Changing Automatic Transmission Fluid In A Dodge Truck

Changing the ATF is just as important as changing the oil... the main difference is the service interval.

Transmission service isn't difficult: Just drop the pan, swap the filter, install the pan with a new gasket and add new fluid. But read the whole story first...

Rear End Maintenance:

Changing Rear Differential Fluid

It doesn't need to be done very often, but the heavy gear oil in the differential should be drained and refilled every few years.

How To Replace A Car Battery

Actually, it's a good idea to remove the battery every year or two and clean it.

A dirty battery can drain itself down over time. Dirt and oil on the battery case can let a small electric current flow between the positive and negative terminals that can slowly discharge a battery.

Charge Light On:

Replacing An Alternator

When the electrical system voltage measures only 12 volts with the car running, it's a sure sign of alternator failure. A properly-functioning alternator should produce around 14 volts.

Heater Fan Doesn't Work On Every Speed - Replacing The Blower Motor Resistor On A '93 Dodge Dakota

When the AC / heater blower works only on a few speeds, the problem is NOT in the switch, it's not even behind the dashboard... it's in the speed-reducing blower motor resistor in the engine compartment. It's a cheap and easy fix.

How To Replace A Car Battery

Actually, it's a good idea to remove the battery every year or two and clean it.

A dirty battery can drain itself down over time. Dirt and oil on the battery case can let a small electric current flow between the positive and negative terminals that can slowly discharge a battery.

Replacing Worn Front Wheel Bearings -
GM 4x4 Truck / SUV

The wheel bearings on GM's light trucks are similar to front-wheel-drive cars, and the bearings are sealed inside a hub assembly which must be replaced.

The trick to this repair is buying a really big socket for the really big nut on the front axle.

Removing The Valve Body On A
'93 Dodge Dakota

To fix a broken gear shift detent mechanism, the valve body needs to be removed. I found the cause of the problem and fixed it for nothing more than the price of a fluid change.

Replace Shock Absorbers On A 1999 GMC Jimmy or Chevy Blazer

When shocks leak oil or let the vehicle bounce excessively on bumps, it's time to replace them.

• Replacing Front Shocks
• Replacing Rear Shocks (shown)

Replacing The Air Temperature Blend Door On A 2006 Chevy Equinox

When the heat stopped working, we discovered the problem was a broken plastic "flapper" buried deep inside the dash. The repair involved removing almost the entire dashboard. It was a long job, but not difficult.

• Removing the center console bezel.
• Removing the glove box.

Repainting An Old Flaky Dodge

For years the paint had been peeling off the roof and doors of my Dodge Dakota.

As a complete amateur, I repainted the cab of this truck, and the resuts were decent. I started by tearing the body apart...

Read the Quick Tour.

Broken Pickup Tailgate Straps:
Fix Instead Of Replace -
'96 Dodge Dakota

Instead of paying $24 each to replace broken tailgate support cables, I patched them for five bucks a pair.