How to Replace a BMW X5 Alternator

Removing the Faulty Alternator
1. Park your BMW in an area where the front of the vehicle is openly accessible.
2. Turn off the engine. Pop the hood and remove the negative (black) terminal from the vehicle's battery using a crescent wrench.
3. Climb under the vehicle and locate the swing pulley along the serpentine belt assembly. The swing pulley is slightly larger than other pulleys in the assembly and is located on the end of a long arm. It is also accompanied by a brass bolt end known as the 'auto tensioner.'
4. Connect a crescent wrench to the auto tensioner and twist it counterclockwise. While keeping pressure on the tensioner, slide the serpentine belt off the swing pulley.
5. Climb out from under the vehicle and locate the alternator. This part is vented and made of aluminum. It is located at the top of the engine carriage assembly and is connected directly into the serpentine belt assembly.
6. Remove the electrical connection on top of the alternator using a 12 mm socket wrench.
7. Remove the four mounting bolts around the edge of the alternator, once again using a 12 mm socket. Then slide the alternator out of the engine housing.
Installing the New Alternator
8. Slide the replacement alternator into its housing. Then replace the four mounting bolts you just removed.
9. Slide the serpentine belt over the alternator's drive shaft.
10. Climb under the vehicle and connect a crescent wrench to the auto tensioner once again. While keeping counterclockwise pressure, slide the serpentine belt back over the swing pulley.
11. Reconnect the electrical end on top of the alternator.
12. Replace the negative terminal on the vehicle's battery.

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DIY: Oil Change for a 2006 Audi A3

1. Start the engine and allow it to run for five minutes in order to make the oil warm enough to drain completely. Shut the engine off. Raise the car, one side at a time, on the sub-frame just behind the front wheels, using the floor jack.
2. Place a jack stand on each side, directly behind the floor jack. Lower the car onto the stands. Remove the metal engine cover bolts, using a socket -- the bolts are located under the front of the car. Lower the cover and move it aside.
3. Place the drain pan under the drain plug, located toward the rear of the engine oil pan. Remove the plug, using a 19 mm wrench. Allow the oil to drain into the pan for 15 minutes. Install the drain plug and tighten it snugly.
4. Loosen the oil filter housing, using the strap wrench, and spin it off the rest of the way by hand. Get ready for a rush of oil as the housing is removed. Pull the paper filter out of the housing and replace with a new filter and O-ring that comes with the filter. Spread a light coat of oil on the new O-ring. Wipe the housing clean with a cloth.
5. Thread the oil filter housing clockwise to tighten it. Tighten the housing by hand only, or it will be hard to remove next time. Install the metal engine cover under the front of the car and tighten all the bolts securely.
6. Raise each side of the car, remove the jack stands and lower the car. Fill the engine with 4.5 quarts of oil. Start the engine and let it idle for one minute. Turn it off and wait two minutes. Check the dipstick to make sure it is up to the 'Full' mark.

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How to Remove a 1999 BMW 328I Fog Light

1. Open the front hood on the car.
2. Look down at the back portion of the fog light on the engine side. The fog lights are located on the right and left sides of the front of the car.
3. Locate the small, black release clip on the back of the fog light housing.
4. Note the location of the release clip and then move to the fog light itself in the front of the car.
5. Locate the hole next to the fog light that will allow you to insert the long screwdriver.
6. Lay a towel down below the fog light in case it falls out of the car and you can't catch it. While looking down into the engine compartment, insert the screwdriver and slide it through the hole in the bumper until it is pressing against the clip.
7. Press firmly on the clip with the screwdriver to release it, but be careful not to break the clip. Pull out the fog light.
8. Remove the wires that are connected to the back of the fog light.

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How to Manually Close the Sunroof in a C

1. Remove the lens on the overhead light by prying it off with a screwdriver.
2. Slide the locking tabs towards the windshield and pull down on the housing to remove the inside of the roof light assembly. Leave the wiring connected.
3. Insert the S shaped Allen wrench supplied with the vehicle into the left side motor hole.
4. Turn the crank clockwise to close the sunroof.

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How to Replace Car Keys

1. Gather your car registration, VIN (vehicle identification number), and driver's license in case this information is needed to replace car keys. You may need to show proof of ownership to ensure the car that needs a new key is not stolen.
2.
Call a locksmith. Tell the locksmith what make and model of car it is that you need a key for. The locksmith will know if the key can be made by them or not. Some licensed locksmiths have codes that allow them to replace car keys.If the locksmith is able to make a new car key, have them replace the car key if the price is right.
3. If the locksmith is unable to make a new car key, call a car dealer that sells the make of car that needs a new key. Ask them if they are able to make the key and how much it will be. Dealers charge anywhere from $80 to $350 or more to replace car keys.The average cost of making an electronic replacement key is about $150 according to a Washington DC survey of 50 car models.
4. Some cars, such as Mercedes-Benz and Toyota Prius, use an electronic fob instead of car key. The Prius fob costs around $300. It may not be possible to get the dealer to make replacement keys. If this is the case, you may need to contact the manufacturer directly to replace car keys.

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How to Reset a Transmission Controller

1. Place the vehicle's transmission into park and turn off the engine. Set the parking brake and turn the ignition to the 'ON' position, but don't crank or start the engine.
2. Plug an automotive scan tool into the vehicle's diagnostic communications port. This port is generally located underneath the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle, just below the steering column.
3. Press the power button on the scan tool and wait for it to boot up. Select 'Transmission' from the scan tool's main menu screen, and then choose 'Transmission Controller.' Select 'Clear all Current and Stored Codes.'
4. Disconnect the scan tool from the vehicle and start the engine. Confirm that the 'Service Vehicle' light is not illuminated. The transmission controller is now reset.

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How to Troubleshoot the Check Engine Light of a BMW 540i

1. Open the driver's side door and place the BMW's keys into the ignition. Don't turn the key or start the car. Just leave the keys there for later use.
2. Connect the BMW's diagnostic outlet with a diagnostic scanner. You will find this outlet beneath the BMW's dashboard.
3. Turn the key in the ignition. Try turning on the electrical system only, and wait to see if a code pops up on the scanner. If it doesn't, start the BMW's engine.
4. Read the codes that appear on the scanner, and write them down.
5. Turn the BMW off, and disconnect the diagnostic scanner. Exit the vehicle.
6. Go to the OBD-Codes.com BMW website, and look up the code on its list of codes (see Resource). If it is not listed there, you can call a local auto parts store. Most will look up codes for customers as a free service.

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How to Install Clear Corners for BMW 330Ci

1. Research and purchase a clear corner turn signal kit that is compatible with your BMW 330CI. Note that different models require different size corner lenses.
2. Open your hood. Locate the oval opening behind the corner turn lens in the front right or left corner of your engine compartment, depending upon which turn signal you start working on.
3. Shine your flashlight inside the oval hole behind the corner turn lens to locate the plastic clip. This plastic clip holds the corner turn lens in place.
4. Place your flat-head screwdriver into the oval hole behind the turn lens. Push down and forward at the same time with your flat-head screwdriver to jar the turn signal lens out of the car.
5. Grab the edges of the lens with your free hand to pull it out half-way. Remove the screwdriver from the oval hole. Pull the lens out fully, using both hands.
6. Find the light bulb socket in the back of the corner lens. Squeeze the release tabs on the plastic connector that connects the bulb socket to the wire to disconnect the bulb socket. Place your old corner lens aside.
7. Get your new clear corner lens in hand. Snap the bulb socket connector piece into the back of your new lens to connect it. Line up your new clear corner lens into the slot where your old lens used to be. Slide the new clear corner in until you hear a click.
8. Repeat Steps 1-7 to remove and install a clear corner lens on other side of your vehicle so that both front lenses match.

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How to Remove the Seat Headrest on a Mazda

1. Locate the 'Stop-Catch' release button located on the top of the seat, just below the headrest. Depending on your model, the 'Stop-Catch' release button is usually on the side that is closest to the door of the vehicle.
2. Press and hold in the 'Stop-Catch' release button on the seat with one hand.
3. Lift the headrest up toward the ceiling of your Mazda with your other hand while continuing to press in the 'Stop-Catch' release button. You will hear a clicking noise as it passes through all of the adjustment notches.
4. Pull the headrest out of the two adjustment holes to remove the headrest completely.

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How to Change the Battery on a BMW 3 Series

1. Park your BMW, turn it off completely, and engage the parking brake.
2. Open the hood of the car using the release switch by the steering wheel, or with the latch on the hood itself.
3. Remove the brackets holding the battery in place using the screwdriver.
4. Remove the terminals from the old battery. You may need to use the wrench to get them off. Remove the negative ('-') terminal first, then the positive ('+') terminal.
5. Take out the old battery, and dispose of it safely.
6. Install the new battery, and replace the terminals, first the positive, then the negative.
7. Turn the car on to check the battery works.
8. Replace the brackets, and close the hood.

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