How to Clean an Audi Mass Airflow Sensor


1. Pop the hood and locate the mass air flow sensor. It's located between the throttle body and the air filter on the intake tubing and has a wiring harness plugged into it. Unplug this harness, using your hands.
2. Use the flathead screwdriver to loosen the hose clamps securing the mass air flow sensor to the intake tubing. Then pull out the sensor with your hands and place it to the side.
3. Spray the mass air flow sensor cleaner liberally inside of the sensor, making sure to spray the wiring in the middle of the sensor as well. Allow it to air-dry for at least an hour before reinstalling.
4. Reinstall the mass air flow sensor, using the flathead screwdriver to secure the hose clamps to either side of the sensor, then plug the harness back in place.
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I Replaced the Battery and My BMW X5 Won#039;t Start


1. Turn your ignition key in your BMW X5 so you can power electrical devices, but don't try to start your engine. Turn on your headlights and other electrical equipment. Check how bright the headlights are and how fast the heater-fan is turning. If the lights are dim and the heater-fan turns slowly you probably have a discharged battery.
2. Turn the ignition key further and attempt to start your car. If the engine doesn't turn over or turns over very slowly then your battery has little or no power.
3. Check the battery cables are securely connected on the battery terminals. Poor connections mean the power necessary to turn your starter motor can't pass through the connection and gives the same result as if the battery is flat. Undo the battery cables using a wrench then re-tighten them. Try to start your BMW X5. If it won't start, it's not the terminal connections.
4. Get someone to give you a jump-start. Position the other car so the two batteries are close enough to attach battery cables. Use battery cables and attach the positive cable to the other car's positive battery terminal and then connect the opposite end to the positive terminal on your battery. Repeat the process by connecting the negative cable to the negative terminals of the other car, and then to your BMW X5.
5. Turn on the engine of the other car. Increase the revolutions slightly. Attempt to turn on the engine of your BMW X5. If it starts, your battery is dead. If it doesn't start you need to get it checked out by a professional. If it started, run the engine to charge the battery. Go for a short drive then leave your car off for several hours.
6. Check to see if your car starts. If it does your battery is fine. If it doesn't start, your battery isn't holding a charge so you should take it back and replace it.
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How to Repaint a Mercedes to Add Value


1. Sand the surface of the entire car with 220-grit sandpaper. This prepares the surface for painting, since paint will not adhere to an otherwise smooth surface for long. The 220-grit sandpaper also removes any scratches or nicks in the surface of the Mercedes.
2. Place masking tape and paper over any areas on the Mercedes that will not be painted. Cover the grill, lights, trim, mirrors, glass, tires and rims, door handles and locks. Wipe the surface with wax and grease remover and a towel to remove all fingerprints and other contaminants. The wax and grease remover evaporates quickly, so it does not need to be cleaned off.
3. Hold the spray can of primer six to eight inches from the surface of the car. Spray a coat of primer over the car, starting at the top, and work down. Use left and right motions when spraying, not up and down. Let the primer dry for 30 minutes.
4. Sand the primer surface using 600-grit sandpaper and water, and then again with 1,200-grit sandpaper and water. Keep the sandpaper soaking wet while sanding. The best way is to hold a running water hose above the sandpaper while sanding. The 600- and 1,200-grit sandpaper smooths the primer, and the water keeps any sanding buildup from sticking on the sandpaper and causing deep scratches.
5. Rinse the Mercedes with water and allow it to dry completely. Wipe the dry surface with wax and grease remover and a towel. Replace any masking tape or paper that has moved or become unusable from exposure to the water.
6. Spray the paint over the surface of the car using the same spraying techniques used with the primer. Begin at the top of the Mercedes and work down, using left and right strokes. Apply a total of three to five coats of paint, keeping them thin to avoid runs in the paint. Let the paint dry for 24 hours before handling the surface.
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How to Lease a BMW


1. Decide what you want to lease. The 2009 and 2010 model years of BMW offer more than a dozen models to lease. Each car has different options and features. Consider whether you want a well-equipped car or a standard edition.
2. Determine your ideal financing and leasing structure. Keep in mind variables such as length of the lease and mileage allowance. One lease advertised by BMW is a 36-month lease, well equipped, for $369 per month. Some leases have a cash offer depending on the model and year.
3. Understand the terms of the lease. Considerations include down payment, first month's down payment, security deposit, acquisition fee and cash due at signing. Some of these factors might be fixed depending on the dealership, but changing any of them usually affects your monthly lease payment or the amount due at signing.
4. Estimate your monthly payment. The BMW website has a robust tool for estimating monthly payments based on the state of purchase, model type and dealer accessories.
5. Decide on financing. Payment options include EasyPay (paying directly through your financial institution), PrePay lease (single upfront payment that is less than the sum of monthly payments on a traditional lease), Multiple Lease Security Deposits (reduced lease payments resulting in a higher refundable security deposit), and Advanced Financing Payments (pay in advance without prepayment penalties).
6. Contact the dealer. Locate a dealer in your area at bmsusa.com and make an appointment; or, to speak to a BMW representative, call toll free (800) 578-5000.
7. Use non-BMW dealership resources. Sites like swapalease.com allow car leaseholders to negotiate exchanges on leases. BMWs swaps are popular. Note that a swap implies that you already hold a lease.
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How to Remove an Audi A6 Rear Bumper


1. Park the car on level ground. Engage the parking brake and disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Open the trunk and remove the corner side panel trim from the rear of the vehicle. Disconnect the wiring modules from the tail lights. Remove the assemblies from the vehicle to access the rear bumper mounting screws.
3. Remove the two screws mounting the bumper cover on each side. Disconnect the electrical module for the backup sensors (if equipped) located on the driver's side, below the tail light assembly cavity.
4. Remove the lower mounts below the rear bumper. Detach the clips from each side of the bumper.
5. Support the bumper on one side and have an assistant support the other side. Pop the bumper cover off. Be careful not to damage the clips.
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How to Replace a Battery in an Audi Key


1. Flick the key out as if you were going to be opening the door. Locate the thin line that goes across the width of the key parallel with the buttons on the key and which is where the two halves of the key meet.
2. Wedge a thin screwdriver or similar tool carefully into this dividing line. Note that this is not the same thing as the holes or the grooves that are located inside the recess of the key fob.
3. Twist the screwdriver slightly to separate the key portion from the fob portion of the key fob assembly. Wedge the screwdriver into the top of the fob, the sides and the back and twist until the two sides separate. This may take some force, but be very careful not to break the plastic.
4. Open the small plastic ringed end of the lid that is located in the side of the key that does not have the button on it. The lid can be gently pried open with your nail or even the screwdriver, but be careful not to break the lid as you pull it out. Do not touch the computer chip under the lid.
5. Remove the old battery and install the correct new battery, available from the Audi dealer. Replace the lid and snap the two halves of the key back together.
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How to Replace Spark Plugs on a 2002 BMW


1. Open the hood. Remove the cover for the cabin filter and housing located near the windshield. Twist the plastic knobs that hold it on and lift off the cover off.
2. Remove the cabin filter and disconnect the wiring harness that goes to it. Remove the filter housing by unscrewing the four Torx screws that hold it in place. Pull the enclosure out and set it aside.
3. Remove the top engine cover. First remove the plastic covers that conceal the engine cover bolts. Remove the bolts with a 10mm socket and lift off the engine cover. Remove the oil cap and remove the remaining engine cover in the same manner as the first.
4. Remove the wire coils for the spark plugs, noting which plug each coil goes to by marking it with a piece of tape and a marker. You can also simply change one plug at a time so as not to mix up the coils. On some models, the coils are bolted on and on some the coil is simply rotated and pulled out and off of the plug.
5. Insert the spark plug socket (mounted on the 6-inch extension) into the hole that the spark plug is located in until you feel it seat on the plug. The spark plug socket has a rubber insert that grabs the plug.
6. Loosen the plug by turning the socket counter-clockwise with the ratchet. Carefully pull the plug out of the hole so as not to drop it.
7. Gap the new plug according to the plug manufacturer's recommendations, bending the outer posts with a plug gapping tool until the proper gaps are achieved. Apply some anti-seize compound to the plug. Slide the plug into the spark plug socket and then tighten the plug into the engine. Use a torque wrench to tighten the plug to 30 ft. lbs.
8. Press the coil back onto the plug and fasten it with the bolt or install it in the reverse of removal. Repeat the above steps for all of the spark plugs in the engine. Replace the engine covers, the cabin filter housing, cabin filter and housing cover.
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How to Properly Use Fuel Injector Cleaner


1. Park in a well lit area. Turn off the engine and put the transmission in park.
2. Open the fuel injector cleaner bottle and set it on your trunk. Remove the gas cap.
3. Insert the fuel injector cleaner nozzle into your gas tank and pour the fluid into your tank.
4. Replace the gas cap and close the tank.
5. Start your engine and allow it to run for a few minutes. As you drive your vehicle, the cleaner will circulate throughout the tank and clean any harmful deposits.
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How to Customize BMW X5


1. Determine where the majority of your driving will be done. If you drive in winter and cold weather climates, consider the sport option on the X5 which includes heated seats, headlight wipers and frost and fog-free headlamps.
2. Customize the X5 by getting the third bench seat option. This gives the X5 additional seating in the back storage hatch area; this is a solid custom option for larger families.
3. Add additional fog lamps or headlights to the front grill should you live where heavy fogs or snow is present. These lights also shed extra light should you live in an area with deer, moose or other wildlife that may be in the road during night-time hours.
4. Consult the Thule or Yakima rack options for the X5. Get a rack designed to transport anything from bicycles to kayaks, surfboards or skis to round out the X5 custom options.
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How to Program an Auto Transporter Ignition Key


Programming the First Key
1. Insert your electronic key into the ignition and turn it to the 'On' position. Allow the key to remain there for 10 minutes and 30 seconds.
2. Turn the key to the 'Off' position within 45 seconds and then return it to the 'On' position, allowing it to remain for another 10 minutes and 30 seconds.
3. Repeat step two, leaving the key in the ignition for 10 minutes and 30 seconds for a third time.
4. Cycle the key to the 'Off' position and then back to the 'On' position to end the programming sequence.
Programming Additional Keys
5. Insert your first key into the ignition and turn it to the 'On' position.
6. Leave the working key in the ignition for five seconds and return it to the 'Off' position and remove it from the ignition.
7. Insert the additional key into the ignition and turn it to the 'On' position for five seconds as well.
8. Turn this key to the 'Off' position and back to the 'On' position to complete the programming sequence for your additional key.
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