Hot Maintenance How-Tos

How To: Fix trouble code P0141, the rear oxygen sensor, on a Dodge Neon

If you are the proud owner of a Dodge Neon with a check engine light on and it's showing error code P0141 on your scanner, you probably need to replace the rear oxygen sensor. This video will show you how to do that as easily as possible.

How To: Change the engine oil in a Chevy truck

In this tutorial, we learn how to change the engine oil in a Chevy truck. To start, you will want to place your car up on a secure jack so you can get underneath it with ease. Next, find the oil can and drain plug underneath the truck and use a wrench to remove the bolts around them. Now, place an oil pan underneath the drain plug and let the oil leak out into this until there is no more left. Next, clean off the bolt that is used for the drain plug and remove the filter from the underneath o...

How To: Troubleshoot a heater blower motor

Basic instructions on how to troubleshoot the heater blower motor of a Saturn S-series. The heater blower motor is located behind the glove compartment of your vehicle. Disconnect the negative and positive power supply. (The black wire is usually the negative.) Using a multimeter set on the Ohm scale, use the positive lead and test the black wire. To check the purple wire for current, use your ignition key and turn it to the run setting, turn the heater power to full power and set the multime...

How To: Remove Spray Paint After Your Car Gets Tagged

There are some really talented graffiti artists out there. Some of them are good enough that businesses hire them to paint advertisements, rather than hiring someone to scrub their work off the side of the building.

How To: Flush your auto transmission fluid in less than 10 min

Instead of paying to have someone else do it, learn how to flush your auto transmission fluid in less than 10 minutes by following this tutorial. Unknown to most people, is the fact that draining your transmission from the bottom, only removes about half of the fluid, while the rest remains. This tutorial shows how to do a complete flush. First, find out how much transmission fluid your vehicle needs by reading the owner's manual. You will also find out what type of product you need to use. R...

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: Change your differential oil on a Jeep Grand Cherokee

In this tutorial, we learn how to change your differential oil on a Jeep Grand Cherokee. First, you will need to remove the drain plug from the underneath of the vehicle, then let it drain out onto an oil pan, use a pipe and pump to do this. Once it's finished draining, you will need to replace the plug. After this, grab a new pump and pour your new oil into the pump. Remove the plug again, then pump the oil back into the engine. Once the oil is full, you can replace the drain plug and check ...

How To: Fold down the windshield of a Jeep Wrangler JK

This is a step-by-step video tutorial on how to fold the windshield of a Jeep Wrangler JK. You will notice there are three tools needed; a Phillips head screwdriver, a 13mm deep well socket w/ ratchet and extender, and a t40 torx. First you should remove the plastic covers on the A-pillars of the Jeeps windshield. Make sure you put all bolts back into the holes they came out of for safe storage. That will also keep dirt out of the threads as you drive your vehicle with the windshield down. Ma...

How To: This Hair Care Product Will Keep Water Spots Off Your Car for Good

Taking care of your car requires effort, whether you take it to the pros for washes, waxes, and detailing, or you spend time to make it shine yourself—and it often seems that, right after your car is sparkling again, rain or midnight moisture appears to cover its surface in water spots. With a small tweak to your typical car care routine, you may be able to keep your car's surface and windows shining longer and better: you just need to add a little hair conditioning liquid.

How To: Change the transmission fluid on a Honda Civic

To change the transmission fluid on a Honda Civic, you will need a good rug, a drip pan, 10 quarts of transmission fluid, a funnel and a ratchet wrench. First, remove the dipstick to release the pressure on the liquid. Then, remove the drain plug with the ratchet wrench. You may need to bang on the bolt with a cheater bar to loosen it. Drain the fluid into the pan. Then replace the drain plug until it is hand tight. Use the ratchet wrench to tighten the drain plug. Clean up the excess transmi...

How To: Check the coolant level on a Vespa GTS and GT200

If you own a Vespa or are thinking about buying one, then you'll need to know how to check the coolant level. This is important because coolant helps make sure that your vehicle runs smoothly and doesn't overheat.

How To: Jack up a car safely

Everyone should know how to use the jack that comes with his or her car. Try this at home so if you ever get a flat, you'll know where the jack is and how to use it to fix that tire. Just watch this video tutorial to see how to jack up a car safely.

How To: Remove the inside rear door panel on a Nissan Altima

In this video richpin explains to us how to remove the inside rear passenger-side door panel on a Nissan Altima. He doesn't explain why you would want to do this, but if you feel compelled to, herein you will find the most detailed instructions you could ask for. Here is a list of the readily available tools that he uses:

How To: Fix an overcharging battery problem on your RV

If you have a problem with an overcharging battery on your RV, you may want to tune in for this video. In this tutorial, the RV Doctor explains what may be the problem behin a battery that is continually overcharging. There are many possible reasons, but in this video is focuses on one in particular. So if you need help, check out the video above and good luck!

How To: Replace the chain and sprockets to a 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250 motorcycle

If you own a motorcycle that needs some maintenance, taking it to the dealership is going to be costly. But doing it yourself, can be a great way to save on some cash.

How To: Change the cabin airfilter on a 2004 Honda Civic

You may not realize it, but is more than one air filter attached to your car. Not only do you have the filter near your engine, but there is also one located within the vehicle itself. This is used to collect any dust or other particles that are in the vehicle. Many people don't realize it, but these need to be replaced every year or two. So in this tutorial, you'll find out how to locate and replace the cabin airfilter on a 2004 Honda Civic. good luck and enjoy!

How To: Replace a flat tire

Learn how to replace a flat tire with a spare in this video. First, make sure your car is parked on a safe flat road. Remove the hub cap covering the lug nuts screwed on to the tire. While the tire is still on the ground, loosen the lug nuts attached to the tire with a lug wrench. Locate the jacking point on the metal frame near the flat tire. Crank the jack just enough to lift the flat tire off the ground. Unscrew the lug nuts with your fingers. You can now easily slide out the flat with you...

How To: Replace windshield washer nozzles

In this video, we learn how to replace a windshield washer nozzle. First, use tape to mark where the wipers were at so you know where to replace them. After this, remove the wipers from the vehicle by using a wrench. Now, pop the hood of the car and remove the screws that are on the front of the car surrounding the nozzles. Once you get the top area removed, you will find the nozzle and hose underneath it. After this, replace the old nozzle with the new one and then put it back. When finished...

How To: Bleed car brakes with a one-person brake bleeder

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 an engine coolant temp sensor on a Saturn S

If you own a vehicle in the Saturn S-series, chances are you may have run into some problems with your car. Just like with any car, there are things that need to be checked or replaced in order for them to work properly. One of those things may be the engine's coolant tempature sensor. This is an issue, especially when you're trying to make sure your car doesn't get overheated. So check out this tutorial on how to replace one today. Enjoy!

How To: Replace spark plugs

New spark plugs will increase your fuel economy. All you need are a few basic tools and a free afternoon.

How To: What Side of Your Car Is the Gas Tank on? This Easy Trick Will Tell You Every Time

Ever drive a friend's car? Maybe a rental? Then you've probably found yourself in a very frustrating situation when you realize you need some gas. Heck, it probably even happens to you in your own car sometimes.

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: Fix an RV water heater that won't light

Owning a car is already a big responsibility, but it doesn't even come close to how big it is when owning an RV. This cannot only take you from one place to another, but for some, it's considered their home on wheels.

How To: Properly drain a fresh water holding tank on an RV

Are you thrilled to finally have your RV to motor around the country in? It does require a fair bit of maintenance. In this video, the RV Doctor tells you how to drain the water out of the fresh water holding tank on your RV. It'll help keep your RV in tip-top shape for traveling.

How To: Fix an RV awning that will not retract

In this tutorial we learn how to fix an RV awning that will not retract. If you find yourself in the situation where the awning on your RV just won't retract, then this is the video for you! To secure the awning you will first need to go to the roof of the RV. When you get on top, you will need to look at the awning and see if something is stuck and causing it to stick. Manually secure the awning when you go to the roof so that it will stay in place for when you need it. If this doesn't help,...

How To: Reset the clock in your Hyundai

There are many cars out on the market that are unable to change the time according to location or daylight savings time. So it's important to know how to change the time or reset it completely. In this helpful tutorial, you'll be finding out how to reset the clock in a Hyundai vehicle. It's easy to do and will make life a bit easier. Enjoy!

How To: Remove the window glass from a Saturn S-series door

If, for any reason, the window on your car door becomes damaged, you're going to need to replace it. Instead of heading to a mechanic or professional, you can easily do it yourself and save some money.

How To: Check the fuses in a Cadillac

In this tutorial, we learn how to check the fuses in a Cadillac. First, open the hood of the car and look for the fuse box that is left to the engine. Now, open the clips on the fuse box and take the top off. You will now see a diagram of what all the different fuses of the car are and what they do. The big gray boxes are relays, which you most likely won't need to touch. The fuses are small little boxes that you can take out with a pair of pliers. If a fuse needs replaced, you will be able t...

How To: Remove yellow haze from headlights with toothpaste

First of all check for the yellow haze on the headlights by scratching it. Now take toothpaste and then apply some of it on to the headlight. Now you need a dry towel to clean the headlight. Start by rubbing the toothpaste over the headlight with this towel. You have to rub it hard so that the toothpaste cleans out the yellow haze. Start from the middle and make circular motions with the towel. Then start to spread out towards the corners of the headlight. Keep on doing it and you may even fe...

How To: Safely get into your car if you lock your keys inside

Ever lock your keys in your car? In this how-to video, find out how to safely get into your car if you lock your keys inside, just using a pole and wooden wedge. Don't call a locksmith, that's going to cost you a fortune and might take a long time too. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to break into a car.

How To: Replace the side view mirror on a Nissan Altima

Someone has just smashed the side mirror off your perfect Nissan Altima that you parked on that busy road you know you shouldn't have parked on anyway, so now it's up to you to repair it— unless you want to pay an overpriced mechanic, who will charge you for parts, labor, and whatever else he thinks he deserves. If you're up for repairing your side view mirror by your lonesome, for cheap, then this video by Richpin will show you the exact steps required to fix your Nissan Altima's side mirror...

How To: Make a homemade boost pressure tester for a turbo car

The Mighty Car Mod team will show you how you can make a homemade boost pressure tester for a turbo car, all with parts you can get from your local hardware store, just for about ten bucks. You can use this boost pressure tester to find pesky leaks in your custom intercooler piping on your vehicle.

How To: Service a Peugeot 206 Compact Car

This video gives a step by step tutorial how to service a Peugeot 206 with the 1.4 liter engine. Please note that the video is not in English, but you can follow along by watching the video and following the written instructions below. Work under the car.

How To: Help your RV water heater run more efficiently

RV water heaters can be easily made more efficient by loosening one or two screws that hold the U-tube tight. Sometimes the orifice that connects the gas valve and the U-tube is not aligned properly with the U-tube, and the loosening of one screw or the other will allow the straight alignment of the orifice and U-tube. After loosening the screws and realigning the U-tube, simply tighten the screw and the water heater will be more efficient because the perfect gas and air mixture will be present.

How To: Clean the A/C drain on your car with a ballpoint pen

Does your car A/C make a horrible smell when it's on? The most likely culprit is a clogged air conditioning drain. Fortunately for you, all you need to fix the problem are jackstands and a ballpoint pen. This video will show you how to combine the two to clean your drain and get your air conditioning back to cooling well and smelling good.

How To: Lubricate the slideout mechanism on an RV

In this automotive maintenance guide, we learn how to lubricate the slide-out mechanism on a slide-out recreational vehicle. For all of the details, including full, step-by-step instructions, and for more advice on how to maintain your slide-out RV, take a look.

How To: Remove your windshield washer tank

In this video, we learn how to remove your windshield washer tank. First, lift up the hood of the car. After you have done this, you will need to remove the outer light on the front of the vehicle with a screwdriver. Next, find the tank on the inside of the hook where the windshield wiper fluid is located at. After you have done this, make sure to disconnect any tubes and parts that go to this, then set them aside. If you are replacing this, you will need to put your new one in and then repla...

How To: Replace a Honda Accord wheel bearings

If you own a Honda Accord and find out that there's a problem with your wheel bearings, then you need to pay attention to this tutorial. In the video above, you'll find out how you can easily replace the bearings with the right tools and know-how. It can be a difficult job for some, but others with more experience might have an easier time. So good luck, be safe, and enjoy!

How To: Bleed the front breaks of a scooter

In this tutorial, we learn how to bleed the front breaks of a scooter. First, operate the vac and bleed the nipple from the brake. Then, unscrew the bleed nipple to let out any air trapped in the circuit. Brake fluid level should never drop below the minimum level during the procedure. Close the bleed nipple and then re-fit the cap to the vac. This procedure will only take you a few minutes and it will ensure that your scooter keeps running smoothly. Just make sure you take your time and watc...