Repair 7

When a vehicle engine is reluctant to start, it often means that the spark plugs need changing. Like many automotive components, spark plugs dont last forever. A common malfunction is a wet spark plug. According to AA1Car.com, this occurs when the spark plug fails to fire, or fouls out. This can be caused by a number of variables, such as engine flooding, or excessive moisture build up.

Engine Flooding

Failed vehicle starting attempts eventually lead to wet spark plugs, according to E3 Spark Plugs. This happens when drivers attempt to start their vehicles multiple times without success. This can lead to engine flooding, which in turn can soak the plugs so theyre unable to form any kind of spark to start the engine. This often happens in cold weather conditions, when spark plugs that are previously worn or fouled require a higher voltage to ignite the engine. In this case, the best thing a driver can do is either wait for the plugs to dry, or remove the plugs and clean them off.

Injector Leaks

Wet fouling is less common on modern fuel-injected engines, but can happen due to a number of mechanical failures, states AA1Car.com. One example is a leaking cold start injector. This would lead to the creation of a rich start up mixture in the engine compartment that would cause the plugs to foul.

Worn Piston Rings

In older vehicle engines, worn piston rings or excessive cylinder wear often lead to wet fouling, states Mopar Magazine. This could result in the release of excess oil or gasoline into the engine compartment, which could prevent a spark from forming during an ignition attempt. Wet-fouled spark plugs can be cleaned and re-installed to work effectively.

The Volkswagen New Beetle, like many other vehicles made in recent years, is equipped with a radio that requires a code to properly function after being disconnected from its power source. This feature is designed to make the radio as useful as a paperweight in the event of theft. The need for a radio code has served to reduce the theft of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) radios, but it also makes it annoying for owners who have removed their radios for various reasons, including replacement and service.

Instructions

Instructions

1

Find the VW owners manual in the glove box. Find the card inside the owners manual that contains the radio code. This code is provided when the car is first purchased from the dealership. In some cases, the card may be misplaced before or after the vehicle is sold to another person.

2

Look for the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the New Beetle if the VW owners manual does not contain the radio code. You can find the VIN near the bottom of the windshield on the drivers side of the vehicle. Write this information down on a piece of paper.

3

Remove the radio from the dashboard. You will need a set of radio removal keys, available for purchase at most car audio outlets. Insert the radio removal keys firmly into the two slots along the bottom edge of the radio then pull the radio out of the slot. Look for the radio serial number located on the back of the unit. This number will start with "vw4z7" or a similar identifier. Write this serial number down on the same piece of paper as the VIN for safekeeping.

4

Take the information written down to the nearest VW dealership and request that they find your radio code with the information provided. Both the VIN and radio serial number are required for the dealership to successfully find your radio code. Upon finding the radio code, write it down in the owners manual or someplace else where you can safely store it.

A broken harmonic balancer bolt can cost a lot of money to have professionally removed from the threaded hole in which it is stuck. An EasyOut can help you remove the broken section of the bolt without the hassle of bringing your vehicle to a mechanic. Special care needs to be taken to make sure you do not damage the threads in the harmonic balancer or break off the hardened EasyOut inside the bolt. A broken EasyOut requires a professional machinist to remove both the broken bolt and EasyOut.

Instructions

1

Spray penetrating oil on the end of the broken bolt. Allow the penetrating oil to soak in around the bolt for five to six hours.

2

Align the tip of a center punch with the center of the broken bolt. Hit the center punch with a hammer to make a depression on the end of the broken bolt.

3

Secure a 1/8-inch left-hand drill bit in the chuck of a drill motor. Drill a hole at least 1/2-inch deep in the end of the bolt, using the center punch depression as a guide to hold the drill bit in place. Exchange the 1/8-inch drill bit for the drill bit recommended by an EasyOut set for the size of the broken bolt. Enlarge the hole with the larger drill bit.

4

Set the squared end of the recommended EasyOut into the tee-handle wrench supplied with the set. Tighten the handle of the wrench to hold the EasyOut in place.

5

Place the tapered end of the EasyOut in the drilled hole running through the center of the broken bolt. Turn the tee-handle wrench counterclockwise to force the EasyOut into the hole. Continue turning the wrench until the broken section of the bolt backs out of the threaded hole.

Replacing a muffler is one of those auto repairs that you cannot ignore. The noise alone can make you crazy, and it isnt good for the exhaust system to avoid replacement. Shop around to find muffler bargains through auto parts stores, websites and installation shops.

Instructions

1

Anticipate replacement. Sometimes mufflers loosen or fall off without warning. Checking during regular vehicle maintenance allows you to anticipate replacement have time to shop around.

2

Get the information you need on size for your make of vehicle. Theres no sense in comparing prices without knowing exactly what you need.

3

Watch for ads on specials. Many muffler repair and replacement shops offer specials throughout the year. Take advantage of specials when anticipating muffler replacement, or if you are lucky, at the time you need it.

4

Shop for mufflers that you or a do-it-yourself friend can install. Many auto parts companies offer bargains through websites. Online auction sites such as eBay also offer auto parts of all kinds.

5

Look at local auto scrapyards. These are especially useful if a muffler needs replacing but you plan to change vehicles within a year or two. You can sometimes walk away with auto parts for under $20 from scrapyards.

6

Take a bargain price to the installer. A muffler repair shop or dealership can quote you their price. It doesnt hurt to let them know you have found it cheaper elsewhere and see if they can match.

Nissan Extended Service, also known as Nissan Extended Warranty, is an extended warranty you can buy for your vehicle after your manufacturers warranty expires. It protects you when you need to repair your vehicle. When you need repairs, you pay the deductible (which depends on your plan) and any parts not covered by your plan, then Nissan pays the remaining amount directly to the repair facility. If you wish to cancel your Nissan Extended Service and are reimbursed for it, you can do so at your local Nissan dealership.

Instructions

1

Go to your local Nissan dealership.

2

Get a Cancellation Request form from the dealership.

3

Fill out the form, sign it and have your Nissan dealer sign it. Include the date and mileage on your car.

4

Mail the form to Nissan Extended Services North America, P.O. Box 685004, Franklin, TN, 37068-5004. Wait four to six weeks for the form to be processed; the refund will be sent to the address you provide on the form.

National Tire & Battery does not offer a VIP card that is accepted at any location nationwide, but each location usually honors some sort of VIP card. Memberships are typically regional, so you can use them at multiple locations in an area. The VIP card will either cost money and provide free services for a period of time, or it will be free and give you access to discounts.

Instructions

1

Ask an employee at your local NTB store about obtaining a VIP card. Though NTB might not advertise the program, cards may be available directly from the store. If not, an employee should be able to inform you about any discount programs the franchise offers.

2

Obtain a VIP card my having a certain number of services -- such as oil changes -- performed at an NTB store, in the event cards are not available for immediate purchase.

3

Donate items or volunteer time at events sponsored by NTB, and often you will be rewarded with a VIP card. The company has offered VIP membership for participation in canned-food drives and other community-service projects. Such programs likely will be advertised inside the store.

4

Join a car enthusiasts club, and sometimes an NTB VIP card is included in the welcome packet. Such clubs offer advice and camaraderie to people who enjoy the same particular vehicles.

5

Register online for NTBs email list -- the "eClub" -- to maximize your chances of hearing about discount programs. NTB offers coupons and information about VIP card opportunities through this list.

If you lost the key for your 1987 Dodge van, you might think about replacing the lock cylinder and use a new key. This is an option for replacement, but the cost of having a cylinder lock changed in your ignition and on your doors could become expensive. There is an easier way to replace a lost key, because Dodge keeps records of the keys used on each vehicle and keeps a master key.

Instructions

1

Write down the vehicle identification number (VIN) for your Dodge van. The number is in the drivers side dash where the dash meets the windshield.

2

Contact your local Dodge dealership, and confirm they offer key replacement services. Some dealerships do not have the equipment to cut a new key.

3

Take your VIN number and your vehicle registration to the dealership. This helps the dealership confirm you are the owner of the vehicle. They can look up the VIN number, get the key code and cut you a new key based on the master key.