Repair 7

The 2001 Kia Rio is a hatchback sedan sought after because of its fuel economy. If you have problems with your Rio after it rains, you can check for a few problems before taking it to a Kia service shop. The most common issues include the spark plug, the distribution cap and battery corrosion. You can check for these problems yourself with little hassle and minimal knowledge of how the Rio works.

Instructions

1

Open the Rios hood, and locate the spark plug housing on the side of the engine. Use your fingers to pull the spark plug out of the housing. Water can seep into the spark plug and cause arcing if it has worn. Replace the spark plug to fix this problem.

2

Check your distribution cap, found on the right side of your engine. Remove the bolts holding the distributor cap on the engine using a ratchet, and pull the distributor cap from the engine block. Feel the inside of the distributor cap for any signs of moisture. Replace the cap if you do find moisture.

3

Locate the battery terminals. Look for signs of corrosion, and use a pair of pliers to remove the terminals from the battery. Use a can of soda and a wire brush to clean the terminals. Replace the terminals on the battery, and try to restart the car.

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.

Your catalytic converter is the part of your vehicles exhaust system designed to reduce the amount of toxic emissions of gases that leave your car and enter into the environment. Because of increasing concerns about pollution, catalytic converters are among the most heavily legally regulated parts of your vehicle. It is illegal to modify or alter your catalytic converter in any way, so the only way to legally repair your clogged catalytic converter is to have an exhaust shop or certified mechanic replace it.

Instructions

1

Take your car to mechanics shop that specializes in exhaust problems and repairs. Have a certified professional mechanic evaluate your vehicles problem and determine definitively that its the catalytic converter causing it. The mechanic is not allowed to replace the catalytic converter unless he is able to thoroughly document a problem with it. No individual or mechanic is legally allowed to tamper with the converters mechanical workings in any way, theore the converter must be replaced. If your car has failed emissions test or state inspection, you should keep the documentation related to that as proof that there is a problem with the catalytic converter.

2

Determine if your car is still covered by the federally mandated catalytic converter warranty. This means if your car is less than eight years old or has fewer than 80,000 miles on it, the original manufacturer is responsible for replacing the catalytic converter free of cost. In this case, you should take all the documentation of the problem to your local dealers parts and service department and have them replace the catalytic converter free of charge under the warranty.

3

Have mechanic replace catalytic converter with an identical model. Youre not allowed to alter the design or change models from the original manufacturer installed catalytic converter. Once the converter has been installed, make sure your mechanic correctly fills out and submits the federally required warranty card. Keep all documentation for catalytic converter in case a problem arises later during emissions testing.

An automatic vehicle window failure usually results from a damaged or broken window regulator or window motor. The motor powers the regulator, which raises and lowers automatic and manual windows.

Window Regulator

The window regulator comes in various designs, so the cost depends on the type your car uses. Window regulators for foreign luxury cars are generally more expensive than common domestic cars. The price ranges from $90 (e.g., 2005 Ford Taurus) to $378 (e.g., 2011 Mercedes Benz CLS550), according to RepairPal in November 2010.

Window Motor

The cost of a window motor can range from $96 dollars in a more common vehicle, to $264 on a more expensive, rare vehicle.

Labor

Generally, it is more expensive to repair a foreign luxury car than it is to repair a common domestic car. Trucks can be even less expensive, as it costs as low as $30 or $40 dollars to replace a regulator in some makes and models. Car regulator labor costs can range from $115 to $145 dollars in common cars and range from $314 to $400 in luxury cars. Window motor replacement labor costs range from $82 to $105 in common cars and from $315 to $400 dollars in luxury cars.