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0. General·How can I diagnose my car over the internet?
·Where can I get a Owner's Manual for my Vehicle?
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This is a bit of a trick question.
In some cases, for some cars, it is possible to get a clear suggestion if enough information is provided.
In other cases, it is nearly impossible to get an indication of the problem.
Noises don't come through the internet very well, although posting a recording will help in some cases. If the noise is a mystery rattle that no-one can find, then the internet probably won't help much.
If your car is overheating, again, posting in a forum may not help much. There are many things that could be wrong, from a thermostat to a head gasket to a leaky water pump. Shotgunning new parts at the problem based on guesses from novices isn't good practice, and isn't a methodical way to fix a problem.
The internet/forums can help if there is someone reading who is familiar with a specific situation that might be common to a certain model.
It can help if there is a bulletin that addresses the problem being struggled with.
It can also help if the poster is slightly more handy than average, with some background knowledge.
It is likely that some suggestions received, while well intentioned, will need to be ignored by the original poster, as people will post suggestions to check parts that the car isn't even equipped with.
Hopefully we can still help, just remember that the internet isn't a panacea. There is no replacement for a skilled repairperson getting good information from the vehicle owner, and the repairperson getting their hands on, i.e., getting a feel for and testing the car.
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by 3SGTE  edited by MrFixitCT
last modified: 2006-08-10 20:00:36 |
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A great resource is here.
»www.samarins.com/maintenance/manual.html
quote:
Owner's manual for your car
I receive many questions where to order owner's manual for a specific model.
Here I've included few links where you find owner's manual online:
BMW Owner's Circle - Access to exclusive BMW publications and more, registration required
Chrysler - Vehicle Owner Manuals - download Chrysler owner's manual for recent models.
My Dodge - download Dodge owner's manual for recent models.
Ford Motor Company - Owners - Sign up for owner's guide, vehicle specifications and more.
GM Owner Center - online owner's manual for GM models, including Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saturn and Saab. Maintenance tips, warranty information and more (registration required).
Hondas Ownerlink website - Honda / Acura maintenance tips, recalls, maintenance schedule, owner's manual in pdf. format available for download for certain models, and a lot more - registration required.
Hyundai - follow menu » OWNERS » My Hyundai. Register for digital owner's manual, warranty & more.
Infiniti Publications - Owner's Manuals available for download (follow the link 'Publications')
Mazda USA - follow the link 'Owners' for maintenance schedules Owner's Manual, vehicle care tips and more (registration required)
Nissan Publications - Nissan Owner's Manuals available for download (follow the link 'Inside Publications')
Volvo Owners Website - Owner's Manuals, Service and maintenance information. Warranty information and more - registration required.
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by Doctor Olds edited by MrFixitCT
last modified: 2007-12-13 05:05:42 |
1. Web Sites·Auto Manufacturer Web Sites
·Enthusiast and Car Club Web Sites
·Purchase and Shopping Web Sites
·Katrina Flooded cars
·I am concerned about buying a Hybrid...
·a wiki FAQ site
·another recall resource
·Tips for keeping your car in good condition
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»www.acura.com/
»www.astonmartin.com/
»www.audi.com/
»www.bentleymotors.com/
»www.bmw.com/
»www.buick.com/
»www.cadillac.com/
»www.chevrolet.com/
»www.chrysler.com/
»www.dodge.com/
»www.ferrariworld.com/
»www.ford.com/
»www.gmc.com/
»www.honda.com/
»www.hyundai-motor.com/
»www.infiniti.com/
»www.isuzu.com/
»www.jaguar.com/
»www.jeep.com/
»www.kia.com/
»www.lamborghini.com/
»www.landrover.com/
»www.lexus.com/
»www.lincoln.com/
»www.lotuscars.com/
»www.maserati.com/
»www.maybach-manufaktur.com/
»www.mazda.com/
»www.mercedes-benz.com/
»www.mercuryvehicles.com/
»www.miniusa.com/
»www.mitsubishicars.com/
»www.morgan-motor.co.uk/
»www.nissanusa.com/
»www.panozauto.com/
»www.pontiac.com/
»www.porsche.com/
»www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/
»www.saab.com/
»www.saleen.com/
»www.saturn.com/
»www.scion.com/
»www.subaru.com/
»www.suzuki.com/
»www.toyota.com/
»www.vw.com/
»www.volvocars.com/
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by Johkal edited by big greg
last modified: 2006-03-19 10:55:26 |
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»www.audiclubna.org/
»www.bmwcca.org/
»www.chicagomaximaclub.net/
»www.conceptcarz.com/
»www.maxima.org/
»www.pca.org/
»www.porscheclub.com/
»www.saabclub.com/
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by SuperNet33 edited by big greg
last modified: 2006-03-19 10:57:28 |
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Purchase and sales information
»www.kbb.com/
»www.edmunds.com/
»www.hemmings.com/
»www.motors.ebay.com/
»autotrader.com/
»www.vehix.com/
»www.showauto.com/
»www.collectorcartraderonline.com/
»www.carsdirect.com/
»www.barrett-jackson.com/
»www.nada.com/
»www.corvetteactioncenter.com/
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by Backspace edited by big greg
last modified: 2006-03-19 10:55:49 |
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»https://www.nicb.org/cps/rde/xchg/SID-40···Form.jsp
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by MrFixitCT
last modified: 2006-07-26 19:22:02 |
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CNN, in partnership with Edmunds.com has done some research on the seven greatest concerns of people considering hybrid vehicles.
The article can be found here:
»www.cnn.com/2006/AUTOS/tipsandad···dex.html
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by 3SGTE edited by MrFixitCT
last modified: 2006-08-23 05:31:09 |
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Actually, it's called FAQFARM where, among tons of other topics they have a cars and vehicles section. It's here: »www.faqfarm.com/Q/FAQ/470
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by sfogliatelle edited by MrFixitCT
last modified: 2007-03-10 17:22:13 |
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»www.lemonauto.com/complaints/default.htm
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by MrFixitCT |
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»www.rd.com/your-home/repairs/aut···cle.html
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by dolphins edited by MrFixitCT
last modified: 2008-01-21 20:46:11 |
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»[Tech] Anybody know how to replace mirror assymbly
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by MrFixitCT
last modified: 2006-01-28 22:24:31 |
3. Lubricants·Synthetic Oil Facts
·Should I change the filter when I change the oil?
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»www.xs11.com/stories/croil96.shtml
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by MrFixitCT edited by big greg
last modified: 2006-03-19 10:51:56 |
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Should you change the oil filter every time you change the oil, or can you let it slide until next time?
Most everyone agrees, the cost of a new filter is negligible and your time spent will be well worth it, so change the filter every time you change your oil. The engine depends on oil to lubricate itself, and it can't lubricate as well if it's dirty.
For more reading on the subject, check out these threads.
»[Help] Change Oil but not Filter?
»Another "should I change the filter" question
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by rjackson edited by MrFixitCT
last modified: 2007-12-13 05:06:06 |
5. Fuel and alternatives·Alternative Fuel
·What vehicles are E85 complant?
·Does adding acetone to my fuel improve economy
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»www.e85fuel.com/database/search.php
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by David edited by MrFixitCT
last modified: 2006-01-16 20:42:41 |
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This is the most recent list from the site. Most manufacturers should be able to tell you if you car qualifies or not. On my 2005 avalance the way the manual specified was if the 8th character was a Z then the vechnicle qualified. Please read your manual first, if the answer is not there contact the dealership or look online.
»www.e85fuel.com/e85101/flexfuelvehicles.php
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by David edited by big greg
last modified: 2006-01-21 13:07:58 |
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This is one of the most talked about subjects in Automotive. Most everyone agrees that it will not help your fuel economy, in fact in some cases it will worsen it and damage some parts of your fuel system.
For reference:
»[Tech] Your thought on Acetone
»Adding acetone to improve MPG?
»Acetone In Fuel Said to Increase Mileage
»Does Acetone really work in Gas?
»Does Acetone added to gas really improve mileage?
»Better fuel mileage with Acetone?
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by rjackson
last modified: 2008-06-03 15:08:16 |
6. Electrical·My Engine is Shaking, and the Car Hesitates
·Battery and Starter Troubleshooting Basics
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So your engine is idling poorly (shaking, misfiring), and you are not able to accelerate properly.
There are a number of potential causes for this problem. These include:
- Engine mechanical problem (low compression in one cylinder)
- Plugged or defective fuel injector
- Ignition system fault
One of the most common reasons is an ignition system that is leaking high voltage.
It may only misbehave on damp days. There are a few checks that one can do.
1. Open the hood and listen while the engine is running. Listen for a sharp cracking/arcing noise that the sparks make as they jump from the ignition wires or cap. If you do this at dusk, you may see the sparks jump.
2. On a relatively dry day, when the car has been running ok (assuming that it intermittently runs poorly) lightly mist the ignition wires with water from a hand sprayer. If the engine idle speed suddenly changes, and you start to hear the sparks jumping, you have confirmed the culprit.
3. Physically inspect the parts for black burn marks or pitting. A black/grey rough burned appearance on the tip of some rotors is normal, it is a coating that is applied for RF interference suppression reasons.
The most important thing to do when replacing ignition system parts is to only use high quality parts. There are many substandard suppliers out there. In some cases, a set of 10 year old OEM wires is better than a set of cheapo new wires. Generally, you get what you pay for.
Having said that, don't expect 10 HP more than stock because you spent $250 on a set of purple 10mm ignition wires.
Don't forget that a cracked, oil fouled or otherwise defective spark plug can easily be the source of an ignition system problem too.
A faulty ignition system will damage the catalytic converter if it is not fixed.
Each time a misfire occurs (if due to an ignition system fault) air and fuel are dumped straight in to the exhaust. This can cause a catalytic converter to be damaged, and in severe cases can cause a fire when the catalytic converter glows red.
Newer vehicles may no longer have ignition wires, you might find ignition coils mounted directly on the spark plugs.
This does not cover every conceivable ignition system problem. There are a multitude of other ignition system problems that can be difficult to diagnose, and difficult to include in a basic guide.
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by 3SGTE edited by big greg
last modified: 2006-02-26 09:51:04 |
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It is best if you have a basic understanding of electrical concepts before troubleshooting your electrical system.
At a minimum, see the water analogy halfway down this page:
»wiki.4hv.org/index.php/Basic_Electricity
A link is here:
»www.grmotorsports.com/news/01200···lems.php
This one is a single page non-sales based general introduction.
There are a number of links at the bottom of this page:
»www.carcraft.com/howto/53318/index.html
The links describe scenarios, primarily using GM vehicles. The links are sponsored, and are written for a "muscle car" audience, so keep that in mind.
Attached below is a basic diagram that can be referred to when more specific questions are dealt with.
attachment is #983106
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by 3SGTE edited by MrFixitCT
last modified: 2006-03-18 05:11:46 |
