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 Fuses

Refer to the Automotive Lift Repair Orlando owner’s manual to find the fuse boxes in your vehicle, as they can be located in various places. Modern vehicles typically use blade-type fuses. The visible part of these fuses is plastic and color-coded. When removed, the fuse resembles a square letter “C,” with metal arms and a color-coded plastic back. This color-coding system, used since the early 1980s, indicates the amperage of the fuse. Older fuses are made of glass tubes.

 Testing Fuses

There are two methods to test a fuse: visually inspecting it or using a test light.

Automotive Lift Repair Orlando Visual Inspection:  

1. Take out the fuse by gently tugging on it. Never force anything! 

2. Look through the color-coded plastic to check if the element (center connection) is intact.

3. If the element is broken or there is black singe, the fuse is burnt out.

4. Only remove one fuse at a time to ensure easy replacement in the correct location. If multiple fuses are removed, refer to the owner’s manual for their correct placement.

Using a Automotive Lift Repair Orlando Test Light:  

1. Ground the black end of the test light to a clean, unpainted metal surface or the negative terminal of the battery.

2. Touch the pointed tip of the test light to the metal contacts on either side of the fuse’s plastic back.

3. The test light will indicate if the fuse is functioning properly.

Note: Not all fuses have power constantly. Perform the test with the ignition key turned to the “on” position and the headlights on. The crank fuse only has power when starting the engine and does not need testing unless the vehicle won’t crank.

 Belts & Hoses

 Belts

A squealing belt after starting the engine or while driving suggests a tension problem. Modern vehicles typically have automatic belt tensioners to maintain proper tension. Belt tension checking methods vary by make and model. Modern vehicles usually have one belt, while older vehicles have individual belts for each engine accessory (e.g., power steering, air conditioning, alternator). Refer to a workshop manual for the correct belt tension checking methods. You can also inspect belts visually and by touch for signs of cracking, fraying, or glazing (a shiny drive surface).

 Automotive Lift Repair Orlando Hoses

Inspect hoses visually and by touch for cracking, swelling, or leaks. When the engine is cool, squeeze the hoses to check for softness. Any variation in texture among hoses may indicate a problem.

A cooling system pressure tester can help detect leaks or swollen hoses. This tool, rentable from auto parts stores, comes with usage instructions. Attach it in place of the radiator cap and hand-pump while monitoring the gauge. Do not exceed the pressure limit indicated on the radiator cap, usually 16 psi for modern cars. Absolutely never open the radiator if the engine still happens to be hot.  

 Vehicle Lighting

Vehicle lighting includes various systems: instrument panel lighting, warning indicator lights, left and right turn signals, brake lights, hazard lights (which have a separate circuit from turn signals despite sharing the display), headlights and tail lights, front marker lights, license plate light, and cab and trunk lights. It’s easier and more efficient to check vehicle lighting with two people; for brake lights, two people are necessary.

 Automotive Lift Repair Orlando Instrument Panel Lighting

Instrument panel lighting illuminates the instrument cluster, including gauges, speedometer, and fuel gauge. To check this, turn on the headlights at night or in a dim garage. Ensure all gauges are clearly visible and there are no dark spots.

 Warning Indicator Lights

Warning indicator lights on the dashboard include the brake light, oil light, check engine light, anti-lock brake (ABS) light, airbag light, tire pressure monitor, engine temperature light, and more. When you turn the key to the “on” position without cranking the engine, all warning lights should turn on briefly (about a minute, but this varies). Once the engine is running, none of these lights should remain on (including the seat belt light, indicating you’re wearing your seat belt). If any light stays on, it indicates an issue with the corresponding system. The types and number of lights vary by vehicle make and model, with some vehicles featuring additional systems like traction control.

 Exterior Lighting

To check exterior lighting, turn the key to the “on” position (the engine doesn’t need to be running). Turn on the headlights and inspect all four corners of the vehicle. Both sides (right and left, or driver and passenger sides) should have the same number of illuminated bulbs, including two orange front marker lights, two tail lights, and a license plate light.

1. Turn Signals:

   – Turn on the left turn signal and check for blinking lights at the left front and left rear of the vehicle. Ensure all applicable Automotive Lift Repair Orlando bulbs, including those in the side rearview mirrors, are working. If the vehicle has a cornering lamp (a clear lamp that illuminates corners while turning), it should be lit but not blinking.

   – Repeat the process for the right turn signal, checking the right front and right rear of the vehicle.

   – If the turn signal indicator blinks rapidly or doesn’t blink at all, it indicates a failed bulb.

2. Brake Lights:

   – Checking brake lights requires two people. One person presses the brake pedal while the other inspects the rear of the vehicle to ensure all brake lights, including the high-mount brake light in the rear window (if present), are illuminating.

3. Hazard Lights:

   – Activate the hazard switch and check for flashing lights with an equal number of bulbs on all four corners. The hazard lights have a separate circuit from the turn signals, so it’s important to verify their functionality even if the turn signals are working correctly.

 Air Filter

Refer to the Automotive Lift Repair Orlando owner’s manual to locate the air filter. Once located, remove the air filter and inspect it for dirt and debris. Hold the filter up to a fluorescent light; if you can’t see light passing through, it needs to be replaced. When in doubt, replace the filter—it’s an inexpensive preventative measure that helps maintain fuel economy. 

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