How to Disconnect Your Battery to Turn Off the Check Engine Light


1. Obtain a code scanner by purchasing one at a local auto parts store, or put down a deposit for a loner. They look like small, hand-held gauges with a screen and usually have two buttons. Place the vehicle in park or neutral with the emergency brake set. Leave the battery cables connected for testing purposes. Open the driver's side door, and look under the dashboard on the left side of the vehicle. You will find a diagnostic connector jack. Plug a code-scanner tool into the connector jack, and start the engine.
2. Look at the small screen on the code-scanning tool. Some code numbers will appear, and they might look very cryptic. The code numbers apply to a certain system-management system that has failed or needs attention. There might be a list of several numbers in a row. Write down each code number exactly as it appears on the scanner tool. You will need to know these reference code numbers for future maintenance procedures, especially if the codes indicate an emission-control system that must be fixed in order to pass a smog test.
3. Once you have the codes written down, you can look them up in a trouble book that comes with the scanner tool, or can be purchased separately. It will define the exact part that needs attention, adjustment or repair. Find the code number and the specific part that relates to it. Write it down. Now look at the buttons on the code scanning tool. One will say 'Erase.' Hit that button to erase all the codes, clearing the vehicle's computer. Shut the engine off and wait for several minutes. Start the engine. The 'Check Engine' or 'Service Engine Soon' light will have disappeared.
4. Place the vehicle in park or neutral with the emergency brake set. Raise the hood. If you wish to turn off the 'Check Engine' or 'Service Engine Soon' light without the aid of a scanner tool, you will use a socket and wrench to disconnect the positive (red) cable on the battery. You must wait at least 15 minutes before you reconnect the positive (red) battery cable with a socket and wrench. Start the engine. The 'Check Engine' light should be absent. Note: with this method, you will not know what systems have malfunctioned to trip the warning lights. However, by using this method, you can turn the warning lights off again should they reappear.
Continue lendo

How to Replace a BMW Z3 Instrument Panel Bulb


1. Turn the Z3's engine off and raise up the hood. Using the socket wrench, carefully remove the black terminal off the battery.
2. Remove the four screws from the instrument panel with a Torx-head screwdriver. Grip the edges of the instrument panel with your fingers and pull it out of the Z3 until you can access the underside of the instrument panel. Disconnect the three wiring connectors at the back of the instrument panel.
3. Pull the Z3's instrument panel out of the Z3 completely. Flip the instrument panel over and locate the burnt bulbs on the underside of the Z3's instrument panel.
4. Pull the Z3's burnt bulbs off the instrument panel and use a clean cloth to install the new bulbs. You may need to use light force to push them in.
5. Reassemble the Z3's instrument panel and reconnect the Z3's battery.
Continue lendo

How to Repair a Mercedes Key


1. Contact your local Mercedes-Benz dealership to speak with an employee about your broken car key.
2. Provide the dealership with the year and model of your Mercedes vehicle and explain in detail the problem with your key. For example, your key may only work to open the trunk or to unlock the back passenger door.
3. Perform a do-it-yourself repair method provided by your Mercedes-Benz dealership. Sometimes the issue with your key is one the dealer sees often and can explain how to address. If you cannot fix the key, make an appointment to drop off your key at the dealership for repair or replacement.
Continue lendo

How to Connect the Radio Antenna on a BMW 330i


1. Pull off the plastic silver trim that is found at the top of the BMW's glove box and radio with a trim removal tool.
2. Pull off the smaller plastic silver trim that is found at the top of the BMW's radio with a trim removal tool.
3. Remove the screws from both sides of the radio, with a cross head screwdriver. The screws are revealed once the plastic silver trims are pulled off.
4. Pull out the radio. The antenna, also known as the aerial, is found at the back of the radio. Simply pull on it to unplug it from the radio.
5. Place and plug in the new antenna in its place at the back of the radio to connect it to the BMW.
Continue lendo

How to Find a BMW Vehicle#039;s Maintenance History


1. The easiest way to determine service records is to look in your owner's manual. There is a maintenance record section in all owners' manuals. Although this used to be the main place to find proof of maintenance, now that everything is computerized, technicians are not as likely to take the time to fill out the manual. If your owner's manual is blank, move on to the next step.
2. Talk to your BMW service department. With a vehicle identification number (VIN) they can access service records completed at authorized BMW dealerships. Some dealerships are a little apprehensive to give service information over the phone. If you already have a relationship with a service adviser; it should be fairly easy to obtain this information. Alternatively, you can visit the dealership in person.
3. Run a CARFAX vehicle report. Visit the CARFAX website, enter the vehicle's VIN. For a fee, CARFAX will run a report. The report will list all services completed at authorized mechanic shops, as well as body shops.
Continue lendo

How to Unlock All 76 Cars in quot;NFS: Pro Streetquot; on the PC


1. Access “Career Mode” once “Need for Speed: ProStreet” has started and then select “Code Entry.”
2. Use the code “UNLOCKALLTHINGS” to unlock the Nissan 240 SX, Pontiac GTO, Chevy Cobalt SS and Dodge Viper SRT10.
3. Use the code “REGGAME” to unlock the Chevrolet Camaro Concept, Ford Mustang GT 500 and the Nissan R34 Skyline. This cheat code also gives you $10,000 every time you use it.
4. Use the codes “ITSABOUTYOU,” “ZEROZEROZERO,” “ENGERGIZERLITHIUM,” “HORSEPOWER” and “MITSUBISHIGOFAR” to unlock the Audi TT 3.8, Coke Zero Volkswagen GTI, Energizer Lithium Dodge Viper SR10, Chevrolet Chevelle SS and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, respectively.
5. Use the code “COLLECTORSED” to unlock five vehicles unique to the collector's edition of “Need for Speed: ProStreet”: the Audi RS4, Lexus IS350, Pontiac Solstice GXP and the Acura Integra and NSX.
6. Defeat the Grip King, Ray Krieger, to get his 2008 BMW M3 E92.
7. Defeat the Drag King, Karol Monroe, to get her 2006 Ford Mustang GT.
8. Defeat the Speed King, Nate Denver, in order to get his 1965 Pontiac GTO.
9. Defeat the Drift King, Aki Kimura, to get her Mazda RX-7.
10. Defeat the Showdown King, Ryo Watanabe, to get his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.
11. Purchase the remaining vehicles. If you do not have enough cash, sell off some of the vehicles you unlocked with cheat codes and then re-enter the cheat codes to get those vehicles back. You can keep doing this in order to get enough money to purchase advanced parts for all of your vehicles as well.
Continue lendo

How to Change the Valve Cover Gaskets on a BMW 330Ci


1. Open the hood. Remove the small, round covers that conceal the engine-cover bolts. The covers can be gently pried out with a screwdriver. Use a 10 mm socket to remove the engine-cover bolts. Set the engine covers aside.
2. Remove the wiring harnesses that go to the coils by prying up the metal clips on the coils. This will allow the wiring harness to come off. Label each wiring harness with a piece of tape and a marker so that you know which cylinder they go to.
3. Remove the two 10 mm bolts that hold each coil on and remove the coils from the engine’s cylinder head one at a time. Set the coils aside.
4. Remove the 15 bolts that fasten the valve cover to the engine’s head. Some of the bolts are longer than others, so note where each bolt goes. Gently tap the valve cover with a rubber mallet or plastic hammer and pull up on it with your hands to remove it. Pull the old gasket off the valve cover. Clean the surface where the valve cover installs as well as the ridge in the valve cover itself where the gasket goes with brake cleaner so there is no old gasket material, oil or debris.
5. Place a small film of RTV gasket sealant on the corners of the valve-cover gasket. Do not put a bead of sealant around the entire edge of the valve cover. Install the valve cover and new gasket onto the cylinder head. Make sure the gasket is in the proper place and then install and tighten the bolts that hold the valve cover on. Progressively tighten the bolts in a “Z” pattern with a torque wrench to 89 ft-lbs.
6. Reinstall the coils onto the spark plugs and tighten the pair of 10 mm bolts that hold each coil on to 10 ft-lbs. Plug the wiring harnesses onto each plug in the proper order. Make sure there are no leaks by starting the engine. Install the engine covers and the put the plastic trim covers over the bolts.
Continue lendo

How to Replace an Audi Air Cleaner


1. Park the Audi on a level surface. Turn the engine off and let it cool for a half hour. Open the hood to gain access to the air cleaner housing.
2. Locate the air cleaner housing box. Look for a rectangular black box on the left side of the engine in the front of the vehicle.
3. Lift up each clip surrounding the air cleaner housing box. Once all clips are unclipped, lift up the cover of the box. You will now see the air cleaner.
4. Slide the air cleaner out of the housing and discard it. Slide the replacement air cleaner into the housing, making sure to place the cleaner into the housing per the arrows printed on the cleaner.
5. Close the cover of the air filter box. Push down each clip to secure the cover in place. Repeat these steps anytime the air cleaner needs to be replaced.
Continue lendo

How to Replace the Mercedes Emblem With a Mercedes Button


1. Pop your Mercedes' hood and go to the area underneath the hood ornament's mounting point.
2. Locate the securing clip that holds the emblem in place. Using the needle-nose pliers, turn the clip 90 degrees in a clockwise direction.
3. Grasp the emblem and pull it directly up away from the hood to remove it.
4. Take the hood badge and insert it into the emblem's mounting hole. It mounts to the hood in the same manner as the emblem.
5. Using the needle-nose pliers, turn the securing clip 90 degrees in a counterclockwise direction while holding the hood badge in place using your free hand.
Continue lendo

How do I Lower a 1988 BMW 325i Convertible Top?


1. Start the engine and keep the car in park. Lower the windows.
2. Locate the two latches at the top right and left of the windshield. Pull the latches toward the seat to unlock the top.
3. Locate the switch in the center console that activates the convertible motor.
4. Press the switch down to move the top. Hold the switch until the top falls in behind the trunk.
5. Snap the cover over the top to cover the folded top. The cover will fit snugly over the opening.
6. Repeat the process in backwards order to raise the top over the car.
Continue lendo