How to Tune Up My Car or Truck Information Car Repair

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How To Repair / Tune Up- 1 / Tune Up- 2 / Tune Up- 3

How to Tune Up My Car or Truck

Most vehicles have ignition systems and a throttle bore. The vehicle's ignition system is the component that ignites the fuel air mixture inside the combustion chamber. When an ignition system fails, it can cause various symptoms such as stalling, rough engine under power, service engine light (check engine) and complete engine shut down. Be sure to keep your vehicle's engine and fuel system clean to assure the proper operation of your vehicle. The step by step instruction below is characteristic of today's ignition and air intake systems. Most vehicles today need a tune up every 35,000 to 65,000 miles depending on driving conditions. (READ COMPLETELY BEFORE STARTING!)

Step 1 of 8. Identify Throttle Bore (air intake plate and bore)

Most vehicles have an air intake system that will become clogged with air contaminants that the air filter can not keep out of the system. This condition is called "coking" and can cause stalling as well as variable idle condition and poor mileage. The throttle bore in this illustration has been cleaned for visual purposes. Usually the throttle bore and plate are coated with a dark light tar that needs to be cleaned with every tune up.

Step 2 of 8. Cleaning the Throttle Bore and Throttle Plate (air intake plate and bore)

Most vehicles have a throttle cable that can be held open to help with the cleaning procedure. Open the throttle bore and with a cleaning towel and cleaner, (rubbing alcohol works well) continue cleaning until the throttle bore and plate are clean.

Step 3 of 8. Identify Tune Up Components

Most vehicles have two kinds of ignition systems. The first is DIS (distributor less ignition system) and COS (coil over spark plug) no spark plug wires. If you can't identify which system you have, follow this link to get the right system for your car (Mitchel1). Confirm your vehicle to determine the tune up parts needed. A typical tune up includes spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, spark plug wires, distributor cap and ignition rotor. You must determine which parts are needed before you start.

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Required Tune Up Parts

Before starting determine which tune up parts are needed. Inspect the particular system on your car or truck then purchase the appropriate parts to complete the job.

Purchase - Spark Plugs - A spark plug will last between 20,000 and 60,000 miles depending on the style of spark plug that is required by your specific vehicle. The spark plug is the firing point in which the electricity is past through a gap to ignite the fuel/air mixture inside the engine (combustion chamber).

Purchase - Spark Plug Wires - Spark plug wires need to be changed every time a tune up is performed. With today's ignition systems, the running voltage and amperage is higher than ever; even more reason to service your spark plugs wires before they burn out and cause a misfire.

Purchase - Ignition Rotor - An ignition rotor is used to relay the electrical spark from the ignition coil to the terminals on the distributor cap and then on the sparkplug wires and eventually to the spark plugs. Some cars and trucks do not use a ignition rotor so inspect your vehicle before you start.

Purchase - Fuel Filter - Fuel filters will last up to 5,000 miles or more depending on the type of driving you do. If you live in a dusty area like the desert or if there is extreme moister in your area, you can expect to change your fuel, oil and air filter more often. Make sure to replace your fuel filter at regular intervals to insure the safety of your vehicles fuel injection system.

Purchase - Distributor Cap - A distributor cap is the component that allows the ignition spark from the ignition coil and separates it into the individual spark plugs as it rotates inside the ignition distributor. Some cars and trucks do not use a ignition rotor so inspect your vehicle before you start.

Purchase - Air Filter - Air filters will last up to 3,000 miles or more depending on the type of driving you do. If you live in a dusty area like the desert or if there is extreme moister you can expect to change your oil and oil filter more often. Make sure to inspect your oil level at regular intervals to insure the safety of the internal parts system of your vehicle. To inspect or change your air filter follow the instructions above.

Purchase - Oil Filter - Oil filters will last up to 3,000 miles or more depending on the type of driving you do. Different oil types, like synthetic, give you more mileage between services. If you don't know when the last oil change was on your vehicle and would like to determine were you stand, remove the oil level inductor and check the clarity of the oil. If it is light colored like tea, you are ok. If it is dark like Coke, it is time for service. We recommend top quality oil filters and motor oils for you car or truck.

Also see:

Additional "How to" Car Repair or Services

1.How to Replace Air Filter
2.How to Change a Cabin filter
3.How to Change Oil and Filter
4.How to Tune Up with Throttle Bore Service
5.How to Replace a Radiator
6.How to Replace Fuel Filter
7.How to Read Trouble Codes
8.How Filters Work
9.How to Replace Front Brake Pads
10.How to Replace Rear Brake Pads

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