Hot Autos, Motorcycles & Planes How-Tos
How To: Load a CD into the 2010 Toyota 4Runner audio system
If you own a 2010 Toyota 4Runner then this is a great video to watch to learn how to load your CD's into the car. On the Toyota 4Runner there are three different ways that you can load your CD's based on the system in your 4Runner. If you have a standard audio system you just slowly insert the CD into the CD player. The CD player will "grab" the disc and pull it in. If you have the multi-disc CD audio changer you press the load button next to the amber button. Wait til the amber button turns ...
How To: Test a vehicle alternator with a standard multimeter
Richpin demonstrates how to test an alternator with a standard multimeter. First make sure that the vehicle's battery is fully charged. Take the negative lead of the multimeter and put it on the negative post of the battery. Place the positive lead of the meter on the positive lead of the battery. Set the meter to DC voltage using the 20 scale and read the display to ensure the battery is fully charged. Next start up the vehicle and see what the alternator is producing. The display should now...
How To: Receive favorite alerts using Ford SYNC
Ford's new SYNC system makes it easy to receive personalized alerts, including weather, news, and sports alerts… hands free! You only have to go to your owner's account online and set your favorite alerts for your SYNC system. Then just press the Voice button and select your service.
How To: Replace a front wheel bearing on a Chevrolet Impala
One day, your car may break down and you won't be able to afford to hire a mechanic, so what do you do... you look on the web for some how-to vehicle repair videos and become your own car mechanic, that's what. You don't need any advanced training to perform repairs and simple maintenance on your automobile, but you may need a few tools. Invest in the basic tools and you'll be prepared for just about any car malfunction you can think of. These tutorials will help get you on your way, as long ...
How To: Repair the ABS & speed sensor in a Dodge Dakota truck
In this automotive repair video you will learn how to fix the ABS and speed sensor in a Dodge Dakota truck. Learn how to read diagnostic trouble code to evaluate trouble indicators and fix broken sensors. So if your speed sensor or ABS brake system are on the fritz in your Dodge Dakota truck, watch this video and learn how to check and fix them.
How To: Removal and install a front motorcycle wheel
Are you motorcycle tires wearing out, but you don't have enough money to have a professional change them? Then watch this demonstration on how to remove and install the front wheel on a motorcycle.
How To: Install a trailer wiring harness in a Dodge Ram van
If you are going to be towing a trailer, or using auxiliary lights with your Dodge Ram 1500 full size van, you are going to need to install a T-One wiring harness. This installation could not get any easier, if you know how to use a plug and some zip ties, you can do it. This video shows where to locate the needed plug and how to test the wiring to make sure it works properly.
How To: Blend automotive paint to match an existing color
If you're thinking about making some minor paint repairs on your vehicle, getting that paint to match the color on your car can be a difficult task. This video will help you out by showing you how to blend your automotive paint to match the existing color.
How To: Install a New Serpentine Belt Tensioner on Your 96-06 Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra
In this video we will show you how to install a new serpentine belt on your 96-06 Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra.
How To: Clean your AC drain if water is spilling into your car
This next tutorial is going to be showing you how to take care of a problem that is very common amongst drivers. If water has ever spilled on you from inside your car, it's probably from your HVAC. When you use your A/C, condensation builds up as well, and this usually goes down a drain. But if it gets clogged then you might have a problem.
How To: Get a Dent Out of a Car Using Just a Plunger
Paying for someone to get a small dent out of your car can be expensive, especially when you realize that you can just do it yourself. If you've got a bathroom—and you probably do—then it's a surefire bet that you've also got a plunger.
How To: Replace a worn or broken timing belt on a Dodge Neon
Up to the task of replacing the timing belt on your Dodge Neon? This automative repair guide presents a complete, step-by-step walkthrough of the replacement process and will help you along your way. For all of the details, and to get started replacing the timing belt on your own Neon, take a look.
How To: Replace Headlight Bulb on Pontiac G6
Cars are quite different than they used to be. Sure, modern cars have some cool things, but repairing them are becoming difficult. Even simple things like changing a headlight bulb.
Boiled Water: The Easiest Way to Remove Dents from a Car Bumper
Even if you're lucky enough to not be injured in a car accident, it's rare to escape without some sort of damage to your vehicle. It goes without saying that there are some things you shouldn't try to fix yourself, but if it's just a scratch or dent, DIY can be a cheaper way to go.
How To: Fix Broken Plastic Tabs on Bumper
A common problem on bumper covers is that the tabs that attach the bumper to the car get broken. This is critical, as this is what secures and aligns the bumper cover. Many times, a broken tab is all that is wrong with the bumper cover. With the cost of these plastic parts $200 to $700, the replacement cost can break the bank.
How To: Replace a thermostat on a GM 3.1L or 3.4L automobile
Replace the thermostat on your GM 3100 or 3400 vehicle with this nifty tutorial. The video shows you how to replace a thermostat on a 3.4L GM but it should also help you repair a 3.1L GM as well. Just a heads up - you'll need to replace an o-ring when you install the new thermostat as well.
How To: Replace the one-piece parking brake shoe on a Chevy Tahoe or Silverado
Chevy Silverados and Tahoes from the year 2000 onwards have used a one-piece design for the parking brake pad shoe, and it is not a very good piece. It breaks all the time, but this video will show you how to replace it without removing the axle.
How To: Torque cylinder head bolts on a Honda Accord
Cylinder head bolts are big, strong bolts that do much of the work required to hold your engine together. If you've taken your engine apart and are putting it back together, you're going to have to torque the cylinder head bolts to get the block back together, and this video will show you everything you need to know to do it on a 2000 Honda Accord.
How To: Clean out the carburetor on a push lawn mower
If you're having a hard time with starting your lawn mower, there could be several problems. One of the main issues can be because of the vehicle's carburetor. If unattended, it can give you a hard time.
How To: Unlock a Car Door with a Clothes Hanger
This video shows you how to unlock a car door with a hanger but warns it isn't easy and may take some practice. First you will need a hanger as long as your arm, then insert the hanger in the hole on the left side of the window. Try to feel around and find the pin inside the hole. After you find the pin pull up on it. Try not to lock your keys in your car so you don't have to do this anymore.
How To: Locate and replace the CPS in a Saturn S-Series car
One day, your car may break down and you won't be able to afford to hire a mechanic, so what do you do... you look on the web for some how-to vehicle repair videos and become your own car mechanic, that's what. You don't need any advanced training to perform repairs and simple maintenance on your automobile, but you may need a few tools. Invest in the basic tools and you'll be prepared for just about any car malfunction you can think of. These tutorials will help get you on your way, as long ...
How To: Replace rear brake pads on a Ford Explorer
When replacing your brake pads on your Ford Explorer, you first need to jack up the vehicle and remove the tire. This will give you access to the brakes. Locate the caliper, remove the two bolts and slide the caliper off. Inside the calipers are the brake pads. Pry out the outside brake pad off first, then the inside pad. Then it's time to reverse the process!
How To: Repair a minor dent on a car with body filler & block sanding
In this thorough 30 minute video tutorial, Donnie Smith shows you a method of repairing a minor dent on a car with body filler and also shows you how to block sand the filler. For the novice who wants to learn more about car maintenance, this is the perfect tutorial.
How To: Change the fuel filter on a Ford Escape and most other cars
Changing the fuel filter on your car isn't too hard and is great way to save money for the DIY automotive enthusiast. This video will teach you how to replace the fuel filter on a Ford Escape, but these principles apply to most other cars too.
How To: Find a leak in the evap on an '03 Dodge Caravan
Finding a leak in the evap system on your car generally requires sophisticated equipment. If it's a big leak though, you can probably find it yourself. This video will teach you some tricks you can use to try and find an evap leak yourself on a 2003 Dodge Caravan before you take it to the shop.
How To: Lubricate the caliper pins or replace the brake pads on a Ford F-250 truck
Full-size pickups are more difficult than cars when or smaller trucks when it comes to repairs. Even something as simple as replacing the brake pads can become daunting. But if you're changing the brake pads on your Ford F-250 truck, this video will give you some much needed help.
How To: Check and adjust the valves on a KLR650
In this motorcycle tutorial you will learn how to check and then adjust the valves on a Kawasaki KLR650 motorcycle. You will need to remove the bodywork of the bike first. Once you've done that, watch this video and get ready to do a valve check on the KLR and then a valve adjustment.
How To: Get a Car Dent Out with a Pot & Vacuum Cleaner
Instead of taking your car to the mechanic, save yourself some money by going MacGyver and creating your own suction-style car dent puller from objects you've got laying around at home. All you need is a pot (or bucket), a vacuum cleaner, and some tape and you're pretty much set.
How To: Wire a Trailer on a Nissan X-Trail 2005
Hi there, first I'm canadian and my SUV so. I'm a hobbyist doing his best, not a mechanic, I don't take charge of other people's installation issues. Anyway, I decided to buy a SUV some months ago, and it comes without the wiring harness for the trailer and the hitch. I made it myself. In this part, only the wiring will be presented. This is for 4 pins harness connector. In any doubt, you can do as I have done for some wires; use a multimeter. Everything on that car works on a 12VDC. Ground y...
How To: Create a Ghost Flame on Your Car Without Airbrushing or Painting
Would you like to create ghost flames or other custom paint effects, but don’t know how? Here is a quick, easy, and inexpensive method. This method does not require a paint gun, airbrush, or even paint. Follow this step-by-step procedure and watch the video tutorial and you’ll be able to do this to your own car. Best of all, if you don’t like it, I’ll even show you a method for removing it. All it takes to do this is 1/8 inch fine line tape, 3/4 masking tape, a piece of 3000 grit sandpaper, a...
How To: Replace the hydroboost unit on a Chevy Astro van
If your Astro van is performing poorly (or perhaps not at all), one solution is to replace the hydroboost. Fix your power brakes and power steering with a new hydroboost. You'll need some moderate familiarity with auto mechanics to do this.
How To: Fix error codes P0340 & P0341 on a Saturn S-Series
IF you have a Saturn S-Series and it's thrown a P0340 or P0341 error code at your on the scanner after the check engine light has come on, you might be wondering how your cam position sensor can be off if you don't actually have one in your car. Watch this video to learn exactly what this code means to your car and some thoughts on how you might fix it. Three words: spark plug wires.
How To: Make a quick stop on a motorcycle
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a quick stop on a motorcycle. You must reach a speed of 15 mph first. A quick stop means you stop right when you are in the middle of driving, without slowing down first. Close the throttle first, then pull in the clutch. From here, apply both brakes evenly and firmly without locking them up and keep the handlebars straight. Make sure you ride safe and you do this with a helmet on after you have learned the basics of riding a motorcycle. Once you learn t...
How To: Use a smoke machine to find an evap leak in a car
Figuring out exactly where a small leak is in a solid black car tube is tough. That's where the smoke machine comes in. In this video you'll learn how the party staple can help you test an evap line for leaks.
How To: Bypass a broken air conditioning computer system in a car with a bypass switch
More and more car parts are controlled by computers, and the results are not always what we hope they will be. They often break for what seems like no reason and are expensive to fix. In this video you'll learn how you can fix a broken air conditioning control system on your car with a $30 bypass switch that will be much more reliable than your computer was.
How To: Change the oil in your Smart car
In this video, we learn how to change the oil in your Smart car. First, you need to go out and buy the appropriate oil for your car. After this, look underneath the car and find the oil filter/plug. After this, you will remove the plug and let the oil drip into a pan underneath the car. Once it's finished draining, you will replace the plug back on the car. When finished, you will pour the new oil back into the car until it's filled up. Then, you will look at the oil to see how much is in the...
How To: Change temperature settings in a 2010 Toyota Prius
In this video, we learn how to change the temperature settings in a 2010 Prius. All the climate controls are on the center console. The steering wheel can also help you change the temperature control. Press the green switch first then you will be able to set the temperature that you want the car to be. The system will then maintain that temperature. If you want to use the fan, select the fan and then select the speed you want it to be at. There is also a front and rear defroster you can press...
How To: Replace the door hinge pins on a car
When the doors on your car get older they often stop closing as well as they once did. If you've checked the striker plate and that seems fine, you may need to replace your door hinge pins. This video will show you how to do just that.
How To: Fix the blend door actuator motor on a '99 Mercury Grand Marquis
If the air conditioning on your car doesn't work and the condenser does work, you may have a broken blend actuator door motor. It's hard to get to, but there's a way to do it without removing the dash board, and this video will show you how to do it.
How To: Test a car starter using an amp meter
The starter on your car's health is directly related to how many amps it pulls from the battery. This video will show you how to use a multimeter to check volts going from the battery to the starter, and use an amp meter (don't use the multimeter for this part!) to check the amps at the starter.