Windshield Washer Pump

Information about some common windshield washer problems on cars and light trucks. We all know that windshield washers spray cleaning fluid onto the windshield that works with the wiper blades to remove dirt from the front windshield. In some cases the same windshield washer pump is used to spray fluid on headlights and in some cases on the rear glass of an SUV or station wagon.

Some manufacturers will use one pump to service all of these surfaces. Other manufacturers will have separate pumps and reservoirs for the rear glass or headlight washer system. Your owner’s manual can give you a few clues about the kind of system that is equipped on your vehicle by showing you the filling locations and therefore where the reservoirs are located.

In most cases vehicle manufacturers will install a washer pump in the fluid reservoir. Although a few vehicles will use a pulse type pumps that gets its power from the wiper motor. Just about all windshield washer systems or activated by pushing and holding a washer switch. A slick feature on many vehicles is that when the washers are operated the windshield wipers are activated at the same time. You may need a car repair manual to diagnose malfunctions in these kinds of systems.

Problems with windshield washer systems

Trico Washer Pump

Some vehicles are equipped with a low fluid indicator. The warning systems are most often operated by a float connected to a switch. when the washer fluid level drops to less than a quarter of a tank the float drops and closes the switch which allows current to flow to the fuse panel and turn on the low washer fluid lamp to notify the driver to refill the washer fluid.

As with any parts that are constantly submerged in water these floats and switches can malfunction and provide an inaccurate warning or you may find that the bottle is completely empty but the warning light has not come on. In many cases removing the float and switch and cleaning off the corrosion or rust buildup coupled with applying a very small amount of lubricant can get the system working again.

One of the most common windshield washer problems that I see is that the fluid in the reservoir becomes contaminated. I have seen many different types of contamination. Sometimes somebody will put the wrong fluid into a windshield washer reservoir such as engine oil or coolant. This can cause clogs in the system and other kinds of issues with the electrical parts such as the washer pump and fluid level indicators.

Washer Fluid

I have also seen people install some additional detergents they think will do a better job of cleaning the windshield. The windshield washer reservoir was made to hold specialized windshield washer fluid only. It was not designed to have dishwashing detergent or harsh chemical bug removers in the reservoir tank or flowing through the hoses and pump. The rubber impellor inside the pump is easily damaged!

Many times when I have come across these detergents that were installed in the system it was necessary to replace all of the rubber hoses and the windshield washer pump itself. Sometimes a standard windshield washer fluid does not appear strong enough to remove what is on the windshield.

In this case take the time to physically clean the glass with an approved glass cleaner. The windshield washing system was designed to remove light dirt and debris. Not baked on stains or even stubborn deposits.

For more information about common auto repair problems you can return to the blog’s home page from this page about windshield washer problems.

Denso Spark Plugs

Replacing spark plugs has always been a favorite task of do-it-yourself auto mechanics. The interesting thing about this maintenance operation is that on some vehicles it is fun and easy.

On other automobiles the task is extremely difficult and sometimes the path of success is plagued with extreme problems that could lead to pulling the cylinder head.

Sometimes when spark plugs are removed from a cylinder head the threads will have traces of metal on them.

Each spark plug removed should be numbered with the cylinder it was removed from and inspected thoroughly for this type of thread damage. This type of car problem happens more often on engines that use aluminum cylinder heads.

If you run into this problem when performing your own sparkplug maintenance it is highly recommended to correct the condition before reinstalling the plugs. Patience and care at this point can save you from major auto repairs down the road.

Bosch Spark Plugs

If you force the plug back into the bore, or they become tight before they bottom the likelihood that the plug will leak or blow out increases.

If compression forces the plug out of the hole while the engine is running, a large amount of damage can occur to the cylinder head.

If this happens to you note that the head should be removed and checked for damage by a machine shop.

The end result may include and require replacement. It is also safe to say when this happens it will scare the hell out of the driver when it blows out.

Replacing spark plug tips

The number one rule for me is to never try replacing spark plugs when the engine is hot. If you remove them on a hot cylinder head The threaded holes can become egg shaped as the cylinder head cools without the sparkplugs to hold or retain the shape.

The number 2 rule for me is that replacing spark plugs should only be done when recommended by the manufacturer or if a plug happens to fail which is very rare.

Just a few years ago plug maintenance was recommended about every 30,000 miles. Now modern platinum plugs can go as far as 100,000 miles before maintenance is recommended (check your owners manual for recommendations).

Spark plug thread chaser

When installing sparkplugs if the plugs cannot be installed easily by hand the threads in the cylinder head may need to be cleaned with a thread-chasing tap.

There are special taps for spark plug holes simply called spark plug chasers. You have to be really careful not to cross thread the new plugs when you’re working with aluminum cylinder heads.

It is also recommended that do-it-yourself car mechanics tighten the plugs with a torque wrench using the correct spark plug socket with out a universal joint if possible.

The following affiliate link will take you to amazons website were you can get special spark plug tools like thread chasers, wire boot pullers, replacement thread installers, torque wrenches and of course inexpensive replacement spark plugs.

Always follow the vehicle manufacturer specifications in your auto service manual.

Recap of the #1 rule: In most cases, automotive manufacturers agree with me that this car maintenance operation should never take place on even a warm engine. Let the engine cool down to the ambient surrounding temperature before you begin your spark plug replacement.

3.8 L automotive engine

The new automotive engines on the market today have gone through a lot of changes compared to engines installed just a decade ago.

This new wave of engines is designed to meet the performance and fuel efficiency that the public demands.

It is clear if the automotive manufacturer does not come up with a strong power train that impresses all who drives it their sales will begin to sag and possibly never recover.

This is mostly due to the word-of-mouth from disappointed drivers. The power of this viral negativity is truly amazing.

Example: My father had a bad experience with a Ford Pinto. He told everybody that would listen about all the troubles he ever had with this car.

Right off the showroom floor this car would use a quart of oil a week. The pistons and rings had to be replaced under the old-fashioned 12/12 warranties. The hard part was getting the dealership to admit a problem existed.

It took much fighting with Ford Motor Company and the local dealer about what normal oil usage should be.

Every Christmas and thanksgiving our large family sat around listening to details of the battle for justice. The results are that nobody in my family or circle of friends has ever bought a Ford product since my dad’s bad experience in the mid-70s. Talk about holding a grudge!

New automotive engine construction

RX8 Rotory Engine

Modern automotive engines are made of lightweight engine castings, and in most cases non-iron materials.

Some of the types would include aluminum, magnesium carbon fiber materials, and in some cases reinforced plastics.

If the block is made out of aluminum the use of a stainless steel cylinder liner is used most often.

When it comes time to assemble the engine, fasteners that hold things together are now fewer and smaller than ever before.

This is made possible through computerized engine design (CAD, CAM) that optimizes the loading and sealing patterns when the motor parts are assembled.

This again allows for fewer fasteners and smaller fasteners. Also, the torque specifications have also changed and in most cases are far less foot pounds of torque than engines of the past.

Mazda 4cyl gas engine

These new automotive engines have changed how auto repair technicians perform diagnosis and repair.

When you have a plastic gasket in between two large aluminum parts, the torque specification of those engine bolts is extremely important.

If you over torque the fasteners in the above situation the plastic gasket will crack and large leaks will be present.

It is no longer recommended that a mechanic use 2 grunts and a groan to measure bolt tightness.

The torque wrench and even the inch pound torque wrench are needed to make sure reliable and long lasting auto repairs are performed with no come backs.

Make sure your car mechanic has several different torque wrenches in his toolbox. If he does not have any torque wrenches, it may be time to find a new technician.

If you are looking for more information on the automobile and the emerging technology of the recent past and the near future please visit the Automotive technology section from the categories list in the right hand side bar.

If your looking for the latest car repair posts, here is a link to the auto repair information blog homepage.

Online Auto Parts

What about the auto parts counter person. In a previous post I sent a little respect out to the auto repair mechanics of the world.

This led my friend to feel slighted, as his department was completely ignored during my previous post.

So in the interests of fair play this post is about the automotive part specialist.  A parts counter person can have several different duties  and is commonly called a materials person or specialist.

These dedicated people are found in nearly all car dealerships, as well as both retail and wholesale auto parts stores.

They sell auto parts directly to the customer and issue materials and supplies to car repair mechanics in both body shops and automobile service centers.

My friend, Jim M who is a parts counter person is friendly, professional, and very efficient when working with mechanics and customers.

About automotive part specialists

This career is an excellent alternative for those who know about cars but would rather not work on them. Much of the knowledge required to be a technician is also required for a parts specialist. However a counter person will require a few additional skills that a technician can survive without.

Most automotive parts people acquired the sales and customer service skills needed to be successful, primarily through on-the-job experience or training.

They may also gain the necessary technical knowledge on the job or through educational programs and practical experience.

Automotive parts personnel must be flexible

Depending on the store the common duties associated with the position may also include delivery of auto parts.

As well as purchasing a variety of supplies, stocking shelves and maintaining satisfactory inventory levels. They also have to adapt to servicing the needs of both old and newer car owners.

Paperwork responsibilities in the automotive parts department can also include preparing purchase orders, scheduling deliveries, assisting in the receipt and storage of materials and supplies, as well as maintaining a relationship with all vendors on the supply side.

An understanding of automotive terminology, as well as how these complicated high tech systems function is also a valuable skill for any good parts counter person.

Did I mention that car mechanics could be tough customers? Well we can and the parts people have to roll with it.

As far as my friend in the auto parts business goes everybody that has had the pleasure of being served by him appreciates his level of dedication.

And if there is one thing that stands out about Jimmy Mayhews more than anything else, is his ability to deliver the correct auto part the first time. This is why his customers turn into raving fans.

Personally I would rather spend a few bucks to receive the best possible information and know at least my time and effort was heading in the right direction. Let me give you a quick example of this scenario.

Free auto repair information forums

I use to go to the popular automotive forums and try to help people with their auto repair questions. I noticed a common trend about these free car forums. A lot of people dispensing advice may mean well, but in some cases, the advice was very poor and in some instances harmful to the vehicle.

It was also very hard for the Diy auto mechanic who posted the specific question to pick out a quality answer from the massive amount of responses. The problem with using this method is that the people responding to your car repair questions may not actually be knowledgeable about the subject at hand.

But what if you did not need outside help because you had in front of you the best possible source of information about your vehicle. You can now have access to the same factory auto repair manual that your dealership level auto mechanic uses.

These online programs only supply free auto repair information in the demonstration area.  But if your vehicle is on the random demo your in luck. You can check out the All-Data Free Demo Here.

This web-based system allows for a constantly updated source of auto repair information. The automobile can be a complex and troublesome mechanical device. Certain vehicles may develop similar problems as the vehicle continues to get older. This is why the online car repair manual is far superior to even the best-printed materials.

Inherent problems come to the surface and are documented in technical service bulletins and posted by the factory. The only way to have access to this information is either through the dealership or a repair manual company that offers an updateable database. All-Data is not the only one.

But it is one that I can show you since they offer a demo. I made a video that walks you through a common car repair so you can see just how useful these auto repair manuals can be.

If you repair your own automobile, you can assure that only the work that is needed will be performed. You can also have the advantage of factory insider information in the form of technical service bulletins. Often these documents tell you exactly what is wrong with your car by symptom or complaint.

These Vehicle specific TSB’s can help you learn from the path traveled by many other professional mechanics before you. Addressing the exact same car problem you are having. The idea being that this information helps you work smarter and just might prevent you from replacing a car part that was not needed.

Even though your goal may be to find free auto repair information take a minute to think about the larger goal. Fixing your car right the first time, for less money with increased reliability might be a better value.

I have a lot to say on this car repair subject. See the other posts in this catogory by visiting the auto repair information section of this blog.

Auto Mechanic

This was an auto repair information blog when I started it two years ago. Things stayed on topic, but changed a little when gas prices started to climb in early 2008. This is also when I purchased the water 4 gas systems and decided to share the details of my project with visitors. In today’s post I wanted to return to the original reason I started this blog. And that was to supply auto repair information for people that like to fix their own cars.

After fielding many questions over the last couple years on my car repair help page I have noticed one very common piece of advice that I continue to dispense. It also happens to be the first step in almost all of my automotive diagnosis procedures that I personally use. And this is the visual inspection. It is very common that I will uncover the cause of the car problem by simply performing a thorough visual inspection.

Auto repair visual inspections

I’m going to provide some examples of what to look for, and some of the most common things that I have found. It would seem that a visual inspection during these winter months are more important then in the summer. But regardless, I perform this procedure as a quick first step in automotive diagnosis no matter what the weather is like.

My first example actually happened yesterday and got me thinking about how I should share this with website visitors. I was working on a 2006 Chevrolet 3500 series van. The driver’s complaint was the check engine light was on.

I scanned the vehicle and found a map sensor code. The first thing I did was perform a visual inspection of the map sensor, the connector and its wiring harness. The first thing I noticed was little black chips of plastic that were laying on the intake manifold. These were obviously pieces from the conduit that protects the map sensor wiring harness.

I followed the harness back and found a spot where a rodent had chewed through not only the protective conduit, but also completely through the ground wire for the map sensor. There was no need for any scientific check engine light diagnosis because it turned out just to be a quick repair of a single wire.

Auto repair diagnosis

Another example of diy car repair diagnosis. My nephew called me from up north and said that he had an ABS light on. I live in Florida now, so I was not able to work on his vehicle. But I did notice in the news that they had recently gone through an ice and snowstorm. So I walked him through some simple steps to do a visual inspection on his own car.

I explained to him where the wheel speed sensors and wiring harnesses were located. When he poked his head around the wheel, he noticed a 15-pound ice burg was stuck and pulling on the wiring harness to his left front wheel speed sensor. Since my nephew is not very mechanically inclined, he was forced to take it in for repair.

But he was armed with the information to provide the service center that saved him Diagnostic time, and also the down time of his vehicle. The weight from the ice and snow that collected on the wiring harness broke the wires where they attach to the sensor head.

Auto repair safety

My nephew would have liked to continue to drive around with the ABS light on as opposed to spending the money on car repairs. In fact, I had to talk to his mother to force the repair to be completed. Antilock brake systems are a fantastic safety feature. During winter weather with ice and snow a properly operating ABS system may save your life or at least prevent damage to your vehicle or other drivers.

In closing I would recommend that when ever you have a warning light on your dash fix it. Either using do it yourself auto repair techniques or a car repair shop. And take a few minutes to perform a thorough visual inspection that is related to your problem. External damage by rodents and road debris can be highly visible and solve your car problems.

When you are tracing electrical circuits using a standard automotive wiring diagram you always want to work from the load or component back to the battery. Find the load device first, for example: light, horn, solenoid or actuator, then find its ground, and then find the battery on the diagram.

Trying to read a schematic from positive battery voltage to negative or ground does not work well. Always work from your load back toward the battery. This rule is important because it gives you a standard and correct direction of diagnosis. If you have proper power and grounds to your load component then you have just solved your problem on the first diagnostic test indicating that the failure is in the device and not in the wiring.

When you are studying troubleshooting manuals and repair diagrams take note that there is usually only one load component per circuit. This simple fact creates a straightforward diagnostic path with better results.

If you are looking at a large repair diagram, and you see more than one load, example starter, light bulb, backup alarm. You will know that each of these items are on separate circuits, and usually run to separate fuses or circuit breakers. In most cases you will find electrical failures isolated to one circuit.

If you find yourself jumping around into multiple circuits for diagnosis, it’s time to take a step back and return to rule number one of electrical problem diagnosis. First sit down and read the repair diagram until you fully understand how the circuit works. This first step may take a little while but will pay big dividends during diagnosis.

Do not be concerned with how long this first step takes it is not a sign of weakness or lack of intelligence. If you take some time to understand the circuit and the flow of the repair diagram you will be able to pick out the malfunction, much quicker. Spend some time now and save a lot of time later.

Just like most things in life the more you use a troubleshooting manual, the easier the repair diagnosis becomes. This is yet another case of practice makes perfect.

If you are interested in fixing your own car I have more information on auto repair manuals and many more articles for the do it yourself auto repair mechanic.

when you are buying car maintenance you want to make sure that you receive what you paid for. A good example of this is that if you frequent a dealership and you purchase their 15,000 or even 30,000 mile maintenance service, there are a lot of things that are supposed to be performed on these checklists.

The 15,000 or 30,000 mile service is usually very expensive and includes many important car safety checks. If you are going to shell out $400 for a 30,000 mile service. Please take the time to review what is supposed to be accomplished During this expensive service.

How to buy car maintenance

A good way to verify that some of these vital safety checks were performed is to ask the dealership to provide information about some of the individual items that are checked. For example, there maybe a spot on the service that requires a brake inspection. Ask the dealership to document the percentage of the brakes that are remaining. In yet another example if the tire inflation is to be checked, again ask the dealership to document the tire pressure in all four tires as well.

As a mechanic that has worked at dealerships for more than 23 years, I can tell you that the technician is paid on a flat rate or percentage basis. The mechanic is motivated to move as fast as he can and may take some shortcuts. This means you have not received a good value for your car maintenance dollar.

Take some time to review, what is included in the individual car maintenance service and ask lots of questions about each item to your service adviser. This will put the dealership service department on notice that you are very hands on and involved in what is being done to your car. This will also make the dealership more likely to complete the maintenance service properly and to cut corners and rush on somebody else’s car.

Car maintenace tip

If your service includes a tire rotation take a minute to mark each tire with a crayon. So that you can verify the tires were rotated during the service. Also when the technician sees these marks on the tire.

He is immediately informed that you are watching him and is more likely to perform all the steps that are included in the maintenance service that you have paid hard earned money for.

Would you like to read more stories about car mechanics and what might happen during your auto service

carmaintenance carrepair autorepair automaintenance autoservice

I can’t help but break into a story about one of the sharpest most evil service advisor’s I ever met. This man would go through your vehicle and find out as much as he could about the vehicle owner.

He would look for bank statements past due bills and any thing he could get his hands on to find out what your financial position was. He would go through the trunk, the glove box under the seats he was relentless.

One time he came out to my bay and started going through a vehicle and I asked him what he was doing. His reply was making us money. Then He yelled out bingo. I said what did you find.

He said the best thing of all a baby seat and baby toys. He then said this vehicle needs brakes. I said I didn’t look at the brakes yet. He said it didn’t matter what it needed it only mattered what they were getting.

Most people are scammed at some point by the auto repair business

Now in this case the brakes were about 25% remaining so selling brakes to this person didn’t hurt anyone. But the service adviser asked about the baby to set up the sale for family safety reasons.

If the customer hesitated to buy, the service adviser would explain it was for the safety of the baby and how if she performed an emergency stop the vehicle would take longer to stop with worn brakes and he was looking out for her baby. This guy was a shark and pulled down more than $100,000 a year just for selling service.

I tell you this story so you can be on guard if you run into a shark. The shark will start asking you personal questions while you are waiting for the vehicle to be brought into the shop. Not because he cares about you. He is trying to paint a picture of you so he can find the button he needs to push to make a sale. And do not forget to clean out the inside of your car including the glove box. You must protect yourself!

Here is a perfect example of the auto repair business hard at work taking money for unneeded repairs. View one of my online auto repair stories here

carmaintenance carrepair autorepair automaintenance autoservice