Repair 7

If the headlights on your Pontiac Grand Am are malfunctioning, they should be fixed immediately. Malfunctioning headlights reduce road visibility and make it difficult for other drivers to see your vehicle on the road in darkened conditions. Troubleshooting the headlights on your Grand Am is a simple process that involves checking the wiring, checking the bulb, and checking the fuse of your headlights.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of the Grand Am. Remove the keys from the ignition.

2

Lift up on the two retaining clips securing the headlamp assembly.

3

Pull the headlamp assembly out of the mounting bracket. This will reveal the electrical connector. Lightly tug on the electrical connector. If it comes out, plug it into the rear of the headlamp assembly. Make sure it is secure by lightly tugging it again. If the headlights are still malfunctioning, there may be an issue with the bulb. Disconnect the electrical connector and completely remove the headlamp assembly out of the vehicle.

4

Rotate the bulb assembly retainer counterclockwise and pull it out.

5

Unclip the bulb assembly from the wiring harness. Remove the old bulb and place the new bulb into the assembly.

6

Reattach the wiring harness to the bulb assembly. Place the bulb assembly back into the headlamp assembly and rotate it clockwise to lock it into place. Reattach the electrical connector.

7

Place the headlamp assembly back into the mount bracket. Press down on the two retaining clips to lock the headlamp assembly into place. Repeat on the other side headlamp if necessary. If the headlights are still not turning on, then there may be an issue with the headlamp fuses.

8

Open the underhood fuse block on the drivers side of the vehicle. Simply lift the cover on the fuse block to access the fuses. Underneath the cover is a fuse puller tool and several replacement fuses.

9

Locate the fuses numbered "50" and "51." "50" is the right-hand headlamp fuse and "51" is the left-hand headlamp fuse. Check to see if the fuses are broken. A fuse is broken if the metal inside the fuse is no longer in one piece. If either fuse is broken, use the provided fuse puller tool to remove the fuse. Replace it with an identical 15 amp fuse.

10

Place the cover back onto the fuse block. Close the hood.

The spark plug is a vital component in the operation of an internal combustion engine. As the name implies, the spark plug creates a spark that ignites gasoline inside a combustion chamber. This creates the energy to force the piston downward. The movement of the pistons gives the engine its power. To make sure that the engine operates as smoothly and efficiently as possible, it needs to be tuned up on a regular basis. An important part of that tune-up is removing and replacing the spark plugs, a process thats fairly straightforward.

Instructions

1

Make sure the engine is cool. The spark plugs are one of the hottest components of an engine.

2

Clean any dirt or debris from around the base of the plug to keep dirt from falling into the combustion chamber. Use compressed air to blow debris away if it is available.

3

Use your owners manual to find the spark plugs. Most engines have spark plugs wires that lead to the spark plugs. Newer engines may have individual ignition coils mounted over the spark plugs.

4

Remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug by pulling on the rubber boot. Do not pull on the wire itself. If equipped with ignition coils, remove the ignition coil mounting bolt to remove the coil and reveal the spark plug.

5

Install the spark plug socket on the socket wrench. You may need to use a swivel joint or a socket wrench extension to reach spark plugs in the back of the engine.

6

Place the socket over the spark plug and turn the socket wrench counterclockwise to loosen the spark plug. Use steady force to remove a stubborn plug. Too much force can shear off the top of a spark plug or strip the threads.

7

Continue to turn the wrench until the spark plug comes out of the hole. Once loosened, you should be able to remove it by hand.

Older cars often used a separate key for the trunk than the one used for the ignition. Because of this, you could find yourself in a position where you need to open an old car trunk without the key. Besides prying the lid open or drilling out the lock, which are both destructive methods, it is possible to get into the truck and pop the lock from the inside. This method causes less damage to the vehicle.

Instructions

1

Lift the release lever for the rear seat. Many older vehicles used "hatched" seats to allow you to lower the back of the rear seat onto the lower half of the rear seat to add storage space. If the seat does not lower on a hatch, remove the seat back from the vehicle by pulling on it. Seats attach to the trunk frame with clips. By pulling on the seat, you remove the clips that hold the seat to the frame. Behind the seat back is an access panel to the trunk.

2

Crawl into the trunk from inside the car. Use a flashlight so you can see the trunk lock.

3

Pull the trunk lock release lever. Most vehicles have a lever that hangs from the lock that a person can pull if for some reason they get locked inside of the trunk. If the trunk does not have a release lever hanging from it, look for the side of the lock that looks like a half-moon. Pull the half -moon away from the lock housing to release the lock.

Until cars run efficiently on electricity only or alternative fuels, drivers are mostly stuck using gasoline. It takes three main components to move the fuel from the tank to the engine, typically found on opposite ends of the vehicle. This system has undergone many changes since the invention of the automobile, mostly due to the advancements of automotive electronics.

Fuel Pump

The fuel pump starts the entire process of moving the fuel throughout your vehicle. The fuel pump is inside the fuel tank, within the fuel lines or on the side of the engine. This pump, if electronic, receives its power from the battery and creates the pressure needed to start the engine and keep it running. Mechanical fuel pumps get their power from the turning of the engines crankshaft.

Hoses and Lines

Every car has a series of metal lines and rubber hoses that take the fuel from the fuel pump toward the engine. Within these lines is a small filter that removes the debris from the fuel prior to it reaching the engine.

Fuel Rail or Carburetor

The fuel rail, on fuel-injected vehicles, connects the fuel lines and hoses to the fuel injectors. This rail is made of metal or plastic and is on top of the engine. On older vehicles -- mostly pre-1990s -- it was not uncommon to see a carburetor in place of the fuel rail. This component regulated the fuel flow from the fuel lines to the engine.

Car door components largely remain the same for any vehicle despite the fact that newer cars include mechanical devices. Each car door part serves the overall purpose of providing passengers with an extra safety layer against accidents. These parts require routine checks for maintenance, as they wear out over time, making it important for drivers to know how each component functions.

Shell

The shell, the most visible component of a car door, holds all other door parts together. Its surface size depends on the cars style. Shells typically incorporate aluminum or steel, although with the advent of environment-saving strategies, the door can also comprise recycled material.

Hinges

Hinges connect a car door to the rest of the car. They allow you to open and close the door without causing it to fall off, and they keep the door at the necessary elevation to close properly. Door hinges periodically require replacement due to wear. Constantly slamming the door will wear out the hinges more quickly.

Adhesive Strips

Adhesive strips help absorb minor impacts to a car door. Usually placed on the outside of the shell, along its rim, strips help prevent scratching due to impact from shopping carts or other car doors. Though you can find a variety of styles and colors, rubber magnet strips are most common.

Latch and Lock

The most vital parts of a car door (and, unfortunately, a favorite target for car thieves) the latch and lock allow the door to close securely and prevent it from opening while you drive. Schedule maintenance checks for your car doors latches and locks regularly, as faulty mechanisms cause thousands of car accidents each year. Newer cars contain a power lock feature that allows drivers to lock all doors from a drivers seat or key-chain remote. Power locking doors securely helps prevent the door from opening mid-travel.

Door Lock Actuator

The door lock actuator allows car doors to hook onto the latch-and-lock component. The actuator features an electric motor that uses gears to turn an actuator rod. When you unlock the door, the gears turn the rod away from the latch; when you lock the door securely, the rod will hook to the latch, preventing the door to from opening.

Window

A car door window displays a view of objects outside of the car. The most versatile car door component, the window also allows for glare-reduction tinting or styling. Newer cars have windows that open electronically.

You insert your key into your cars ignition to start the engine but nothing happens. Perhaps the battery is dead; maybe the starter is defective. In any case, if your vehicle wont start, you can still move it to another location to jump-start the battery or safely call for help. To move your vehicle without starting it, you will need to shift gears and youll need help pushing the car to the desired location.

Instructions

1

Direct one or more strong people to stand ready to push the vehicle to the desired location.

2

Depress the brake pedal.

3

Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position.

4

Move the gearshift to "N" or neutral gear

5

Steer and brake as necessary while the vehicle is being pushed.

A time-tested technique for removing small car-dents can often be accomplished with a household plunger. Small dents and dings are inevitable for some drivers, but you can quickly remove a dent if the damage is not severe. Keep in mind that the household plunger wont induce a miracle. A plunger will not help with a large dent, or one with extensive paint damage.

Instructions

1

Clean the area around the dent with soap and water, wiping away all dirt and dust. Use your cloth to completely dry the area. This will give you a better view of the dent and help determine whether it can be repaired via the plunger method.

2

Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the bottom rim of your plunger; this will allow it to form a better seal when you place the plunger over the dent. The tighter seal allows the plunger to create more suction.

3

Place the plunger directly over the dent and firmly push it into place. Make sure the plunger covers the entire dent.

4

Push in on the plunger to create suction. Quickly pull out with the handle to "pop" the dent.

5

Inspect the area to see if the dent popped out completely. If it is only partially repaired, repeat the process.

Rusted or damaged panels on a car can be costly to repair at an auto-body shop. Instead, save money by repairing the panels yourself using a metal inert gas (MIG) welder. When welding car panels, choose between tack welding and seam welding. To avoid trapping moisture in the panel and rusting the metal, you should use butt joints instead of over-lap joints. Since car panels are usually carbon steel, you can weld them using a flux-cored MIG wire electrode or a solid carbon-steel MIG wire with the use of shielding gas.

Instructions

Preparation

1

Remove the panel from your vehicle, if possible, by removing the bolts holding it to the cars frame with a wrench.

2

Disconnect your cars battery to prevent faults in the vehicles electrical components if you are not removing the panel from the vehicle prior to welding,. You should also ground your vehicle by connecting jumper cables or a heavy gauge wire from the metal frame of your vehicle to an exterior grounding source.

3

Remove any paint, rust or dirt from the panel using a metal grinder or a wire brush. You will not create a stable weld if there is residual paint on the panel.

4

Clamp the metal pieces together in place to prevent them from moving while welding.

Tack Welded Joints

5

If you are tack welding the panel in place, increase the voltage for your MIG torch to a higher setting than you would normally use for a seam weld. You should also use a smaller diameter wire for the tack weld to ensure good penetration of the weld bead throughout the joint.

6

Place your welding torch between 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch from the welding seam and arc weld a 1/4- to 1/2-inch tack weld. Repeat these welds every four to six inches until you have tacked along the entire joint seam.

7

Grind the tack joints smooth. If the tack joint is done properly, the parent pieces of metal and the joint metal should be indistinguishable from each other.

Seam Welded Joints

8

Load the appropriate gauge wire for a standard MIG weld for the thickness of your panel sheet. Refer to a MIG wire chart to determine the recommended wire type, voltage and wire speed for the weld.

9

Place your MIG torch at a 20-degree angle from vertical about 1/8- to 1/4-inch from the surface of the weld joint and start an arc weld by squeezing the MIG gun trigger.

10

Weld the panel together by slowly moving the torch along the seam in a circular pattern until you reach the end of the joint.

11

Grind the joint down to blend the joint and make a smooth surface to paint over.

Carrying Away Engine Exhaust Gases

Headers are typically installed on cars by a vehicle owner seeking to increase the horsepower of his cars engines. Headers are simple exhaust tubes or exhaust pipes that allow for the faster exiting of burned engine exhaust gases. Traditional exhaust manifolds are somewhat restrictive to exiting engine exhaust gases and create a bit of engine backpressure, which reduces engine horsepower and restricts gas mileage. Headers, on the other hand, typically have larger exhaust tubing and special tubing designs that enable exhaust gases to exit a cars engine faster and in greater quantities. This leads to a reduction in engine backpressure and an increase in both engine horsepower and gas mileage.

Bolt Headers to Engine Exhaust Ports

Automotive headers, which take the place of factory-installed exhaust manifolds, simply bolt directly to an engines exhaust ports, which are the openings in a cars engine through which exhaust gases flow out. Headers have flat areas (header flanges) on their exhaust tubing ends that align directly against the side of a cars engine exhaust ports. Header bolts attach directly through the header flanges and create an airtight seal, through which exiting engine exhaust gases travel directly into engine headers.

Funneling Exhaust to Remaining Exhaust Components

As exiting engine exhaust gases flow through a set of headers, these exhaust gases are transported to the remaining components of a cars exhaust system. Headers, besides allowing exhaust gases to exit a cars engine faster and in greater quantities, serve to bridge the gap between the engine and its main exhaust system components. Normally, exhaust gases, after flowing through and exiting a set of headers, travel to a cars catalytic converter, where these exhaust gases are reignited and burned. After traveling through the catalytic converter, exhaust gases travel through a cars muffler and then out of the tail pipe.

A cars exhaust system is responsible for transporting the burned exhaust, or combustion gases, from its engine and out the tail pipe. The exhaust system is basically just a long tube attached to the engine and extending to the rear of the vehicle. However, there are certain components that enable the exhaust system to function properly.

Exhaust Manifold

A vehicles exhaust manifold is the upper end of the exhaust system. The exhaust manifold is attached directly to the side of the engine and is the first part of the exhaust system to receive the burned exhaust gases from the cars engine. The exhaust manifold, which is extremely hot, further burns any fuel that was inadequately burned by the engine and funnels it down into the main exhaust system.

Exhaust Pipes

The exhaust pipes make up the brunt of a cars exhaust system. The exhaust pipes, which can be metal or aluminum, are responsible for transporting the burned exhaust gases from the engine and the exhaust manifold and funneling them towards the cars tailpipe.

Muffler/Catalytic Converter

As a cars exhaust gases are transported along the exhaust pipes, they must pass through the muffler, which is an enclosed metal container responsible for "muffling" the sounds of the traveling exhaust gases, and the catalytic converter, which is an "after burner" responsible for igniting and burning any leftover exhaust gases not burned by the engine and exhaust manifold.

The Tail Pipe

The final destination for a cars exhaust gases is the tailpipe. The tailpipe is the end of the entire exhaust system, and it funnels the burned car exhaust out into the outside air, or atmosphere.

When the car horn dies on your Toyota, the only way to fix it is to replace it with another horn. Its important to make this repair as soon as possible. While you will still be able to drive the vehicle, it will not pass a state inspection. The horn is important in ensuring your safety as you drive. It alerts pedestrians and other drivers to your presence. Replacement horns can be purchased at auto parts dealers or junkyards.

Instructions

1

Open and stabilize the hood of the car, making sure to prop it up so you can operate under the hood.

2

Find the horn attached to the inside of the cars grille, in front of your engine.

3

Unscrew the screws that hold the horn in place at the front of the grille. Unplug the electrical harness.

4

Remove the horn from your Toyota.

5

Insert the new horn at the same spot from which the previous one was removed. Screw it in place with the screws you removed earlier, and plug the power wires into the new horns socket.

Car headers, which attach to the sides of a vehicle engine, are an important part of a vehicles exhaust system. Made up of solid steel tubing, headers are the first parts of a vehicles exhaust system to come into contact with exiting engine exhaust gases.

Link Engine to Exhaust System

Headers are long, tubular metal pipes that bolt to the sides of an engine. Headers line up with the engine exhaust ports and provide a link through which exiting engine exhaust gases flow out of an engine and towards the inner exhaust system.

Collect Engine Exhaust Gases

As burned engine exhaust gases exit an engine, headers collect these gases and funnel them down the header pipes and into the main exhaust system, which is where the muffler and catalytic converter reside.

Transport Engine Exhaust Gases

Headers serve as a critical link between a vehicles exhaust system and its engine. As engine exhaust gases flow through a set of headers, the headers direct these gases to the main vehicle exhaust pipe, where they flow through the exhaust muffler and catalytic converter.

Temper Exhaust Sound

Headers also serve to dampen and temper the sound of a vehicles exhaust system. By providing a solid, tubular enclosure for exiting engine exhaust gases, headers help mask some of the popping and crackling sounds of high-speed, high-temperature exhaust gases.

Reduce Exhaust Gas Speed

As exhaust gases exit a vehicles engine, they travel at very high rates of speed. Headers present the first physical barrier to these exiting exhaust gases, a situation that serves to slow down their rate of speed as well as increase the efficiency of both the vehicle muffler and catalytic converter.

The axles in your car are complex parts that are necessary for the wheels to move effectively. If they stop working completely, it can be very dangerous for anyone in the car. Luckily, when an axle is not working properly, it makes a distinctive sound that you can periodically test for. Set aside time every few months to check the axles.

Instructions

Checking the Car for a Broken or Cracked Axle

1

Eliminate all sounds from the car. Turn off the radio and keep conversation to a minimum. You will be listening closely for noises and need full concentration.

2

Start the car. Turn the engine on and put the car into drive.

3

Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left. Slowly drive forward with the steering wheel still turned and listen for a clicking noise.

4

Turn steering wheel all the way to the right and drive forward listening for a clicking noise. If you heard even the faintest clicking noise on either side, your axles are probably in need of repair.

5

Park the car and examine the axles for cracks or grease. If the axles, which are located inside the wheels, are cracked or covered in grease, it is very likely your axles need to be replaced.

If you have enjoyed the benefits of a properly working air conditioner in your vehicle, then you will quickly notice if it starts to blow hot air through the vents. Having information on why this occurs could be beneficial to any car owner looking to beat the heat.

Causes

There are several reasons your vehicle may be blowing hot air through the vents, such as a need to recharge refrigerant. There could also be a problem with the air conditioners compressor. Vents will blow hot air if the compressor does not activate when the A/C is turned on.

Compressor

To find out if the air conditioners compressor is causing hot air to come from your vents, you can test it by connecting its clutch wire to a battery. If the compressor fails to turn, it is likely that you will need to have it replaced.

Refrigerant

If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, it can be recharged to combat this issue. However, checking for leaks should always be done before taking this action. Also, your air conditioning systems vacuum should have all air removed from it prior to recharging refrigerant.

There are hundreds of different models of cars currently in use in the U.S. Each of these cars has hundreds of model-specific parts and all of these parts can break. Thus the automotive part business was born, and continues to thrive, especially with the use of the Internet. Vehicle owners who can not find a specific part for their vehicle in their home area can order parts online and have them shipped to their home.



Shipping car parts can be expensive due to the weight. But most car parts are not delicate and require minimal preparation to ship.

Instructions

1

Prepare the part to be packaged. Used car parts do not tend to be overly clean, so make sure to drain any fluids from the part and wipe off general grease and automotive dirt before you package the part.

2

Find a cardboard box big enough to fit the part in. Wrap the part securely in the bubble wrap or newspaper and place it in the box. Insert packing slip in box along with part and tape the box shut using packing tape.

3

Select your shipping carrier. Found Value recommends sending auto parts via UPS ground delivery because they tend to be less expensive than other similar shipping companies. However, car parts can be shipped overnight or using a freight company that specializes in shipping awkward items. You can find a local freight company by looking in the phone book or online under "freight" or "trucking."

Once you have selected your shipper, you can take the car part to their local store or call them over the phone to arrange pick up from your home. Typically your shipper will take care of the shipping label when the package is picked up or delivered, but you may wish to write the recipients address on the outside of the box to avoid confusion or questions should any arise.

A good hydraulic floor jack is a staple of every garage due to its versatile lifting abilities. With a floor jack there is no need to drive a car onto a lift -- simply put the jack underneath and raise it. For this reason, it can be a major frustration to find that your jack has broken. Fortunately you may be able to repair the jack yourself, and you should always try to do so before sending it away for a costly and potentially lengthy repair.

Instructions

1

Compare the capacity on the jack to the weight of the vehicle. The vehicles weight is listed on the drivers door pillar. The capacity of the jack is written on the jack or on the documentation that accompanied it when it was new.

2

Extend the piston by pumping it out or opening the release valve and pulling it out by hand. Watch for binding as the piston is extending. Once it is out look for dirt or grit on the piston which may have damaged the seal. Examine the seal at the bottom of the piston for pinches or cuts. If this seal is broken then the jack may have to go to a repair facility for further work.

3

Open the oil reservoir cap. This is usually the uppermost cap and you may need a flathead screwdriver to get to it. The oil should be 1/4-inch below the level of the hole. Top up the oil to this level if it is low and replace the cap.

4

Bleed air from the jacks hydraulics. Open the release valve and pump vigorously. Close the release valve, pump the piston to its full extension and then open the release valve to let it down. You should do this without using a vehicle as a weight. If the jack does not reach its full height then repeat the process until it does. Wipe the jack clean with a cloth before starting the bleed process and examine the jack afterward for evidence of leaks.

5

Lift the vehicle with the jack. If it still does not work then the pump may be broken and should be replaced. This is best undertaken by an authorized repair facility used to working with pressurized hydraulic systems.

Oxygen sensors have been integrated on vehicles for more than 30 years. Located in the exhaust system, they monitor fuel-to-air ratio and catalyst efficiency. While working in a hostile environment, the sensors can eventually fail and require replacement. When this occurs, a diagnostic trouble code illuminates the check engine light to warn the driver of the component failure. Ignoring the light and not replacing the sensor can lead to further problems with the engine and emissions control system.

History

Volvo was the first auto manufacturer to feature the oxygen sensor in 1976. The sensors were specifically designed to lower emissions in the state of California to help prevent high levels of pollution. Saab soon followed suit. By 1980, almost every vehicle on the road employed one in or near the exhaust manifold. Soon, another sensor was installed into the exhaust system to monitor the efficiency of the catalytic converter. All vehicles now have at least two sensors, and some can have up to four.

Function

The upstream oxygen sensor monitors the fuel-to-air ratio for the combustible engine. A perfect mixture provides a smooth-running vehicle with lower exhaust emissions. The sensor transmits the information by radio signal to the computer of the vehicle. The computer reads the signal and makes required adjustments to the fuel-to-air mix. The downstream sensor simply monitors the catalyst efficiency and again transmits the information to the computer. When the upstream sensor fails to communicate correctly, the computer is unable to make the required adjustments and a rich or lean fuel to air mixture occurs. This causes unburned fuel to contaminate the inside of the catalytic converter.

Types

The older oxygen sensors featured a single wire to plug into the wire harness and communicate to the computer. The vehicle had to get up to operating temperature before the sensor was activated to transmit the data. This caused higher emissions to be exhausted from the engine until the sensor began to function. Newer sensors now have three to four wires. An internal heater inside the sensor heats it up more quickly to activate the function of the sensor more quickly, resulting in lower emissions.

Significance

The oxygen sensor is in place to monitor the emissions from the exhaust. Without the sensor in place or with a failed sensor, the computer cannot adjust the fuel-to-air ratio properly. This causes a rich (too much fuel) or lean (too much air) mixture. It can affect the operation of the engine and allow unburned fuel to emit down the exhaust system. When the catalyst cannot convert the unburned fuel, particles will build up on the special metals inside the catalyst. Eventually, the converter will break down inside and require replacement.

Location

As mentioned, many vehicles have multiple oxygen sensors integrated into the exhaust system. The upstream sensors are located before the catalytic converter, often near or on the manifold. Vehicles with dual manifolds will have a sensor for each. The downstream sensors are located after or in the catalytic converter. Vehicles featuring more than one converter will have one sensor for each one. Bank location of the sensors will help you determine its proper location. Bank 1 is located on the same side of the engine as the No. 1 cylinder. So a diagnostic trouble code that tells you Sensor 1 Bank 1 has failed indicates the upstream sensor on the same side as the No. 1 cylinder. Sensor 2 Bank 1 is the downstream sensor on the same side.

According to Autos.com, car audio and GPS repair can be simple or difficult depending on the system and the problem. Because of this, before investing in professional help, its a good idea to analyze the problem and see if it can be manually fixed. Causes of problems could be as simple as improper wire connections or incompatible audio equipment.

Distorted Sound

A common problem with car stereo equipment is distorted sound at high volumes. According to Autos.com, this happens when the wattage of the radio is not high enough to drive the speakers. This can be solved by replacing the speakers with ones compatible to the radio. Another fix is to add an amplifier to the stereo system, which can be purchased as a kit at most audio or video stores.

No GPS Signal

After not using a GPS system for a period of time, its common that the unit wont pick up a satellite signal when turned on. According to Maps4u.com, this is because the units satellite data is out of date. Some units can recollect the information by themselves, but the process is lengthy. However, there is a way to speed the recollection of data. Refer to your users manual for instructions on which commands can program on the unit so that the process speeds up and the unit can be functional faster.

Lack of Radio Channels

When a car radio only receives limited radio channels, the root of the problem could be several things, states Radioshack. It could be the result of improper wiring, a problematic antenna or a damaged radio. First, check the antenna circuit and rewire it if necessary, or replace the antenna. If the radio still isnt functioning properly, the problem could be that the radio itself needs to be serviced.

A vehicles oil pressure switch keeps track of the oil pressure that the oil pump creates. This is important because low oil pressure can severely damage a vehicles engine due to the fact that the engine needs adequate lubrication at all times.

Functions

On older model vehicles, an oil pressure switch will send a signal to the oil pressure light. This warning light comes on when the car is cranked but goes off as the pressure builds. The oil pressure switch on newer model vehicles will signal its computer, which can cause a car not to start if it has low oil pressure.

Pressure

In addition to an oil pressure warning light, some automobiles also have a gauge which the oil pressure switch can inform of the vehicles current oil pressure levels. The pressure levels typically range from about 7 psi to 12 psi when the automobile is idling and 40 psi to 60 psi when the automobile is being driven.

Tips

When it has been determined that an oil pressure switch needs a replacement, there are a few things that should be done in advance. Have a reputable mechanic check that oil levels are correct. The vehicles oil pressure should also be checked to make sure it matches specifications required by the vehicles manufacturer.

The 1960s was a long time ago, especially for your dashboard. If your car has survived into the 21st century, places like the dashboard might need some sprucing up with the right kind of paint.

Buy Vinyl Paint

If your vinyl or simulated-leather dashboard is only fading or stained, layering on two or three coats of vinyl paint could provide a dramatic improvement. Just make sure you pick the right color; the same shade is preferred, but a darker hue is possible. If your dashboard is cracking, however, painting it will only polish a unsightly panel.

Clean and Remove

Before applying the paint, you should clean your vinyl dashboard and let it dry. Apply masking tape widely around your dashboard, windshield included. To avoid accidental dripping, you can remove the dashboard completely from your vehicle, using your manual to find and remove the mounting screws.

Applying

Every manufacturer will have slightly different instructions for applying its vinyl paint. In general, spray in a well-ventilated area, hold the can at least 1/2-foot from the surface when spraying and coat in even strokes across the surface. Let each coat dry fully before beginning a new coat.