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.

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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.

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© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Applies to 2002 to 2009 second generation Trailblazers and Envoys with 4.2 Liter in-line 6 cylinders. This auto repair article is for GMC Envoys or Chevrolet Trailblazers when a P1281 fault code is scanned using a code reader or scan tool. The P1281 fault code is related to the engine not reaching operating temperature within the set parameter. More explanation of what the code means and suggestions on how to complete the repair much easier. Using any code reader or scan tool with OBD II capability is all that is needed to read and erase the fault code.

The thermostat is NOT just to keep the engine cool, it also helps the engine heat up quickly to normal operating temperature within a certain time-frame. For the catalytic converter to operate at it’s highest efficiency the computer needs to be in closed loop. Closed loop means that the computer is in more control of fuel mixtures based on inputs from several sensors. Until the engine is running at the normal operating temperature, the computer usually controls the fuel mix less efficiently. That’s why it’s important for the thermostat to stay closed until the engine warms up quickly. If it stays open or opens up too quickly the motor will not reach the desired temp as quickly as it should. Most of the time when this code is retrieved, the t-stat is not working properly.

1/4″ swivel socket and extension pictured above used to start the bolts.

The thermostat is located on the left side of the engine. After removing the driver’s front wheel the t-stat housing can be seen over the frame. A long 1/4″ extension and 10mm swivel socket makes accessing the bolts holding the housing much easier. Usually this thermostat comes with a new housing as well. The tricky part is starting the bolts back in when installing the new t-stat. It’s easy to drop the bolts before actually getting them started. An old trick for holding bolts in place in hard to get to areas is to use small orings to act as a retainer. The o-rings are perfect for preventing the bolts from falling and are small enough to be collapsed when the bolts are tightened as to not cause any problems with the housing seating properly.

To help hold the bolts in place small o-rings are used to prevent them from falling.

Once the thermostat is replaced and the coolant is refilled, the fault code can be cleared. Usually it’s best to run the heater when topping off the coolant to help remove any air pockets that may be in the cooling system. When the heat is blowing hot and the temperature is in the normal range the coolant level will be full. Hopefully this repair article has helped explain and answer questions about the P1281 fault code scanned with a code reader or scan tool. Be sure to check out the links below for even more information and specialty tools.

Related Car Repair Blogs and Auto Tools

Jeep Grand Cherokee Scanned P1281 Fault Code / DenLors Auto Blog 

OBD II Scan Tools and Code Readers – DenLors Tools

Lisle Coolant Funnel to Remove Trapped Air in Cooling System

P0017 Chevy Trailblazer, Envoy, GMC Canyon, Colorado – Fault Codes

Chevy Auto Repair Articles – Automotive Repair Blogs for Chevrolet

Car Mechanics Specialty Tools – Automotive Tools and Shop Supplies

© DenLorsTools.com Summary: How to enter the relearn mode and reset the tire pressure monitoring system on a 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche. The repair blog covers a common GM TPM (Tire Pressure Monitoring) system that uses direct pressure readings which displays on the dash. Lower cost alternatives to the Kent Moore J-46079 factory tool are available and shown in the tool repair article. A less expensive tool that can be used to reset GM TPM systems is the TIPS Reset Tool. Questions as to why tire pressure sensors fail to begin with. Read the rest…

 Access for the fan control module can be gained from behind the headlight.

© DenLorsTools.com Summary: This auto repair blog covers overheating problems with Jeep Grand Cherokees ranging from 1999 to 2004. The cooling fan module location is shown. The cooling fan module is a common problem that can cause the radiator cooling fan not to work. Time saving suggestion to allow much easier access to the cooling fan control module for replacement. Questions and answers for this and other overheating issues covered in comment section.

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Above is a still image of the Malibu, see below for the You Tube Video.

© DenLorsTools.com  Summary: In this car repair article IÂ (Dennis Bandy) cover mechanics tools and shop equipment also specialty tools that make removing a transmission if a FWD (Front Wheel Drive) easier. A quick stop motion video is included showing the engine cradle and then the transmission being removed. The Chevrolet Malibu had a rear main seal leaking in an Ecotec engine. In the video I share one of my experiences that resulted with me on my back in a puddle of transmission fluid.

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Still image above – see bottom of the article for our DIY video.

© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Honda crank pulley tool info. Questions and answers in comment section. In 2005 the first car repair article written for DenLors Tools was on Honda and Acura crankshaft bolt removal. Before that, many years ago, in the early nineties prior to selling automotive tools for a living, I worked at a car repair shop as a tech in Lakeland Florida and had a timing belt job. To my surprise the Honda had a very tight crank bolt to loosen. In fact it was so difficult to loosen (without the correct tool) that I was unable to remove it to replace the timing belt. Hating to lose a gravy job and being on flat rate… I tried everything. The problem was that the whole engine turns when trying to loosen the bolt. Read the rest…