Repair 7

Vehicle car keys are equipped with key codes that allow for locksmiths or automobile dealerships to create new keys for any vehicle. The key code is included in the purchase paperwork of any new or used car and its job is to inform key makers how to cut the key to make it specific to your vehicle. If you cannot locate the key code for your vehicle when you need a duplicate car key made, you can use the vehicle identification number instead.

Instructions

1

Contact a car dealership or professional locksmith in your area to have a new key made for your vehicle.

2

Provide the dealer or locksmith with the key code or the vehicle identification number (VIN) of your vehicle. The VIN tells key makers the code for your car key, allowing them to create a new key for your vehicle.

3

Prove to the dealer or locksmith that you are the owner of the vehicle by presenting your photo identification and either your insurance card, title or registration or your purchase paperwork from the car dealership.

The Subaru Impreza is a compact car that Subaru has manufactured since 1993. The most common engine in a late-model Impreza is a 4-cylinder, 2.5-liter engine, which has the oil pump on the front of the engine. The function of the oil pump is to keep the engine lubricated by pumping oil through the engine. The primary portion of the oil pump replacement procedure is the removal of the additional components so you can access the oil pump.

Instructions

1

Remove the cable on the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench to prevent the engine from starting while you replace the oil pump. Place a container under the radiator drain and open the radiator drain cock. Allow the coolant to drain into the container and store the coolant for later use. Replace the radiator drain cock.

2

Raise the vehicle with a jack and support it with jack stands. Place a second container under the drain for the engine oil, then remove the drain plug with a socket wrench. Allow the oil to drain into the container, then fasten the drain plug.

3

Disconnect the covers for the timing belt with a socket wrench, then remove the timing belt assembly. Remove the bracket for the timing belt tensioner and detach the engine coolant pipe from the water pump. Disconnect the the water pump assembly from the engine. Remove the mounting bolts for the oil pump, then pry the oil pump from the engine block with a small pry tool. Discard the seal and O-ring for the oil pump.

4

Mount the new seal on the oil pump, then apply a thin layer of sealant to the oil pumps mating surface. Mount the new O-ring to the oil pump and install the oil pump to the engine block. Tighten the mounting bolts for the oil pump to 56 inch-pounds with a torque wrench.

5

Install the water pump to the engine with a socket wrench and attach the engine coolant pipe to the water pump. Install the timing belt assembly and the covers for the timing belt.

6

Lower the vehicle. Fill the vehicle with the proper amount of coolant and oil. Attach the cable to the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench.

The Tongue Weight

The tongue weight is the downward force that the tongue of the trailer applies to the hitch of the tow vehicle. This will affect the height of your trailer hitch, and it should be 10 to 15 percent of the total trailer weight.

Gross Towing Weight

Gross towing weight is the weight of a fully loaded trailer. Distributing the weight on the trailer will adjust the tongue weight and height of the trailer hitch. Sixty percent of the load should be on the trailer floor in front of the axle.

Bottom Line

Trailer hitch height from the ground should be around 15 to 18 inches. This can be adjusted with the tongue weight and gross towing weight. The tongue weight must be in balance for a safe towing vehicle.

A car battery stores electrical current generated by the alternator. If it is not working correctly or has reached the end of its life span, which typically is to to three years, it must be replaced. The process for changing a battery in a 2001 Ford Ranger requires the use of basic tools.

Instructions

1

Open the 2001 Ford Ranger hood. Locate the battery at the front of the engine on the right side. Disconnect the negative (black) terminal by loosing the connection with the adjustable wrench. Disconnect the positive (red) terminal the same way.

2

Disconnect the battery tie-down using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Remove the battery from the battery tray by lifting it up and out. Put the used battery to one side.

3

Install the replacement battery by placing it into the battery tray, in the same orientation as the original battery, with the terminals in identical locations. Using the ratchet and socket, tighten the battery tie-down to hold the battery in place.

4

Attach the positive terminal of the battery to the positive battery cable using the adjustable wrench. Do the same for the negative terminal. Turn on the ignition of the 2001 Ford Ranger. Allow the truck to run for at least 10 minutes to assess whether the battery is functioning properly.

The Clean Air Act of 1990 restricts the release of air conditioning refrigerant in the atmosphere to help prevent further damage to the ozone layer. Section 609 of the Clean Air Act of 1990 requires that, beginning January 1, 1992, a recovery and recycling certification is mandatory for all persons servicing automotive air conditioning systems containing R-12 (Freon) refrigerant. This certification, along with EPA certified recovery and recycling equipment, is required to purchase R-12 and service automotive a/c systems containing R-12 refrigerant.

Instructions

1

Unscrew the plastic dust caps from the vehicles a/c service ports. The high pressure service port will be on the small diameter a/c line connecting the condenser, located in from of the radiator, to the evaporator located on the firewall. The low pressure service port will be on the a/c line connecting the compressor to the evaporator. Screw the fittings on the ends of the recovery/recycle machines hoses to the vehicles service ports.

2

Rotate the levers on the valves located on the ends of the machines hoses until the lever is inline with the hose. Plug the recovery/recycle machine into an electrical outlet and turn on the machines power switch. Turn the selector switch on the machine to "Recover" and press the "Start" button.

3

Allow the machine to run until it stops and the indicator light on the machine shows the process is complete. Check for leaks in the system by waiting 15 minutes to see if the pressures rise on the machines gauges. If the pressures rise a leak in the vehicles a/c system is present.

4

Close the two valves on the machines hose by rotating them until they are at a 90 degree angle to the hoses. Unscrew the hoses from the service ports and reinstall the plastic dust caps.

The steering wheel, one of the most prominent features of any motor vehicle, provides the means by which the driver controls the direction in which the vehicle moves. Steering wheels come in many styles and types. Those interested in cars would do well to acquaint themselves with the major types and their uses.

Tilt Steering Wheels

Tilt steering wheels, first introduced by General Motors in 1963, are used most often in luxury vehicles. They allow different people to operate the vehicle comfortably by making the position of the steering wheel adjustable. Basically, tilt steering wheels connect to an arc that allows them to change positions by turning up and down. The wheels design allows the steering column to remain unaffected by the changes in the wheels position. This occurs through the use of a ratchet mechanism located in the steering column just below the wheel.

Telescope Steering Wheels

Telescope steering wheels are also an adjustable model of steering wheel, but in this case the height is adjustable. You can adjust these wheels to an infinite number of positions within a 3-inch range.

Adjustable Steering Wheels

Adjustable steering column steering wheels also adjust height but do it differently from telescope wheels. They create the same change in height created by telescope wheels, except they do it by changing the wheels title. These changes are smaller and less pronounced than those accomplished with tilt steering wheels, however. Instead of ratchet mechanisms, adjustable steering column wheels use electric motors or compression locks.

Swing-Away Steering Wheels

First introduced as a feature of the 1961 Ford Thunderbird, these interesting devices make entering and exiting the vehicles easier. Featured in many Ford vehicles models in the 1960s, swing-away steering wheels have a feature that allows them to move 9 inches to the right when you place the vehicle in park.

Recirculating Ball Steering Wheels

Recirculating ball steering wheels are so named for the mechanism that allows them to turn the vehicles wheels. The most important part of this type of steering wheel system, the Pitman arm, connects the steering gear to the center link and the tie-rods of the Pitman shaft.

Rack-and-Pinion Steering Wheels

Rack-and-pinion steering wheels, probably the most common types of steering wheels available as of 2010, connect to a system contained in a metal tube, from which the rack ends protrude. A tie-rod links to each end of the rack, while the pinion gear links to the steering shaft. At the other end, the tie rod connects to the steering arm so that when you turn the steering wheel, it spins the gear. This action moves the rack, which in turn moves the cars wheels.

All 1974 VW camper models have a sink, ice box, couch/bed and the option for a pop-top. The camper also has storage cabinets and individual front and passenger seats that swivel to face the couch. The design maximizes the space available and can be used for short or long camping trips. Before you begin restoring the camper portion of the vehicle, do all of the work required to restore the body and engine.

Instructions

1

Raise the pop-top and inspect the interior of the camper for water damage and mold. Remove all infested wood, carpet, upholstery and tent fabric. Use a blade to cut out material and a hammer to remove wood panels.

2

Inspect the plumbing for damage and fill the water reservoir. Test the sink to check the water pump operation. Inspect the propane tank and hose for a seal of approval with a service date. Outdated propane tanks must be serviced or replaced.

3

Replace any damaged plumbing with PVC. Use PVC joints and PVC glue to make new connections. Replace the water pump and reservoir then fill the reservoir and test the sink.

4

Remove any damaged wood panels on the sink, bed and cabinets. Replace them with matching panels that can be special-ordered or use 1/4-inch plywood with a varnish finish.

5

Replace the tent material used in the pop-top. The tent must be special-ordered for the correct dimensions. Order new tent material with pre-installed windows to add value to your camper.

6

Use a sander to remove all of the glue from the interior floor. Sweep out the interior of the van. Place new carpet glue on the floor and lay down new carpet. Use a blade to trim the edges for a clean finish.

7

Replace the cushions on the couch/bed or re-cover them with new upholstery.