Fix It

Torsion bars are long metal springs that are used in low-cost car suspension. As more load is placed on a torsion bar, the more the bar twists. The amount of the twist will differ depending on the material used in the bar. Torsion bar suspension is used because it is cheap and durable, but it can still go bad. Most often torsion bars are damaged through impacts on the undercarriage or through rust.

Instructions

1

Shine a flashlight into the wheel well of the car or truck. The torsion bar will be sticking out from the cars frame perpendicularly. Depending on the car, the other end of the torsion bar will be bolted to a control arm or the steering knuckle itself. Look for any cracks in the torsion bar. If there are any cracks in the bar, then it is only a matter of time before it cracks in half.

2

Feel along the torsion bar for rust. Rust patches will feel gritty like a scab. If rust is present, then the torsion bar must be replaced. Also feel the bolts that secure each end for rust. If the bolts are rusted, then it is guaranteed that the rust has spread to the torsion bar bolt holes. Make sure to repeat this process in each wheel well.

3

Turn the car of truck on and take it for a test drive. If one corner seems to sag excessively, then that torsion bar has gone bad. Any metal object can succumb to metal fatigue over time, especially if under constant, heavy loads. Pay special attention when driving over speed bumps. If you hear a bang, then the torsion bar has grown too soft and allowed some suspension parts to come into contact. Any worn out torsion bar must be replaced.

Your cars trunk is designed to securely and safely store groceries, luggage or anything else you might want to put into it. If your trunk is doing its job a little too well--namely, if you cant get inside your trunk--try not to panic. Although there may indeed be a problem with your trunk itself, your first priority should be getting your belongings out of it--and during this process, you may just find the solution to the problem.

Instructions

1

Try using multiple methods to open your trunk. For example, most cars have a switch you can pull just inside the car on the drivers side which will "pop" the trunk. If your key isnt working, try pulling this switch--and vice versa. Press the "Trunk" button on your keyless entry device, if you have one.

2

Remove your belongings from your trunk if you cannot open the trunk itself. Depending on which kind of car your own, you may be able to pull down your back seat and free your belongings from the locked trunk. Once the trunk is empty, inspect the area around the lock to see if anything is caught on it which could prevent it from opening.

3

Call a locksmith if you still cant get your trunk to open. If neither varying the method you use to open the trunk nor inspecting its lock to see if there is any obstruction resolves your problem, there is a mechanical issue with the lock.

The limited-slip differential found in the Ford 8.8-inch rear end is called "Traction-Lok." Locking the rear axles together and equally supplying power to both rear wheels improves traction. As the Mustang GT turns a corner the wheel on the outside of the turn must travel a greater distance, at a greater speed, than the wheel on the inside of the turn. The limited slip differential allows the connection between the two axles to slip and allow the outside wheel to go faster to make the turn smoothly.

Instructions

1

Park the Mustang GT on level ground. Secure the front wheels using wheel chocks. Kick the wheel chocks against the wheels using the heal of your foot so it cannot move while you are under it.

2

Raise and support the Mustang using a floor jack and jack stands. Position the floor jack under the Mustang GTs rear-end (differential) and lift the car until the rear wheels are off the ground. Position jack stands under the rear axles (tubes that connect the differential to the wheels) and lower the car onto the stands.

3

Place the transmission in neutral and release the parking brake. Turn the right rear wheel (by hand) and observe the left rear wheel. If the Mustang GT is equipped with "Traction-Lok" the left rear wheel will turn in the same direction and at the same speed as the right rear wheel. A properly operating limited-slip differential will cause the rear wheels to be difficult to turn by hand.

Batteries cables must be hooked up correctly when charging a battery while it is in or outside of the vehicle. The red cable is connected to the positive (+) battery terminal and the black cable is connected to the negative (-) terminal or to the car frame.

Battery to Battery

When the battery cables are hooked up with the negative to the positive and positive to the negative terminals, the battery can explode. This is true for the battery being charged and the battery in another car being used to supply the charge.

Battery Charger

A battery charger that is being used to charge a dead battery will be damaged if the positive and negative cables are hooked up incorrectly. The current to the battery charger will burn out component inside the charger.

Injury

A battery can explode when the cables are hooked up backwards. Anyone standing near the battery when it explodes could be seriously injured. Battery explosions can cause burns, permanent disfiguration and blindness.

An automotive recall occurs when a manufacturer discovers a defect in one of their cars. The manufacturer usually mails a recall notice to the owners of the vehicle to alert them, and the owner can then take the car to a dealership for free repair. However, if you have moved recently or purchased a used car, you may not have received those notices.

Instructions

1

Visit the Carfax website listed in the Resources section and enter your Pontiacs VIN number to see if there are any open recalls for that car.

2

Check your repair records to see if recall work was performed.

3

Take the car to a Pontiac dealership. The dealership will have a complete list of recalls for that vehicle, and will be able to assess the car to determine if the vehicles recall repairs were ever done.