How to replace the dome light in a 2001 Honda Accord EX sedan

The dome light is the overhead light that many drivers never even think about.  It typically comes on when you open the car door and goes off when you start the engine, and unless you need to read a map or find something in the back seat, you may never even use it.  But if the light does happen to go out, replacing it is an easy process.

You can probably find a replacement bulb at your local auto parts store (Sylvania DE3423 will work) but if not you can buy one online.  Amazon sells a two-pack for $7.59.  (AutoZone and O'Reilly each list it at $7.99.)

Follow the steps below to replace the dome light in a 2001 Honda Accord EX sedan.

1. Turn the light to Off

The dome light is located on the ceiling toward the middle of the car.  Push the switch for the light to the Off position.

2. Remove the cover

The plastic cover over the light can be removed by prying or popping it off.  There are two tabs on the rear side of the cover (toward the trunk of the car) that can be popped out with a small flathead screwdriver or knife blade.  Once the tabs have been popped out, pull the cover off.

3. Remove the bulb

The bulb itself sits in the housing held in by two metal tension brackets.  You can pull it out with your fingers -- remove one end first and then the other -- but be careful not to drop it because it could break or get lost.

4. Install the new bulb

Place the new bulb into the two brackets so that it clips into each one.  The orientation doesn't matter, as long as the light sits firmly in its housing.

5. Test the light

Push the light switch to On and verify that the light comes on.  If it doesn't come on, the bulb isn't sitting flush in its housing -- turn the light off and try to reseat it, then test it again.  If it still doesn't come on, either the new bulb is bad or you have a wiring problem.

6. Reattach the cover

Line the cover up so that the two large tabs are on the side toward the rear of the car, then push the opposite side of the cover (toward the front of the car) into place first.  Once that side is in place, push the rear side up, pushing the two tabs in slightly, and the cover should snap into place.

(Originally published on Helium.com, 2011. Prices and links have been updated.)

(Disclaimer: I earn a commission on Amazon sales made from links in this post.)

How to replace a fuse in a 2001 Honda Accord

Fuses are used in many different electrical systems (including in automobiles) to prevent major problems if something should go wrong.  If too much current is sent across a wire, it could destroy electrical components or start a fire.  When fuses are used, if an excessive current passes through a fuse, the fuse will blow, severing the circuit and keeping the components that rely on the fuse safe.

Every now and then a fuse in your car might blow, causing a component to not work.  Fuses often radios, windshield wipers, and other non-engine components.  To replace a bad fuse in a 2001 Honda Accord, follow the steps below.

1. Open the hood

Pull the hood release lever, located below the steering wheel and to the left.  This lever has a picture of a car with a raised hood on it -- pull it out, toward you, to release the hood.

Get out of the car and stand in front of it.  Lift up on the hood.  It should raise an inch or two.  There is a latch under the front of the hood, near the middle of the car.  Feel around for this latch and then pull on it to release the hood.  Push the hood up so you can see under it.

There is a long metal rod lying across the front frame of the car with a white plastic tip.  Pull this rod up and insert it into the hole on the underside of the hood on the right side, about halfway between the center of the hood and the right edge.  This rod will keep the hood from falling while you are working.

2. Locate and open the fuse box

The fuse box will be in the rear left corner of the engine compartment, as you're standing in front of the car.  It is a black plastic box, and on the top of the box is a diagram of the fuses contained inside.  Remove the fuse box top by pressing on the two tabs on the front of the box and then pulling the top up and out.  (You may have to slide the top forward a little before it can be pulled all the way out.)

3. Pull the old fuse

Inside the fuse box you'll see all sorts of different fuses and relays.  Locate the bad fuse and remove it from the fuse box by pulling it straight up.  (Be sure the engine is off first.)  A fuse puller can make the job easier, but a pair of needle-nose pliers can work too.

4. Install the new fuse

Set the new fuse into the hole left by the old fuse.  It should fit right into place.  If you're using pliers, be sure not to squeeze too hard so you don't crack the fuse.

5. Close everything up and test the fuse

Put the fuse box lid back on, rear side first, and then push it closed so that the two tabs in front snap into place.  Remove the stay bar from the hole in the hood and lay it back across the car's frame, popping it back into the clamp that holds it.  Then let the hood drop and make sure it's latched.

Start the car and turn on the component that wasn't working because of the bad fuse.  It should work now.  If it doesn't, turn the car off and then check the fuse to make sure you inserted it fully, and also make sure it is the correct fuse.  If the component still won't work, the problem most likely lies within the component itself (or in the wiring to that component).

Note:

• Always replace a bad fuse with an identical fuse.  Never try to install a differently-sized fuse or use one with a different amperage or voltage rating than the one being replaced.
• Never remove or insert a fuse while the car is on or running.

(Originally published on Helium.com, 2011)

How to replace a fuse in a 2003 Honda Civic

Occasionally, a fuse will blow in your car, causing the door locks, power windows, or another component to fail.  Replacing the fuse is a simple procedure, and you can save money by doing it yourself rather than taking the car to a mechanic or auto shop.

To replace a fuse in a 2003 Honda Civic:

1. Open the hood

With the car off, pull the hood release lever, located to the left under the driver's side dashboard.  The lever has picture of a car with a raised hood on it.  Pull it toward you to release the hood lock.

Once you've pulled the lever, get out of the car and stand in front of it.  Feel under the slightly-raised hood for the latch that will release it the rest of the way (just to the left of the center).  Push up on the latch and raise the hood, then use the stabilizing bar (it lays along the front of the engine compartment, parallel to the bumper) to hold the hood in place.  The bar's white plastic tip fits into the hole on the right underside of the hood.

2. Open the fuse box

The fuse box is located on the left side of the engine compartment (as you're standing in front of the car, looking at it).  Push in the two clips on either side of the fuse box cover and lift it off.  There is a diagram of the fuses and locations on the underside of the fuse box cover.

3. Remove the bad fuse

For larger fuses, you can simply pull them out with your hand, but for smaller fuses it helps to have a fuse extractor or a pair of tweezers.  Pull the fuse straight up and out.

4. Install the new fuse

Gently push the new fuse into the spot vacated by the old fuse.  Make sure to push it in all the way, in the same orientation as the old fuse.

5. Close everything up

Reattach the fuse box cover, then put the stabilizing bar back where it was (there is a clip toward the front of the car that holds it in place) and close the hood.

6. Test the fuse

Start the car and test whichever component wouldn't work before.  If that component still doesn't work, either the new fuse is bad, the fuse isn't installed correctly, or there is another faulty part (such as a motor or a switch) causing the problem.

🛈 Always replace a fuse with a new fuse of the exact same size and type.

🛈 You can use a circuit tester to verify that a fuse is faulty and needs to be replaced.

(Originally published on Helium.com, 2011)

How to disable the horn on a 2005 Honda CR-V

Just like any other electrical component, an automobile horn can malfunction.  There might be a short in the wiring somewhere causing the horn to blare uncontrollably, or maybe the problem lies with the car's security system.  If the alarm is being set off, either by a loud noise like fireworks or thunder, or by heavy precipitation, the horn will sound repeatedly.  For any of these reasons, you may wish to temporarily disable your CR-V's horn.  This can be done easily by following the steps below.

1. Pop the hood

The hood release lever is located under the steering wheel, close to the floor.  It is a black lever that sits right above the gas compartment lever, and it has a picture of a white car with its hood raised on it.  Pull this lever toward you to release the hood lock.

2. Raise the hood

There is a latch under the hood that will prevent it from being lifted more than a couple of inches, just to the right of the Honda "H" on the front of the vehicle.  Lift up on the hood with one hand as far as you can and find this latch with your other hand, then push the latch to the left to release it.

To make the hood stay up so you don't have to hold it, use the metal bar that lies across the front frame of the car.  This bar is topped by a white plastic tip that sits right in front of the battery on the right side of the car as you are standing in front of it.  Pull the bar upward and insert the plastic tip into the hole in the underside of the hood on the left side.  (This hole has an imprinted arrow right next to it, pointing to it.)  Make sure the bar is securely fitted into the hole before letting go of the hood.

3. Remove the fuse box cover

The fuse box is a black plastic box located on the right side of the engine compartment, behind the battery.  Pull the cover off of it by grasping and pushing in the four tabs (two on the front side, two on the rear) and lifting the cover off.

4. Remove the horn relay

The fuse box contains many fuses and relays that control various parts of the vehicle.  On the right side of the fuse box you will see a row of three black rectangles; these are relays, and the horn relay is the middle one.  Remove this relay by pulling it straight up and out.  If you can't pull it out with your hand, try using a pair of needle-nose pliers.  Place this relay somewhere safe, preferably somewhere in the CR-V so that you'll have it nearby when you want to reinstall it.

5. Reattach the fuse box cover

Place the fuse box cover back on the fuse box and push it straight down to snap it into place.  The large black protrusion on the bottom of the cover goes in the back (away from you).

6. Close the hood

Push the hood up slightly and remove the bar that is keeping it raised.  Lay this bar back across the front of the CR-V, snapping it into the white plastic clip that holds it in place.  Then lower the hood gently until it is a foot or so above the engine and let it drop.

7. Test the horn

To be sure you removed the correct relay, press on the center of the steering wheel to activate the horn.  The horn should not sound; if it does, you removed the wrong relay.

Tips & Warnings:

- For safety reasons, always make sure the car is off before doing anything inside the fuse box.

- If you want to double check that you have the right relay before removing it, the underside of the fuse box cover contains a diagram showing which fuse or relay sits where.

- When reinserting the horn relay, line up the terminals on the bottom of the relay with the slots in the relay cavity.

(Originally published on Helium.com, 2011)

How to disable the horn on a 2003 Honda Civic

If you have an alarm system on your car, it can sometimes go off at inopportune times.  Thunder is notorious for setting off car alarms, and precipitation such as hard rain or hail can also cause the alarm to go off.  If your alarm is easily set off by storms, you may want to disable the horn before a big storm comes, especially if it will be coming while you're trying to sleep.

Read on for a step-by-step guide to disable the horn on a 2003 Honda Civic.

1. Pop the hood

The hood release lever is located below the steering wheel right by the driver's door; it is a black lever with the image of a car with a raised hood on it.  Pull this lever toward you to release the hood.

2. Raise the hood

To raise the hood, pull up on it with one hand while feeling underneath it with the other hand to release the hood latch (located just to the left of the center of the hood).  Find this latch and push it up and to the right to free the hood, then raise the hood up and use the bar that lies across the front frame of the car (a metal bar with a white plastic tip) to keep the hood raised.  This bar fits into a hole on the underside of the hood.

3. Open the fuse box

As you're standing in front of the car, the fuse box can be found on the left side of the engine compartment, behind the battery.  To open it, push in on the four tabs (two on the front, two on the back) and lift the cover up and off.

4. Remove the horn relay

The electrical relay that controls the horn is on the left side of the fuse box.  There is a row of three black rectangular relays; the horn relay is the middle one.  Remove this relay by pulling it straight up.  The relay may be difficult to remove, and a pair of needle-nose pliers might help.  (If you want to be absolutely sure that you're removing the right relay, there is a diagram on the underside of the fuse box cover showing which relay goes where.)

Once you remove the relay, put it somewhere safe -- preferably somewhere in the car so that you'll have it when you want to reinstall it.  A good place to store the relay is in the drop-down compartment to the left of the steering wheel.

5. Close the fuse box

Place the fuse box cover back on top of the fuse box so that the large black protrusion faces toward the front of the car.  Push the cover down onto the fuse box, and the four tabs should snap into place.

6. Close the hood

Lift up on the hood slightly with one hand so you can remove the metal bar with your other hand.  Place this bar back across the front frame of the car and snap it into its white plastic clip.  Then lower the hood until it's about a foot above the car and let it drop down and lock.

Things to note:

• Always turn the car off before removing or replacing any relays or fuses.
• When reinstalling the horn relay, it will only fit in one way.  Make sure the terminals on the bottom of the relay line up with the slots in the fuse box housing.  If there is writing on the top of the relay, it should be facing toward the front of the car.

(Originally published on Helium.com, 2011)

How to replace a front turn signal bulb on a 2014 Honda CR-V

(commissions earned)Replacing a front turn signal bulb is harder some vehicles than others. You may have to remove protective covers or weirdly-shaped clips, or reach in at an awkward angle. On the 2014 Honda CR-V, replacing a front turn signal bulb (part number 1157A) couldn't be much easier.

First, pop the hood (the lever is located near your left foot when sitting in the driver's seat). Prop the hood up using the bar that lies across the front of the engine compartment. Locate the wires leading to the bulb you need to change -- they'll disappear into the housing directly behind where the turn signal is located (see images below).

Grip the bulb housing and twist it counter-clockwise about a quarter turn. The housing will come loose and you can pull it out (toward the rear of the vehicle).

With the bulb exposed, grip the bulb close to the base and twist it counter-clockwise a quarter turn. Then you'll be able to remove the bulb.

Insert the new bulb (a tab on the bulb's metal base will line up with a slot in the housing) and turn the bulb counter-clockwise a quarter turn to lock it in place. Then reinsert the bulb housing and twist it counter-clockwise a quarter turn.

Test the turn signal to be sure the new bulb is installed correctly and working. If it is, you're done... just close the hood and be on your merry way.

How to replace the dashboard cruise control switch in a 2003 Honda Civic

Cruise control is a nice feature to have. If the cruise control switch on your dashboard -- the one that's just a button that lights up when you push it -- goes bad, you won't be able to turn cruise control on. However, replacing that switch is an easy task. All you need is a new switch, a Phillips screwdriver, and the instructions in this article. (For instructions on replacing the steering wheel-mounted cruise control switch, see this post instead.)

When purchasing a new switch, be sure to get the correct switch for your model Civic. Auto Zone sells the switch for a 2003 two-door Civic (part #SW7007) as well as the switch for the '03 four-door model (SW6998). These switches used to cost around $25 each; now they're probably $30-40.

Once you have the new switch, the whole process shouldn't take more than 15 minutes. First, open the pull-down storage compartment located by the driver's left knee. With this compartment open, you should see a screw that is now exposed. Remove this screw with a Phillips screwdriver.

The whole compartment will now be loose and wobbly with the screw out. Gently pull the compartment down and out, toward you, to expose the back side of the three switches that sit above the compartment. You may have to wiggle it a bit, but you should be able to pull it out far enough to get at the back of the switches.

The cruise control switch is the left-most of the three switches. To remove it, you'll first need to disconnect its connector. Remove the gray connector from the blue terminal by pushing in on the tab located on the right side of the connector and pulling the connector away from the switch. Once the connector is out, you can remove the switch itself by pushing in on the two tabs on the switch -- one on the top and one on the bottom -- and then pushing the switch forward, toward you, and out of the panel.

To install the new switch, slide it into the panel from the back, so that the two tabs lock into place. Then attach the connector, with the tab on the right side. That, too, will lock into place. Now you can push the whole panel back into place against the dashboard and secure it with the screw.

The new switch is now installed. All that remains is to start the car and make sure the switch comes on and the cruise control functions.

(Originally published on Helium.com,  May 2012)

How to reset the oil life indicator on a 2014 Honda CR-V

The oil life indicator on a 2014 Honda CR-V shows you an approximation of how much life is left in the engine oil, as a percentage. (Fresh oil would be 100%.) When you get an oil change, the mechanic or technician may reset the oil life indicator for you. If they don't, it's easy to reset it yourself.

- Press the Menu button (on the left side of the steering wheel).

- The intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) screen will display "Vehicle information". Press the Source button (in the middle of the arrow pad on the left side of the steering wheel) to select it.

- "Maintenance information" will be displayed. Press the Source button again to select it.

- The oil life will be displayed. Press the Source button to reset it.

- Press the down arrow button to scroll to "Yes" to confirm, then press the Source button.

- Press the Menu button to exit.

10 more auto manuals added

Links to 10 more auto owner's manuals, parts manuals and service bulletins were added recently:

- Chevrolet: 1 owner's manual
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- Oldsmobile: 1 owner’s manual
- Pontiac: 1 owner’s manual

How to replace the passenger side brake light on a 2005 Honda CR-V

The passenger side brake light bulb in a 2005 Honda CR-V is a type 7528 bulb.  Amazon sells a pair of 7528 Sylvania bulbs for $7.79 with free shipping.

To replace the passenger side brake light bulb on a 2005 Honda CR-V:

- With the vehicle off, open the CR-V's rear door.

- The rear lights on each side are connected as one assembly, which needs to be removed to get at the bulbs.  There is a screw in the plastic at the top of the tail light assembly (covered by a small plastic circle) and a screw at the bottom (which you can only see with the rear door open.  Remove these two screws.  For the bottom screw, you'll need either a stubby screwdriver or a wrench with an 8mm socket.

- With the two screws out, you can move the tail light assembly away from the vehicle frame.  Pry up gently around the edges of the lights to pop the assembly out.  Don't pull it too hard; all of the bulbs are attached by wires.

- Once the assembly is loose, locate the brake light bulb on the inner side of the assembly, near the center.  Twist the brake light housing to the left and slide it out of its cavity.

- To remove the bulb itself, twist the bulb to the left -- you should feel it pop out a little -- and slide it out of its housing.

- The new bulb will have two small round protrusions sticking out from the metal base.  Each of these protrusions lines up with a slot in the bulb housing.  Slide the new bulb into the housing so that each protrusion fits into a slot, then turn the bulb clockwise to lock it in place.

- Reattach the housing by sliding it into the cavity in the tail light assembly, then twisting it clockwise.

- Fit the tail light assembly back onto the CR-V so that the two screw holes are visible through the holes in the tail light assembly.  Screw the tail light assembly in place.

- Test the brake light to be sure it turns on.

How to replace the driver side low-beam headlight on a 2005 Honda CR-V

The low-beam headlights for a 2005 Honda CR-V use an H1 halogen bulb.  There are different styles of this bulb, and you can typically find them at auto parts stores like Auto Zone or Pep Boys for around $10.  Amazon sells one right now for $7.63.

Replacing the passenger side bulb is a chore that can be very time-consuming, but replacing the driver side bulb is simple.  You should be able to do it in under 10 minutes, and you won't need any tools other than a rag (to wipe your hands on) and a flashlight (if you're not in a well-lit area).

With the engine off, pop the hood then lock it in the open position with the metal bar that lays across the front of the engine compartment.  Locate the driver side headlight; behind the headlight is the electrical connector that needs to be removed.

Grasp the black connector and pull it straight back, away from the headlight.  It should come right off.  Once the connector has been removed, there is a black circular rubber gasket protecting the headlight; remove this as well.  (It should also come right off.)  Put the gasket somewhere safe so it doesn't fall into the engine compartment.

There is a wire clip preventing the headlight from falling out.  To remove the headlight, you'll need to first remove this wire clip.  (Before doing so, take a good look at the headlight so you can see how it will go back in when you reinstall it.)  It can be difficult the first time because you can't see it very well.  To unlock the wire clip, grab the top of the clip and pull it up and then out (away from the headlight).  It will pivot out and down, allowing the headlight to be removed.

Gently pull the headlight bulb assembly straight out, being careful not to drop it.  Once you have it out you can see the bulb.  To remove the old bulb, simply pull it out of the bulb housing.

Install the new bulb by sliding it straight into the housing, with the metal contacts of the bulb and the housing matching up.  Try to touch the bulb itself as little as possible to prolong its life.

Slide the bulb assembly back into its cavity, and be sure it's positioned correctly.  The wings on the side of the assembly should be horizontal (on either side) rather than vertical.  The contacts that will join with the connector should be side by side and vertical, like this:  | |

Secure the bulb assembly with the wire clip by pulling the clip up and over the top of the bulb assembly.  Once in position, it will latch in place.  Then slide the rubber gasket back around the headlight and reattach the connector.

How to reset the maintenance light on a 2005 Honda CR-V

The maintenance light comes on to remind you that your vehicle is (sometimes) due for maintenance, or may be due soon.  However, if you do your own maintenance, or if the maintenance was done but the counter wasn't reset, you might want to reset it yourself to get rid of the MAINT REQ'D light.

To reset the maintenance light on a 2005 Honda CR-V, hold in the trip reset button (the button you push to reset the trip odometer or switch between trip counters) and start the vehicle.  The MAINT REQ'D message will still come on.  Continue holding down the trip reset button for about 10 seconds or so, and the MAINT REQ'D message will go away.  Once it does, you can release the button.

If the maintenance light does not go off after about 10 seconds, turn the vehicle off and try it again, being sure to hold in the trip reset button before starting the car.  Note that this method will turn off the maintenance light, but it won't do anything for the check engine light.

14 more auto repair tips added

14 more links to auto repair tips were added recently:

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   - 4 repair tips

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   - 1 repair tip

Toyota:
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16 more auto manuals and service bulletins have been added recently:

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Honda:
   - 1 owner’s manual
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   - 4 technology reference guides
   - 1 service bulletin

Hyundai:
   - 2 technical service bulletins

Mazda:
   - 3 owner’s manuals
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140 more vehicle repair tips added

Links to 140 more auto repair and maintenance tips have been added, for these makes:

Audi:
   - 1 repair tip

Buick:
   - 11 repair tips

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   - 36 repair tips

Chrysler:
   - 12 repair tips

Dodge:
   - 9 repair tips

Ford:
   - 30 repair tips

GMC:
   - 4 repair tips

Honda:
   - 10 repair tips

Hyundai:
   - 3 repair tips

Infiniti:
   - 1 repair tip

Mazda:
   - 5 repair tips

Mercury:
   - 2 repair tips

Nissan:
   - 1 repair tip

Pontiac:
   - 7 repair tips

Saab:
   - 2 repair tips

Saturn:
   - 1 repair tip

Subaru:
   - 1 repair tip

Toyota:
   - 3 repair tips

Volvo:
   - 1 repair tip

How to replace the sunroof switch in a 2003 Honda Civic EX

The sunroof switch, located on your dashboard to the left of the steering wheel, controls the opening, closing, and raising of your sunroof (or moonroof).  If this switch goes bad you'll need to replace it in order to use the sunroof.  You can either take your car in to a service center to have the switch replaced, or you can do the job yourself.  You can buy the switch from a local parts store or online; you'll often find switches on eBay for between $10 and $30.  (Just make sure you're getting the right one for your car.)  HondaPartsNow sells the black switch for $28.06.  Once you have the replacement switch and a Phillips screwdriver, replacing the switch will probably take less than 10 minutes.

Open the small storage compartment to the left of the steering wheel, below the sunroof, mirror, and cruise control switches.  With the storage cover open, you'll see a large screw; remove this screw with a Phillips screwdriver.

Once the screw is out, you can pull the whole panel out slightly, with all three switches attached.  By wiggling the panel bit by bit, you can work it further out, until the rear side is exposed and you can get at the connectors.  Be careful not to pull too hard, or you could damage a wire.

The sunroof switch is the middle of the three switches -- to remove it, first disconnect the green connector from the light blue terminal on the back of the switch.  Push down on the tab on the left side of the connector as you pull the connector out.

With the connector removed, you can get the switch out by pushing in on the two tabs on the switch -- one on the top and one on the bottom -- and then pushing the switch through the panel (toward you).  Now the switch is completely out, and you can install the new switch by pushing it through the panel, from the back toward the front, until it snaps into place.

Then reattach the connector from the back.  That, too, will snap into place.  Once the connector is in, push the whole panel assembly back into place, so that the screw hole in the panel lines up with the screw hole in the dashboard frame, and then secure it with the screw that you removed earlier.  Now the new switch is installed; just close the storage compartment and you're done.

(Originally posted on Helium.com, April 2012)

How to replace a fuse in a 2005 Honda CR-V

Like other cars and SUVs, the 2005 Honda CR-V uses fuses to control the flow of electricity to certain components.  These fuses can protect the components from damage, but if the fuses blow or go bad they'll need to be replaced in order to use the component that they help to protect.  Replacing a fuse in a 2005 CR-V is an easy task -- just locate the bad fuse, get a new fuse of the same size and rating, and replace it.  This article will guide you through replacing a bad fuse.

First you need to determine where the bad fuse is located.  The 2005 CR-V has two fuse boxes, one below the steering wheel and one under the hood.  Each fuse box has a diagram showing which fuses are contained within that box, and where they are located, so you just need to check each box to see where your bad fuse is.  (Before removing any fuses, make sure the car is turned completely off.)

The first fuse box is located under and to the right of the steering column.  It has a rectangular plastic cover with a hole cut out in the center for your hand.  Stick your hand in the cut-out and grip the upper part of the cover, then pull it out and up (toward the driver's seat).  The cover should detach easily.

With the cover out of the way, you'll be able to see the fuses.  On the underside of the fuse cover is a diagram showing which fuses are located where.  If the fuse you need to replace is here and you see it on the diagram, remove the bad fuse by pulling it straight out and replace it with a good fuse of the same type and rating.  In order to do this, you may need a fuse puller or a pair of needle nose pliers, since the fuses are recessed in the compartment.  A long pair of sturdy tweezers may work as well.  (There is a fuse puller located in the other fuse box.)

If the fuse you need to replace is not listed on the diagram, then it can be found in the second fuse box, near the engine compartment.  To access that fuse box, pop the hood using the lever to the lower left of the steering wheel, then open the hood by releasing the catch on the front of it and raising it up.  There is a bar lying across the front frame that you can use to prop the hood up so you don't have to hold it.

The fuse box will be located on the right side (as you're standing in front of the car, looking at the engine) just behind the battery.  It is a black plastic box, and you can pull the cover off by pushing in the four tabs and pulling the cover straight up.  On the underside of the cover will be a diagram of all the fuses that can be found there.

Locate the fuse that you need to replace and pull it straight up to remove it.  You can probably do it by hand, but a pair of pliers may be helpful.  There is a small plastic fuse puller in the fuse box as well that you can use.  Once you've removed the old fuse, push the new fuse into the vacant slot, making sure it's securely in place, then pop the fuse box cover back on.

Turn the car on and test the component that the fuse controls to see if it works.  If it works now, then you replaced the right fuse.  If it still doesn't work, then one of three things happened: either the new fuse is faulty, there is another problem with the component other than the fuse, or you replaced the wrong fuse.  At this point it's probably best to let a mechanic take a look.

(Originally posted on Helium.com, December 2011)

How to replace the center dome light in a 2005 Honda CR-V

The 2005 Honda CR-V has several interior overhead lights. There are two map lights above the front seats, a dome light above the back seats, and another overhead light just inside the rear door. These bulbs typically last a long time because they are not used very often, but they can burn out just like your headlights or brake lights. If the center dome light above the back seat stops working, this guide will walk you through replacing the bulb.

First, you'll need to purchase a replacement bulb if you don't already have one. Sylvania makes a replacement bulb that comes either by itself or in a two-pack (part #DE3175, or DE3175LL for longer-life bulbs). Any local auto parts store should stock this bulb; just give them your year, make and model, and they should be able to find the correct bulb for you. Or, you could take the burnt-out bulb in with you to make sure you get the right replacement bulb.  (It's a 13-volt, 10-watt bulb). If you don't have an auto parts store nearby, you can buy replacement bulbs online from many websites.  Amazon sells a pair of the long-life bulbs for $4.47.

Once you have a new bulb, installing it is a simple process. Climb into either the front seat or the rear seat (depending on which one is more comfortable for you to access the dome light) and switch the dome light control to the Off position. Then remove the dome light's plastic cover. To do this, use a thin flathead screwdriver or a pocket knife to pry up the cover from the rear side (toward the back of the CR-V) where there are two slight indentations. Once you've pried up the cover at each of these two points, the cover should come off easily.

The old bulb will now be revealed, mounted in two metal clips, one at each end of the bulb. The bulb itself resembles a large glass fuse.  It's a common bulb, used in many other vehicles as well. To remove the old bulb, simply pull it straight down, out of its housing, one end first and then the other. If the bulb is bad, you should be able to see a difference in the filament between the old bulb and the new bulb.

With the old bulb removed, you can now install the new bulb.  Insert one end of the bulb -- it doesn't matter which side goes where -- into one side of the metal housing, and then push the other side of the bulb into the other metal clip, until both sides are securely in place. To make sure the bulb is good and you have it installed correctly, turn the dome light control to the On position (while making sure not to look directly at the bulb to protect your eyes).

Replace the plastic cover by reattaching the side that faces the front of the car first, then the side that faces the rear of the car. You may have to give the rear side a slightly hard push to get it to snap into place. Make sure you are installing the cover in the correct orientation by checking that the tabs on either side of the cover and the slots where the cover attaches line up.

That's all there is to it. Now your dome light has a new bulb that will hopefully last for the life of the vehicle. But if it doesn't, you'll know how to change it next time.

(Originally published on Helium.com, June 2013)

How to replace the steering wheel cruise control switch on a 2003 Honda Civic

In the 2003 Honda Civic, you have two cruise control switches -- the simple button switch located on the dashboard to the left of the steering column, and the cruise control switch mounted on the right side of the steering wheel itself, which allows you to set cruise control or turn it off.  If the steering wheel-mounted switch goes bad, or if you suspect it may be bad, it is a very simple matter to replace the switch.

First you'll need to have a replacement switch.  You can often find a new or used one on eBay, or you can buy a new one from an auto parts store.  AutoZone sells a new switch for $69.99, Amazon sells one for $44.96, and HondaPartsNow sells one for $33.64.  Wherever you decide to get your switch, make sure you are getting the correct one (the steering wheel switch, not the dashboard-mounted switch).  AutoZone lists a switch for the four-door Civic and a switch for the two-door Civic, but they are both the same part.

Before removing the old switch, turn the car off and take the key out of the ignition.  There are two screws holding the switch in place, both located on the right side of the switch.  Remove these screws with a large Phillips screwdriver.

Once the screws are out, the switch will come loose, but it's still attached by a connector.  You'll have to remove the green connector from the yellow terminal to disconnect the switch.  Grasp the green connector and feel on the backside for the release tab -- push this tab in while pulling the switch to the right (away from the connector).  Once you release the tab, the switch should disconnect easily.

Now you can attach the new switch.  Hold the new switch in place and insert the green connector until it locks.  Then position the switch against the side of the steering wheel so that the two screw holes in the switch line up with the holes in the steering column.  Insert one screw and tighten it halfway, then insert the other screw and tighten both screws until the switch is securely in place.

That's all there is to it.  The next time you're on the road, test the cruise control to make sure the switch works -- try all three of the buttons and make sure each one functions the way it should.

(Originally posted on Helium.com, April 2012)

69 more DIY auto repair tips added

Links to 69 more vehicle repair and maintenance tips were added, for the following brands:

Acura:
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Chevrolet:
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Chrysler:
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Dodge:
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Ford:
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Honda:
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Hyundai:
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Lincoln:
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Pontiac:
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Saturn:
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Toyota:
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