Repair 7

On July 19, 2001 the Ford Motor Company issued a fuel system gasoline recall regarding a damaged check valve in the fuel pump sender assembly of F-Series pickup trucks. The potential number of vehicles affected is 1,556,221, according to the recall notice.

Affected Vehicles

The vehicles affected by this recall are 1990-1993 Ford F-Series pickup trucks equipped with dual fuel tanks. The recalled vehicles will have a 4.9, 5.0, 5.8 or 7.5-liter gasoline engine.

Problem

Vehicles affected can experience the transfer of fuel from one tank to the other due to a malfunction of the check valve in the fuel system. When fuel returns to the tank not being used, which is called cross flow, the non-operating tank capacity can be exceeded, which can cause fuel to run out past the filler cap and possibly create a fire hazard.

Solution

Ford has extended the warranty for possible fuel cross flow to 12 years or 150,000 miles from the start date of the warranty, whichever comes first. Dealers will repair the fuel cross flow condition at no charge.

Routine Fluid Checks and Preventative Maintenance

The differential allows the drive wheels in your 2WD or 4WD car, truck or SUV to turn at different speeds. Proper lubrication of the gears is imperative for the safe and optimum performance of your vehicle. Checking the rear differential fluid every 15,000 miles for a "gummy" consistency will prevent costly repairs and can even extend the life of your drive-wheel tires.

Todays Vehicles Are Designed for Low Maintenance

Todays automobiles last longer. Technology has given them more sophisticated engineering, cleaner-burning fluids and low-maintenance designs. Frequently checking the differential fluid is unnecessary because of these advances. Checking the fluid during 30,000- and 60,000-mile maintenance visits is more than adequate--with a complete fluid change at 90,000 miles.

Bottom Line

While preventative maintenance is the key to the life of your vehicle, you can avoid spending unnecessary time by simply checking the fluid during each oil change. If you have an older vehicle that is used for towing heavy loads long distances, checking the fluid every 15,000 miles or so is recommended. If you are driving a newer vehicle--one that is five years old or less--a check of the fluid during 30,000- and 60,000-mile maintenance visits will suffice.

The 1986 Toyota Pickup belongs to the fourth generation of this series which was in production from 1983 to 1988. The most common engine for this vehicle is a four-cylinder 2.4-liter engine. The 1986 Toyota pickup uses a timing chain to drive the camshaft with the crankshaft. The timing chain may require replacement, although it can last for the lifetime of the vehicle. The most critical aspect of the timing chain replacement is keeping the timing marks aligned during the procedure.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the alternator and oil pan with a socket wrench. Remove the cooling fan with the water pump still attached. Disconnect the securing bolt for the crankshaft pulley and pull the crankshaft pulley from the crankshaft with a suitable gear puller.

2

Detach the water bypass hose to access the timing chain cover. Disconnect the adjusting bar for the cooling fan belt with a socket wrench. Remove the water outlet pipe for the heater.

3

Remove the mounting bolts for the timing chain cover with a socket wrench, and detach the cover. Separate the timing chain from the crankshaft damper. Remove the timing chain and camshaft sprocket from the camshaft. Remove the crankshaft sprocket and oil pump drive from the crankshaft with a suitable gear puller.

4

Turn the crankshaft clockwise with a wrench until the crankshaft key aligns with the timing mark on the crankcase. Align the key way on the crankshaft sprocket with the key on the crankshaft and mount the sprocket to the crankshaft.

5

Mount the new timing chain to the crankshaft sprocket so that the single bright link on the chain aligns with the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket. Mount the timing chain to the camshaft sprocket so that the timing mark on the sprocket is between the pair of bright links on the timing chain.

6

Place the drive spline for the oil pump over the key on the crankshaft and mount the gasket for the timing chain cover to the front of the engine block. Turn the camshaft sprocket counterclockwise with a wrench to take up the slack on the timing chain.

7

Replace the cover for the timing chain. Tighten the 8-mm mounting bolts to 9 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and tighten the 10-mm bolts to 29 foot-pounds. Apply a thin layer of gasket sealer to the gaskets for the oil pan and timing chain cover.

8

Connect the adjusting bar for the cooling fan belt, and tighten its mounting bolts to 9 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Attach the water outlet pipe for the heater and the water bypass pipe.

9

Mount the crankshaft pulley to the crankshaft and tighten its mounting bolt with a socket wrench. Attach the water pump and air conditioning compressor. Connect the oil pan and alternator.

Glow plugs are used in vehicles that require diesel fuel to operate. Because glow plugs are exposed to extreme heat they can lose their voltage and become damaged quickly. If your cars glow plugs lose their voltage, you may find that your vehicle no longer starts. Even if the vehicle still starts, you may find that there are other operating issues. While a glow plugs voltage is usually checked by a professional in a garage, it can be done at home with the right equipment.

Instructions

1

Open the car hood and locate the glow plug relay. The glow plug relay is often found on the drivers side of the car behind the headlight. The location of the glow plug relay will depend on the vehicle. Glow plug relays are usually large, black and boxy, with a sticker that resembles a barcode. Several wires are attached to the glow plug relay.

2

Remove the glow plug relay lid and set aside. You will see several connectors and thick wires under the lid. Remove the largest connector by pulling up.

3

Set the multimeter to "ohms" and note the number on the display screen. That number must be subtracted from each glow plug voltage reading to get accurate results.

4

Connect the negative wire on the multimeter to the battery negative. The multimeter should be clearly labeled. Connect the positive wire to the multimeter and then insert the other end into each hole on the glow plug relay connector.

5

Read the meter to determine each glow plugs voltage. Refer to your vehicles user manual for recommended voltage levels.

The "Check Engine Light" informs a driver of mechanical issues, such as emmision-control malfunction, vacuum loss and even complete engine failure. Vehicles with a flashing "check engine light" might fail emission-standards tests in some states.

Replace

Taking apart the dashboard is required to access the bulb in the check-engine light. Completing this task is challenging on some older vehicles. Disabling the check-engine light should never be attempted; it is illegal due to emissions regulations.

Repair

A check-engine light is often often triggered by temporary problems. Once the light is on, it will generally stay on due to activated codes. Purchasing a device to clear these codes might sometims cause the light to turn off.

Testing

Failure of certain vehicle systems might cause a check-engine light to come on. Testing performed on these systems can reveal the source of the light. Checking the fuel or ignition system is usually required.

The steps necessary to check a valve cover gasket are in most part the same steps that would be needed for replacing the gasket. Some of the same tools will be necessary. The valve cover gasket is a rubber filter that ensures the valve cover itself seats well, so then the oil being pumped underneath the cover doesnt seep through it. Over time valve cover gaskets age and become weak, which may result in an oil leak around the lip of the valve cover gasket.

Instructions

1

Remove the valve cover by first taking off the hold down bolts securing it. Use caution in removing these bolts, as they can strip easily. Any difficulty turning the bolts should be remedied by spraying rust neutralizer or oil penetrator on the bolt and trying again.

2

Once the bolts are removed, gently pry off the valve cover. It may be necessary to use a flat head screwdriver or putty knife to pry a corner free before it can be lifted off.

3

Inspect the valve cover, both inside and out. Any problem with the gasket or valve cover will be obvious -- youll see an excessive amount of oil in and around the valve cover. A vehicle owner will generally have valid suspicion well in advance of inspecting the valve cover gasket; both a substantial oil leak and gray smoke coming from under the hood would be an indication that the valve cover and gasket need to be replaced.

4

Distinguish between a leak and a seep, if there is oil present around the valve cover. Seeping oil in cars over thirty thousand miles on the odometer is not that unusual and is not cause to replace the gasket. The distinction is in amounts -- most vehicle owners savvy enough to be inspecting the valve cover should know the difference between a leak and a seep. But in general, if theres oil all over the place, its a leak.

5

Replace the valve cover gasket if an oil leak is present.

6

Reinstall the valve cover, making sure to adhere to torque recommendations. Carefully secure the hold down bolts to make firm the valve cover seat.

The fuel delivery system is a vital part of your vehicles operation. Within this system, the fuel filter is a component that allows your vehicle to run smoothly. Fuel filters remove any particles from the fuel, such as dirt or rust, that may cause damage to the fuel injector, carburetor or engine. There are a few simple things that you can check if you suspect that your fuel filter is bad and needs replacement.

Instructions

1

Turn the engine off before trying to determine if the fuel filter is bad on your vehicle. You may have to work beneath the car, so allow plenty of space in a safe area for working.

2

Locate the fuel filter. Read the vehicles owners manual to determine if the fuel filter is under the hood or underneath the car. Some fuel filters are connected to the fuel delivery system, whereas some are along the the fuel line beneath the vehicle.

3

Inspect the area around the fuel filter for any obvious damage or problems. If no damage is seen, remove the fuel filter from the fueling system. In most cases, a wrench or similar tool is needed to loosen the bolts that secure the filter. If the filter is underneath the car, you may need additional tools to release the fuel filter.

4

Look at the filter closely. Note that it has a hole on both sides. Remove anything that may obstruct fuel from passing through the holes.

5

Blow through the filter. If the air passes through easily, the filter is still good. If there is a lot of resistance or you have difficulty blowing through it, the filter may be old and clogged and may need to be replaced.

6

Replace the fuel filter and tighten the bolts that secure it in the fueling system. Call a professional mechanic if you are still unsure about the quality or effectiveness of your fuel filter.

You can check the ABS trouble codes on your 92 Ford F-150 right from your home garage, saving yourself both time and money. The 92 F-150 comes equipped with an On-Board Diagnostics I computer (OBD I) that retrieves and stores all trouble codes sent to it from sensors positioned throughout the truck. When these sensors detect a malfunction in the anti-lock brake system (ABS), they send a code to the computer which, in turn, illuminates the ABS warning light on the instrument panel. You can retrieve these trouble codes using a small, handheld computerized device called an OBD I scan tool. You can buy one at any auto parts retailer.

Instructions

1

Find the OBD port on the drivers dashboard underneath the steering column. Plug the scan tool into this port.

2

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

3

Wait for the scan tool to turn on. Some scan tools need to be turned on, so you may have to find the on/off switch.

4

Select the command "Retrieve Codes." Wait while the scan tool interfaces with the OBD computer. Write the codes down on a piece of paper.

5

Look up the codes in the manual that came with the scan tool. Unplug the tool and have the Fords brake system repaired based on the information obtained from the codes.

The Volvo S80 is a midsize sedan that made its debut in 1998. You can reset the "Check Engine" light on your 2000 Volvo S80 right from home, using an OBD II scan tool. These tools can be purchased at any auto parts store. Make sure to read the codes first and make any necessary repairs before attempting to reset the light. Doing so prematurely may damage the engine or computer. The On-Board Diagnostics II computer receives error codes from the engine and emissions system and the computer, in turn, illuminates the "Check Engine" light on your instrument cluster.

Instructions

1

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position. Dont start the engine.

2

Plug the OBD II scan tool into the diagnostic port on the drivers side dashboard. This can be found under the steering column.

3

Wait for the scan tool to read the codes. Navigate through the menu on the scan tool using the arrow keys. Find a command that says "Delete Codes" or something similar. Select this command.

4

Wait for the scan tool to return to the main menu. Unplug the scan tool from the port and start the vehicle. Check to make sure that the "Check Engine" light has shut off.