Top car DIY tip
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Don't swap the outer plastic parts of a knackered key fob as the final job after f
king about with the electrics all day, only to remember after checking, re-checking and fking checking some more...that you've left the little transponder in the old key.....and that's why it won't turn over....
That bd right there....
king about with the electrics all day, only to remember after checking, re-checking and fking checking some more...that you've left the little transponder in the old key.....and that's why it won't turn over....That b
d right there....When replacing windscreen wipers on a Golf Gti Mk V, don’t leave the wiper stems up without blades. Because if you do, and they spontaneously snap back down, they smash the windscreen (and don’t leave your credibility as a mechanic in particularly good shape either).
When working on an MG Midget, if the jack is going up but the car isn’t, this may indicate some rust issues where the jacking points are. In which case, best not to just carry on jacking whilst idly wondering why it’s not moving.
When replacing a stereo in a 1980s Ferrari, take a lot of pictures, as when you unplug it there will be no relationship whatsoever between the colour of wires used either side of any of the two dozen random connectors that have been used. And 24! is really too many combinations to be having to solve for by trial and error.
When working on an MG Midget, if the jack is going up but the car isn’t, this may indicate some rust issues where the jacking points are. In which case, best not to just carry on jacking whilst idly wondering why it’s not moving.
When replacing a stereo in a 1980s Ferrari, take a lot of pictures, as when you unplug it there will be no relationship whatsoever between the colour of wires used either side of any of the two dozen random connectors that have been used. And 24! is really too many combinations to be having to solve for by trial and error.
tr7v8 said:
Plate spinner said:
Never let the battery go flat on a 986 Porsche Boxster. Ever.
The key will open the door to let you in. But the battery is in the boot, which needs the electrics to open. So to get to it you’ll have to take the whole mechanism apart along with most of the drivers side door sill.
Madness, utter madness.
Or use the emergency cable?The key will open the door to let you in. But the battery is in the boot, which needs the electrics to open. So to get to it you’ll have to take the whole mechanism apart along with most of the drivers side door sill.
Madness, utter madness.
Klippie said:
When doing an oil change don't go inside the house for dinner leaving it to drain and forget about it, then later on go drive the car and seize the engine.
My cousin did this...I didn't laugh much.
Ouch.My cousin did this...I didn't laugh much.
When working on your engine fan a flat pizza box is a handy thing to protect the radiator and your hands.
Don't forget to remove it.
67Dino said:
When replacing windscreen wipers on a Golf Gti Mk V, don’t leave the wiper stems up without blades. Because if you do, and they spontaneously snap back down, they smash the windscreen (and don’t leave your credibility as a mechanic in particularly good shape either).
Not just me then. Its also embarrassing when your selling the car and a potentials buyers arrival is imminent. ciege said:
Don't swap the outer plastic parts of a knackered key fob as the final job after fking about with the electrics all day, only to remember after checking, re-checking and fking checking some more...that you've left the little transponder in the old key.....and that's why it won't turn over....
That bd right there....
See also: Don't let it fall on the floor as the fob snaps open. It is tiny and very hard to find...king about with the electrics all day, only to remember after checking, re-checking and fking checking some more...that you've left the little transponder in the old key.....and that's why it won't turn over....That b
d right there....Toaster Pilot said:
PositronicRay said:
Have a contingency plan
a) Getting tools you didn't think you'd need
b) Getting parts you didn't think you'd need
c) Getting to work tomorrow.
Have a spare cara) Getting tools you didn't think you'd need
b) Getting parts you didn't think you'd need
c) Getting to work tomorrow.
Nothing worse than working on the car that needs to get you to work on a Sunday night
If you need to work inside the door panel, get some replacement nylon sliders for window mechanism. On an E36 they go brittle after high mileage/age. Result they snap, and window gets stuck. I had to call RAC, who, fixed it shut. Luckily I was at my Mum’s so no road time lost.
Added comment,, always order replacement nut, screws, washers, clips etc when a part goes. Also consider ordering extra and replacing parts on the opposite side as well.
Added comment,, always order replacement nut, screws, washers, clips etc when a part goes. Also consider ordering extra and replacing parts on the opposite side as well.
daemon said:
Another one - learned by my dad.
When the rear door of your car stops opening from the outside (in his case a Jag), THATS the time to get it fixed. DONT wait until it doesnt open from the inside too as you then cant open the door to fix it....
Not a rear door but under the new MOT rules the car would fail if you can't open the front doors from both inside and outside, so in relation to front doors this is unlikely today as you'd have to fix it sooner. As it happens my drivers door trigger snapped a couple of weeks ago, MOT is due in June so best get it sorted soon...When the rear door of your car stops opening from the outside (in his case a Jag), THATS the time to get it fixed. DONT wait until it doesnt open from the inside too as you then cant open the door to fix it....
Pete
gothatway said:
Zooks said:
Not a car tip but when connecting 10 lorry batteries up in series definitely don't use an uninsulated spanner and Definitely don't drop it.
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