Your car won't start. You have a dead battery. We know, it's a pain! You'd like to pull it out and get it checked at an auto parts store or maybe even replace it—and you want to do it yourself to save ...

Do not disconnect the positive (+) battery cable first! A slip of the wrench here creates a direct short to ground. Think instantaneous arc welder. The negative () cable is the ground cable; it is ...

Automotive maintenance is primarily about taking things apart and putting them back together. Sometimes that involves nuts and bolts, sometimes it involves gaskets, and other times it involves wires ...

Swapping a car battery might seem like one of those basic maintenance tasks you can do blindfolded until sparks start flying, your stereo forgets who you are, and your car throws a tantrum. Most ...

Jesse Rodriguez, Las Vegas, NV. I have a 1970 Mustang hardtop that has been in the family for a long time and now I'm getting my turn at it. My dad used to race it at the drags so we got it running ...

Before disconnecting the battery cables on cars with alarms or theft-deterrent radios, know the manufacturer’s code. You’ll need it to restart the system, says “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to ...

Q: Can I use my 12-volt power pack, via the cigarette lighter socket, to supply power while I change batteries? If the lighter socket is key activated, can I turn on the key while I change the battery ...

If you’re planning a vacation or looking to get away and perhaps escape a frigid winter, there’s one thing you should never forget to do to your car before you leave. If you do happen to forget, it ...