The Pontiac Bonneville went entirely distributorless with the 2000 models. For its 3.8L engines in earlier years, Pontiac used a High Energy Ignition (HEI) system that had a Direct Ignition System. You can replace the distributor assembly fo...

Whether your Leaf Springs are sprung or you just want to upgrade your suspension with a set of overload springs, or 'helper springs,' replacing them is a fairly straight forward process. This is job that can be done in the driveway, in a cou...

The Dodge Caravan mini-van has maintained its popularity over the past couple of decades as a family vehicle. Since the Caravan has had both distributor and distributorless systems, check to see whether you have a 3.0L engine. Replace the di...

Your 2001 through 2004 Toyota Camry offers a comfortable and reliable ride. To continue enjoying that ride, your Camry needs to be maintained. If you've driven 6,000 miles, it's time to change the front disc brakes. Most do-it-yourselfers ca...

If your brakes are squeaking when you stop your 2005 through 2007 Saturn Ion it is definitely time to replace the front disc brakes. This can be accomplished by investing a few hours of your time and little bit of elbow grease. Difficulty: M...

The Chevy Corvette has long been a staple to luxury and sports car enthusiasts. Over time, the low to the ground frame can allow parts like the oil pan to rip or wear down. To drop the oil pan, in models from 2005 through 2010, the process r...

The Chevy Impala is one of the most sold cars of all time. To drop the oil pan in the Impala, take all precautions necessary for a safe repair. The oil pan is often replaced if damaged or removed for cleaning. For the Chevy Impala models dat...

To remove the Cadillac Escalade oil pan in models dating from 1999 through 2006, follow these simple steps. You may need to do this for repair or replacement. The oil pan houses the oil when it isn't in use by the engine. Over time, wear and...

The Acura Integra oil pan stores engine oil when oil isn't running through the engine itself. Should a hole or other damage to the pan occur, replacement of the pan is necessary. This method is appropriate for Acura Integra vehicles older th...

The Honda Accord is a compact or a mid-sized car, depending on which model you own. The current car line is in its 8th generation, using a full-sized model for the 2008 model. The most common Accord vehicles are those with model years 2003 t...

The oil pan in a GMC Sierra is located in such a position that it can be damaged. Whenever it is broken open or there is a substance in the oil, drop the oil pan to replace or repair it. The most popular models of the Sierra are the 1500 Ser...

The sporty Geo Tracker is considered a small sports utility vehicle. It has been in production since 1988 by Geo Chevrolet under General Motors, until 1998 at which time Chevrolet discontinued the Geo brand production. Those with a Geo Track...

The Geo Metro is the same car as the Suzuki Swift and was first introduced in Japan in 1983. The Suzuki Motor Corporation manufacturers the vehicle. The latest edition of the vehicle is the third generation, with model years from 1998 throug...

The Ford F-Series full sized trucks have been the best selling trucks for more than three decades. The truck started production in 1948 and has continued to be produced year after year by the Ford Motor Company. Those needing to remove the o...

The Ford Explorer is a mid-size sports utility vehicle. It has been in production from the Ford Motor Company since 1991, and it continues to roll out new models each year. The third generation of the vehicle is the most commonly found in mo...

The Ford Taurus is a popular mid-size vehicle, first introduced in 1986 and has continued to be manufactured until the present. The current popular model years of the vehicle are the 2000 through 2007 models, while the 2008 model Taurus is a...

There are several reasons for dropping the oil pan in the Mustang. This includes replacing or repairing it, cleaning it or upsizing it for a higher performance engine. There have been several generations of Mustangs, but the most common is t...

The Ford Focus is part of the large Ford Motor Company line of cars. This compact car was sold by the company beginning in 2000 and is still produced today. The car replaced the Ford Escort and the Mercury Tracer before it. In vehicle models...

The Dodge Ram is a full-size pickup truck often with a front engine, rear wheel drive and four-wheel drive. It is under production by Chrysler and manufactured since 1981. The most common Dodge Ram vehicles are the latest series from 2002 th...

The Dodge Intrepid is a four-door vehicle, full sized with front wheel drive. The car was in production between 1993 and 2004. The final generation of Intrepid vehicles range from 1998 through 2004. In these vehicles, the oil pan will need c...

The Dodge Durango is a sports utility vehicle and is part of the Chrysler line of vehicles since its introduction in 1993. The vehicle received modifications in 2004. There are several Durango engine types, but the most common are the 3.7L e...

Introduced in 1966, the rear window defogger lets you see out through the rear view mirror in cold weather and melts snow and ice from the rear window. Increasingly popular, it is now available for most cars, minivans and SUVs. Identify the...

Since Volvo introduced the rear window defogger in 1966, it has become increasingly popular, letting you see out through the rear view mirror in cold weather and melting snow and ice from the rear window. Available in most cars, minivans and...

The last Pontiac Bonneville rolled off the line in 2005. Even though it gave people what they wanted for 47 years, this model is not your father's Bonneville. It's given us what we asked for, and that includes ease of maintenance. So go ahea...

The Voyager was a great new minivan through the year 2000. One of the easier tasks you can do yourself is replacing the water hoses. You only have to do it every 3 years or when you see excess wear. Follow these steps when you work on a 1996...

The alternator in a VW Passat operates various accessories in the vehicle by transmitting an electrical current while the engine is running. The alternator assembly frequently includes a voltage regulator that maintains a constant voltage le...

The alternator in a VW Jetta operates various electrical devices in the vehicle while the engine is running. A voltage regulator keeps the voltage level constant and is usually part of the alternator assembly. You may need to replace the alt...

The Toyota Corolla uses an alternator to run electrical devices in your vehicle while the engine is running. A voltage regulator maintains a constant voltage level and is frequently integrated into the alternator assembly. If your battery co...

The alternator in a Toyota Camry operates various accessories in the vehicle by transmitting an electrical current while the engine is running. The alternator assembly frequently includes a voltage regulator that maintains a constant voltage...

The alternator in a Honda Accord sends electrical current to various accessories in the vehicle while the engine is running. Most modern alternators have a built-in voltage regulator to ensure the voltage level remains constant. If your batt...

The alternator in a Ford F-Series operates various electrical devices in the vehicle while the engine is running. A voltage regulator keeps the voltage level constant and is usually part of the alternator assembly. You may need to replace th...

The Ford Mustang has an alternator that sends electrical current to various devices in the vehicle while the engine is running. Most alternators made today include a voltage regulator that ensures the voltage level remains constant. You may...

The original purpose of emergency brakes was to stop your vehicle in an emergency. Fortunately, the brakes on an Chevy Impala rarely fail, and the emergency brakes are most commonly used to keep the vehicle from moving while parked. The most...

Emergency brakes were originally used to stop a vehicle during a failure of the regular brakes. However, emergency brakes are now used primarily to keep the vehicle from moving while parked. The regular brakes on a Cadillac Escalade rarely f...

The original purpose of emergency brakes was to stop your vehicle in an emergency. Fortunately, the brakes on an Acura Integra rarely fail, and the emergency brakes are most commonly used to keep the vehicle from moving while parked. The mos...

The VW Beetle is still the beautiful round vehicle you fell in love with in the 1960s. Of course, today's model is easier to operate, work on and drive. Pull the car up into your driveway and give it a good once-over. Check out everything, i...

Volkswagens are some of the safest vehicles around, and a Passat serves that purpose well. Families feel confident in their choice of the Passat to carry their precious cargo. You can even maintain it yourself, since it's very user-friendly....

The VW Jetta is an upscale car that stays within your budget. Comfort and great handling are just a few of the benefits you get. The Jetta has power to go as fast as you want; keep the engine cool by taking care of it. Replace the water hose...

The second generation Toyota Tundra grabs your attention just like in a television commercial. It keeps you comfortable with extra room since it's a full-size truck. You can maintain the truck yourself due to ease of access. A few minutes is...

Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup. When keeping the engine in shape, remember cooling. The radiator hoses help take care of this job. Replace the water hoses in your Toyota Tacoma diligently. This will be every 3 years or when you see excess...

The Toyota Highlander is roomy, has a third-row seat for larger families and runs great. This midsize SUV is a popular choice for many. Follow that with the ease of normal maintenance, and the Highlander is an answer to many families' needs....

First appearing in 1968, the Toyota Corolla enjoys its tenth generation with the 2009 model. The best aspects of the Corolla are that it's economical to operate, reliable and offers an appeal to all ages. For the 2003 to 2008 models, you can...

The Toyota Camry has been a best seller since the 1980s. A plus is the Camry's ease of periodic maintenance. You can assure engine coolness by replacing the water hoses yourself right in your driveway. A few simple directions allow you to do...

The Subaru Outback offers good handling and a great ride. The Outback is considered a wagon as of the 2008 model year. You can easily take care of normal maintenance projects in your own driveway. For example, with these directions, you can...

The Saturn Ion came on the scene in 2003 and exited in 2007. Appealing to younger people, the vehicle had to allow ease of periodic maintenance. Although drivers "outgrew" the Ion before needing extra room for a family, single drivers still...

Saturn VUE is a small SUV that seats five passengers. Saturn offers ease of maintenance and owner-friendly placement of parts. You can replace the water hoses to keep your engine cool whenever you see excess wear-about every 3 to 5 years. Fo...

It's easy to keep your Pontiac Grand Prix engine cool when you perform regular checks on the radiator hose upkeep. When you see excessive wear, follow these steps to change out the water/coolant hoses in the 1996 to 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix....

The Pontiac Grand Am emerged in the 1970s and stayed prominent until 2005. These steps for replacing the water hoses apply to the 1999 to 2005 model years. Perform this maintenance whenever you see wear, about every 3 years or so. Difficulty...

The oil pump is an essential piece of equipment that keeps your Mitsubishi Eclipse running. It lubricates the engine by keeping the oil circulating. Without this lubrication, the engine wouldn't run. An oil pump is usually located in the oil...

The oil pump in your Mitsubishi Galant keeps the engine components lubricated. That pump should last as long as your car, but there may be circumstances under which you must replace it. You can perform this task yourself in a series of steps...