Car Engine Does Not Crank Over - Auto Repair Tips

Car Engine Does Not Crank Over - Auto Repair Tips
By Dennis Bandy

I remember years ago a customer of mine called because she was stranded at McDonalds. Her car wouldn't start, it wouldn't even crank over. Luckily I was only about five minutes away and was able to drop by to check her car for her. The battery terminals were after-market, the type that has two 7/16" bolts that clamp over the bare cable end. These are a quick easy repair for the battery cable but sometimes they do loosen over time. That was exactly what had happened in this case. I was able to just tighten the terminals where they clamped to the bare cable ends and she was on her way.

A car that doesn't turn over at all, usually has a battery related problem. Many cars are towed to auto repair shops every year due to loose or corroded battery terminals. If the car engine doesn't crank over at all, the first thing to check is the battery and terminal connections. Here's a quick auto repair tip, turn the lights on and try the horn. If the battery is any good at all this will be a quick preliminary check. If there's no horn and no lights, try wiggling the battery connections. I leave the lights on while trying this so I can tell if I'm making a better connection when moving the battery terminals.

Still no luck? A load test with a battery tester is the next step after checking the connections at the battery. Many times a battery will show signs of failure by turning the engine over slowly when it's beginning to fail, this is an early warning to have the battery tested. Unfortunately other times batteries will just fail with no prior warning. Temperature changes can sometimes reveal a problem with a battery that otherwise may go unnoticed. An increase or decrease of temperature will typically send cars in droves to the repair shop or parts stores with sluggishly starting cars. Batteries will need to have a good charge before they can be properly tested. Modern battery testers will indicate if the battery has a sufficient charge to be checked.

Alternators that are not charging properly can cause a car to have similar symptoms. It's always a good idea to check the alternator to make sure the output is within the manufacturer's specifications. The parts store or auto repair shops have the test equipment to check the alternator output for you. They will check the amperage, volts, diode pattern and check to see if the alternator has a draw or short that may be excessively draining the battery.

Starters can draw excessive amps or have an open circuit completely. After checking to make sure a good battery is installed, check the big cable connection at the starter which is the 12v one that comes directly from the battery. Then check at the starter solenoid (the small wire) to see if it is getting power when the ignition is turned to the start position. If power is going to the starter solenoid but the starter is not engaging, more than likely the starter has an open circuit or is binding. Sometimes the starter can be tapped with a hammer while the ignition is in the start position to get the car to start. This is basically to get the car into the shop for starter replacement. I've used this trick many times over the years to keep from having to push the car into my service bay. The starter can also be tested to see if it is creating too much of a draw on the battery. This can happen when the starter begins to to drag or bind and puts too much of a toll on the battery. The amp draw is measured with a battery and electrical system tester to see if it is excessive.

My tips and tricks have been picked up over the years with real hands on experience. Many auto techs don't like to share their techniques, but I've been selling tools since 2005 and it's time to share what I've learned during my time as a Master Automotive Technician. I hope my article helps many people to figure out what's going on with their car and just maybe help prevent them from being stranded.

Battery/Charging System Testers
DenLors Auto Tool Blog

2001 Pontiac Grand Am Stalling - Answer

I have had an issue with a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am Stalling when it idles down like at traffic lights. It would start right back up, but as soon as I let off the gas, it would go dead. I asked my Mechanic and he gave me the answer I was looking for--cheap and easy to fix! So if your 2001 or similar body style 4 cylinder Grand Am is Stalling at traffic lights, check this first!

In the front of the engine there is a small Vacuum hose, remember I am no Mechanic. It is rubber and is behind a few small plugs, but directly in the front of the engine. The Vacuum hose gets dry rotted and allows air to escape and makes the gas mix too rich, this will also affect your fuel mileage. The best way to check is to start your car, push on the hose and see if your car tries to stall--BEING CAREFUL OF MOVING PARTS AND FANS! If you are like me and not a Mechanic, don't get too cute. But, to make a long story short, I paid $2.00 for the hose and hooked it up myself, so you know it wasn't too hard. Problem fixed so hope this helps someone else save some money--if you have problems finding this hose, leave me a comment and I will try to elaborate or take a picture.

Very Cool Corvette Showroom!

Museu da Tecnologia da ULBRA
Originally uploaded by Omar Junior

This is a very cool Corvette Showroom!

Toyota Camry Review and History

Toyota Camry is one of the best selling sedans in the US market. Lets take a look at what Toyota has done to push Camry to the top.

The brief history of Toyota Camry has to be the first discussion. To see where Camry has been and what made it evolve into what it is today. Toyota has never really payed too much attention to US cars, but has been in direct competition with the Honda Accord.

Toyota Camry came out in 1983 trying to give some choices for those who did not follow the slogan "Buy American." When Camry first hit the scene it was not the ugliest duck, but was a close runner up. But, there is something to be said about the first Camry, I still get 80's model Camry's traded today! A 25 year old Car? That is unheard of for a car to last that long.

In 1987 Camry came out with an upgrade that followed the Accord update in 1986. The largest improvement in 1987 was the decrease in noise and vibration and a smoother riding sedan. Also, a nicer looking car compared to its earlier model.

In 1988 Camry offered a V6 Engine for those that said the sedan was too sluggish. Another big decision in 1988 was Toyota placing a production plant in Georgetown Kentucky. This proved to be a huge boost because Americans could buy a Japanese car and support American workers.

1992-1996 Toyota took the Camry to the top with larger displacement engines, bigger cars, better looking cars, safer cars, the whole 9 yards.

From 1997-2001 Camry offered more levels and better designs. In 1997 Americans voted the Camry #1 for the year so Toyota was doing something right. The Camry always had a change to rival the Accord or at least stay in competition with the Accord.

Toyota 2002-2006 made some aerodynamic improvements and did not try to confuse customers with too many options. Toyota saw the focus heading toward a safer more fuel efficient car and headed in that direction. Later in this model change a few things were added. A larger displacement V6 that was more fuel efficient, some luxury upgrades like navigation, but nothing too confusing. I believe American car makers can learn from Toyota about too many options. There are too many ways to equip an American car and it seems you never have the exact match, where if you could say you have a choice between A and B it would be much easier and simplified.

A total redesign for 2007 to current with four models: base CE, popular LE, sporty SE and luxurious XLE. There was a definite design for styling that makes it sleeker and sexier.

2009 Toyota Camry now offers the Camry model which is the base; dropping the CE, Starting price at $19145. The LE model starting price at $20,600. The SE starting at $21,815. The Luxury Camry XLE starting at $25,575. Toyota also offers a Camry Hybrid starting at $26,150. All models have a fuel mileage of 21 city and 31mpg highway except for the hybrid that offers 33/34.

2009 Camry Engines: 2.4 liter DOHC 4 cylinder with 158 horsepower, 3.5 liter DOHC 6 cylinder with 268 horsepower, and a 2.4 liter hybrid engine with 147 horsepower.

2009 Camry Color Choices: Classic Silver Metallic, Black, Barcelona Red Metallic, Blue Ribbon Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Super White, Sky Blue Pearl, Aloe Green Metallic, Desert Sand Mica. Interior choices are ash fabric, Bisque Fabric, Dark Charcoal Fabric, Ash Leather, Bisque Leather, Dark Charcoal leather. Not all choices are available for all models.

There are a host of other options available including but not limited to Navigation, heated seats, push button start, Hybrid system energy flow, Heated Seats, Sport Fabric, 6 Disc changer with Blue tooth, just to name a few. Many are available only in a package and cannot be separated. This makes the ordering and build process easier and keeps customer choices to a minimum.

FREE PRICE QUOTE on The Toyota Camry of your choice at Yahoo! Autos

Sexy Car Wash

470. Jampa X-Treme
Originally uploaded by educosta

How much would you pay for this car wash?

Sexy Car Show Girls
Daisy Duke Car Wash
Sexy Car Wash
Sexy Car Wash Girls

Buy American Cars; Is it Possible?

My Grandfather always told me growing up to always buy American Cars to support our country. I did just like he said and even started working for an American Car Company; GM. I sell Pontiac, Buick, and GMC. I did just like my Grandfather told me, but I started noticing where cars and parts were made on the window stickers. It is amazing how many parts and assembly items come out of Mexico.

Do you know which cars have the highest ranking percent of parts and assembly in North America? I do now, thanks to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration). They have comprised some numbers of cars and trucks made in North America. These numbers count Canada and US as North America.

The car with the highest percent of content is the Ford Crown Victoria with 90 percent American parts and production. Some of the following vehicles may surprise you, the Toyota Sienna is 85% American. The following cars also fall in at the 85% mark: Saturn Aura, Pontiac G6, GMC Sierra, GMC Savana, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevy Malibu, Chevy Malibu Classic, Chevy Express, Mercury Grand Marquis, Taurus X. The Pontiac Grand Prix is 82% along with the Chevy Impala, and Buick LaCrosse. The Buick Lucerne follows at 81%.

The Chevy Volt Concept

The Chevy Volt Concept
Originally uploaded by gm_blogs

This is the Chevy Volt Concept that will become reality in 2010! This is one amazing car. The Volt is an Electric Car that can travel up to 40 miles per charge before switching over to gas powered. The Chevy is full of power and stylish too, a great combination. GM has high hopes that the Volt will make it rain!

General Motors - "Cruising" Along With New Technology

General Motors - "Cruzing" Along With New Technology
By Matthew Finn

General Motors is one of the world leaders in hybrid car technology, but that should come as no shock to anybody. After all, GM's Research and Development was the world's very first automotive research center, founded in the early '20's by Charles F. Kettering. Located in Warren, Michigan, GM's Research and Development teams work on their new technologies and innovations in 6 laboratories, and 6 science offices. Researchers work with teams from a dozen countries, countless universities and government groups to provide GM with the edge in new automotive technology.

Gm has made great strides in the fuel cell car technology for starters: researchers have lessened the likelihood of cold weather freeze up in the hydrogen fuel cell based "Hy-wire" This vehicle does not have much of the traditional car parts, such as an internal combustion engine, instrument panel, or pedals, but it does have power supplied by its hydrogen based fuel cell. GM also has developed, AUTOnomy, a concept vehicle that is another hydrogen fuel cell car.

General Motors likes to try to stay competitive, and one of the way they stay one step ahead of their competition is with solid research and development- you cannot sell a vehicles unless you are giving the people what they want. The sales of the Chevy Cobalt is up by 16%, and GM is hoping to keep that hot streak going when they reveal their newest addition, the Chevy Cruze at the Paris Motor Show in a few weeks. The Cruze will be a global compact car and will be built in a GM facility in Ohio. The Cruze will be marketed as another of GM's fuel efficient cars, close to the Cobalt's 33 miles per gallon highway selling point. General Motors is investing the astounding figure of $500 million in the development and debut of this new line of cars.

The company has also announced that it is currently working with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to make the introduction of more electric cars faster and more feasible. It is exciting news that the cars may become more widely available considering the fact that the price to run one is roughly 1/5 the cost of driving a gasoline powered vehicle. GM has received a grant from the United States Dept. of Energy to create a plug in "demo" program. There is also work on an extended range electric vehicle due to be in car showrooms by sometime in late 2010.

Along with all of the research to reduce dependence of non renewable fuel sources, GM has also worked on other considerations as well. Onstar by GM was honored with an award in June 2008, in Detroit. There are currently no less than 6 GM models that feature Onstar as a standard feature, with talk of adding it to still others.

Matthew Finn is an accomplished niche website developer and author.
To learn more about new technology please visit High Tech Electronics Pro for current articles and discussions.

2009 GMC Acadia Review

The GMC Acadia has become a staple for crossover SUV buyers. General Motors crossed manufacturing lines and are producing similar crossovers under Chevrolet Traverse, Saturn Outlook, and Buick Enclave.

The GMC Acadia gives you the room of a full size SUV and the fuel mileage of a smaller SUV. It has a standard 3.6L V6 that offers 288 Horse Power and 270 lb/ft torque. It has deminsions of: Wheelbase 118.9 in., overall length 201.1 in., overall width 78.9 in., overall height 72.8 in., cargo volume 117 cu. ft., fuel capacity of 22 gallons, seating capacity up to 8, front head room 40.4 in., front leg room 41.3 in., rear head room 39.3 in., and rear leg room 36.9 in.

The GMC Acadia comes in SLE and SLT models with the main difference being leather in the SLT along with upgraded features. It has an available DVD, Navigation, rear back up camera, heated and cooled seats, sunroof, 20 inch wheels, head restraint dvd, upgraded keyless entry, and other upgrades. The Acadia is also available in 2wd and AWD models. Get your 2009 GMC Acadia Price Quotes FREE!


There are 10 exterior colors available to include: silver green metallic, dark crimson metallic, white diamond tricoat, summit white, gold mist metallic, red jewel metallic, deep blue metallic, medium brown metallic, quicksilver metallic, and carbon black metallic. There are 5 interior colors available to include: light titanium cloth, ebony cloth, light titanium leather, ebony leather, and brick leather.

The GMC Acadia has one of the best warranies in America to include a 5 year 100,000 powertrain warranty. A 3 year 36000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. The Acadia also comes with 24 hour roadside assistance for untimely flat tires, running out of gas, etc. GMC also offers Commitment Plus which will reimburse for trip interuption due to necessary warranty repairs.

The Acadia is one of the safest vehicles on the road today. The GMC comes standard with Onstar for your safety and security and also offers directions and connections. The SUV comes with standard 4 wheel disc Antilock brakes. Acadia also come standard with front airbags and side impact airbags for all 3 rows of seating. A tire pressure monitor is also standard which will monitor the pressure to ensure proper operation.

Hyundai Assurance Program; Buy Back Your Car

Hyundai Motor Company out of South Korea announced the "Hyundai Assurance Program" that would allow a customer to return a purchased or leased vehicle within 12 months of purchase becuase of a loss of income. The Buyback program gives some reasons a customer could return the vehicle.

Hyundai Assurance Program
-- Involuntary unemployment
-- Physical disability
-- Loss of driver’s license for medical reasons
-- Job transfer overseas
-- Personal bankruptcy filing by a self-employed worker
-- Accidental death

To qualify, the buyer must have made at least two payments on the loan or lease and be current on the loan. The customer would be responsible for any Negative Equity over $7500. The value of the vehicle will be determined by the dealer, who will be allowed to re-sell the vehicle. This will keep customers from struggleing with a car payment they cannot afford if they were to lose their job. It will also allow the customer to keep their good credit record and avoid losing a vehicle they cannot afford.

This sounds like a crazy idea, but remember when Hyundai resolved reliability concernes with their novel 10 year 100,000 mile Warranty? There are several companies that have followed with similar Warranties. Do you think other Manufacturers will follow with similar programs to buy cars back? Or, will this hurt Hyundai?

GM Owner Loyalty Rebates; January 2009

General Motors Owner Loyalty Rebates have been announced for January 2009. Owner Loyalty rewards those who have purchased GM in the past. Your GM Vehicle must be a 1999 or newer to receive the Owner Loyalty offer. The Rebates and Loyalty Offers are as follows:

Owner Loyalty Rebates; 2008 Models:
Buick Enclave $2000, Buick Lacrosse $1000, Buick Lucerne $1000, Pontiac G5 $1000, Pontiac G6 $1000, Pontiac G8 $1000, Pontiac Solstice $1000, Pontiac Torrent $1000, Pontiac Vibe $1000, GMC Acadia $2000, GMC Canyon $1000, GMC Envoy $1000, GMC Savana $1000, GMC Sierra $2000, GMC Sierra 2500/3500 Gas or Deisel $3000, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL $3000.

Owner Loyalty Rebates; 2009 Models:
Buick Enclave $2000, Buick Lacrosse $1000, Buick Lucerne $1000, Pontiac G5 $1000, Pontiac G6 $1000, Pontiac G8 $1000, Pontiac Solstice $1000, Pontiac Torrent $1000, Pontiac Vibe $1000, GMC Acadia $2000, GMC Canyon $1000,GMC Envoy $1000, GMC Savana $1000, GMC Sierra $2000, GMC Sierra 2500/3500 Gas or Deisel $3000, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL $3000.

Customer Cash Rebates; 2008 Models:
Buick Enclave $2500, Buick Lacrosse $2000, Buick Lucerne $3500, Pontiac G5 $750, Pontiac G6 $750, Pontiac G8 $1750, Pontiac Solstice $1250, Pontiac Torrent $4250, Pontiac Vibe $750, GMC Acadia $2500, GMC Canyon Reg Cab. $2750, GMC Canyon Ext/Crew Cab. $4250, GMC Envoy $7250, GMC Savana $1000, GMC Sierra $5000, GMC Sierra 2500/3500Gas $6000, GMC Sierra 2500/3500 Diesel $7000, GMC Yukon $6000, GMC Yukon XL $7000.

Customer Cash Rebates; 2009 Models:
Buick Enclave $750, Buick Lacrosse $1000, Buick Lucerne $1000, Pontiac G5 $1500, Pontiac G6 $750, Pontiac G8 $1500, Pontiac Solstice $500, Pontiac Torrent $1000, Pontiac Vibe $500, GMC Acadia $750, GMC Canyon Reg Cab. $0, GMC Canyon Ext/Crew Cab. $1000, GMC Envoy $3000, GMC Savana $1000, GMC Sierra Reg. Cab. $1500, GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Up to $2000, GMC Sierra 2500/3500Gas $1500, GMC Sierra 2500/3500 Diesel $1500, GMC Yukon $1000, GMC Yukon XL $1000.

There is also some extra money for those who are now Leasing their vehicle. There is up to $4000 extra incentive for those who have leases ending between 1-6-09 and 2-2-09. All this money does not even address what price you can expect to receive off sticker price. Get quotes from Yahoo! Autos and have your local dealers fighting for your business. This saves tons of time and effort. Follow the link, enter zip, enter your vehicle choice, enter contact info., select ALL dealers, sit back and be amazed at how easy it is to get an awesome price!

San Francisco Funny Car Commercial

Bay Shore Chrysler Plymouth Car Commercial outtake! This is Hilarious, but I don't know if the boss will think so.

Car Buying; Price Negotiation

Price Negotiation goes back to your Grandparents telling you to never pay sticker! Many like to Negotiate Price and many customers hate this part of buying a car. Would you like some tips from an Auto Insider on Price Negotiation?

Price Negotiation is where a customer wants to get a car for the lowest price possible and the Car Salesman wants to close the deal at the highest price possible. First, we must discuss why a Car Salesman wants to sell a car for the highest price possible. It all comes down to one word, Gross! Gross Profit is the margin between cost and price sold. If you sell a car for $10000 and the cost is $8000 then this means the salesman has a $2000 Gross Profit. Guess What? Gross Profit is how a salesman gets paid. Most dealerships pay 25-30%. 30% of $2000 is $600 dollars. Now if you Price Negotiate a little more, it cuts into the salesman's commission, but gets you a better price. Remember, Profit is not a dirty word so don't get mad at the salesman, that's their job!

Price Negotiation has become one of the easiest things to overcome because of the all powerful Internet. How would you like to know the price before ever stepping foot into a dealership? Get quotes from Yahoo! Autos and know you are getting the best price. Here is how it works. You follow the link, put in your zip, pick your car, put a little contact info, select ALL Dealers, Dealers fight for your business. When I say they fight for your business, you will be amazed at the first offers. Like I say, Price Negotiation has become too easy.

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Do Cold Air Intakes Increase MPG?

Do Cold Air Intakes Increase MPG?
By Monty Cassel

While reduced engine noise is of benefit to most consumers for inefficient stock factory installed air filters. I believe that a truck should look, feel, sound and perform like a truck. This performance begins with after market truck parts called cold air intakes. Stock air tubes and filter boxes drop the volume of air delivered to the combustion chamber. And, because your stock intake system completely confines the air box in your engine compartment, the air is usually hot when taken in. This combination of limited and warmer air causes fuel-rich combustion mixtures (to much fuel) that does not burn at maximum power or efficiency thus having a negative effect on your truck fuel economy.

The best cold air intakes or performance air intake kits solve a few of these problems in one impressive unit. First, a performance air intake replaces your stock intake tube with a wider pipe that has fewer bends. The result is a higher volume of air that flows more freely. The resulting effect fills your combustion chamber with more oxygen molecules for igniting fuel at a balanced, efficient mixtures that maximize power and an increase in fuel economy.

The best cold air intake systems employ specially-shaped intake tubes designed to straighten airflow as much as possible. These pipes are typically mandrel-bent or custom molded because your engines relies on a balanced mixture of fuel and air for combustion the currently, your vehicle draws air through the original manufacturer's intake tube and air box. typically it is loaded with a disposable paper air filter. Automakers design your vehicle's intake tube to be the quietest possible not the most efficient or productive.

Cold air intake kits models also relocate the air box outside the engine compartment, where cooler air can be sucked in by the air filter. The typical relocation spot for a cold air intake's air box is in the upper wheel well above the tire. Taking in cooler air for combustion means an air mixture that's denser with oxygen molecules for a better burn and ultimately more power.

Not all performance intakes are cold air intakes, not all cold air intakes are the best. Rely on brands like AEM and K&N cold air intakes and air filters. Precise engineering will maximize the potential of your engine. Companies like K&N FIPK cold air intakes, AEM Brute Force air intake systems and do not earn best in class reputations by manufacturing flimsy cold air intakes.

Do cold air intakes increase mpg? The answer is Yes! performance air intakes, help your engine to work more efficiently. The power of an engine is directly proportional to the amount of air drawn into a cylinder and retained until ignition. To increase the engine power, increase the airflow capacity, and or the air-fuel charge which must be burned more effectively. Most factory engines "volumetric efficiency" is a compromise between fuel economy, efficiency, reliability,noise and performance. Thus adding a performance cold air intakes like K&N air filter is the first step to increasing fuel economy for your truck.

With today's volatile fuel markets and uncertain political agendas, it is possible through a combination of after market truck parts to increase your trucks fuel economy. Being a former contractor with a degree in economics founder Monty Cassel started Truck Economy to pull together the best after market truck parts including the industries best best cold air intakes, best performance spark plugs, performance exhaust systems and fuels additives.