Ford F150 Ball Joint


Here is how to replace the lower ball joint on a Ford F150 2 wheel drive


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Stall at idle only


Most GM 2.4 engines will have this problem. It stalls at idle only, never when driving, always restarts AND NO CODES. You can spend a lot of time searching for the problem and searching the scanner for help. Look at this common problem, it just might be what you need to fix it.


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97 Mazda T Belt


Here's how to replace a timing belt on a Mazda 2.0


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P1345 Set timing with scanner


You replace an intake gasket or the distributor and now you have a code P1345 which indicates a cam timing problem. You will need to adjust the distributor and to do that you will need a scan tool. Here's the procedure.


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Battery & Alternantor testing


There are many different methods and tools to test a battery and alternator. Here are just some of the ways.


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Multiple unrelated complaints


Drivers complaint is multiple unrelated problems, all happening at once. ABS & Air bag lights on, speedometer not working, gas gauge not right, blower & windows not working. WHERE DO YOU START. Of course there could be many possible faults. But whenever I see multiple unrelated problems all happening at the same time I suspect a power or ground problem. Don't be scared off or confused by so many problems, start with the easiest to check first and you might just find the fix for the whole thing.


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P0401 EGR Insufficient flow test


Here is how to test code P0401 and the DPFE sensor. Sure, the DPFE has a high failure rate, but do we "throw" the part at it, or do we test it to be sure it's actually failed. AND, this is a great way to confirm the repair to prevent a "come back"


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Finding an intermittent


Finding an intermittent problem is probably the most frustrating thing we do. And because of that, it's also probably the problem that get's the most parts "thrown" at it. Remember this. The intermittent problem does have a cause. All we have to do is stop guessing and look for evidence. Follow the evidence and it will lead you to the problem.


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CV shafts


How to replace CV shafts


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Ford Escape P0171 P0174


Escape vacuum tube


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Understanding Fuel Trim


Fuel trim can seem complex at times. But it's really pretty simple. I hope this helps you understand the basics


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FATR 31, Autonerdz and an ETCG Tribute


Your links www.ericthecarguy.com Automotive questions www.ericthecarguy.com Cars of Wilmington NC www.flickr.com ETCG voltage leak video www.youtube.com SpeedyKU voltage leak video www.youtube.com Volvo Diagnosis www.youtube.com Autonerdz www.autonerdz.com RealFixesRealFast www.realfixesrealfast.com Tank limo www.youtube.com Airbag prank www.youtube.com Tractor pull fail www.youtube.com Leggo engine www.youtube.com Leggo Mustang www.youtube.com ETCG tribute www.youtube.com Stay dirty ETCG


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O2 Bench test


Here is how to test an O2 sensor if you don't have a scanner or labscope. The evidence is just as reliable, but not specific.


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Voltage Drop Part 1


This is a Webinar on Voltage Drop Testing


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How an Oil Sender works


It seems like a pretty simple device, but taking a closer look you will see that it is actually three devices in one.


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Diagnosing a misfire


Covering the basics of diagnosing a misfire.


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Front wheel bearing


If your a do-it-yourselfer and you've been told you need a front wheel bearing, you can do it. There are different types of wheel bearings. This type is a self-contained all-in-one assembly. If yours is this type, here's how to do it.


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Misfire, P0304


An easy one step way to diagnose a misfire when it's on the front (easy) bank of the engine


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Chry Van Power Sliding Door Stops Working


If your sliding door works fine mechanically but stops when you use the power button, the problem is a broken wire in the harness that travels with the door as it opens. Here's how to locate it, and fix it.


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Podcast February 27, 2011 12pm EST


www.ericthecarguy.com www.carandtrucktalk.com realfixesrealfast.com Join us for the podcast on Sunday, we'll try not to screw it up this time. Stay dirty ETCG


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Park Brake shoes


Most Chevy Tahoe's & Silverado's from 2000 up have a one piece design park brake shoe. And, it seems to break apart a lot. It's really not a big deal to replace. It may look like the park brake shoe won't come off without taking off the axle, but it will. Be sure to check to see that the backing plate is not rusting to pieces, that's a common problem too. To change the backing plate the axle will have to come out. As long as your backing plates are good, just change the shoes.


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94 Escort, cranks but won't start or come out of park


Here is a Escort that cranks fine but won't start. It also won't come our of PARK.


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Honda Valve Adjustment


Honda valves need to be adjusted on a regular interval and/or when they begin to make noise. Here is how you do it.


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Removing broken exhaust studs


Broken exhaust studs seem to be a predictable problem on older vehicles. Here's the best way I've found to get them out. By the way, it works on most any kind of broken off bolt as long as you have enough sticking out where you can get a grip on it. Also, don't waste time with vise-grips. Get a good quality set of gripping pliers. You'll be glad you did.


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Brakes hard to bleed


Here's how to get the air out of the brake system when normal bleeding doesn't work


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Finding a active short


A fuse that keeps on blowing is an active problem and can be difficult to find. However if you use these steps, you should be able to locate and repair it.


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Brake lights stay on


Brake lights stay on


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Head Gasket Leak Testing


Here is how to test a head for combustion gas leakage, and how to be sure your test is valid


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Leaking Fuel Pressure Regulator


Here is how to know if the fuel pressure regulator is leaking on a 4.3


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Hyundai Crank Sensor


This Hyundai would not start. Here's how we found the problem


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Understand what your tools are telling you


Don't make this mistake


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No code misfire


So you have a car with a clear misfire but there are no codes. Don't worry, you can still use your scanner & labscope to quickly and accurately identify the problem and fix it with confidence without throwing parts at it.


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Heli Coil Installation


Here is how to install a heli coil and repair damaged threads


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How to test a coil on the vehicle


If you suspect a possible bad coil, here is a quick and easy way to test the coil without expensive labscopes and equipment.


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Don't let fuel volume fool you


You might see a fuel pump flow a lot of fuel and assume it's plenty of fuel. But, there is more needed than simply fuel volume. You must have pressure too.


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Starter test


Testing a starter means finding out how healthy it is, or how many amp it is drawing. You can use a multimeter to test how many volts the starter is being supplied by the battery. But you CANNOT use a multimeter to test the health of a starter because a multimeter measures volts and we need to measure amps. If you use a multimeter on the amp circuit you WILL burn your meter out, or at least blow the internal fuse. So, be sure to use an amp meter, not a volt meter.


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Engine rebuild part 1


We are rebuilding a GM 350 5.7 engine. Now in this particular case we are also going to upgrade the engine to a 383 6.0 This is called building a "stroker" motor. In other words we are increasing the "stroke" of the engine which increased the torq & horsepower. If you are able & wanting to rebuild an engine, this video should give you a good overview of what to do. If you are having someone else build an engine for you, you will be able to see what's involved in the process


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Heater core shortcut


A short cut for removing a heater core on a Ford Taurus


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Door Locks Go Crazy 2


Do your door locks go crazy and activate when you're driving. Here is a way to find the problem


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Timing belt odd ball


Most of the time our work goes smoothly. But now and then you run into something that just isn't working. Here's one of those situations.


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Replacing a ring gear


On a manual transmission flywheel, if the teeth are bad, you don't have to replace the whole flywheel. The ring gear can be replaced by itself for a lot less money. Here's how to do it.


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Mazda Miata No Power


This Mazda has no power. We tested the Vain Air Flow meter, which includes the fuel pump circuit. Then we discovered the real problem.


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Speedometer reset


How to reset a speedometer when it stops working after a battery is changed or jump started


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Nissan Quest Misfire


Intermittent misfire, when the scanner & codes are no help


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How to find a misfire without a scanner 2


Scanners are great tools, but sometimes they aren't any help. That's when understanding the system, and how to test it is all you have. Here are some ways to find the problem


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Testing a window motor


So often a person says their window motor won't work, but when you test it . . . . it works fine. So, do you just "throw" a new motor at it ???? Or . . . do you test it to see if it's really bad??? Remember, the EVIDENCE will lead you to the problem.


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What's wrong with this engine, the fix


Once again, gathering Evidence leads us to the real problem. Instead of guessing and throwing parts at the problem, keep looking until you discover the Evidence that will tell you what the problem is.


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How to find a misfire without a scanner 3


Scanners are great tools, but sometimes they aren't any help. That's when understanding the system, and how to test it is all you have. Here are some ways to find the problem


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