would occur.

Location of the PCM

The PCM on any Pontiac Grand Am is located behind the glove box. You must remove the screws attaching the glove box to physically see the PCM. Use caution if youre going to remove the glove box door.

Problem With Your PCM

If you are aware that the PCM is damaged or malfunctioning on your Pontiac Grand Am, see a professional mechanic or Pontiac car dealer about fixing it. Any electrical component of a vehicle must be handled by a professional to ensure safety of both you and your vehicle.

The Dodge Caravan is a family minivan made by Chrysler since 1984. The Grand Caravan has a longer wheelbase than the Caravan and most often has a 6-cylinder, 3.3-liter engine. The water pump in the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan is attached to the front of the engine and receives power from the engine with a belt and pulley. The replacement of the water pump in this vehicle also requires you to drain the radiator.

Instructions

1

Allow the engine to cool completely to ensure the coolant will not cause injury. Remove the negative battery cable with a socket wrench to prevent anyone from starting the engine inadvertently.

2

Place a drain pan beneath the drain hole for the radiator. Remove the radiator drain plug to drain the coolant into the drain pan. Replace the radiator drain plug.

3

Disconnect the right splash shield from the engine with a socket wrench and remove the accessory drive belt. Unfasten the mounting bolts for the water pump pulley and position the pulley between the drive hub and the water pump. Remove the mounting bolts for the water pump and detach the water pump from the engine.

4

Install a new seal into the housing groove on the new water pump. Mount the new water pump to the engine and torque the mounting bolts to 105 in.-lbs. with a torque wrench. Fasten the mounting bolts for the water pump pulley and tighten them to 250 in.-lbs. Turn the water pump manually to ensure it rotates freely.

5

Install the accessory drive belt and right splash shield for the engine. Connect the cable for the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench. Fill the radiator with coolant and start the engine. Check and correct any leaks in the cooling system.

If you have ever wondered what you would have to do to remove the rear seat from your 2001 Grand Am, then the answer is, "not very much." The rear seats in a 2001 Grand Am are held in by clips and nuts that you can easily access. Whether you are modifying your car, or if you would like to do some thorough cleaning, you will be more successful if you know exactly how to remove your seats before you start your project.

Instructions

1

Remove the bottom section. Lift up the bottom cushion at the two front corners. Two clips that hold the cushion on are now accessible and can be detached. Slide the cushion forward and out.

2

Remove the top section. Remove the two nuts that are located at the bottom corners of the top portion of the seat. Pull the seat so that the tabs where the nuts were can be clear of the studs. Pull the seat up and toward the front of the car so that the upper clips will become disconnected. The top portion of the seat can now be removed.

3

Clean up any mess. There will likely be a lot of built-up dirt and messes underneath the seat cushions. Keep some cleaning supplies handy for this.

Replacing the entire exhaust, from the catalytic converter to the tail pipe, on the Jeep Grand Cherokee can be done in a few simple steps. The system can be changed to add a performance exhaust or to just replace a damaged or rusted exhaust system. The catalytic converter does not need to be changed unless it is damaged or if you are interested in adding a high flow catalytic converter on the Jeep. There are many different systems out there that will add performance, durability and longevity to your exhaust system.

Instructions

1

Raise the Jeep off the ground using a jack and support the Jeep on all four corners with a set of jack stands. Be sure you are working on level, solid ground, before raising the Jeep, to prevent the jack stands or the Jeep from moving while you are working under it.

2

Locate the rubber hanger that supports the tail pipe behind the rear axle. Push the pin on the tail pipe out of the hanger and let the tail pipe hang down.

3

Move up to the muffler and locate the joint between the catalytic converter and the muffler. It will have an exhaust clamp holding the two pipes together.

4

Loosen the bolt on the exhaust clamp with a wrench or socket and ratchet and slide the two pipes apart. They may not come apart easily, so wiggle or turn the muffler to help free the pipe.

5

Slide the exhaust pipe and muffler out from under the Jeep as a unit and discard. Position the new exhaust system into place under the Jeep and lift it up, sliding the tail pipe over the top of the rear axle.

6

Slide the new muffler onto the pipe at the back of the catalytic converter, making sure it is completely on the pipe. If you do not get it all the way into place, the rear hanger will not line up.

7

Lift the tail pipe up and slide the pin on the tail pipe into the rubber exhaust hanger. Move forward and install a new exhaust clamp on the pipe that connects the catalytic converter to the muffler.

8

Tighten the nuts on the clamp with a wrench or socket and ratchet. Remove the jack stands from under the Jeep and lower the Jeep to the ground with your jack.