Test and Maintain your Car Battery

Batteries can be recharged because the chemical reactions they use are reversible; they are recharged by running a charging current through the battery, but in the opposite direction of the discharge current. Rechargeable batteries can be charged hundreds of times before wearing out; and even after wearing out some can be recycled.

Always keep your battery terminal ends clean and free of corrosion on the inside as well as out. You can use boiling water to remove the majority of the corrosion and then follow up with a wire brush. On some model cars equipped with anti- theft system it is important to have your security codes before you disconnect your battery or you may not be able to start your car. Another way is to attach a battery charger to the battery cables before disconnecting the battery to allow power to the vehicles computer during battery maintenance

started bogging and know I cant go over 5 miles an hour in first gear

Question:
I have a 2002 Nissan Sentra and i think I hit the converter when I bottomed out going up a bridge last week. Yesterday I was driving home and it started bogging and know I cant go over 5 miles an hour in first gear, and it is surging real bad.

Answer:
It is very possible when you bottomed out you created a restriction in the exhaust. From what you are describing, that is exactly what it sounds like. If you look under the car, can you see any damage such as bent exhaust pipes? The best way to verify a restriction in the exhaust system(if you don't have a vacuum gage) is to remove the exhaust bolts from the front pipe and drive the car- if it has power then you know the problem is in the exhaust.

Which oil should I use in my 95 Toyota Camry with 200k miles.

Just use the same regular oil that is recommended by the manufacturer.

They have high mileage oils, but most of these are synthetic blends...and synthetics are bad because they don't get contaminated. This lets the blowby gasses sit on top of the oil and when the oil is up in the engine, there is a fresh shot of raw gas sitting in the oil pan for the pump to pick up and try to lubricate the engine with...THAT is not a good situation to be in. This will usually destroy the oil pump before it hurts anything else, though. FYI, I have never had to change an oil pump on an engine that used regular oil..they have all been on engines that run synthetics.

Air conditioner has a moldy smell when used

The air conditioner evaporator drain hose is blocked or partially restricted, allowing condensation to build up around the evaporator and drainage tray. Clear the drain hose where it exits the passenger compartment

Troubleshooting your Air Conditioning System

1990 acclaim front pass side caliper not working

Question:
1990 acclaim front pass side caliper not working. tried to bleed no fluid at caliper, master cyl seems ok i get fluid there. what happens in the distribution block? is this the problem

Answer:
This is a classic description of a collapsed caliper hose. Replacing it should fix the issue.
The distribution block just allows the fluid to flow. Have not needed to replace one in the 20 years that I have been wrenching.
Brake Diagnostics

I recently replaced the alternator

Question:
I recently replaced the alternator in my 1997 GMC Sierra. However, when I initially start the truck it still cranks on the starter initially. The starter is good, so I believe there may be a problem in the fuel injection system. Until I can get that checked out though I have received two pieces of conflicting advice about how to keep from ruining the starter and I was wondering which is the better of the two. 1) use starter fluid 2) run fuel cleaner every tank of gas

Answer:
I would have a fuel pressure test done and see what you have for pressure, if the pressure is low the truck will be hard to start. You can run fuel injector cleaner about every 3000 miles i would use and injector cleaner called chevron techron. As far as I'm concerned its the best stuff for cleaning the injectors and the upper intake system, I wouldn't keep using starting it can cause damage over time.

gmc pickup speedometer shows zero

Question:
2004 gmc pickup speedometer shows zero and abs light and servivce brake lights on trani shifts goofy like truck is not getting road speed signal

Answer:
All these problems are related to not getting a signal from the vehicle speed sensor. The proper way to test this is with the use of a scan tool,checking for codes and reading the sensor outputs to the trucks computer. I will send you a picture showing the sensor location,it is #4 in the illustration, you can check to see it the wiring to it is intact. The sensor is held on by one bolt,and easy to replace. It cost approx. 25.00. But replacing it with out the testing is a gamble.