How to Replace a Power Seat Motor

Posted on January 10, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Power Seat Motor . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Seat Motor
  • Continuity Tester
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $176.61 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $326.98 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

  • Try to adjust the seat with the help of switch.
  • Take the seat trim panel away and see whether the switch is getting power and properly grounded.
  • Remove the switch and directly supply the power to the seat motor to check whether the switch is defective or problem is with the motor.
  • Detach the negative cable from negative terminal of the battery.
  • Remove the power seat and dismiss all the electrical connections.
  • Now take the defective power seat motor out of the vehicle. Purchase the new power seat motor for your vehicle type and secure it at its place.
  • Supply power to the motor to check whether it’s working or not before reinstalling the power seat.
  • Connect all the electrical connections and then fasten the power seat at its place.
  • Now replace the power seat switch and power seat trim panel.
  • Join the negative terminal back and inspect the replaced power seat motor for its working.
Posted in Interior, Heating & A/C | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace a Heater Core

Posted on January 10, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Heater Core . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Heater Core
  • Screwdriver
  • Combination Wrench Set
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Needle Nose Pliers

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $283.18 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $531.78 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

  • First of all, remove the negative cable from the negative terminal of battery.
  • Take a drain pan and put it under the radiator. Open the drain valve of the radiator and let the coolant drain out completely.
  • Now, take the glove box door away to gain access to the heater core. You may have to remove some other parts as well depending on your vehicle made.
  • Secure any wiring coming in your way.
  • Remove any hoses attached to the heater core and take the old heater out of the vehicle.
  • Take a new heater core and fix it on its place. Reconnect the heater hoses.
  • Replace all the parts and glove box door back to their respective places.
  • Put the drain valve of radiator back and filled the radiator with new fresh coolant mixture. Check for any possible leaks in the radiator and fix them if needed.
  • Replace the radiator cap.
  • Turn the engine on and let it remain in idle for some time. Turn on the heater and keep the temperature control switch on hot. The hot air will show you the repair work is successful.
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How to Replace a Heater Control Valve

Posted on January 10, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Heater Control Valve . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Heater Valve
  • Flashlight
  • Pliers
  • Screwdriver
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Open End Wrench
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $53.12 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $165.45 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

  • Switch your car engine one and let the engine warm up.
  • Next, switch on the heater and move the temperature controlling switch from cool to hot. Sense any change in the temperature of the air.
  • Switch the engine off. Lift the hood and secure it. Search for the heater control valve. You may find it on the firewall on the side opposite to the driver’s seat.
  • Make sure that the temperature control cable is attached to the valve. Also, examine for any signs of coolant leak nearby the valve.
  • Once the engine is cool down, detach the temperature control cable from the valve. Also, remove all the heater hoses connected to the valve.
  • Now, take the old heater control valve out from its place.
  • Purchase a new heater control valve designed for your vehicle’s type.
  • Fix it properly on its place.
  • Reconnect all the heater hoses and temperature control cable back to the new valve.
  • Take a new coolant mixture and fill the radiator up to the full mark.
  • Close the hood and turn on the engine. Wait for some time to allow the engine to warm up. Switch on the heater and move the temperature control switch to hot.
  • You will get the hot air this time.
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How to Replace a Front Bumper

Posted on January 8, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Front Bumper . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Bumper
  • Bumper Mounting Kit
  • Floor Jack
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • 3/8 in. Drive Shallow Standard Socket Set
  • 1/2 in. Drive Ratchet
  • 3/8 in. Drive Torque Wrench

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $463.94 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $719.35 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

If you want to remove a front bumper, follow the given directions:

  • Park the car on leveled surface and make sure that the parking brakes are applied.
  • If any reflectors and fog lamps are attached to the front bumper, detach the wiring connections.
  • Take a floor jack and support the bumper on that jack before removing the bolts on mounting brackets.
  • Once the bolts are removed, lower the bumper and place it on the ground watchfully.
  • Now, the time is to take all the attached components away from the front bumper such as reflectors, fog lights, bumper trim and license plate.
  • Now take the new bumper and attach all the components you have removed from the damaged bumper.
  • Now place the front bumper on its specific place and fasten the bolts on mounting brackets.
  • Reconnect the wiring connections to fog lights and reflectors. You are done.
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How to Replace a Front End Cover

Posted on January 8, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Front End Cover . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Car Bra

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $104.41 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $241.78 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

Follow the easy steps to replace your vehicle’s front end cover:

  • First you have to find the front end cover. Examine the front cover for any signs of wear and tear.
  • If the cover is damaged or shows any sign of wear and tear, you have to replace it with the new one. Front end covers are usually kept in place with the help of a bendable or flexible metal tab. However, few uses pop riveted or screwed in tabs.
  • After removing the front end cover, examine the body panels for any possible signs of wear or damage. Repair the damage parts, if you found any.
  • Take a new front end cover and make certain that it is of right size.
  • Place the new front end cover on its required place. You may have to heat it up a little to make sure that the cover sits properly on its place.
  • Before installing the new cover, wipe the surface clean with a cloth properly. It is very necessary for proper installation of the new front end cover.
  • Now, you have to fix the front end cover in its place either with the help of bending tabs or by snapping the front end cover.
  • Now drive a vehicle and make sure that the cover is properly installed and it does not move with the wind. If you feel that it is not fixed properly, make the required adjustments.
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How to Replace a Headlight Door

Posted on January 8, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Headlight Door . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Headlight Door
  • Flashlight
  • Screwdriver
  • 1/4 in. Drive Ratchet

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $27.70 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $114.99 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

The given instructions will help you replace a headlight door safely and comfortably:

  • Unfasten the bolts and screws holding the headlight door at place.
  • Examine the headlight door for wear and tear. If the damage is irreparable, replace the damaged headlight door with new one.
  • Take a new headlight door and install them carefully.
  • Once a new headlight door is installed, switch on the headlight to ensure that it is working fine.
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How to Replace a Grille Insert

Posted on January 8, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Grille Insert . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Grille Insert
  • Screwdriver
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Nut Driver
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $103.98 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $185.94 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

Follow these simple steps to replace a grille insert on your vehicle:

  • First you have to find the position of the grille in your vehicle’s engine compartment because you have to access the grille inserts’ retaining bolts and screws from here.
  • Have a close look to see any signs of wear and tear on the grille insert.
  • Grille insert is often secured in its place with bolts and screws. Unfasten the screws or bolts to remove the grille insert.
  • Take a new grille insert and secure it with screws and bolts. Fasten all the screws and bolts properly.
  • Lower the hood and check the alignment of the grille insert from the front.
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How to Replace a Hood

Posted on January 8, 2011 by Alvin Martin

There are often situation arises where one needs to replace the hood for one or another reason such as excessive wear and tear, dents, damage etc. Garages usually demand high amount for the replacement work. You can replace hood on your own with the help of some tools and skills. Following steps will help you in replacing hood at your home.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Emblem
  • Hood
  • Flashlight
  • Combination Wrench Set
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $785.90 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $1,189.69 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

  • Park the car in well lit area. Apply parking brake.
  • Lift the hood and secure it with hood prop.
  • Take the washer tubing, emblem and hood insulator away.
  • Now starting on one side, unfasten the bolts that hold the hood to the hood hinge. While doing so, ask your assistant to hold the hood. Similarly, unfasten the bolts on the other side. Take the hood away.
  • Use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for the color code and paint the new hood accordingly.
  • Once the paint is dry, install the new hood on your vehicle. Position it on its place with the help of assistant and secure it with bolts on each side. Keep the bolts loose a little at this stage.
  • Put back the removed items such as emblem, washer tubing and hood insulator.
  • Now, put the hood down and check for alignment. Adjust the bolts accordingly.

Tips & Warning

Use protective clothing, while working with your vehicle such as protective goggles, closed toe shoes, or latex gloves to avoid any injuries.

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How to Replace a Hood Insulator

Posted on January 8, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Hood Insulator . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Trim Panel Removal Tool Set

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $0.00 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $63.24 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

It is a very simple task:

  • Lift the engine hood and secure with hood prop.
  • Take an upholstery tool and take all the insulator clips away. Take the hood insulator away.
  • Take a new hood insulator and fix it by reversing the process.
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How to Replace a Header Panel

Posted on January 8, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Header Panel . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Header Panel
  • Screwdriver
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $289.57 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $499.79 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

Following steps will help you replace a header panel.

  • Park the car and apply parking brake.
  • Lift the engine hood and secure it with hood prop.
  • Now search for the header panel in the engine compartment and examine it for any visible damage and wear and tear.
  • In order to remove the header panel, you have to take the front grille and grille out first.
  • Next, remove all the electrical connectors.
  • Take the headlight assemblies out of the header panel so that you can easily remove the header panel from the front of the vehicle.
  • Take a new header panel and fix it on its place on the vehicle.
  • Put the headlights assemblies back and reconnect all the electrical connectors.
  • Now install back the front grille and grille to their respective places.
  • Lower the hood and your job is done.
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