Auto repair help for DIYers -- shop manuals, owner's manuals, tool reviews, repair tips & how-to's, maintenance tips & how-to's, and more.
Friday, November 22, 2024
How to replace the dome light in a 2001 Honda Accord EX sedan
Monday, November 18, 2024
How to replace a fuse in a 2001 Honda Accord
- 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.
Friday, January 5, 2024
How to replace a fuse in a 2003 Honda Civic
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
How to add oil to a 2006 Chevy Equinox
Things needed:
- 1 quart (or more) of 5W-30 motor oil
- a few paper towels or rags
- a plastic funnel (recommended)
Tips & Warnings:
- Make sure the car has had a while to cool off before touching the engine block or adding oil. Never try to add oil while the car is on or running.
- A plastic funnel will make adding the oil a little bit easier, but it's not necessary. Many grocery stores or gas stations will sell small funnels for a dollar or so, and some gas stations give paper funnels out for free.
Oil keeps everything inside your vehicle's engine lubricated and moving smoothly. If you get regular oil changes, the mechanics or technicians that change your oil should fill it up every time. Unless your vehicle develops a leak somewhere in the system, you may not ever need to add oil to your 2006 Chevy Equinox's engine. However, if you do, this guide will walk you through the procedure, step by step.
1. Raise the hood
With the Equinox off, open the driver's side door and pull the hood release lever. It is a black lever located close to the floor on the left side, and it has a picture of an SUV with its hood raised on it. Pull the lever toward you, and the hood will unlock.
Once you've pulled the hood release lever, get out of the Equinox and close the door. Walk around to the front of the vehicle. With one hand, pull the hood up slightly so that there is enough to room to fit your hand underneath it. With the other hand, feel around for the hood latch, which will be located right around the middle of the hood, close to the front edge. Release this latch by pulling it toward you and then push the hood up with your other hand.
While you are holding the hood up, look for the black metal bar lying just past the grill. It has a couple of bends in it at the end, on the passenger side of the engine compartment. Pull this bar toward you to release it from the plastic clip that holds it in place and raise it up so that it lines up with the hole in the underside of the hood on the driver's side. (There is an engraved arrow in the underside of the hood pointing to this hole.) Fit the bar into this hole and make sure it is properly engaged, and then you can let go of the hood -- the bar will hold it place. Do not let go of the hood until you are sure the bar is locked in.
2. Check the current oil level
Like almost all gas-powered vehicles, the Equinox has a dipstick that you can use to check how much oil is in the engine. This dipstick has a yellow handle and is located very close to the front and center of the vehicle, just behind where the license plate is if your Equinox has a front license plate.
Pull on the yellow handle to pull out the dipstick. It should have some oil on the bottom end of it. Wipe off the whole length of the dipstick with a paper towel or rag. Then reinsert the dipstick fully, let it sit for a second, and pull it out again.
Now check to see how high up the dipstick the oil goes. There are several small holes in the bottom end of the dipstick -- oil will get caught in those holes, so see how many holes have oil droplets in them. If all of them do, you probably have enough oil in the engine. If none of them do, you definitely need to add oil.
3. Add oil
Wipe off the dipstick again and set it to the side somewhere out of the way. Now open the oil cover, located near the middle of the engine block. It is a round black cover with a picture of an oil can and a drop of oil coming out on it, and it will say 5W-30 on it (the type of oil this engine takes). Twist the cover counter-clockwise until it won't twist any more, then pull it straight up. Set the cover somewhere safe but out of the way.
If you have a funnel, set the small end of it into the opening left by the oil cover. Open a quart of 5W-30 motor oil and slowly pour the oil into the funnel (or if you don't have a funnel, directly into the oil reservoir). Add about a quarter of a quart at a time, and give the oil a minute or two to settle. Then reinsert the dipstick and check the oil level again.
If all of the holes on the dipstick are covered in oil, you shouldn't need to add any more oil. If the oil level is still low, repeat this step to add more oil, and check the level again after another quarter quart. Make sure not to add too much oil -- it will cause excessive smoke and make the engine to run erratically, or not at all.
4. Clean up and close up
Once you've added enough oil, put the oil cap back on by sticking it into the hole and twisting it clockwise until it's tight. Put the dipstick back into its well, and wipe any excess oil off of the engine block or anywhere else it might have dripped.
Lift the hood slightly so you can disengage the rod that holds it up, then lay the rod back across the front of the car and slide it into the white or gray plastic clip that keeps it in place. Close the hood and make sure it latches. Just to make sure everything is okay, start the car and let it run for a couple of minutes.
(Originally published on Helium.com, 2011)
Sunday, July 30, 2023
How to replace a front turn signal bulb on a 2014 Honda CR-V
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).
Friday, January 20, 2023
How to replace the dashboard cruise control switch in a 2003 Honda Civic
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
How to replace the cabin air filter in a 2007 Toyota Solara
The Solara's cabin air filter sits behind the glove box. To access it, first open the glove box. (You may want to remove the glove box contents first, so they don't spill out.)
Push inward on the glove box side walls. (Push them toward each other.) Pushing in the sides allows you to release the glove box. Once it's released, pull it down, toward the floor.
You'll see a large cavity behind where the glove box was. In the center of this cavity you'll see the front of the cabin air filter housing -- a long plastic guide, probably whitish or gray. Slide this guide straight out to expose the cabin air filter. (Be sure to avoid any hanging wires.)
Once you've slid the air filter and its guide out, remove the air filter from the guide. Note which direction the arrow on the side of the air filter faces, and install the new air filter with the arrow facing the same direction.
Slide the plastic guide back into its cavity -- again being careful to avoid the wires -- then push the glove box up and close it.
Thursday, September 6, 2018
How to reset the maintenance light on a 2005 Toyota Camry
To reset the "Maintenance Required" light for a 2005 Toyota Camry:
- Make sure your odometer is showing the total mileage counter rather than the A or B trip mileage counter. If it's showing trip A or B mileage, press the odometer button (above the steering wheel, in the instrument panel) until the total mileage is displayed.
- Turn the car off.
- Push and hold the odometer button.
- Turn the key to ACC, rather than all the way, so that the instrument panel lights up but the engine doesn't start.
- After about 5 or 6 seconds the "Maintenance Required" light should go out. Release the odometer button.
- Turn the car off (or on, if you're going somewhere).
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Jeep auto repair and maintenance tips
Jeep Cherokee / Grand Cherokee:
- How to replace a headlight in a 1997-2001 Jeep Cherokee
- How to replace a headlight in a 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- How to replace the brake pads, calipers, and rotors in a 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ
- How to replace the rear window wiper motor on a 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Commander:
- How to replace a headlight in a 2006-2010 Jeep Commander
- How to replace a parking light bulb in a 2006-2010 Jeep Commander
- How to replace the thermostat in a 2006 Jeep Commander
Jeep Liberty:
- How to replace the front brake pads on a 2008-2012 Jeep Liberty
- How to replace the rear window regulator in a 2002-2006 Jeep Liberty
Jeep Wrangler:
- How to replace a headlight in a 2007-2017 Jeep Wrangler
- How to replace rear brake pads and rotors on a 2013 Jeep Wrangler
- How to replace the cabin air filter on 2011-2017 Jeep Wrangler JK
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon JK
Friday, February 2, 2018
How to replace the cabin air filter in a 2005 Toyota Camry
The cabin air filter is located behind the glove box. To start, open the glove box. If your glove box is more than half full, remove the contents so they don't fall out.
Push in on the glove box side walls. (Push them inward, toward each other.) There are short plastic rods on the outside of those walls that keep the glove box "locked" in place; pushing in the sides allows you to pull the glove box down, toward the floor, exposing the cabin air filter behind it.
The cabin air filter sits on a plastic guide. Slide this guide straight out, toward you, but be sure to avoid the hanging wires. Once the air filter and its guide are out, remove the air filter from the guide. Note which direction the arrow on the side of the air filter faces, and install the new air filter with the arrow facing the same direction.
Slide the plastic guide back into its cavity -- being careful to avoid the wires again -- then push the glove box up and close it. Your new cabin air filter is now installed.
Sunday, January 14, 2018
How to replace the passenger side brake light on a 2005 Honda CR-V
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.
- 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.
Sunday, May 28, 2017
How to replace the air filter in a 2005 Toyota Camry
Pop your hood, then locate the air filter box, located on the right side of the engine compartment (as you're looking at it). It will be the black plastic box behind the battery with a large hose protruding from the rear.There are two sensors on the hose in the back of the air filter box; unplugging these sensors will give you more room to work, but it's not necessary. To disconnect the sensors, push in the tab on each to release it, then pull it out of its connector.
Now you'll need to open the air filter box. There are two screws -- one on the front side of the box and one on the rear. They are Phillips screws, but if they are overly tightened, you may not be able to get them out with a screwdriver. The socket wrench will definitely be easier.
With the screws out, there are plastic hinges on the left side of the box -- lift the lid up from the right side to expose the air filter. You won't be able to completely remove the lid without disconnecting the hose, but you should be able to open it far enough to remove the air filter.
Now you can install the new air filter. Three of the corners are rounded and the fourth is straight; the straight corner goes in the the front right corner of the air filter box. Lay the filter flat and then close the lid (being sure that the hinges are still connected). Put the two screws back in, and reconnect the sensors if you disconnected them. Forgetting that last step will result in some engine codes (P0102 and P0113) and a poor start.
Friday, March 4, 2016
How to replace the driver side low-beam headlight on a 2005 Honda CR-V
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).
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.
Sunday, January 10, 2016
How to reset the maintenance light on a 2005 Honda CR-V
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.
Sunday, December 20, 2015
14 more auto repair tips added
Honda:
- 3 repair tips
Mazda:
- 4 repair tips
Suzuki:
- 1 repair tip
Toyota:
- 6 repair tips
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Cadillac repair and maintenance tips
Cadillac ATS:
- How to reset the oil life light on a Cadillac ATS
Cadillac CTS:
- How to change the oil and oil filter on a 2004 Cadillac CTS
- How to replace a front power window regulator on a 2003-2007 Cadillac CTS
- How to replace a headlight bulb on a 2003-2007 Cadillac CTS
- How to replace the air filter on a 2003-2010 Cadillac CTS
- How to replace the air filter on a 2007 Cadillac CTS
- How to replace the air filter on a 2008-2013 Cadillac CTS
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 1998 Cadillac CTS
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2008-2013 Cadillac CTS
- How to replace the front bumper cover on a 2003-2007 Cadillac CTS
- How to replace the spark plugs and ignition coils on a 2007 Cadillac CTS 3.6L
Cadillac DeVille:
- How to replace a front door panel on a 1997-1999 Cadillac DeVille
- How to replace a front wheel bearing hub on a 1997-1999 Cadillac DeVille
- How to replace a headlight on a 1997-1999 Cadillac DeVille
- How to replace the air filter on a 1997-1999 Cadillac DeVille
- How to remove the fuel tank from a 1984 Cadillac Coupe DeVille
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille
- How to replace the key fob battery for a 1996-1997 Cadillac DeVille
- How to replace the power window switch on a 1997-1999 Cadillac DeVille
Cadillac Eldorado:
- How to change the oil and oil filter on a 1992-2002 Cadillac Eldorado
- How to replace the air filter on a 1992-2002 Cadillac Eldorado
- How to replace the spark plugs on a 2001 Cadillac Eldorado ESC
Cadillac Escalade:
- How to install the E3581M fuel pump module assembly on a 2004-2007 Cadillac Escalade
- How to replace the air filter on a 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2002 Cadillac Escalade
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade
- How to replace the fuel filter on a 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade
- How to replace the fuel pump and sending unit on a 2000-2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV
- How to replace the key fob battery for a 2003-2006 Cadillac Escalade
- How to replace the PCV valve on a Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac Seville:
- How to replace the air filter on a 1998-2004 Cadillac Seville
Cadillac SRX:
- How to change the oil on a 2005 Cadillac SRX
- How to change the oil, oil filter, and air filter on a 2006 Cadillac SRX
Cadillac STS:
- How to replace the ignition switch on a 2005 Cadillac STS
Sunday, July 26, 2015
140 more vehicle repair tips added
Audi:
- 1 repair tip
Buick:
- 11 repair tips
Chevrolet:
- 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
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Nissan auto repair tips
Nissan Altima:
- How to replace the exhaust manifold and catalytic converter on a 2002-2006 Nissan Altima
- How to replace the mass air flow sensor on a 2001 Nissan Altima
- How to replace the mass air flow sensor on a 2002 Nissan Altima
- How to replace the outside front door handle on a 2002-2006 Nissan Altima
Nissan Armada:
- How to install an E8595M fuel pump in a 2005-2006 Nissan Armada V8 5.6L
- How to replace the cabin air filter in a 2004-2014 Nissan Armada
- How to replace the front struts on a 2004-2014 Nissan Armada
Nissan Cube:
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2009-2011 Nissan Cube
Nissan Frontier:
- How to replace a front power window regulator on a 1998-2004 Nissan Frontier
- How to replace the air filter on a 2005 Nissan Frontier SE 4.0L V6
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2007 Nissan Frontier
Nissan Maxima:
- How to replace a front power window regulator on a 2000-2003 Nissan Maxima
- How to replace a power window regulator or motor on a 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima
- How to replace the evaporator core on a 1995-2003 Nissan Maxima
- How to replace the fuel pump on a 1995-1999 Nissan Maxima
- How to replace the rear strut mounts on a 1995-2003 Nissan Maxima
- How to replace the rear valve cover gasket on a 1995-1999 Nissan Maxima
- How to replace the spark plugs on a 1995-2001 Nissan Maxima
- How to replace the spark plugs on a 2000-2003 Nissan Maxima
- How to replace the spark plugs on a 2000-2003 Nissan Maxima 3.5L V6
Nissan Pathfinder:
- How to change the oil on a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
- How to install an E8595M fuel pump in a 2004 Nissan Pathfinder V8 5.6L
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2011 Nissan Pathfinder
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan Quest:
- How to replace the alternator on a 2006 Nissan Quest
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2004-2010 Nissan Quest
- How to replace the front disc brake pads and rotors on a 2006 Nissan Quest
- How to replace the serpentine belt on a 2004-2009 Nissan Quest
- How to replace the spark plugs and PCV valve on a 2006 Nissan Quest
Nissan Rogue:
- How to replace the air filter on a 2008-2013 Nissan Rogue
- How to replace the air filter on a 2009 Nissan Rogue 1.6L L4
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2008-2013 Nissan Rogue
Nissan Sentra:
- How to replace front brake pads and rotors on a 2000-2006 Nissan Sentra
Nissan Titan:
- How to install an E8595M fuel pump in a 2004-2007 Nissan Titan V8 5.6L
- How to replace a front power window regulator on a 2004-2014 Nissan Titan
- How to replace a taillight on a 2004-2014 Nissan Titan
- How to replace the air filter in a 2004-2012 Nissan Titan
- How to replace the evaporative emissions purge valve on a 2004 Nissan Titan
- How to replace the front struts on a 2004-2014 Nissan Titan
- How to replace the mass air flow sensor on a 2004-2013 Nissan Titan
Nissan Versa:
- How to replace the air filter on a 2007-2012 Nissan Versa
Nissan Xterra:
- How to replace a front power window regulator on a 1998-2004 Nissan Xterra
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2005-2012 Nissan Xterra
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Suzuki repair and maintenance tips
Suzuki Aerio:
- How to replace spark plugs on a 2005 Suzuki Aerio 2.3L
Suzuki Grand Vitara:
- How to install an air filter on a 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.7L V6
- How to replace a headlight on a 1999-2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
- How to replace a parking light bulb on a 1999-2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
- How to replace the spark plugs on a 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Suzuki Samurai:
- How to install a timing belt on a Suzuki Samurai
- How to replace the front axle bearings on a Suzuki Samurai 4WD
- How to replace the fuel filter on a 1985 Suzuki Samurai
Suzuki Sidekick:
- How to replace the fuel filter on a 1997 Suzuki Sidekick
- How to replace the spark plugs on a 1997 Suzuki Sidekick
- How to replace the timing belt on a Suzuki Sidekick 1.6L
Suzuki SX4:
- How to replace a control arm on a 2007 Suzuki SX4 AWD
- How to replace the front brake pads on a Suzuki SX4 AWD
- How to replace the rear axle seal on a Suzuki SX4
- How to replace the rear driver side inner CV axle boot on a 2007 Suzuki SX4 AWD
- How to replace the spark plugs on a Suzuki SX4
- How to replace the sway bar bushings on a Suzuki SX4
Suzuki Verona:
- How to test the ignition coils on a 2004-2005 Suzuki Verona
Suzuki XL-7:
- How to replace the air filter on a 2002-2003 Suzuki XL-7
- How to replace the brake lights on a 2007-2009 Suzuki XL-7
- How to replace the headlight and bulb on a 2001-2003 Suzuki XL-7
- How to replace the idle air control valve on a 2001-2006 Suzuki XL-7
- How to replace the mass air flow sensor on a 2001-2006 Suzuki XL-7
- How to replace the spark plugs on a 2002 Suzuki XL-7
- How to replace the tail light and bulb on a 2001-2003 Suzuki XL-7
- How to replace the windshield wiper arm on a 2001-2006 Suzuki XL-7
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Volkswagen auto repair tips
Volkswagen Beetle:
- How to replace the air filter on a 1998-2010 Volkswagen Beetle
- How to replace the headlight and bulb on a 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle
- How to replace a power window regulator on a 1998-2010 Volkswagen Beetle
- How to replace the front ball joint on a 1996-2006 Volkswagen Beetle
- How to replace the taillight and bulb on a 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle
- How to replace the third brake light on a 1998-2010 Volkswagen Beetle
Volkswagen Fox:
- How to change the oil on a 2006 Volkswagen Fox 1.2 Urban
Volkswagen Golf:
- How to replace a front window regulator on a 1999-2006 Volkswagen Golf
- How to replace the front ball joint on a 1996-2006 Volkswagen Golf
- How to replace the fuel filter on a 2009-2014 Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Jetta:
- How to change the oil on a 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
- How to do a front disc brake job on a 2005-2013 Volkswagen Jetta
- How to replace a front window regulator on a 1999-2006 Volkswagen Jetta
- How to replace a front window regulator on a 2005-2010 Volkswagen Jetta
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2005-2014 Volkswagen Jetta
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
- How to replace the front ball joint on a 1996-2006 Volkswagen Jetta
- How to replace the front wheel bearing hub on a 2005-2013 Volkswagen Jetta
- How to replace the fuel filter on a 2009-2014 Volkswagen Jetta
- How to replace the radiator fan in a 2005-2010 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5L
- How to replace the side rear view mirror on a 2005-2010 Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Passat:
- How to replace a power window regulator on a 1998-2001 Volkswagen Passat
- How to replace the air filter on a 2002-2005 Volkswagen Passat
- How to replace the headlight and bulb on a 2002-2005 Volkswagen Passat
- How to replace the PCV crankcase vent valve on a 2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 T
Volkswagen Tiguan:
- How to replace the cabin air filter on a 2009-2014 Volkswagen Tiguan






