Showing posts with label in. Show all posts
Showing posts with label in. Show all posts

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Honda Expands Airbag Recall More Than 800 000 Cars In U S Total


Honda says drivers-side airbags in many of its 2001 and 2002 Honda and Acura vehicles could deploy with too much force, resulting in injury or death.

Tough guys will say "Hey, I can take a punch"...but thats not what Hondas talking about here. The force involved could shatter the inflator casing and send metal fragments flying through the airbag cushion material and into...well, you and your passengers.

Same basic principle as a grenade.

Honda says its aware of a total of 14 incidents, with one fatality.

This is phase three of this recall. It began sixteen months ago with 4,000 cars, had 436,000 added to it in July 2009 and today 378,758 cars join the list.

Full details are in the official Honda news release.

Even when working properly, airbags are, as now-retired (damn!) Car and Driver Editor at Large Patrick Bedard once noted, the only safety device in our history that comes with a label warning that you could be killed using it properly. A decade ago, he wrote a series of columns about them before finally giving up. Heres the one thats been preserved online. If you have both children and a car with airbags, please...please read it.
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Saturday, May 4, 2013

How to Flush the Power Steering in a BMW


1. Turn off the engine and jack up the front of the vehicle using your car jack. Wrap plastic wrap around the power steering pump and the belt surfaces surrounding it. The power steering pump is located directly under the steering wheel and is cylindrical in shape. Open the reservoir, located on the left side of the pump, and use a syringe to remove the fluid inside. Puncture the reservoir with the syringe and slowly pull back the syringe to extract the fluid. Continue by opening the M16 banjo fitting on the pump itself and allow the remainder of the fluid to drip down into a pan below.
2. Turn the key in the ignition to release the steering wheel from a locked position. Slowly rotate the wheel to drain any remaining fluid that may be stuck up closer to the wheel itself. Remove the hollow bolt (the fastener composed of a threaded bolt and a spring) with your wrench and install the new crush waters onto the banjo fitting by tightening them into place. Crush waters are doughnut-shaped fastening devices that hold the banjo fitting in place. Torque the banjo fitting until it reaches approximately 40 nanometers (Nm).
3. Remove the plastic from the accessory belt and refill the reservoir with power steering fluid. Make sure to keep the fluid levels between the minimum and maximum guidelines. Rotate the wheel slowly from one side to the other. As the wheel turns, the fluid levels in the reservoir will drop as the fluid is being moved up closer to the wheel. Continue to fill the reservoir until the fluid level is once again between minimum and maximum. Place the reservoir cap back on and tighten until it is firmly in place.
4. Start the engine of the vehicle and slowly rotate the wheel from one side to the other. Repeat ten times and return the wheel to the center before turning the engine off. Reopen the reservoir and check the dipstick to ensure that the fluid levels are still above the minimum.
5. Lower the car from the jack by pressing the downward arrow button on the car jacks control system. If the dipstick shows that the fluid levels are still above the minimum, the car is safe to drive as soon as it has been removed from the jack.
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How to Install a Cone Filter in an Audi A4


1. Open your hood and locate the air filter box and intake tube. Turbo models will feature a heftier intake that attaches to the turbocharger, while naturally aspirated engines have intake that attaches to only the throttle body.
2. Disconnect the electrical wiring, hoses and mass air flow meter that attach to the factory intake tube and set aside for use with the new intake system. Unfasten the hardware that holds the intake tube in place and remove slowly, careful not to spill any debris. If necessary, use a flat-head screwdriver to assist you in removing the intake tube.
3. Unscrew the bolts that hold the stock air filter box into place. Remove this factory intake box completely and dispose of it properly, as you will not need the filter or its housing box for the new install.
4. Check the new intake tube and count the number of holes that are drilled into the side. If there are more holes than hoses that attached to the old setup, plug the unnecessary holes with the grommets that came with your intake kit.
5. Attach the new intake tube to your A4 directly as the old one was removed. This part will mimic the old intake tube in design and functionality, while the filter itself will be positioned differently and provide better performance. Secure the intake tube with the silicone coupling that came with your cold air intake kit. There should also be a clamp ring that came with your kit to hold the silicone coupling and intake tube into place.
6. Attach the downward piece of the intake tubing system to the newly installed tube from Step 5. By this point, the intake tube should extend to the front of the engine bay and underneath the front of the car. The cold air will come in through the bottom of the front side of the vehicle, increasing horespower and fuel efficiency in your Audi A4.
7. Spray down the new air filter with the necessary lubricant before installing. Position the cone air filter that was provided in the cold air intake kit onto the downward intake tube. Tighten the clamp fitted around the cone filter to secure into place. Reconnect any remaining hoses and wiring that were removed at this time.
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Japan fhi to launch subaru plug in stella ev

Japan fhi to launch subaru plug-in stella ev
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) has launched the Subaru Plug-in STELLA electric vehicle (EV), which is equipped with a high-performance ... Download fhi to launch subaru plug-in stella ev in japan This fhi to launch subaru plug-in stella ev in japan, the launch of its Subaru Plug-in STELLA electric vehicle (EV), which is equipped with a high-performance ... The Subaru Plug-in STELLA was developed based on the Subaru STELLA ... for the complete detail download fhi to launch subaru plug-in stella ev in japan here
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Friday, May 3, 2013

How to Remove the Destination NAV in an Audi


1. Press the NAV button on the MMI console to open up the navigation function on your Audi.
2. Use the control knob to scroll to and highlight Cancel Route Guidance.
3. Press down on the control knob to select Cancel Route Guidance. The destination will be removed from the navigation system and you will no longer receive direction prompts from the MMI system.
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Analysts say Hondas growing woes in Europe not just the economy

Analysts say Hondas growing woes in Europe not just the economy There is no denying that the European auto market is taking its lumps right now – just ask Peugeot – but Honda might be taking this downturn on the chin a little harder than some of the other Japanese automakers doing business on the continent. Automotive News Europe is reporting that things have gotten so bad for Honda that it will be cutting 800 workers from Swindon, England plant that builds the CR-V, Civic and Jazz (a.k.a. Fit). This will be the first time Honda has made such cuts in more than 20 years.

Analysts say Hondas growing woes in Europe not just the economy

Analysts say Hondas growing woes in Europe not just the economy


Despite an increase in output last year over 2011 (165,607 units compared to 97,459), the Swindon plant is still running well below its full capacity (250,000/year), and its 66 percent capacity is less than the expected breakeven point of industry analysts (75 to 80 percent). Unlike in the US, however, Hondas new CR-V and Civic arent selling well, and the similarly sized Nissan Qashqai is outselling the CR-V at a rate of more than five to one. Slow CR-V sales are blamed on a relatively high price and the crossovers conservative styling. On the complete opposite side of the spectrum, the report notes that Nissan continues to experience growth at its UK operations, leading analysts to suggest that Honda cant blame the sour economy for much of its woes.

Analysts say Hondas growing woes in Europe not just the economy

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How to Set the Dash Gadgets in an Audi TT


1. Set the clock. Pull the adjuster button on the left side of the on-board computer screen towards you. Pull it until the date and time display appears. Turn the button to adjust the date and time.
2. Set a speed warning on the car. Press the adjuster button when you reach the desired speed on the speedometer. To clear the speed warning, press the button for at least one second while the vehicle is moving.
3. Set the seat heating for the driver and the passenger. The seat heating knobs are in the four-knob arrangement in the center console under the air vents, with the driver control being the knob closest to the driver and the passenger one the knob closest to the passenger.. Press the knob to turn on the heater. Turn the knob to adjust the temperature.
4. Set the cruise control. While driving press the button on the front of the left control stick containing the indicators when you reach the desired speed. Press the button on the end of the stick to store this speed. Press the brake pedal to switch off cruise control, or slide the front button to the left.
5. Set the drive mode. With the brake applied, move the gear stick to either P for park, R for reverse, D for drive, or S for sports driving. Press the throttle gently to move the car.
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How to Replace a Cabin Air Filter in a BMW 3 Series


1. Purchase the correct replacement filter. BMW uses a charcoal activated filter for its 3 Series. You may be able to purchase an aftermarket substitute at an automotive parts store, but you can purchase a factory replacement at your BMW dealer.
2. Shut the engine off and pull the hood release. Locate the cabin air filter cover in the rear part of the engine compartment, right beneath the windshield (it extends to the width of the engine bay).
3. Twist the three fasteners counterclockwise to unhook the cabin air filter cover. Once the fasteners are loosened, pull the entire cover up and set to the side.
4. Pull the old filter out of the compartment. Its clearly visible with the cover removed. Inspect the compartment for foreign items and debris; remove them, if applicable.
5. Insert the replacement filter into the compartment. Position the cabin air filter cover back in place and turn the three fasteners clockwise to secure it.
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How to Repair an Instrument Cluster in an Audi A6


1. Determine whether the full instrument cluster needs to be replaced. If some of them bulbs arent working then you simply need to replace the broken bulbs. Open the hood and use the wrench to remove the bolt clamp from the negative terminal. Lift the negative cable from the terminal.
2. Lower the steering wheel to its lowest possible position within the steering column. Use a phillips-head screwdriver to remove the two screws fixed to the bezel. The bezel will either be rubber or plastic. You can find the bezel on the dashboard around the instrument cluster.
3. Remove the three mounting screws which fix the cluster to the dash. Slide the cluster out of the dash. Unhook the electrical connector from the back of the cluster.
4. If the bulbs in the cluster are what needs repairing, simply unscrew the damaged bulbs and replace them with full functioning LEDs. If the problem is worse then simply replace the full cluster.
5. To install the cluster and bezel, simply follow the removal steps in reverse. Reattach the negative cable to the negative battery terminal. Turn on the engine to check that the instrument cluster now works correctly.
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Thursday, May 2, 2013

How to Reset the Check Light in a BMW


1. Create a grounding apparatus for the diagnostic connector. Attach the copper clip to the large end of the insulator. Connect the copper wire to the skinny part of the insulator. Connect the other end of the wire to a banana plug. Connect the wire on the BMW pin to the other side of the banana plug.
2. Turn the key in the ignition half way so that the lights come on but the engine is not running.
3. Open the hood and locate the ground plug in the electrical system near the engine. It is usually a small octagon shaped screw or nut close to the data link connector. Attach the open side of the copper clip to the ground plug.
4. Locate the data link connector and unscrew the cap exposing the pins underneath. Press the end of the male pin into the number 7 plug inside the data link connector. This is usually the middle right hole on a 15-point connector and the very bottom hole on a 20-point connector. Hold the pin in place for three seconds to reset the oil light, and nine seconds to reset the inspection light.
5. Remove the pin once the light resets. Screw the cap back on. Turn the engine off, then turn it back on. If the lights are still there, try resetting the lights again. Once the lights remain off, turn off the engine and close the hood.
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How to Change the Battery in a Mercedes 300E


1. Pop the hood and locate the battery. Its on the passenger side of the engine, toward the firewall of the car, in a sectioned-off area to protect it from heat. Use the open-end wrench to remove the negative then the positive terminal on the battery.
2. Unbolt the battery tie down from the battery using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Lift the tie down off, then lift the battery out of the engine compartment. The battery can now be used as a core exchange at your local auto parts store, or taken for recycling.
3. Place the replacement battery in the battery tray. Bolt in the battery tie down using the ratchet, then connect the positive then the negative battery terminals using an open-end wrench.
4. Start the car and allow it to run for 10 to 15 minutes, then turn it off.
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Wednesday, May 1, 2013

How to Remove a Starter in a 1986 BMW


1. Open the hood. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Drain the coolant on 535i models. You can skip this if you plug up the heater hose that needs to be disconnected to gain access to the starter bolts.
3. Remove the expansion tank mounting bolts and move the expansion tank aside on the 535i. On the 528e, remove the bolts for the air cleaner housing and the air flow sensor and remove these two components.
4. Disconnect the heater hose that blocks access to the top starter bolt. If you did not drain the coolant system, use a plug of some sort to prevent the coolant from spilling out of the heater hose. This may also need to be done on the 3 Series, but examine the starter and the components near it to see if you will need to remove or disconnect any hoses. Wipe up any spilled coolant.
5. Disconnect the wires that go to the starter solenoid, which is the smaller round component attached to the starter. The wires are held on with a nut that is removed with a socket.
6. Remove the two bolts that hold the starter to the transmission. Maneuver the starter out of the engine bay. Installation is the reverse of removal.
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How to Replace the Battery in a BMW 735Il


1. Open up the trunk of the BMW 735Il. On the right hand side you will find the luggage compartment under the carpeting. The luggage compartment is where the battery is kept.
2. Use both the open-end wrench and the crescent wrench to detach the positive and negative cables from the top of the old battery. Begin with the negative cable first. Once the cables are disconnected, carefully lift them out of the way.
3. Use the socket wrench to unfasten the bolts that hold the battery in place. Carefully remove the clips on the side of the battery.
4. Use the handle strap provided to carefully lift the battery off the battery terminal. If a handle strap is not present, use a sheet or a towel to lift the battery out to prevent injuring your hand.
5. Place the new battery in exactly the same position as the old battery. Reattach the clips and fix the bolts back in place using the socket wrench.
6. Fix the red wire to the positive connection and the black cable to the negative when reattaching the battery wires. An incorrect connection will stop the battery from working.
7. Put the luggage compartment cover securely back in place and place the carpet over the top. Test your new battery to ensure that it is connected and working correctly.
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How to Reset a Flexible Service System in a Mercedes C280


1998-2002 Vehicles
1. Turn the ignition to the On position but do not start the vehicle.
2. Press the FSS button twice within four seconds. The button may have a 1 or a 0 imprinted on or near it. This will show the days or mileage remaining until the next service is due.
3. Turn the ignition key to the Lock position within 10 seconds. This is one position back from the On position.
4. Depress and hold the FSS button while turning the ignition to the On position. Do not start the vehicle. This will show the days or mileage remaining until service is due again. Continue to hold the button for 10 seconds until you hear a tone. The display will indicate 10,000 miles and 365 days to next service.
5. Release the FSS button and turn the ignition to the Lock position. The reset procedure is now complete.
2003-2007 Vehicles
6. Turn the ignition to the On position but do not start the vehicle.
7. Press the FSS button for about three seconds. The display will read: DO YOU WANT TO RESET THE SERVICE INTERVAL? CONFIRM BY PRESSING R, or it will read, SERVICE INTERVAL? RESET WITH BUTTON.
8. Press and hold the FSS reset button until a tone sounds. The FSS will now display the reset interval.
9. Release the FSS button then turn the ignition off. The reset procedure is now complete.
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How to Replace a Battery in an Audi Key


1. Flick the key out as if you were going to be opening the door. Locate the thin line that goes across the width of the key parallel with the buttons on the key and which is where the two halves of the key meet.
2. Wedge a thin screwdriver or similar tool carefully into this dividing line. Note that this is not the same thing as the holes or the grooves that are located inside the recess of the key fob.
3. Twist the screwdriver slightly to separate the key portion from the fob portion of the key fob assembly. Wedge the screwdriver into the top of the fob, the sides and the back and twist until the two sides separate. This may take some force, but be very careful not to break the plastic.
4. Open the small plastic ringed end of the lid that is located in the side of the key that does not have the button on it. The lid can be gently pried open with your nail or even the screwdriver, but be careful not to break the lid as you pull it out. Do not touch the computer chip under the lid.
5. Remove the old battery and install the correct new battery, available from the Audi dealer. Replace the lid and snap the two halves of the key back together.
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Monday, April 29, 2013

How to Replace Spark Plugs in a BMW 525


1. Use the flat-head screwdriver to gently pop off the two plastic covers, which are about the size of a quarter, that hide the bolts that secure the plastic cover over the engine head. This large plastic cover runs the length of the engine and has the BMW logo on it.
2. Remove the plastic oil-filler cap and loosen the bolts that connect the engine cover to the engine block.
3. Remove the large plastic engine cover to expose the spark plugs.
4. Remove the hex bolts that secure each BREMI plug to the top of the spark plugs. The BREMI plug is the BMW equivalent to the standard boot that most domestic cars use to attach the spark plug wires to the tops of the spark plug. Remove each BREMI plug from the top of the spark plug by gently pulling it straight off the top of each plug. Leave the spark plug wires attached.
5. Use the spark plug socket wrench to extract the spark plugs from the engine block one at a time.
6. Replace each spark plug by tightening it loosely into the engine block with the socket wrench. Tighten each spark plug fully with the torque wrench to the specific torque setting listed in your owners manual.
7. Replace each spark plug wire one at a time by removing them from the back of each BREMI plug and unplugging both ends of the wire, replacing it with a new one.
8. Replace the BREMI plugs back to their original location on the top of each spark plug.
9. Replace the large plastic engine cover, oil cap, and re-install the cover back on the engine block with the two mounting bolts.
10. Replace the two small plastic covers that hide the mounting bolts.
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