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Psilosopherr
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Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start?
#23718123 - 10/07/16 11:19 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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Had some minor car trouble today and it reminded me just how helpless I would be if/when I have more serious car troubles. Was wanting to acquire some practical car knowledge, figured the good people of the shroomery may guide me better than a google search.
Know any good beginner websites, books, etc? Would love to hear about it. Thanks for reading!
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circles

Registered: 06/15/16
Posts: 344
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr] 1
#23719920 - 10/08/16 03:54 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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so where would you draw the line where its getting too complicated for you? What are you capable of doing yourself?
I like the Haynes Repair Manuals, they explain the symptoms and the process of diagnosing the actual fault form simplest to most complex. but it does help if you got some basic knowledge of electronics and practical skills.

When ever I don't know what what means in the book I start reading up about it. That might be a lot at the beginning, but it's kinda fun for me too.......otherwise I wouldn't be on this forum 
Like the books so I can read up in bed without looking at a screen but you can find lots of info for free...........
just one example:
http://manuals.co
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Psilosopherr
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: circles]
#23719990 - 10/08/16 04:15 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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I suppose where I'm at is important, some people don't even change their own oil. I've changed my brake pads with the help of a friend, change my oil myself, dialed in the psi of my tires, thats about it so far. My drivers side window shattered on me so that might be a good first project.
I actually think I have that same kind of manual for my car. Makes sense to start there Just gotta dive in sometimes. thanks for the input
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circles

Registered: 06/15/16
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23721138 - 10/09/16 01:29 AM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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great you've got this (or a similar) manual, it helps a lot with simple things like checking leads, spark plugs, cooling system and clutch etc., etc.
got a chapter "door window glass removal and installation" in my book.
I managed to change the brushes on my alternator thanks to the manual, it was surprisingly easy. Without it I would have gone to a mechanic .....saved me a few bucks
yeah just dive in sometimes
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Psilosopherr
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: circles]
#23734598 - 10/13/16 03:58 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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looks like I've got my first project, battery light comes on only when the car is idling, turns off when you give it some gas.
Internet claims its the voltage regulator. Maybe a bad ground, bad connection, corroded connection somewhere in there. Sounds nice and interesting.
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Psilosopherr
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23734611 - 10/13/16 04:05 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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now that I think about it, maybe something is up with my battery. I've had a couple minor electric problems, car never starts on the first try. I also can't turn it off and then back on right away, it needs to sit off for a bit and...accumulate charge? who knows.
The issue with starting might be caused by the fact that I'm missing the cap to my gas tank, might be having trouble getting pressure but seems like I'm having electrical issues.
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Psilosopherr
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23734868 - 10/13/16 05:44 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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well the voltage of my battery drops when I turn my car on, seems to indicate the alternator.
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Psilosopherr
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23735300 - 10/13/16 08:24 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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oh god I hope I don't have to replace the whole alternator, you have to remove an axle which sounds like it may be beyond me at this point.
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2shoes
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23740620 - 10/15/16 06:44 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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Voltage droping on the start is normal. Let the car idle and unhook the battery if the car stays running chances are its your battery thats bad.
Edited by 2shoes (10/15/16 06:44 PM)
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rackem



Registered: 11/27/09
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: 2shoes]
#23740685 - 10/15/16 07:23 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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this is horrible advice... on some cars the voltage spike from this action will kill an ecu.
dont do this... get a dvom and test..
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2shoes
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: rackem]
#23740753 - 10/15/16 08:02 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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My advice is based on personal experience and sheer logic. Ive never had an ecu get nuked but sure its possible
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rackem



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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: 2shoes]
#23740759 - 10/15/16 08:06 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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being that i was a professional technician for 10 years, i have seen it.
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2shoes
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: rackem]
#23740764 - 10/15/16 08:10 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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Right. I apologize on the bad advice. I know the ins and outs of a most motors but never was a paid mechanic. As far as electrical and ecu/ecm im lost.
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rackem



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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: 2shoes]
#23740908 - 10/15/16 09:40 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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aint no thing man...
rblalzer, what kind of car you working with here? you may just have a loose or corroded +/- cable.
with what you are describing i wouldnt just jump right to part replacement.
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Psilosopherr
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: rackem]
#23740960 - 10/15/16 10:00 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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its a honda accord. '87 if I remember right.
I really appreciate the feedback guys
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rackem



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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23740999 - 10/15/16 10:14 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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pop that hood open and wiggle the battery terminals.. look for green stuff (corrosion) at the connections and down the cable... also, chase the negative cable to the body and make sure that is tight as well.
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Mental Taco



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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23741005 - 10/15/16 10:17 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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Doctoring vehicles is alot of troubleshooting to figure out a good diagnosis and getting a somewhat memorizing symptoms to most common issues. As long as its nothing inside the engine or tranny most things to keep a car going you can do in your garage with a little monkeying and sometimes contorting.
Its crazy how many people junk cars for dumb things like 30$ waterpump or alternators. Or pay some guy 300$ to change 30$ parts. Take full advantage of junkyard, parts stores, and having an older vehicle they are certainly easier to work on yourself.
As far as learning goes its best to learn from experience and others car experiences because trying to learn simply by reading a manual dont work quite like textbooks. Dont get me wrong they help specially if you have a certain part that needs changed it can give a walkthrough with pics, also keep in mind theres alot on youtube.
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Psilosopherr
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: rackem]
#23741013 - 10/15/16 10:19 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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I'm fearful of touching the battery. Whats the rule, just don't complete the circuit by touching both positive and negative?
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rackem



Registered: 11/27/09
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23741024 - 10/15/16 10:25 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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yeah, dont touch them both with a metal object, like a socket wrench, or a wrench or something of the sort. you can safely put your hand on the terminal and check the connections by hand. just twist them and see if they spin at all.
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Psilosopherr
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: rackem]
#23741064 - 10/15/16 10:44 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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thanks, good to finally know that. I'm right in the middle of this storm on the west coast so I'm going to wait a day or two
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rackem



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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23741069 - 10/15/16 10:47 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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i dont blame ya there man.. working on cars in rain/wind sucks balls.
ill try to keep an eye on this thread for a while.. if you need anything feel free to me man.
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Psilosopherr
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: rackem]
#23741071 - 10/15/16 10:48 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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Psilosopherr
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23742600 - 10/16/16 01:40 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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Well I got my wheel off to get a look at the alternator. Checked out both the wire running from the alternator and the battery terminal wires for bad connections/corrosion and found none.
So now I'm thinking I'll start slowly going about taking the axle out, unless I can get the alternator out without doing that. It looks like I might have room to remove it while leaving the axle on. Dunno if there's anything fragile in there that might need support, but it really doesn't seem like removing the axle will give me all that much more room
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Psilosopherr
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23742688 - 10/16/16 02:08 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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Oh and just in case somebody has input on this, my car makes a grinding noise only when shifting from reverse to park. Google isn't being much help, most people have noise when shifting from park to reverse.
I've just been ignoring it for months, I just make sure to not shift directly from reverse to park, gotta shift back up to drive first.
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LogicaL Chaos
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23743712 - 10/16/16 07:41 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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id recommend getting a Automotive text book, like one made for being used in a high school or college classroom. They give a full breakdown on all the parts and how each part works as a system. Cars are complex machines and have many parts thta when fail, cause the whole car to fail.
Also those repair manuals are awesome BUT are only useful if u have a domestic car. They are hard to find for foriegn cars.
Also i recommend getting a good flashlight and some cardboard or something and just looking at all the parts under your car and in the engine comparment. It will help u see what everything does over time.
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rackem



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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23744444 - 10/17/16 04:01 AM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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before pulling it apart, rent borrow beg or steal an dvom (digitalvoltage ohm meter) and simply test the alternator before taking it all apart. its much easier to test than to shotgun parts.
the test is super simple.. start vehicle, put leads on battery and see what the voltage is at on the battery while the vehicle is running.
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Psilosopherr
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: rackem]
#23745035 - 10/17/16 10:02 AM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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oh fuck did I not post this here? I did this test early on and the voltage dropped when the car was on.
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rackem



Registered: 11/27/09
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23747730 - 10/18/16 12:45 AM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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voltage drop vs running voltage is different.
when your vehicle starts you should be reading 13.8 or better at the battery. this reading will give you an idea of the charging status of the alternator.
the load test is a different beast.. i would suggest starting at the voltage going into the batt.
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Psilosopherr
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: rackem]
#23765444 - 10/23/16 09:44 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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Yeah I get that. My voltage was 12ish (whatevers normal, its been a few days) when the car was off and then it went down after starting it. Which led me to believe the alternator wasn't working.
So I've been slowly trying to get the alternator out over the last couple days. Its completely detached now but I couldn't quite squeeze it out without removing the axle. So now I'm going to attempt that.
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LogicaL Chaos
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23765823 - 10/24/16 01:31 AM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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u gotta take the axel out just to remove the alternator?
What the fuuuuuuuck.
That sux.
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Psilosopherr
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: LogicaL Chaos]
#23765873 - 10/24/16 02:38 AM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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I know right? Hell of a first car project 
Really doesn't seem that complex though.
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LogicaL Chaos
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23765943 - 10/24/16 04:35 AM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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Godspeed man....
Godspeed.
I highly recommend taking pictures before taking things apart. It helps with reassembly.
Also using plastic baggies to keep hardware from getting lost helps too.
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Psilosopherr
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: LogicaL Chaos] 1
#23766461 - 10/24/16 11:12 AM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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goood ideas, particularly the picture one I wouldn't have thought of.
Almost lost a bolt to careless roomates already
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rackem



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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23766664 - 10/24/16 12:31 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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well, 12 volts is under charging. it should be around 13.6
do you know if you have an internally or externally regulated alternator?
also, when you are working on vehicles, a good way to keep all the bolts is to keep them in the area of the vehicle you are working on. and magnetic trays help alot. master techs dont use bags, they use this method.
in my younger years, i replaced an alternator because of a similar issue, just to find out that it was externally regulated.
i would check that
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give.more
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: rackem] 1
#23768676 - 10/24/16 11:52 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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I like to go to forums of the particular car that I'm working with. I purchased a 94 accord at a price that I couldn't turn down. It has a few issues with it and the owner wasn't mechanically inclined. For the Accord, I like to hang around the Honda forums that have a lot of diy modders. They typically know their car inside and out.... And it's the same car I have.
In places like that, someone has had the exact same issue already that I'm having. Or someone has already changed something that I'm wanting to. Between the people with experience here alongside those places, I'm sure you could take on most tasks that would come up
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Shroomism
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr] 1
#23783323 - 10/29/16 05:44 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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Since this thread is mostly troubleshooting...the best way to learn more about cars, aside from going to like a technical school for it.... would be do what you are doing Diagnosing problems on your own car, trying to fix whatever is in your abilities, reading, reading, reading, reading. Learning from others. Join a car group on facebook or some forums. Do your own maintenance. With time and persistence you will pick up much knowledge.
Seconded going to a forum specific for the type of car you are working on. I'm a VW/Audi guy and my stomping grounds is http://forums.vwvortex.com/ I'm no master mechanic or anything... but I'm pretty damn good for self taught I think. Well I started when I was young helping my dad with his cars, but I didn't do or learn much. Once I got my own cars I started getting into modding them/performing my own maintenance, etc etc.
Basically, a combination of studying and hands on experience is the best way to learn I think. Car has an issue? Learn how to troubleshoot it and find the source of the problem. Can you repair it? Then do! Just make sure you do everything right and by the book. Outside of your expertise/don't trust yourself not to completely fuck it up/don't have the right tools? Take it to a shop. Even hardcore car guys who do 90% of the stuff to their cars themselves, still take their cars to the shop for certain things. Everyone has a talent or specialty but almost no one is an expert at EVERYTHING. Sometimes you need to enlist the help of a specialized professional.
For example, I'm pretty comfortable working on mechanical aspects of my car, engine, suspension, etc.. I've been all over. But I won't even fucking touch or even think about attempting body work. I'll always leave that to a professional because I know I will probably fuck it up. Metal? I'm good. Paint, scares me. And then there's lots of things outside of my area of expertise and/or don't have the appropriate tools and lift so taking it to shop for some things is sometimes the best course of action. But I try and do 90% of the stuff myself. Do all my own oil changes/maintenance, detailing (unless I'm too lazy.. it's a lot of fucking work), almost all my own upgrades, unless it's something huge like turbo upgrade or engine rebuild or some shit. When something goes wrong, I have a Rosstech cable so I can scan my ECU for faults and do most of the diagnosing myself before I ever even bring it to a shop.
Basically just become a car enthusiast and the rest will follow. Most people don't give a fuck about their cars.. it's just a vehicle to get from A to B.. so most people never bother to learn anything. If you take pride in your ride then you will care for it better and appreciate it much more.
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Psilosopherr
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Shroomism]
#23783632 - 10/29/16 07:45 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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I think the regulator is internal.
Thanks for the advice shroomism..I really should get on the honda forum and post my issues.
I might have had the axle out by now if this damned part on the bottom of the wheel hub wasn't stuck together. The bolt is off, just the part is stuck. Soaked it in WD-40 overnight and banged like hell with a hammer, tried prying, its being a real bugger.
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Psilosopherr
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23832091 - 11/14/16 12:28 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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whoops, totally forgot to go to that honda forum, but the good news is I just got my car back in working order today.
Was quite a first project, had to disassemble my wheel and everything connected to it (steering/stabalizing arms, everything) in order to get out the axle, in order to get out the alternator. Then wrestle the alternator into place and all that. Had to borrow a jawed puller and an impact gun to get certain shit done.
But it all went back together alright, was having some grinding noises on my first test drive but it was an easy fix.
And I did test my battery again with the new alternator on so I know for sure the problem has been fixed.
Thanks again all I feel empowered.
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2shoes
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23832559 - 11/14/16 02:58 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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Psilosopherr
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: 2shoes]
#23832820 - 11/14/16 04:21 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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of course there's one final problem, I thought I could just walk into the auto parts store and buy transmission fluid to replace what leaked from my axle. But it seems I need the specific honda ATF.
Maybe one of those multi car/import ATF fluids would do me, but maybe its not worth the risk.
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rackem



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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23836136 - 11/15/16 04:37 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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just walk into the parts store and tell them what you are looking for and year make model of your vehicle. they will pull it up and let you know.
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Psilosopherr
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: rackem]
#23836821 - 11/15/16 08:30 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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Good advice, I still let myself get a little intimidated of auto parts cashiers as a non-knowledgeable outsider. Got it all squared away though.
Did a lengthy test drive today and all is well 
It even shifts better than it used to now that there's new tranny fluid...might have to drain and replace it.
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rackem



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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23840409 - 11/16/16 11:41 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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good job man.
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NothingsChanged
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#24185002 - 03/23/17 02:06 AM (6 years, 10 months ago) |
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Quote:
Psilosopherr said: Good advice, I still let myself get a little intimidated of auto parts cashiers as a non-knowledgeable outsider. Got it all squared away though.
Did a lengthy test drive today and all is well 
It even shifts better than it used to now that there's new tranny fluid...might have to drain and replace it.
Those kids behind the counter are just button pushing part pullers. As far as the alternator. Sorry i am late to the party. I would of told you theirs a way to get the alt out with out pulling the axle. You can work it along the firewall over to the other side were it has room to come out. Sorry i am late with the tip.
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sprinkles
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr] 1
#24185158 - 03/23/17 04:57 AM (6 years, 10 months ago) |
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i used to drive fun, fast, flashy sports cars back when I had money. i would always take them to the dealer or shop for repair. Being poor forced me to learn to do things myself. That's how you learn, when you dont have a choice and you absolutely fucking have to.
It has been a blessing in disguise in many ways, now i have a sense of self-sufficiency. my mom is pretty proud of me too, the family jeep had been sitting for years and had to be towed to me. few days later I had it running like a top.
mechanics who've spent their lives working on cars weren't able to troubleshoot some problems I was having on a subaru legacy i picked up. after their second attempt at fixing it i said "thats it, dont touch it anymore" and i repaired it all on my own, without help from anyone.
Thats the best advice I can give you unfortunately. be poor and have no other options other than doing it yourself.
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sprinkles
otd president


Registered: 10/13/12
Posts: 21,527
Loc: washington state
Last seen: 3 years, 16 days
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: Psilosopherr]
#24185172 - 03/23/17 05:13 AM (6 years, 10 months ago) |
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on a car that cranks and wont start there's three things I check... normally in this order. before anything make sure the car is in PARK, and not neutral or drive or something. I made that mistake once and made a friend drive 50 miles to come help me and the car wasn't in the right damn gear. god i felt so stupid. i had my boyfriend with me who was also stupid.
1... battery and battery connections & terminals. make sure they are on tight, and they are not cracked, or corroded.
(sometimes on very cold days the battery or starter will decide that they dont want to play anymore.)
if you determine the battery is in good working condition then move to the next thing.
2. hit the starter with a hammer. hit it a few times. That will usually do the trick. if the problem is the starter, mashing it with a hammer will work for a while. eventually it will stop working. if its a manual vehicle you can push to start it.
3. Air/fuel. Check for vacuume leaks. Any used car I get i automatically clean the IAC (idle air control valve) and EGR valves. They get clogged up with carbon and dont allow the car to breathe. It is not necessary to replace these parts, just clean them. I also get MAF cleaner and to improve fuel economy any way I can.
i troubleshoot fuel this way.... when you turn the key to "on" you will hear the fuel pump prime/come on. it shoots fuel into the whatever I forget, fuck. anyway. i pull off a fuel hose up near the engine then have a friend turn the key to "on". I will stand there with the fuel line and a jar. when they turn the key fuel will either spurt out or dribble (depending on if there is pressure or not) if it dribbles then its likely a fuel issue.
Edited by sprinkles (03/23/17 05:19 AM)
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NothingsChanged
Striving for Excellence



Registered: 05/28/11
Posts: 10,145
Loc: North/Western WA
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Re: Wanting to learn more about cars, but where to start? [Re: sprinkles]
#24188553 - 03/24/17 11:24 AM (6 years, 10 months ago) |
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I went through the same thing with a truck not in park. 6 months later. Well you know....
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