Fix It

The PCV, or positive crankcase ventilation valve, on the 3.0-liter engine in your Ford Taurus requires attention from time to time. As the valve gets old, it will allow oil and vapors from inside the engine to leak out. The PCV system removes excess pressure and unburned gases from inside the engine, recirculating the gases through the engine to be burned and expelled out of the exhaust. This decreases the emissions from the tailpipe and allows your car to run cleaner.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of your Taurus and locate the PCV valve on the top of the valve cover. The PCV valve looks like an L-shaped fitting plugged into the top of the valve cover and has a large hose attached to it.

2

Grasp the PCV valve and pull it straight out of the valve cover grommet. Grasp the hose on the end of the valve and separate it from the valve. Lay the hose aside for now.

3

Discard the old PCV valve, then insert the end of the new valve into the end of the rubber vacuum hose that you removed from the old valve. You may need to twist it a little to get it to slide in place.

4

Push the new PCV valve into the grommet on the top of the valve cover. Make sure it seats completely in the grommet so oil does not blow past it. Close the hood.

The standard layout for automotive PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valves was developed when rear-wheel-drive vehicles were the only kind on the road. The PCV concept became common in all internal combustion engines, including those in front-wheel-drive cars. The 2000 Chevrolet Lumina is a front-wheel drive vehicle with a sideways ("transverse mounted") engine. The emissions control system in the Lumina engine is basically the same as in other cars, but the PCV valve is placed in a different location than on other vehicles. Locating the PCV valve on a 2000 Chevrolet Lumina takes just a few minutes and no tools.

Instructions

1

Remove the engine cover, if one is present. Disconnect the oil filler tube by grasping it firmly and rotating it counterclockwise. The tube will lift out at that point, and the cover will pull right off.

2

Disconnect the vacuum tubing from the PCV valve on the 3.1-liter engine. The PCV valve is positioned on the passengers side of the engine along the back firewall. You will notice the tubing connecting to the top rear corner of the valve cover. That is the vacuum tubing. The PCV valve pops out when pulled. Inspect the unit and replace as necessary.

3

Disconnect the MAP sensor on the 3.8-liter engine to access the PCV valve. The sensor is positioned to the left of the spark plug wires just in front of the alternator as you look at the engine. The MAP sensor sits on top of the PCV cover. Unclip the sensor. Twist the cover about 1/8-turn and pull it free. The PCV valve sits in the housing and just pulls out. Remove and inspect the unit. Replace as necessary. Installation is the reverse of removal.

The car alarm on your 2000 Windstar minivan is wired into your vans battery. When you are making a repair to your car such as a battery change out your alarm can go off. You can easily disable the Windstars car alarm by disconnecting the battery from the alarm. The battery is connected to the Windstar batterys negative terminal. Disconnecting the terminal from the battery will disable the alarm.

Instructions

1

Raise the hood of the Windstar to gain access to the battery.

2

Loosen the negative battery terminal labeled with a "-" with a socket wrench.

3

Disconnect the terminal from the battery to disable the alarm system.

Ford introduced the Mustang in 1964 and it has since remained one of the best-selling sports cars on the market. The Mustang entered its eighth generation in 1999 and remained basically the same until Ford rolled out the ninth generation in 2005. The 2000 Mustang came in convertible and coupe trims with either a 3.8-liter, V-6 engine or a 4.6-liter, V-8 engine. The bolt-torque specs for the intake manifold were the same for coupes and convertibles with the V-6 engine, regardless of the transmission.

Torque Basics

In general terms, torque is the amount of force applied to twist or turn an object. It is often given in foot-pounds, with the measurement equaling the pounds of force applied at the end of a lever of a given length. For instance, 100 foot-pounds equals 100 pounds of pressure applied to a foot-long wrench. Larry Carley, the Technical Editor for the website "Underhood Service," recommends that bolts should be cleaned and lightly lubricated with clean motor oil before tightening them because any debris on the bolts or in the bolt fixtures could cause additional friction and thus increase the amount of torque necessary for an ideal fitting. It is extremely difficult to gauge torque by touch. Most mechanics use torque wrenches to ensure that the proper amount of torque is applied, as over-tightening a bolt can be just as bad as not tightening a bolt enough and cause the bolt to snap.

Torque Specs for the Upper Intake Manifold

All bolts in the upper intake manifold of the 2000 V-6 Ford Mustang engine must be tightened in three steps. First, tighten each bolt with 53 inch-pounds of torque. Next, tighten each bolt to 71 inch-pounds of torque. Finally, rotate each bolt an additional 90 degrees.

Torque Specs for the Lower Intake Manifold

The bolts in the lower intake manifold of the 2000 V-6 Ford Mustang engine must be tightened in two steps. First, tighten each bolt to 44 inch-pounds of torque. Second, tighten each bolt to 89 inch-pounds of torque. In addition, "The Motor Repair Manual" for 2000 recommends applying beads of silicon gasket sealant to the gasket of the lower intake manifold.

First introduced in 1995, Outback is a crossover automobile with four wheel drive manufactured by Subaru and sold worldwide. All Outback crossovers require periodic adjustment, often erred to as "alignment." The factory specifications for the alignment are the same for all 2000 Outback models. These specifications are given for a vehicle at curb height with one-half tank of fuel.

Camber

Measured in degrees, camber is the outward or inward tilt of the wheel in relation to the center of the vehicle. The Outback camber angle should be the same on both left and right wheels. Camber angles must be +0.20 degrees with the measuring accuracy of 0.30 degrees on the front wheels and -0.35 degrees with the measuring accuracy of 0.45 degrees on the rear wheels.

Caster

Caster is both the rearward and the forward tilt of the steering knuckle from the true vertical. Caster is the measurement in angles that is responsible for directional stability. The Outback caster angle should be the same on both rear and front wheels. The angle must be +2.50 degrees with the maximum allowable difference of 1.0 degree.

Toe

Toe is the difference between the leading and trailing inside edges of the front wheels. Total toe angles on the Outback models must be +0.00 degrees with measuring range of 0.20 degrees. Toe-in specification should be set at 0 mm with maximum allowable difference of 3.0 mm.

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 oxygen sensor is an integral part of your Dakotas emissions system. It monitors the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. When an O2 sensor fails, your Dakota may hesitate or your fuel mileage may noticeably decrease. If your Check Engine light comes on, the O2 sensor may be to blame. Most auto parts stores will scan the computer for you to determine the problem at no cost. Purchase replacement sensors from an auto parts store or Dodge dealership.

Instructions

1

Lift your Dakota using a jack. Secure the truck on a set of jack stands so that you can comfortably work under it.

2

Locate the downstream oxygen sensor on the pipe behind the catalytic converter, running beside the frame rail. Disconnect the wiring from the sensor by pulling it straight out of the connector. Remove the O2 sensor using an oxygen sensor socket and a ratchet.

3

Install the replacement sensor with the oxygen sensor socket and the ratchet, turning it clockwise until it is secure. Torque the sensor to 22 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Connect the wiring harness to the sensor by plugging it into the connection on the sensor.

4

Locate the upstream O2 sensors on either side of the transmission oil pan. There is an exhaust pipe running on each side of the pan with sensors in each one. Disconnect the wiring harness from each of the sensors then remove the sensors with the oxygen sensor socket and ratchet.

5

Install the new sensors in each location using the oxygen sensor ratchet. Torque the sensors to 22 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Attach the wiring harness to the sensors by plugging them straight into the connections on the sensors.

6

Raise the vehicle up with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground.

Removing the trans axle from a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu is a challenging task that may be accomplished in a well equipped home shop. According to Robert Kautz of ACE Automotive, the job will require an experienced mechanic with a full complement of general automotive repair tools and supplies as well as the special tools listed below. Read the procedure through before starting and wear safety glasses at all times.

Instructions

Preparation

1

Park the vehicle on a level surface. Use the floor jacks to lift it and place the car on the jack stands. Raise it high enough that you can comfortably work on top and get underneath. Be sure all stands are solidly engaged on a firm surface. Try to shake the car, if there is any movement, re-set the stands. Do not get under the vehicle until you are sure it is stable. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

2

Use the lengths of rope to secure the radiator and air conditioning condenser. Loop the rope around the units on each side and tie them off using the hood bumpers. Remove the air cleaner box and hose.

3

Attach the engine hoist or support fixture to the engine lifting tabs and adjust so that the full weight of the engine will be supported at all times. You will be removing the bottom engine supports with the transaxle.

Removal

4

Label and disconnect all electrical connections to the engine. Disconnect the shift cable from the transaxle. Remove the harnesses from their brackets on the transaxle and tuck them out of the way.

5

Remove the three engine to transaxel bolts from the top. Loosen the front wheel lugs and drive axel hub nuts. Remove the inner fender splash shields. Use the ball joint tool to separate the control arm balljoints from the steering knuckles to facilitate axel removal. Disconnect the tie rod ends from the steering linkage.

6

Disconnect and label the remaining electrical connectors under the vehicle. Detach them from the brackets on the subframe. Remove the bracket that connects the transaxel to the engine. Remove the bolts securing the torque converter cover and remove the cover. Remove the starter motor. Mark the driveplate and torque converter to indicate their position relative to each other and use the offset box wrench and flywheel tool to remove the bolts connecting the two.

7

Use the flare nut wrenches as necessary to remove all cooler and brake lines obstructing the removal process. Plug the lines to prevent leaks. Disconnect the power steering lines and remove the bolt securing the line on the right side of the subframe. Remove the panel supporting the radiator and condenser.

8

Remove the three transaxle mounts. Position two floor jacks under the transaxel subframe and remove the mounting bolts. Remove the subframe slowly. Remove the left bracket to transaxle mounting bolts and the heater core bracket bolt. Remove the remaining bolts holding the transaxle to the engine.

9

Use the transmission jack to slide the transaxle to the left and lower it slowly.

The Saturn L-Series was a family of mid-size sedans and station wagons that General Motors produced from 2000 to 2005. The LS model was a sedan with a four-cylinder, 2.2-liter engine. The 2000 Saturn LS had an anti-lock braking system as a standard feature, which includes a brake control module, or BCM. The BCM has a microprocessor that calculates the braking power for each wheel during an emergency stop. The BCM in a Saturn LS is a black box in the engine compartment near the dash on the drivers side that can be replaced in a few simple steps.

Instructions

1

Turn the ignition off. Clean the BCM and surrounding area with a shop cloth to prevent contamination of the ABS when you remove the BCM.

2

Detach the electrical connector from the BCM. Remove the four retaining bolts that attach the BCM to the brake pressure modulator valve with a socket wrench. Pull the BCM carefully away from the valve.

3

Clean the the valve with a shop cloth and denatured alcohol to prevent contamination of the new BCM. Mount the new BCM to the valve and align the electrical terminals for the BCM and the valve.

4

Install the four retaining bolts that fasten the BCM to the valve. Tighten the bolts to 27 inch-pounds with a torque wrench. Attach the electrical connector to the BCM.

Removing the alternator from the engine of your Jeep will allow you to have the unit tested if you are experience changing-system problems. If you are working on other components on the front of the engine, the alternator may need removing for access to other parts. Whatever the reason for removing it, you can take the alternator off the bracket and out of the engine compartment in about 20 to 30 minutes with basic hands tools.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of your Jeep and locate the negative battery cable end on the negative battery terminal. Remove the retaining bolt from the battery cable end with a wrench, then remove the cable from the battery.

2

Locate the serpentine belt tensioner on the front of the engine and place a socket and breaker bar on the axis bolt, the bolt in the center of the idler pulley, then rotate the tensioner counterclockwise. Remove the belt from the alternator pulley, then rotate the tensioner back to the home position and remove the breaker bar.

3

Locate the electrical connector on the top of the alternator, depress the locking tab and pull it out of the connector on the alternator body. Lay the connector aside for now. Locate the second connector on the rear of the alternator. Remove the retaining nut from the terminal with a socket and ratchet, then remove the wire from the terminal.

4

Remove the upper mounting bolt from the alternator with a socket and ratchet. Set the bolt aside for reuse later.

5

Locate and remove the lower mounting bolt from the alternator with a socket and ratchet, then lift the alternator off the mounting bracket and out of the engine compartment.

To replace the mirror on a 2000 Chevy Cavalier, you must remove the interior door panel. Cavaliers in this model-year were equipped with either manual or power windows. The procedure for removing the door panel differs between the two variations. While replacing a mirror is not a common repair, doing it yourself will save time and money.

Instructions

1

Open the door of your 2000 Chevy Cavalier that requires mirror replacement.

2

Power the window down if the Cavalier is so equipped. If it has manual windows, after rolling the window down, use the window crank snap ring tool to dislodge the snap ring from under the crank handle. Align the tool so it is parallel to the window crank then push the blade between the crank and the door panel. The snap ring will pop off or even fly off. To prevent losing it, place a hand in front of the base of the window crank to catch it or prevent it from flying off.

3

Remove the six retaining screws on the door panel with the Phillips head screwdriver. One is located on the side view mirror sail (on the interior side opposite the mirror), two are in the door pull cup, two are on the bottom edge of the door panel, and the last one is on the outer lower edge of the door panel.

4

Use a metric Allen wrench to loosen the set screw then disconnect the power mirror control module on the inside of the side view mirror sail. Set the mirror sail aside.

5

Unclip the inner snap retainers holding the door panel to the door frame (starting at the bottom) with a trim panel pry tool. Work the pry tool up both sides of the door frame once the bottom panel is released.

6

Lift the door panel slightly upward then slightly outward to release it from the upper lip of the door frame.

7

Reach behind the panel and disconnect the power door lock wire harness connection by pulling the release tab back with a finger. Set the door panel aside.

8

Lift up the release tab on the power mirror wire harness connection, if so equipped, using a flat head screwdriver, then pull the two plugs apart.

9

Remove the three 10 mm retaining nuts on the side view mirror with a ratchet and socket. Keep your hand under the mirror when removing the last nut so the old mirror does not fall and scratch the exterior door paint.

10

Pull the powered mirror wire harness, if so equipped, through the access hole and remove the old mirror.

11

Reverse the removal procedure to install the replacement mirror.

Properly speaking, there are two fairings on the front of a 2000 FLHTCU. The big batwing that protects you from the wind when you get in the wind is the outer fairing. It, with the windshield, attaches to the rest of the chassis with a total of seven screws. Once it comes off the inner fairing remains. The inner fairing holds the instruments, radio, stereo speakers and other amenities Harley sells with Electra Glides. It is also easily removed by unfastening just four screws. There are a few steps before a rider can reach those last four screws, however.

Instructions

1

Drape a folded blanket over the front fender and wheel to protect the finish.

2

Loosen and remove the three Torx screws just below the windshield in front of the fairing and the two screws just outside and below the speakers inside the fairing with a Torx head driver.

3

Expose the two outer fairing screws just below the fairing cap on the right and left side by turning the handlebars all the way to the left and all the way to the right. Loosen and remove both of them with a Torx head driver.

4

Remove the wire connector at the back of the headlamp assembly by simultaneously squeezing both sides of the connector with your fingers and pulling. Straddle the front of the bike and lift the fairing off with both hands to expose all the wiring harness connections beneath. Lift the loose windshield off the front of the motorcycle.

5

Pull the turn signal connectors apart into halves. Pull the passing light connector apart into halves.

6

Unfasten the passing light bracket from the forks with a Torx head driver and remove the passing light assembly.

7

Turn the ignition key left to "unlock." Turn the cam shaped ignition knob right to "access."

8

Slide a small screwdriver under the ignition knob and push up the release button under the left side of the knob. Push the key down, turn the knob left and lift the knob off the rest of the ignition switch to expose the switch post and switch nut.

9

Loosen the switch nut with a small combination wrench and pull the nut, spacer and collar off the switch post. Pull the broad chrome skirt on the bottom of the inner fairing up and off.

10

Loosen the clutch cable adjuster nut and the clutch cable adjuster lock nut on the clutch cable near the left down tube with two combination wrenches. Completely slacken the clutch cable.

11

Remove the clutch control pivot pin and retaining ring with a flathead screwdriver. Loosen the clutch lever bracket with a Torx head driver and remove the clutch lever from the bracket.

12

Disconnect the clutch cable from the end of the clutch lever. Feed the clutch cable through the weatherproof grommet in the bottom middle of the inner fairing.

13

Cut a small square from a typical, 1/8 inch thick cardboard, produce box and insert the square between the front brake lever and the brake lever housing to protect the stop signal plunger from damage. Remove the switch housing and master cylinder from the right side of the handlebars with a Torx head driver.

14

Pull the throttle off the right end of the handlebars using a flathead screwdriver. Disconnect the idle and throttle cables wrapped around the inside end of the throttle.

15

Feed the idle and throttle cables through the weatherproof grommet in the bottom middle of the inner fairing.

16

Disconnect the cigarette lighter from the exposed wiring harness. Loosen and remove the six speaker adapter screws with a Torx head driver. Remove the speaker adapters.

17

Disconnect the fuel gauge and voltmeter from the exposed wiring harness. Loosen the four screws that hold the inner fairing to the fairing bracket with a Torx head driver.

18

Pull the bottom of the inner fairing and slide it off the mounting pegs. Pull the bottom of the fairing mounting bracket to free it from the mounting pegs.

19

Pull the inner fairing from the mounting bracket and remove the inner fairing.