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How long can car battery sit unused?

Your car should be driven at least twice a month to keep your battery charged — it can’t sit used for more than 4 weeks If we learned one thing during the pandemic, it’s that you can’t let your car battery sit unused for long periods and still expect it to start your car. Battery replacement statistics show that battery replacement doubled during the pandemic and it was mostly caused by owner’s leaving their vehicles unused while they worked from home. A newer car battery can be permanently damaged if … Read More
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Check engine light on? — Is it serious?

A check engine light on means there’s a problem. As long as it isn’t flashing and it’s driving ok it’s probably not an expensive fix What does a check engine light mean? Vehicle computers are very sophisticated and can routinely test each system in the vehicle, fuel, spark, exhaust, emissions, etc. The emissions laws state what minimum standards the vehicle must meet, so when the vehicle computer tests emissions and the results come up outside of spec, it will set a check engine light and store a trouble code. A … Read More
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P012B code on F150 — Most likely causes

Learn what a P012B code is, the most likely causes, and how to diagnose and fix it A P012B code on a Ford F150 with a turbocharged 3.5L engine is a somewhat common problem. The code is defined as Turbocharged/Supercharger Inlet Pressure Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance. You may also see a P012C code which is Turbocharged/Supercharger Inlet Pressure Sensor A Circuit Low. The most common cause In most cases, the cause of a P012B code or a P012C is a bad Turbocharged/Supercharger Inlet Pressure Sensor. But it can also be … Read More
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How to sell a car with a bad engine

Tips to Sell a Car With a Bad Engine Or Transmission Selling a car with a bad engine or transmission to make the most money can be difficult, but not impossible. However, your first consideration is whether you live in a state that requires a current smog check before selling a vehicle. If you do, then you’ll have to follow different rules and in most cases that means you’ll have to sell it as scrap. I’ll leave it up to you to research that topic. What is a car with … Read More
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Aerosol Brake Parts Cleaner — Which one is most effective?

Which Aerosol Brake Parts Cleaner is Most Effective and Safest to Use? Aerosol brake parts cleaner is an essential tool for any DIYer. It’s used to remove brake dust and grease from just about anything. There are two types of aerosol brake parts cleaners: chlorinated and non-chlorinated. So how do you choose? I’ll give you the pros and cons of each. What you should know about Chlorinated Aerosol Brake Cleaner Chlorinated brake cleaners are made with industrial solvents like perchloroethylene, and methylene chloride; the same chemicals used by dry cleaners. … Read More
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1.9 4-cylinder VIN 9 firing order diagram, spark plug gap, spark plug torque, coil pack layout.

1.9 4-cylinder VIN 9 firing order diagram, spark plug gap, spark plug torque, coil pack layout. © 2012 Rick Muscoplat
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CV boot clamp installation instructions

CV boot clamp installation instructions — Learn how to install both types of CV boot clamps CV boot clamps come in two styles: band clamps and Oetiker style. While both can be installed without the special tools, the job is much easier with the correct tool. I’ll show you how to perform the CV boot clamp installation for both types. The two types of CV boot clamps How to install a CV boot band clamp Band clamps work much like a  belt for your pants. You wrap the band around … Read More
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Why you can’t clean an oxygen sensor

You can’t really clean an oxygen sensor to make it work If you do a search for how to clean an oxygen sensor you’ll see all kinds of techniques. That may lead to you believe that cleaning yours is a good idea. Unfortunately, there’s no way to clean an oxygen sensor and anyone that tells you otherwise is someone who doesn’t have a clue as to how they work. How an oxygen sensor is made An oxygen sensor is made with a porous zirconia “thimble as the base material. It … Read More
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OBDII B Code List — Body related trouble codes

OBDII C Code List for generic B Body codes B0001 – Driver Frontal Stage 1 Deployment Control B0002 – Driver Frontal Stage 2 Deployment Control B0003 – Driver Frontal Stage 3 Deployment Control B0004 – Driver Knee Bolster Deployment Control B0005 – Collapsible Steering Column Deployment Control B0010 – Passenger Frontal Stage 1 Deployment Control B0011 – Passenger Frontal Stage 2 Deployment Control B0012 – Passenger Frontal Stage 3 Deployment Control B0013 – Passenger Knee Bolster Deployment Control B0018 – Center Frontal Stage 1 Deployment Control B0019 – Center Frontal … Read More
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How to fix Ford Misfires according to TSB

Misfiring Ford Ford has issued a service bulletin #11-8-2 to address Misfiring Ford vehicles on the vehicles listed below. The Misfiring Ford vehicles problem will present as rough idle, missing, and a check engine light. Polling the PCM may display any of these trouble codes P0351 P0352 P0353 P0354 P0355 P0356 P0351     Ignition Coil A Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction P0352     Ignition Coil B Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction P0353     Ignition Coil C Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction P0354     Ignition Coil D Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction P0355     Ignition Coil E Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction P0356 … Read More
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