Fix It

Car keys come in various forms depending on the make, model and year of your vehicle. Newer-model cars feature keys equipped with computer chips that correspond to the computer chip in your specific vehicle. Older-model vehicles do not have computer chips in the keys. If you lose your car key, you have two options: call the dealership of your vehicle or call a professional locksmith.

Instructions

1

Locate your cars vehicle identification number (VIN). VINs are recorded in your original vehicle paperwork, on your insurance information, and on your vehicle registration and title. You can also locate your VIN by looking at the bottom left side of your windshield or at the drivers door panel.

2

Call the dealership specific to your vehicles make, or call any professional locksmith. Both are equipped to make replacement keys for vehicles with and without computer chips in the keys.

3

Provide the locksmith/dealership with your VIN. The VIN states the specifics of your car, such as whether or not the key needs programming, and the cut of your key to make it match your car.

4

Pay for your new keys and the service of either the dealership or locksmith.

In the early 1900s, people had to start their vehicles by turning a large crank at the front of the vehicle. In 1911, Cadillac approved Charles F. Ketterings design of the electric starter for its 1912 model year cars. Replacing a starter can be a difficult task in some vehicles, and it can be frustrating when the car does not start after all of your work. There are four main reasons for your car not cranking when you just got a new starter for it.

Incorrect Wiring

There are three wires that connect to the rear of the starter solenoid on most cars. If you forgot to label these wires and incorrectly reinstalled them, the starter will not work at all. Double-check the wiring of the starter against a wiring schematic for the starting system and adjust it, as needed.

Electrical Shorts

Any time you replace any electrical component on your vehicle that has constant voltage from the battery, you must disconnect the battery prior to servicing it. If you left the battery connected while installing the starter, it is possible for you to unintentionally touch the power and ground cables together. This may cause a short inside the battery or in the wiring, resulting in the car not starting. Check the voltage coming into the starter, using a voltmeter. If little or no voltage comes into the starter, inspect the wires and battery for shorts.

Misdiagnosis

It is possible that the starter was not the problem to begin with. If not correctly diagnosed, it is easy to mistake many other problems with starter failure. Some problems that result in similar symptoms as a failed starter include, but are not limited to: failed ignition switch, discharged battery, loose battery cables, security system failure, failed starter solenoid (if separate) or damaged flywheel or flexplate.

Faulty Starter

When the manufacturer builds a new starter or rebuilds an old starter, it tests the starters prior to shipping them to retail stores or end-users. This testing typically catches any failed starters prior to shipment, but human error does allow for a small percentage of failed starters to ship out. After checking the areas described in the three previous sections, remove the starter and take it to a local parts store to have it tested. In the future, have all electro-mechanical components tested before installing them.

If you have a car that has front-wheel drive, chances are you have struts on the front-end suspension. Struts are a combination of various front-end components that includes shock absorbers, coil spring, steering knuckles, spring seats and strut bearings.

Struts Identified

Struts are the connecting link between the upper strut bearing and the lower ball joint. Struts are usually gas charged, and they absorb the wear and tear of over-the-road travel. Over time struts wear out and need to be replaced. The front end of a vehicle should be examined by a professional mechanic before making a final decision.

Signs of Wear

Signs that your car might need new struts include bottoming out on bumps, cupped tire wear, swaying and obsessive bouncing. If you believe your struts are bad, you should have the vehicle checked by an experienced front-end or suspension mechanic. After struts are changed a new front wheel alignment is usually necessary.

Actual Cost

According to Cost Helper, replacing struts cost between $300 and $700, including the price of labor. If you have a luxury car the price goes up to between $700 and $1,000; and if that luxury car is a Lexus the cost can still rise even more.