How to Troubleshoot a BMW Transmission


1. Turn on the car engine and leave it running for around 15 minutes.
2. Lift up the hood of the car. Locate a looped handle for the transmission fluid in the back of the car engine and remove it all of the way out.
3. Check that the fluid is red and not burnt or a brownish-red color. In the case of the latter issues, you will need to have the transmission checked and the fluid flushed.
4. Examine the level of the transmission fluid on the bottom portion of the dipstick. If the fluid is not between the highest and lowest marks on the dipstick marker, add more fluid until the proper level is achieved.
5. Place the car in gear and listen for a grinding sound. Check that it is not too hard to place the car in gear. If either of these is the case, you will need to take the car to a mechanic because there may be chipped gears or damaged synchronizers.
Continue lendo

How to Check a Motor Mount


1.
A powerful flashlight will help to locate motor mounts in difficult-to-see areas.
Block the wheels with the wheel chocks to prevent movement of the vehicle either forward or backward. Raise the hood of the vehicle and use the flashlight to locate the motor mounts. Motor mounts will be located in various locations above and below the engine and transmission depending on the specific model.
2. Examine the motor mounts for signs of damage. The rubber blocks in the motor mounts can crack, split, or show other damage that will require replacement. Examine hydraulic mounts for signs of fluid leakage, corrosion or other damage. The mounting plates that secure the mounts to the vehicle's frame may also corrode or break.
3. Have the assistant start the vehicle. While you stand off to the side of the vehicle to observe the engine, have the assistant depress and hold the brake pedal and shift the car into drive. Watch the engine for rapid or excessive movement. The engine should move less than ½ an inch when placed into gear. A banging noise may also be a sign of a faulty motor mount.
4.
Shifting the car between drive and reverse will cause the engine to move.
Have the assistant place the vehicle in reverse and again watch for movement or noise. Have the assistant place the car back into park and turn off the vehicle.
5. Use pry bar to flex motor mounts. Any looseness in the mount will require replacement of the motor mount.
6. Use the pry par to check for play between the motor mount and the mounting surface of the engine or transmission. Play between the motor mount and mounting surface may be a result of bolts that come loose.
Continue lendo

How to Add OEM Bluetooth to an Audi A3


1. Turn on your A3 to initiate pairing your device. Enable the Bluetooth connection by activating the 'Search Devices' function on your phone.
2. Select the device beginning with 'Audi UHV' and a string of numbers, then connect to it.
3. Enter a PIN number for the vehicle. If this is your first time connecting to the vehicle, enter the default code, '1234.' You can change your code after setup, using your mobile device.
4. Pair the phone to the vehicle. Make sure your phone's Bluetooth settings are set to 'Permanent On' so that it connects to your A3 every time you're in the car. Refer to your phone's manual for specific settings instructions.
Continue lendo

How to Fix a Stuck Convertible Top


1. Check all the latches that hold the top open or closed. You'll feel sheepish but happy if this is the cause of the problem.
2. If the hood won't close, make sure the lid for the boot (hood hideaway or cubby) is open. If it's not, open it.
3. Check for a blown fuse (see How to Fix a Faulty Car Fuse).
Continue lendo

How to Change the Xenon Headlights on a 2001 Audi A4


1. Open the hood and secure it with the safety latch.
2. Remove the T25 Torx screws located at the top of the headlight using a T25 Torx screwdriver.
3. Remove the T25 Torx screws located on each side of the headlight. An extension can be used with the T25 Torx screwdriver to get a better reach.
4. Pull the headlight out and press the metal clip located behind the assembly to detach the headlight from the wire connector.
5. Pull the turn signal bulbs out. The bulbs are located on the side of the headlight assembly.
6. Remove the headlight back cover and press the metal clip behind the bulb to unplug the wiring.
7. Slide the xenon and high beam bulbs out of the headlight.
8. Insert the new xenon and high beam bulbs into the headlight. Wear disposable gloves to prevent oils from making contact with the bulbs.
9. Insert the metal clip to reattach the bulb to the wiring. Replace the headlight back cover.
10. Insert the signal bulb into the side of the headlight assembly.
11. Insert the metal clip to reattach the headlight to the wiring.
12. Replace the T25 Torx screws located on each side of the headlight.
13. Replace the T25 Torx screw located at the top of the headlight.
14. Test the headlight. Turn on the headlights to ensure proper installation.
Continue lendo

How to Troubleshoot the Cruise Control on an Audi TT


1. Pull up the fuse panel release lever to pull the fuse panel down and open it.
2. Look for the brake light and cruise control fuses using the diagram located on the back of the fuse panel lid. The problem could be simply a damaged or burned out fuse.
3. Check for a rough feel in the idling position and sucking sound coming from the engine bay. This means there is a vacuum leak -- a hole in the intake hoses that is allowing additional air into the system. This will adversely affect the cruise control.
4. Look at the throttle cable to see whether it is fraying or in disrepair, as either of these will keep the cruise control from controlling the throttle properly.
Continue lendo

How to Change the Oil in a 2007 Mercedes


1. Apply the parking brake on your 2007 Mercedes. Place the jack under the frame of the front end of the vehicle. Raise the vehicle so you can slide jack stands under each side behind the wheels. Lower the car onto the stands.
2. Slide underneath your car and locate the oil pan, which is near the front of the car in the center. Place the drain pan under the pan plug. Remove the oil pan plug and allow all the old oil to drain out. Wipe off any excess oil from the opening, and replace the pan plug tightly.
3. Locate the oil filter, which is underneath and on the side of the engine. Use the oil filter wrench to unscrew and remove the old filter. Place the filter open-side down into the drain pan. Use the rag to wipe off the filter port opening. Screw in the new oil filter. Use the filter wrench to secure it in place. It should be tight enough that it cannot be loosened by hand.
4. Slide out from under the car. Jack up the car, and pull out the jack stands. Release the jack to bring the vehicle back to level ground. Open the driver's side door, and pull the hood release lever under the dash near the floor to open the hood.
5. Open the hood and locate the 'Engine Oil' port, which is near the front of the engine and next to the dipstick. Unscrew and remove the cap. Insert the funnel, and pour in the new oil. Replace the 'Engine Oil' cap. Pull out the dipstick and wipe off the end with the rag. Reinsert the dipstick, and pull it out a second time. Examine the end of the stick to make sure the oil level reaches the 'Full' mark. If it does not, add oil and recheck.
Continue lendo

How to Troubleshoot a BMW


Maintenance Reminders
1.
Having the right tools is important.
Check any equipment problems with the engine or oil with the appropriate tool. For BMWs--up to model-year 2000--purchase a Peake Tool model PR-R5/FCX(II). The PR-R5/FCX(II)-16 model is the tool for 2001 to 2004 BMW models. Also, 2001 to 2006 BMW models require Peake Tool PR-R5/FCX3, and Peake Tool model PR-R5/FCX3-U covers 1987 through 2006 models. For 2005 models to date, these inexpensive tools do not work with BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system. For these, you need a BMW scan tool or scanner software that can reset the service reminders. Peake tools can be purchased online from either eBayMotors or PeakeResearch.
2. Remove the connector cover to the engine compartment and plug the Peake tool into the round, 20-pin diagnostic connector. The 2001 to 2004 models have a 16-pin diagnostic connector.
3. Press the 'Go' button on the tool to reveal the codes to identify what is going on with your car. Explanations of the codes can be found in the manual that comes with your tool. This tool can read and clear powertrain codes.
4. Check brake wear on your BMW by comparing the CBS estimated brake wear to actual brake wear. If you do not have a CBS system, simply check your brake wear to determine the condition of your pads and rotors.
5. Reprogram the Dynamic Stability Control Module--if you have a CBS system--and determine if the estimated brake wear of your CBS system matches up with the actual brake wear. This can be corrected with software from your BMW dealer.
Condition Based Service System
6. Identify whether your BMW has a CBS system. The following BMW models have Condition Based Service (CBS) systems: 2002 and newer 7 Series, 2004 and newer 1 Series (E87 body style), 2004 and newer 5 and 6 Series (E63 and E64 body styles), and 2006 and newer 3 Series (E90 and E91 body styles). The CBS system monitors the engine oil and cabin air filter, front and rear brake pads, brake fluid and spark plugs. The CBS system is known to report false alarms, such as low oil. If your oil light is on, check your oil.
7. Determine what type of oil dipstick your BMW has. An oil dipstick is not available on NG6, N62TU, S65 and S85 engines. For these engines, an electronic oil level sensor is found in the bottom of the oil pan. In BMWs with the previously mentioned engines, you must drain the oil out of the engine. These engine types do not have normal dipsticks. They have electronic dipsticks in the bottom of the oil pan.
8. Pour the correct amount of oil into the engine.
9. Replace the sensor if the oil sensor still reads that the oil is low.
Check the Tires
10.
Don't forget to check your tire pressure.
Check the sidewall of your tire to determine the specific tire pressure required for your BMW.
11. Use a tire pressure gauge to check your tires weekly. Tire pressure gauges at gas stations are not as accurate as an inexpensive tire pressure gauge that you can purchase at any auto parts retailer.
12. Check the wear pattern of your tires. Shoulder wear indicates underinflation or turning corners too hard, which can lead to tire shredding. Center tread wear is due to overinflation where the center of the tire is more worn than its edges. Cupping in the tread is caused by an unbalanced tire due to loose parts, faulty wheel bearings, damaged springs or shock absorbers. Diagonal scuffing and cupping combined can cause loss of traction and/or control.
Heed the Warnings
13. Read the display codes on your interior instrument panel or cluster. Late model BMWs can display more than 400 codes. Be aware of any warning messages displayed on your instrument cluster.
14. Turn on the ignition.
15. Use the high beam/turn signal switch to display message codes on your instrument panel.
16. Interpret the codes by reading your owner's manual.
17. Register on websites such as Bimmerfest.com where you can find questions and answers about noises or other symptoms of your BMW.
Continue lendo

How to Use Cruise Control


1. Get on a road you will be traveling at the same speed for a long period of time, such as a freeway.
2. Reach your desired speed. Choose a speed that allows you to move with the flow of traffic and not go over or under the designated speed limit for that road.
3. Locate the ON and SET buttons on your steering wheel. Press ON first and SET after. Your cruise control is now activated. Most vehicles must be traveling at least 30 miles per hour to set the cruise control.
4. Press and hold the SET button if you wish to use cruise control at a higher speed. Hold until your desired speed is reached.
5. Decrease speed by pressing the COAST button.
6. Push the brake pedal to disengage the cruise control function. If you wish to return to the previous set speed, use the RES (resume) button. You must be traveling at least 30 miles per hour for this function to resume.
7. Erase any previous speed by pressing the OFF button.
Continue lendo

How to Reset an Audi Radio Code


1. Find the exact model of your Audi's radio, which is usually printed on the front of the radio. To double-check, either contact your Audi dealer or visit the online list of Audi radios, complete with photos.
2. Contact your Audi dealer to obtain the anti-theft code that corresponds with your radio's model. This code will usually be 4 digits, though with some codes the first digit is blank.
3. Press the 2-button combination that triggers your radio's unlocking sequence. For example, if your radio is a Delta, press and hold 'AM' and 'ARI-Z' simultaneously until the display flashes 'CODE,' then immediately release. After a pause, the display will flash '1000.'
4. Use the numbered preset buttons to enter the code obtained from your Audi dealer. For example, if your code is '1572,' press the '1' preset button once, the '2' button 5 times, the '3' button 7 times and then press the '4' button twice. These numbers should appear on your radio's display as you enter them.
5. Press and hold the 2-button combination from Step 3 until the radio's display flashes 'CODE.' Your radio should unlock at this point.
Continue lendo
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)