Fix It

Honda introduced the mid-sized complement to its compact Civic -- the Honda Accord in the 1976 model year. The Accord began its life as a feature-packed vehicle for its era sporting high-end elements, such as an AM-FM stereo, rear defroster and a remote hatch release. The 2001 Accord EX came standard with a wide array of features including an AM-FM stereo with a 6-disc CD player. An anti-theft system protected the stereo by locking the stereo from working when it lost power until you entered a five-digit code. If youve lost the code, contact the dealership with the radios serial number to get the code.

Instructions

Entering the Radio Code

1

Insert the key in the Accords ignition and turn it to the "Acc" or "On" position.

2

Turn the radio on by pressing the volume button, if needed.

3

Observe as "Code" appears on the radios display.

4

Enter the five-digit code from the radio code card the dealership provided with the vehicle, by pressing the corresponding preset buttons on the radio. If entered correctly, the radio begins to play. If the radio does not play, turn the Accord off and retry from Step 3. If you do not have the five digit code, see the section titled "Obtaining a Lost Radio Code."

5

Turn the Accord off.

Obtaining a Lost Radio Code

6

Turn the Accords ignition to the "Acc" or "On" position.

7

Press and hold the number 1 and 6 preset buttons and turn on the radio by pressing the volume button on the radio.

8

Observe as four digits appear on the radios screen, make note of these numbers. After five seconds, a second set of four numbers appears on the screen, write down these numbers. All eight numbers make up the radios eight-digit serial number.

9

Take the eight-digit serial number to a Honda dealership to obtain the radio code.

The drive cycle is a process where the vehicle is driven from a cold start and operated for a specific period of time, and at certain speeds, in order to allow the powertrain control module, or PCM, to perform certain diagnostic procedures and gather performance data. In order to reset the process and start from the beginning of the drive cycle, a number of steps must be completed. Failure to follow the specific procedure for resetting the drive cycle can delay the programming and configuration of certain modules, as well as alter previously gathered diagnostic data.

Instructions

1

Fill the fuel tank at least 15 percent full, but no more than 85 percent full. Having the tank too low or completely full will prevent the PCM from properly completing the drive cycle.

2

Park the vehicle and turn off the engine. Turn the ignition on and connect a scan tool to the vehicle. Clear any existing diagnostic trouble codes from the PCMs memory.

3

Turn the ignition completely off and allow the vehicle to cool for at least eight hours. The engine and the vehicle must be at room temperature to ensure a cold start at the beginning of the drive cycle. This can take up to eight hours.

4

Start the engine and confirm that the malfunction indicator lamp, or MIL, is not illuminated. Immediately turn off all accessories, such as the air conditioner and blower fan. The vehicle is now ready to begin a fresh OBD-II drive cycle.

There are two oxygen sensors integrated into the exhaust system of the 2001 Saturn SL. The sensors help the 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine generate an ideal fuel-to-air ratio for optimum emissions. One sensor is located near the manifold and monitors this mixture. If the mixture becomes compromised (too much air makes the mix too lean; too much fuel makes the mix too rich), the sensor transmits a trouble code to the computer in the car. The rear sensor monitors the efficiency of the catalytic converter, which filters the harmful exhaust gases and converts them into less-harmful emissions.

Instructions

Upstream Sensor

1

Start the engine of the Saturn on a level ground for at least five minutes to warm the engine. This will help expand the metal of the manifold and sensor junction. Be caul and dont let it run too long, because it wont take long for the manifold and sensor to get hot enough to burn you.

2

Open the hood and locate the upstream sensor at the bottom of the manifold in the front of the engine. Disconnect the wire harness plug connection.

3

Spray penetrating lubricant along the threads of the sensor where it screws into the manifold and allow it to soak in for a few minutes.

4

Place the socket onto the ratchet and place the sensor wire into the slot of the socket (or feed the wire through the box end of a 22mm wrench) and turn the sensor counterclockwise to remove it from the manifold.

5

Inspect the new sensor before inserting it into the port hole in the manifold. Most quality aftermarket sensors have a light coat of high-temperature anti-seize compound on the threads of the sensor. If there is none on the threads, apply a very light coat to the threads only. Avoid getting any on the sensor itself.

6

Thread the sensor into the manifold porthole by hand, then tighten snugly. Do not over-tighten the sensor or youll strip the few threads it has and will ruin it. Plug the wire from the new sensor back into the wire-harness connector.

Downstream Sensor

7

Park the Saturn on a hard, level surface and then apply the parking brake (after warming the engine for five minutes; again, this will expand the metal of the exhaust pipe and sensor junction). Use the vehicle jack to lift the front of the Saturn, one front quarter panel at a time, high enough to place a jack stand under each front frame rail.

8

Put on safety glasses and crawl underneath the Saturn with the remaining items.

9

Locate the downstream sensor near the catalytic converter (in the center of the undercarriage under the front seats of the passenger cab).

10

Disconnect the wire-harness connection, then spray the threads with penetrating lubricant. Allow a few minutes to let the spray soak in. Use the ratchet and socket or 22mm wrench as described in Step 4 of Section 1 to remove the sensor from the exhaust piping.

11

Insert the new sensor (again making sure it has a light coat of high-temperature anti-seize compound on the thread section only) into the porthole of the exhaust pipe, and tighten snugly. Reconnect the wire of the sensor to the harness plug connection.

2001 Chevrolet Silverados use a hub-mounted wheel sensor system that consists of an electro-magnetic sensor and a notched reluctor wheel on each front wheel. The reluctor wheel spins at the same RPM as the wheel and the electro-magnetic sensor records this information in pulses. The PCM and ABS computers decode this information and use it determine wheel speed. By determining the wheel speed, both computers can tell if a wheel is locked up or spinning faster than the other. In order to diagnose a faulty wheel sensor, you must monitor the data stream with a scan tool and also confirm that each sensor is receiving voltage.

Instructions

1

Lift the front portion of vehicle with a jack and support it with jack stands; both front tires must be at least 6-inches off of the ground. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels and apply the parking brake.

2

Switch the ignition to the ON position and connect a scan tool to the trucks data port under the dashboard below the steering wheel. Navigate to the live data menu and monitor the wheel speed sensors; they should both read zero.

3

Turn on the engine and lightly depress the throttle while monitoring the scan tool. The wheel speed sensor output readings should match the speedometer output. If one sensor does not then it is most likely faulty.

4

Turn off the engine but leave the ignition on and lie down on a mechanics creeper. Roll underneath the car and examine the wheel speed sensor wires for fraying or cuts.

5

Unplug the connector from the wheel speed sensor. Probe the light blue wire for the left-front wheel sensor and the tan wire for the right-front wheel sensor with a digital multimeter. The specified voltage value is 1.8 to 12 volts. If the multimeter reads less than 1.8 volts then find and repair the short in the wire and retest the sensor. If the voltage reading is within specification then replace the wheel speed sensor.

The Mercedes-Benz C class was once known for its reliability, but since the merger with Chrysler in the 90s, Mercedes as a whole has lost much of its engineering reputation. To that end, many of the 2001 C-class cars have endemic electrical and mechanical faults; the SRS fault being one of the leading issues. SRS stands for the supplemental restraint system and is supposed to pre-tighten the seat belts in the event of a crash, but in practice serves only to require periodic trips to the dealership to fix its faulty sensors.There is, however, a way around this.

Instructions

1

Buy a Mercedes-Benz code reader from a website, there are many available. Make sure the code reader has a 16-pin OBDII standard socket port. The 16-pin port is what the diagnostic port on the C320 uses. 32-pin readers can be used, but an adapter and rather complex software is needed. It is simpler and cheaper to just get a 16-pin reader. No batteries are needed, as the code reader draws power from the car itself.

2

Start the car and wait for the reader to flash the name of the code reader, then press the "Read" button. It will be the green button to the bottom left. It will flash the error code three times; after the third time, press the erase button. Depending upon the model of code reader, you may have to press "Erase" after every code or only once for all the codes.

3

Disconnect the code reader and turn off the car. Then turn the car back on and replug the reader to check to see if the erasure took. If it has, you are done; if it has not, you will need to replace the SRS sensors themselves, which only a Mercedes-Benz mechanic can do.

The Chrysler Sebring was a rental fleet special (to put it favorably). Chrysler made the Sebring with lowest bidder parts and the minimum amount of research and development, which may have led to Chryslers dire financial straits. Maintenance on Chrysler Sebrings is an unfortunate constant if you own one, as they are not made well in any sense of the word. The control arms in the Sebring support the steering knuckle and suspension components and are only on the front wheels.

Instructions

1

Park the Sebring Convertible somewhere flat and out of traffic. Empty the car out to make it lighter to jack up. Place the car jack under the corner that you want to replace the control arm on. Jack the corner up and slide in a jack stand to keep it up. Use the tire iron to remove the lug nuts from the wheel and then slide the wheel off the steering knuckle.

2

Pull the retaining pin out of the ball joint on the underside of the steering knuckle. Use a pair of pliers and a flat-head screwdriver as a pry bar. Unbolt the ball joint nut and then pry the ball joint out of the steering knuckle. Unbolt the two bolts on the lower end of the left arm of the control arm from the steering knuckle. Repeat the unbolting on the right arm of the control arm.

3

Unbolt the upper part of the control arm and then pull it down from the cars frame. Slide in the new control arm and bolt it onto the frame. Slide in the steering knuckle and thread in the two bolts on each side first to hold the knuckle in place. Tighten the bolts down with a wrench once the knuckle is properly aligned. Push the ball joint back in and bolt it into place. Slide the retaining pin back in and reattach the tire. Lower the Sebring off the jack stand.

The headlamps on your 2001 Lexus IS300 are expensive parts of your luxury sedan that can last decades without any maintenance. But headlamps can crack or break in an accident or when hit by rocks or other road hazards. In such cases, they need to be replaced. Or you might want to switch your headlamps to aftermarket headlamps that are more powerful or stylish. In either case, you can remove your Lexus headlamps in minutes.

Instructions

1

Open the hood and pull back the rubber gasket located behind the headlamp.

2

Open the metal tab on the back of the bulb with a flat-head screwdriver.

3

Turn the bulb counterclockwise and remove it from the headlamp assembly.

4

Remove the three bolts across the top of the headlamp assembly with a socket wrench fitted with a 10 mm socket.

5

Release the tab underneath the weather stripping on the side of the headlamp assembly and remove the assembly.

6

Disconnect the wiring harness by pushing down on the plastic piece on top of the harness, then pulling the plug out of the harness.

You can reset the computer on your 2001 Chevrolet Venture right from your home garage, saving yourself time and money. The computer in your Venture, known as an OBD or On-Board Diagnostics computer, stores error codes. These codes can be read using an OBD scan tool. This tool is also used to erase the codes and reset the computer. This small hand-held computerized device can be purchased from any auto parts store. Most stores will even loan you a scan tool for the purpose of resetting your computer.

Instructions

1

Find the OBD port on the left side of the fuse panel. This port is the same size and shape as the connector end of the OBD scan tool.

2

Plug the OBD scan tool into the OBD port. Dont force it into the port or you may damage the pins.

3

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "II" position.

4

Wait for the scan tool to stop flashing. When it has, this means it has cleared the codes. Some OBD scan tools require you to press "Reset," "Delete" or other similar command to clear the codes. Consult the manual that came with the scan tool for exact instructions.

5

Unplug the scan tool and turn on the engine. Verify that all warning and service lights have turned off. The computer is now reset.

In a perfect world, cars, trucks, and automotive components would last forever. But theres a delicate balance between cost and longevity, so vehicle manufacturers constantly push the engineering envelope as it relates to doing more with less. Although the headlight switch for your 2001 Ford F-150 is considered an electrical component, its mechanical aspect is susceptible to normal wear and tear after years of regular use. Replacing the defective headlight switch is easy, requiring minimal hand tools to get the job done.

Instructions

1

Connect a memory saver device to the vehicle, according to the products specific instructions. Although not absolutely needed to replace the headlight switch, using a memory saver will avoid short-term drivability issues after reconnecting the negative battery cable, in addition to saving you the hassle of reprogramming the vehicles stereo and other programmable features that depend on constant battery power. Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable with a socket and ratchet.

2

Insert a thin, non-marring plastic pry tool into the gap between the bottom right corner of the headlight switch assembly and the instrument panel trim. Carefully pry the assembly from the instrument panel. Disengage the locking tabs for the electrical connectors and then disconnect the connectors from the switch assembly.

3

Connect the electrical connectors to the replacement switch, then press-fit the assembly to the instrument panel. Make sure the new switch is in the off position. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery, then tighten the clamp. Use a flat-head screwdriver to spread the battery cable clamp, if necessary. Never attempt to pound or hammer a tight battery clamp onto a battery post.

4

Disconnect the memory saver device from the vehicle. Test the headlamp switch to complete the replacement process.

When performing repairs on a 2001 Jeep Wrangler, it is imperative that the correct torque is applied when installing certain bolts. The manufacturer calculates torque specs for the Wrangler based on a combination of bolt strength and the component it is holding. Torque values are verified by the use of a torque wrench that alerts the user of the proper torque through an audible signal, typically a clicking noise.

Lug Nuts

Lug nuts are very commonly just tightened until the nut no longer turns. Most inexperienced mechanics believe that the tighter the lug nut the better, but this is far from the truth. Over-tightening a lug nut stretches the threads of the wheel stud and can lead to breakage once it is heated from driving. This breakage can lead to the other wheel studs breaking due to excessive weight; the resulting domino effect can cause the wheel to fall off. The proper lug nut torque on the 2001 Jeep Wrangler is 110 foot-pounds.

Brakes

When performing brake repairs, each bolt has its own, equally important, torque specification. There are two sets of bolts on the brake system that have specific torque values: caliper bolts and brake hose bolts. The brake caliper bolts require a torque of 18 foot-pounds. The brake hose bolts have a rating of 23 foot-pounds.

Cylinder Head

The cylinder head on the Wranglers engine has a seal that must be torqued to the proper specs in order to seal correctly. The 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine requires head bolts numbers 1 through 6 and 8 through 10 to have a final torque value of 110 foot-pounds, and bolt number 7 to have 100 foot-pounds of torque (see Resources for bolt numbering). The 4.0 liter engine requires bolt numbers 1 through 10 and 12 through 14 to have a final torque value of 110 foot-pounds and bolt number 11 to have a final value of 100 foot-pounds.

Exhaust Manifold

The exhaust manifold uses a compression-style gasket that requires proper torque to maintain a good seal. Bolt number 1 requires 30 foot-pounds and 2 through 7 require 23 foot-pounds (see Resources for bolt numbering). These values apply to both the 2.5 and 4.0 liter engines.

Oil Pan

The oil pan has two different fasteners, each having their own torque values: 1/4-inch bolts and 5/16-inch bolts. The 1/4-inch bolts require 85 inch-pounds of torque and the 5/16-inch bolts require 11 foot-pounds. These values apply for both the 2.5 and 4.0 liter engines.

Timing Chain Cover

The timing chain cover must be removed when performing timing chain maintenance. This cover has a seal and requires proper torque to obtain a good seal and prevent leaks. The bolts around the timing chain cover require 60 inch-pounds of torque on the 1/4-inch bolts and 192 inch-pounds on the 5/16-inch bolts.

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.

You can reset the computer on your 01 Toyota Tundra right from your home driveway or garage. The Tundra, like most modern vehicles, is equipped with an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) computer that reads trouble codes sent to it from sensors positioned throughout the vehicle. These trouble codes illuminate in the form of warning or service lights on your instrument panel. Once you have the Tundra serviced or repaired, you will need to reset the computer so that it can continue to do its work. Resetting the computer will also shut off any service and warning lights on the dash.

Instructions

1

Locate the port underneath the steering column that has the same size and shape as the OBD code scanners connective end. Plug the OBD code scanner into this port. Dont force it in, though, or you could bend the pins.

2

Put the key in the ignition and turn it to the "II" position, taking care not to start the engine. The OBD code scanner will power itself on and read the trouble codes.

3

Locate the "delete" button on the scanner and select it. Depending on the manufacturer of the scanner, it may have a different label, such as "erase codes." When you select it, it will reset the computer and shut off the lights.

4

Unplug the scanner and turn on the engine. Check the instrument panel to verify that all service and warning lights have shut off.

Replace the spark plugs in your 2001 Ford Expedition at home, and save time and money. To keep your Expedition in top running condition, you need to perform regular maintenance. One of the most important things to replace in your vehicle is the spark plugs. If your spark plugs are burned out or damaged, your engine will run roughly and get poor gas mileage.

Instructions

1

Pop the hood, and find the ignition coils under the intake manifolds, located near the top of the engine. Remove the coils with the socket wrench set. Note where each coil came from, as you will need to put them back in place later. Under the coils, you will find the spark plugs.

2

Remove the spark plugs with a wrench. If they are slightly difficult to remove, spray them with WD-40 to loosen them.

3

Look up the gap size in the Owners Manual. Set the gap, using the spark plug gapper. Install the new spark plugs into the engine block with the spark plug wrench. Dont turn them too tightly.

4

Put the ignition coils back in place, and secure them. Lower the hood of the vehicle.

The F150 is Fords full-size 3/4-ton pickup truck, which has been in production since 1975. All versions of the 2001 F150 have an anti-lock braking system, or ABS, as a standard feature. An ABS uses a brake controller, or control module, to determine the braking force that each wheel receives. The brake control module reduces the braking power to a wheel when that wheel moves more slowly than the other wheels. The procedure for installing a brake control module is similar for all F150 trucks made from 2001 to 2006.

Instructions

1

Remove the cable from the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench to prevent an electrical discharge during the procedure. Turn the vents in the center instrument panel inward, and hold the panel by the vents. Pull the center instrument panel outward.

2

Disconnect the upper cover from the steering column with a socket wrench. Turn off the selector switch for the bi-fuel tank, if your vehicle is so equipped. Remove the screws from the center instrument panel, and detach the electrical connector for the panel. Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle.

3

Detach the headlamp switch with a thin pry tool, and disconnect the electrical connectors for the headlamp switch. Unplug the electrical connector for the ABS control module, and remove the bolts from the module with a socket wrench. Detach the ABS control module from the vehicle.

4

Install the new ABS control module, and fasten the bolts to the module with a socket wrench. Attach the electrical connector to the ABS control module. Connect the electrical connector for the headlamp switch, and install the switch.

5

Mount the center instrument panel to the vehicle, and attach the electrical connector to the panel. Fasten the mounting screws for the center instrument panel with a socket wrench. Turn on the bi-fuel tank selector switch, and install the upper cover for the steering column.

6

Connect the cable to the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench.

Starting problems can happen to any vehicle from time to time and require troubleshooting to determine the cause. Although your 2001 Mustang should start every time the ignition switch engages, there are those rare occasions when cranking the vehicle doesnt go according to plan. Systematically checking the various components that make up the starting circuit is part of the troubleshooting process.

Instructions

1

Start with the Mustangs battery. Remove and clean the battery terminals and posts for an improved connection to the starting circuitry. Loosen the terminal bolts with a 5/16-inch wrench and remove them from the posts. Brush both the posts and the terminals clean with a wire brush before reconnecting the terminals to the battery.

2

Ensure the battery is properly charged by connecting it to a battery charger. Connect the positive and negative leads from the charger to the respective posts on the battery. When the charger is plugged into an electrical outlet, the meter on the face of the charger will indicate the level of charge that exists in the battery. If the battery is low and will not take a charge, replace the battery with a new one.

3

Check that the alternator is properly sending a charging current to the battery. Most auto parts stores provide an alternator and battery test as a free service to their customers. If the alternator is not recharging the battery, replace it with a new or refurbished one.

4

Inspect the fuel pump safety switch if the car cranks but will not start. The fuel safety switch for a 2001 Mustang is located on the drivers side of the trunk compartment. Pull the carpeting down just in front of the drivers side tail light and depress the reset button on the safety switch, if it is tripped. The safety switch is designed to shut fuel off to the engine in case of an accident. However, the switch will sometimes trip for no apparent reason.

5

Check for faulty spark plugs if the engine cranks but fails to start. Old or fouled plugs will fail to ignite the fuel/air mixture in the engine, preventing it from starting on its own. Fouled spark plugs appear soaked in fuel. Burns or gouges in the business end of a spark plug are an indication that it needs to be replaced.