Monday, May 5, 2014
Where Is the OBD II on a 1999 Mercury Cougar
The 1999 Mercury Cougar has two engine options. The base engine is a 2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder, which produces 130 horsepower. The optional engine is a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter V-6. No matter the engine size, the 1999 Cougar has an on-board diagnostic (OBD) computer with an OBD-II port.
Location
The OBD-II port is sometimes difficult to find on certain vehicles. However, the Cougars OBD-II diagnostic port is easy to find. It is located on the drivers side, under the dashboard and to the drivers side of the steering wheel.
Function
The OBD-II port is where an OBD-II scanner can be plugged in. This scanner gathers all of the information from the vehicles computer and displays it on a screen. Some computers even have testing functions for certain components.
History
On-board diagnostics started back in 1982 in California when the California Air Resources Board began creating regulations that required all vehicles to have an on-board diagnostic system -- now known as OBD-I -- to sense emission system failures. In 1996 the Federal Government followed suit by making the more-universal OBD-II required on all vehicles.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Where Is the AC Condenser Located
An AC condenser is one of several parts that work together to form a vehicles AC system. Pressurized gases that have gone into the condenser come out of it as liquid rigerant and are then utilized by the rest of the system.
Location
An AC condenser looks somewhat like a radiator only a bit smaller. Although its location can vary according to vehicle type, its usually positioned slightly under the vehicles grill, with the radiator located right behind it.
Cooling
There are several benefits awarded to a condenser because of its location. When air flows through the grill of a vehicle, a condenser will use this to assist it with the cooling of rigerant. Its location near the radiators fan also brings about extra cooling assistance.
Collecting
An AC compressor is known to let out all kinds of debris when it is in use. Because of a condensers low position, it is able to effectively catch and collect much of this debris and oil before it has a chance to spread to other parts of the system.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Where Is the PCM on a Grand Am
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.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Where Are Intake Manifolds in Car Engines
On an automobile, the intake manifold is mounted to the engine block above the cylinder or port openings. Older intake manifolds are made of cast iron, but most new ones are plastic or die-cast aluminum.
Purpose on Older Engines
On older vehicles the intake manifold delivers the right mixture of air and fuel evenly to each of the cylinders. Heat vaporizes this mixture, providing optimum delivery in mist form.
Location on Older Engines
On an older engine, both sides are flanked by the valve covers, and its top is partially obstructed from view by the carburetor and air cleaner mounted above.
Purpose on Newer Engines
New engines have replaced the carburetor with a tuned-port injection system. Because these deliver the fuel directly to the ports, air and fuel no longer need to be mixed in the intake manifold. On these engines the purpose of the intake manifold is to deliver the proper amount of air to each of the ports, where it will be mixed with the fuel.
Location on Newer Engines
On newer engines, the intake manifold is connected to the ports on the engine. Hoses attached to the intake manifold are to operate vacuum systems such as brakes, cruise control and the air-conditioning. (See References 1)
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Where Is a Trucks U Joint
A U joint, or universal joint, is a type of connection used in many applications, but primarily in a car or trucks drivetrain. The universal joint takes its name from the ability of the joint to move in any direction.
Locating the U Joint
Most rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive trucks have two universal joints on each end of the driveshaft. The driveshaft runs from the transmission to the rear differential and works to convey power from the engine to the wheels.
U Joint Appearance
The universal joint itself is cross-shaped, but when connected, the joint is identified by the U-shaped end of the driveshaft where it connects to the U-shaped end of the transmission and rear differential.
Common Problems
As a universal joint wears out, it often will make a metallic thump when the truck is placed into drive or reverse. This is due to the driveshaft taking up the slack in the joint. Worn universal joints also may cause the driveshaft to spin out of balance. An out of balance driveshaft may vibrate when the transmission is engaged.