Rear Window Defroster Problems
Defroster grid repair kit
Rear window defroster problems can cause poor visibility through the rear glass and on some models the side view mirrors are connected to the same system. This article covers a few of the common problems with electrically operated defroster systems as well as a few facts about how it operates.
Whether you call it a window defroster, deicer or defogger what were all talking about is heating the rear glass to remove moisture particles that can collect on the glass and reduce visibility. The major components of the rear window defroster on most models will include a manually operated on off switch, one or two relays and the heating elements on the glass surface.
The front windshield uses forced air that has had the moisture removed from it by the air conditioning evaporator to dry the front and side windows with warm low humidity air. This is a more efficient method than the heated grid that is commonly mounted on the rear window glass. Therefore slower defogging should be expected. Read more
Power Mirror Problems and Parts
Honda Power Mirror
Power mirror problems are quite common because these automotive parts are exposed to the elements as well as stick out from the vehicle and are subject to impact damage. Factory original replacement power mirror parts can be very expensive.
Although I am not a supporter of cheap aftermarket automotive parts this is one area of the vehicle that I will make an exception. Listed below will be some of the most commonly searched for replacement power mirror parts such as the master power switch and the complete mirror motor assembly itself.
The nice thing about these systems is that they are very similar between car lines and even models. A VW electric mirror system is not that different from the one installed on my Pontiac Grand Prix. Before we get to replacing parts let’s discuss some of the more common power mirror problems.
Power mirror parts problems Read more
What About Diesel Fuel
Me working on a diesel engine
Diesel fuel is a petroleum product that is not as popular in the United States as it is in other countries. As a resident of the United States and a strong believer in the benefits of diesel fuels I hope that the North American continent will someday embrace this type of fuel.
One thing that can be said about diesel is that it contains more energy per gallon than gasoline and therefore can be considered more efficient. The engine that burns this type of petroleum produces much more torque at lower RPMs because of high compression chamber ratios.
This makes it a perfect choice for trucks and trains that haul heavy loads and that will require massive amounts of torque to get that load moving.
The difference between diesel and gasoline
The fuel in a gasoline engine is ignited by a spark plug. The diesel engine uses its own high combustion chamber pressure to compress the fuel until ignites on its own. Gasoline is extremely flammable compared to diesel fuel. Read more
Automobile Power Window Problems
Power Window Motor
Power window problems on cars and trucks could be considered one of the most annoying problems you could have on an automobile. When you think about it how often do you actually operate the power windows on your car.
When you roll up to the drive-through window at your favorite fast food restaurant or you are going to pay a toll I’m sure you would like your window to operate properly. Many times electric window operation can become intermittent. This is even more frustrating than if it stopped working altogether.
When you have intermittent operation the tendency is to put off repair of the system until either the problem gets worse or the Windows stops working all the time. From a safety point of view you really shouldn’t put off repairs because you never know when rolling up or down that window will be important for safety reasons.
Power window systems Read more
Car AC Not Blowing Cold Enough
Car Airconditioning Compressor
I get a lot of questions about car air conditioning systems not blowing cold enough. Especially during hot humid summer days. Most people would like to see frigid cold air blasting from their small dash vents instantly upon request.
Remember when your car has been baking in the sun heat is stored up in large quantities and must be removed before it starts to feel cool inside. But what if the air does not seem to get cold after 5 minutes or so?
There are many factors involved that affect the actual output temperature at the dash AC vents. To follow will be a few examples of common problems that I find when inspecting a car air conditioning system that is not performing as well as it should be.
Without a doubt the most common problem that I find is an incorrect Freon charge. The amount of Freon in the system is extremely critical. The manufacturer installs the exact amount that is required for the system to perform at its peak. This exact charge is so critical it is documented in the vehicle’s engine compartment down to the ounce. Read more
Fuel Quality Problems
Battery powered fuel siphon
Sometimes although not often fuel quality problems can cause extremely hard-to-find engine drivability problems and repeat failures of fuel system components. Described below will be an effective way for you to check the basics of your fuels quality.
Keep in mind that you will need an accurate fuel sample from the vehicle you want to test. Although there are several safe ways to remove fuel from your tank I recommend that you pick up a special fuel siphon hose from your auto parts store. Or I have a link to the one pictured to the left at the bottom of the article.
You will also need a glass cylinder that is graduated in milliliters (also available below). In order to keep the testing simple it is best to use round numbers. Your graduated cylinder should hold 100 ml and have a cap to prevent tainted results. Don’t worry you do not have to be a scientist to conduct this test but you will need a gas sample and a graduated cylinder. Read more
Rear Differential Maintenance
Rear Differential Cover
Rear differential maintenance and changing the fluid is not required as much these days as with many other maintenance services on modern vehicles. But completely ignoring the differential is not recommended in case problems should develop.
A regular maintenance routine includes inspecting the gear lubricant level and condition. You can check your owner’s manual for recommended intervals and your auto repair manuals for specifications as well as the types of fluids to be used.
In the case of rear wheel drive vehicles different types of gear oil are used in different makes and models. Since there is no filter inside fluid can become contaminated with metal flakes and moisture.
Most rear differentials will have magnets either mounted inside or as part of the drain plug to help remove metal particles from the circulating lubricant. In some limited slip rear differentials special lubricants that contain a friction modifier are required. Read more
CV shaft rubber boots
CVshaft Assembly
The CV shaft rubber boots are one of the weak links in the longevity and survival of front wheel drive axles. If the boot stays intact the grease stays inside and the joint can last the life of the vehicle.
On the flip side the CV joint rubber boot can be damaged and the grease can be slung out by centrifugal force. The lack of lubrication can cause premature wear of the CV joint.
If the boot is damaged enough it can also allow water and dirt into the joint and at that point the joint and shaft will probably be ruined very quickly.
These CV shaft rubber boots need special care when you are servicing your vehicle. The following tips may save you some trouble down the road. And reduce the need to either replace the boot or replace the entire shaft assembly.
Read more
300ZX Clutch Problems
Clutch Kit Parts
My 300ZX clutch problems began with a rear main seal leak. It wasn’t long after the clutch started slipping that the Z wouldn’t move at all. When I put the vehicle up in the air to check it out I saw what was going on.
The rear main seal wasn’t leaking very much but it was enough to cause the clutch to fail. Oil and friction material such as the type that is contained on the clutch disc don’t go well together.
The clutch disc friction material actually begins to soak up the engine oil like a sponge. A slippery spongy clutch is the opposite of what you need to move the vehicle properly.
This type of clutch problem is actually quite common and happens to many manual transmission vehicles from manufacturers both foreign and domestic.
300ZX flywheel problems
I pulled the transmission and remove the clutch and pressure plate. I could see that there was some heat scoring and a bluish color to the flywheel surface. I decided to send the flywheel out to be resurfaced at a local machine shop. Read more
