© DenLorsTools.com Summary: The 2002 Dodge Dakota above body style was produced from 1997 to 2004 (second generation). The particular subject this car repair blog is covering today, deals with the problem of the shifter not coming out of park. There are several reasons why the gear selector could be stuck in park. We’ll run down the list.
© DenLorsTools.com Summary: The proper automotive tools are just one key component for a successful auto tech. Times have changed with vehicles becoming more complex all the time.
OAD stands for Overrunning Alternator Decoupler – Image Courtesy of the Gates Corp.
© DenLorsTools.com Summary: DenLors auto repair blog written by an ASE master tech. Helping to make sense of the clutch type alternator pulleys used on many cars today. Knowing how decoupler pulleys are designed and how they’re suppose to work is the first step in properly diagnosing problems. Many alternators are replaced needlessly due incorrectly diagnosed problems related to this type of pulley.
© DenLorsTools.com Summary: DenLors auto repair blog covering a common EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control) system problem. EVAP charcoal canisters can contaminate the system causing flow and vent issues. Sometimes problems with venting can make it almost impossible to fill up at the gas pump. A very frustrating ordeal at the pump is to have the pump shut-off while putting gas in BEFORE the tank is full. Some vehicles even have the fuel splash back out due to improper vent tube operation. This car repair article points out several things to look for when charcoal from an EVAP canister has broken loose and has entered the EVAP lines causing a blockage.
© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Advice on changing an engine by a master tech. Changing a motor in a car is a lot of work. With some basic planning and research prior to starting the job, an engine change out will go a lot smoother.
Are You Experienced?
A motor swap is a very involved job and in most cases shouldn’t be attempted by a DIY’er. The best case scenario for someone changing an engine is for the person to first have a lot of experience doing a lot of smaller jobs. For instance if someone already has removed intakes plenty of times, they can pull from that experience when having to change the intake on the replacement engine during the motor swap. If the person has already changed alternators, water pumps, AC compressors, valve covers, timing covers, CV 1/2 shafts, motor mounts and so forth… well you get the idea. Changing a motor in a vehicle is a combination of many small jobs all put together. For a person to feel confident in taking on a large job like replacing an engine, they have to have some experience accomplishing the small jobs that play a large part in the make-up of a motor swap.
Planning Stages
Research is a key factor in successfully changing a motor out. Plan out the job by thinking about the best approach. Refer to an on-line service repair manual to see how the job is recommended. Many motors can be removed from the topside of the automobile. Some cars, particularly with front wheels drives should be removed from underneath by dropping the entire engine cradle or sub-frame. If the motor needs to be lowered from underneath the car then a vehicle lift will be necessary. If the correct equipment is not on hand for the job, you will be fighting an uphill battle. Not to say jobs “at the house” can’t be accomplished, but things are much more difficult without the convenience of all the right tools and equipment. Determine if you have the equipment and tools needed before starting the job.
Misconceptions
Some people think that ALL rear wheel drive cars are easier to do motor swaps in compared to front wheel drives. It all depends on the vehicle. Some rear wheel drive cars have harder engines to change. It all depends on access to all the bolts, positioning of the cab and the motor mount set-up. I have changed a FWD motor before by only removing ONE motor mount! It was a Ford Contour or Mercury Mystique. The mounts were all on the transmission except for the ONE front engine mount. That was a very easy front wheel drive engine to change.
Lifting Points
Before starting on the big job, figure out where the lifting points will be. Many cars have plastic intakes that should NOT be lifted on or stressed by the force of an engine lifting chain. The intake may need to be removed prior to attaching the engine chain or load leveler. Some cars will have lifting brackets already in place on the motor. Sometimes brackets can be purchased for specific models. Other times substantial bolts can be used in the engine block or sometimes the exhaust manifold studs when attaching the chain. It’s important to consider the over-all weight and if the heads are aluminum or not when deciding where to hook up the engine chain. I’ve used nylon straps before to attach to motors for pulling them. Nylon straps are much more forgiving than steel chains when up against plastic intakes and other components. Load levelers can be helpful in tilting the motor for lining it up with the transmission. The drawback to using a load leveler is that they are bulky and sometimes in the way. With that being said they really do save your back, since you can adjust the tilt with an easy adjustment instead of physically having to twist and tilt the motor with brute force!
Extra Access and Light
Remove the hood to allow for more light on the subject. Also it helps to prevent damage to the hood when going in and out with the engine crane. The hood should be placed in an out of the way area to help prevent it from being damage while the motor swap is being done. The hood sliding off the roof of the car can cause a lot damaged very quickly! By having the hood off, there will be a lot more light on the engine. Also have a good drop light and flashlight to make things go easier. One of the hardest things to do is to work an a car in a dimly lit area… frustrating and more time consuming.
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Ford cruise control systems are easy to check on certain models with a cool self test!
© DenLorsTools.com Summary: This auto repair article covers checking Ford cruise control systems that have a unique self test. Certain models have a test built into the computer system which can help to pinpoint the cause of a malfunctioning speed control system. Entering the test mode is easy for anyone once you know the procedure. No scan tool is required for this pinpoint test! Read the rest…
The standard heater core above is copper – some cores are aluminum .
© DenLorsTools.com Summary: This is part two of our exclusive car repair blog helping to troubleshoot car heater problems when they blow cold. The original article has been very popular in the colder months of the year. This repair article picks up where the first article leaves off. If you have not read the first part of the Car Heater Blows Cold article, I recommend reading it first.
Disc brake service is one of the most commonly performed DIY jobs.
© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Disc brake service is one of the most common jobs done by the weekend mechanic. Find out how to tell when brake pads need to be replaced, it’s simple after you know what to look for. Most people are surprised to find out that brake noise is one of the most common causes of comebacks that professional car repair shops deal with. Learn in this auto repair blog which types of cars are more prone to having squeaky brakes than others. Find out what some car owners do that causes brake squeak that they are not even aware of! Also learn what the professionals do to reduce brake noise to help prevent customers from having to bring their cars back for warranty repair. Read the rest…
© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Car repair blog covering the most common causes of EVAP fault codes which are a major reason for Check Engine Lights to come on. Explanation of the purpose of Evaporative systems and tips on what to look for when trouble shooting EVAP fault codes. With a code reader or scan tool, many times the cause of a car’s EVAP code can be diagnosed without additional car mechanic’s specialty tools. Learn which faults are simple fixes and when help from a car repair manual or a dealer tech on-line may be needed. Related car tool blog linked for “EVAP smoke machine use” when leaks are hard to find. Read the rest…
Summary: © DenLorsTools.com Power steering noises can be caused by several reasons. The most common reason for a power steering pump whining is because of low PS fluid level. This auto repair blog post covers 2001 and newer Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Caravans with 3.3 and 3.8 liter engines. Common causes of power steering moans and groans that apply to most vehicles are revealed. We also point out a VERY common cause of whining power steering pumps which is unique to this particular mini-van.