BackYardMechanic – Automotive Repair Tutorials, How-To Information for DIY Mechanics

Ford 2.3L EcoBoost Engine Firing Order, Cylinder Location, Bank-1 and Bank-2

The Ford 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder is a popular turbo inline-4 and it was used from 2015 to 2026. This engine can be mounted transverse (sideways) or longitudinal (straight). Cylinder numbering starts in a different place depending on the mount, so match the layout for your vehicle before swapping coils. The coil and injector numbering is… Read More: Ford 2.3L EcoBoost Engine Firing Order, Cylinder Location, Bank-1 and… »

How To Change an Air Filter for a Kia Spectra (2005-2009)

Replacing the intake air filter on a 2005-2009 Kia Spectra falls in the Do-It-Yourself category and is an easy task to do. Most car intake air filters are replaced every 15,000 – 30,000 miles. Of course, the environment will make a big difference how often it should be changed. For example, if you live and… Read More: How To Change an Air Filter for a Kia Spectra… »

Our Picks for Best 12 Volt Portable Car Window Defroster

Having a portable window heater defroster on colds days can be very handy to have. There are many units available most of which are 12 volt defrosters that sit on the dashboard. One thing to keep in mind is that 12-volt systems don’t put out a lot of energy and so can be slow when… Read More: Our Picks for Best 12 Volt Portable Car Window Defroster »

Guide: Dodge Neon Thermostat Replacement (1999-2005)

Changing out a second generation Dodge Neon thermostat is a straight forward task that definitely falls in the DIY category. A bad thermostat will cause a Dodge Neon or any car to overheat and needs replaced when bad. As always call a mechanic if you don’t feel comfortable working on your own car. Only a… Read More: Guide: Dodge Neon Thermostat Replacement (1999-2005) »

How To Replace Front Toyota Corolla Brake Pads (2010-2019)

Replacing the brake pads on a 2010-2019 Toyota Corolla falls in the DIY backyard mechanic type of job. They are not difficult to replace but if in doubt be sure to call a professional. Note: This job fits the 2010-2019 Corolla sedan. The 2019 Corolla Hatchback uses different front pads. Items Needed To Replace Front… Read More: How To Replace Front Toyota Corolla Brake Pads (2010-2019) »

How To Replace 2012 Toyota Corolla Fuel Pump (2010-2013)

Replacing the fuel pump on a 2012 (2010-2013) Toyota Corolla is a straight forward job that falls in the DIY category. Of course, if in doubt be sure to call a professional. A failing pump often shows as a no start, a tank whine, or low fuel pressure. Be sure to take all the necessary… Read More: How To Replace 2012 Toyota Corolla Fuel Pump (2010-2013) »

Review: KW680 OBDII Automotive Car Truck Engine Scan Tool

A video review is at the bottom of the post. The KW680 OBDII automotive scan tool is a popular low-cost unit. It can read and clear a vehicles engine codes and is easy to use which makes it a good unit for home users or backyard mechanics. *This unit was sent to me to review… Read More: Review: KW680 OBDII Automotive Car Truck Engine Scan Tool »

How To Connect an OBD2 WiFi Dongle to an Android Smartphone or Tablet

How To Connect a OBD2 WiFi Dongle to an Android Step 8

OBD2 Bluetooth WiFi dongles have become very popular since they are low-cost devices and work well. There are many to choose from with most using the Torque App or similar with a smartphone. One of the more frustrating things is using one and getting no Bluetooth or WiFi Device Selected error code. Below are the… Read More: How To Connect an OBD2 WiFi Dongle to an Android… »

How To Use a Smartphone and OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter To Monitor Your Car

Using a Bluetooth scan tool with the OBD2 port in a car or truck allows you to read the vehicles information and give you the data in real-time. The adapter is paired with your smartphone and plugs in under your dash of your car into the computer OBD2 port. It reads the data from your… Read More: How To Use a Smartphone and OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter To… »

How To Replace the Air Conditioner Cabin Filter on a 2001-2005 Passat

There are several components of an air conditioning system in a 2001-2005 VW Passat with the cabin air filter being one of them. If your A/C system is not blowing cold air properly the filter may be dirty and unable to let air pass through the system. The cabin air filter keeps out debris from… Read More: How To Replace the Air Conditioner Cabin Filter on a… »

How to Replace a Fuel Filter / Pressure Regulator on a Dodge Neon (1999 – 2005)

I had a second generation 2003 Dodge Neon that had very long start times. It would crank for 5-10 seconds before it started. After reading through the forums I found that Neon’s have a Pressure Regulator which is also a fuel filter that keeps the gas pressure in lines when the car is turned off.… Read More: How to Replace a Fuel Filter / Pressure Regulator on… »

How To Replace a Thermostat on a 2000-2004 VW Passat

Replacing a car thermostat is an easy straight forward tack that most DIY mechanics can do. A 2000-2004 Volkswagen Passat with a 1.8 Liter turbo (1.8T) engine is no different with most able to replace it with moderate skills. Below is my experience at replacing the thermostat. The most difficult part is the placement the… Read More: How To Replace a Thermostat on a 2000-2004 VW Passat »

Top Ten Must Have Tools For Mechanics

Being a mechanic and buying tools is a never ending process. Many think that like other trades a few tools are bought and that is it. In reality, as many beginner mechanics will find out, is that after the basic tools are bought there is always one more tool needed. Often, a tool will bee… Read More: Top Ten Must Have Tools For Mechanics »

How To Check and Add Power Steering Fluid VW Passat (1998 – 2005)

How To Check and Add Power Steering Fluid Passat 1998 – 2005 Level

Checking the power steering fluid on a 1998 – 2005 VW Passat is not difficult and falls in the do-it-yourself category. A special type of steering fluid is needed so be sure not to use any other fluid type. Note: Do not use ATF or generic power steering fluid. After reading online and asking around… Read More: How To Check and Add Power Steering Fluid VW Passat… »

What is an OBDII Scan Tool?

An OBDII scan tool can read and erase engine error codes from a vehicles computer that the engine has given. A vehicle engine problem is often displayed to a driver with the dashboard engine light. Cars and trucks today all have an onboard computer (ECM, PCM) that controls the vehicles engine and will get an… Read More: What is an OBDII Scan Tool? »

Review: OBDII WiFi Diagnostic Scan Tool for Smartphone Android or IOS

OBDII WiFi adapters for cars and trucks that send information to a smartphone have become very popular. They are low-cost units that can read and clear basic engine codes like a basic standalone OBDII unit at a much lower cost. They are also simple to use with many Apps available for both Android and Apple… Read More: Review: OBDII WiFi Diagnostic Scan Tool for Smartphone Android or… »

Review: Launch CReader 5001 CAN OBD2 Scanner Full OBDII/EOBD Function with O2 Sensor Test

The Launch CReader 5001 is a stand alone OBDII scan tool with a lot of built-in functions. OBDII is a set of protocols that work with most any vehicle from 1996 and newer. Besides reading the basic OBDII engine codes it also has a lot of extras such as Real Time Data and 02 Senser… Read More: Review: Launch CReader 5001 CAN OBD2 Scanner Full OBDII/EOBD Function… »

Review: Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles

The Autel MaxiScan MS300 is a low-cost diagnostic scan tool code reader for vehicles 1996 and newer. Since it a low-cost OBDII scan tool this makes it ideal for those on a budget, just don’t expect all the extra features an expensive model would have. Pros It will display the error codes for almost any… Read More: Review: Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII… »

Review: Audew Portable Emergency Vehicle Battery Jump Starter Power Bank

The Audew is an Emergency Power Bank with a vehicle Battery Jump Starter that is easy to store away until needed. This makes it a good unit in many scenarios from camping to simply storing away in the trunk for an emergency battery boost. It can charge smartphones and tablets over USB, and can power… Read More: Review: Audew Portable Emergency Vehicle Battery Jump Starter Power Bank »

How to Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2013 Toyota Camry

How to Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2019 Toyota Camry

Replacing the headlight bulb on a 2011-2013 Toyota Camry is an easy task that falls in the DIY category. There are two bulbs located inside the headlight assembly called Low and High beam. The Low beam bulb is on the outside while the High beam bulb is on the inside. Both bulbs are located behind… Read More: How to Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2013 Toyota Camry »

How to Replace Headlight Bulb 2009-2014 Toyota Corolla

Replacing a bad headlight bulb in a 2009-2014 Toyota Corolla is a very simple DIY task. Of course, if in doubt call a knowledgeable friend or a professional. There are two headlight bulbs located in the headlight assembly called the Low-Beam and High-Beam. The outside bulb is Low-Beam and the inside bulb is for High-Beams.… Read More: How to Replace Headlight Bulb 2009-2014 Toyota Corolla »

How To Spray On Bed Liner Into a Truck Bed DIY

Spray On Bed Liner is very popular since it has a good look, is very durable, and falls into the DIY category. This makes it perfect for many trucks that need the bed liner protected and also look good at the same time. While a truck can be take to an auto body shop to… Read More: How To Spray On Bed Liner Into a Truck Bed… »

How To Replace a Headlight Bulb Toyota Camry 2007-2011

Replacing a Headlight Bulb on a Toyota Camry 2007-2011 is an easy task that most any DIYer can do. There are 3 bulbs with the inner one the high beam and the center one the low beam. The outer one is the turn signal. The inner and center headlight bulbs are replaced the same way… Read More: How To Replace a Headlight Bulb Toyota Camry 2007-2011 »

How to Repair Rusted or Damaged Metal: Panel Fabricating

When a dent is so badly damaged it cannot be pulled out it must be cut out and removed. There are some cases where rust is also so bad that it cannot be repaired and it too needs cut out. If you find yourself in need of a major repair on your vehicles body! Then… Read More: How to Repair Rusted or Damaged Metal: Panel Fabricating »

Review: Launch 6001 OBDII Code Reader with O2 Sensor Test and On-Board Monitor Test

The Launch 6001 is a handheld OBDII scan tool that hooks up to most any vehicle and displays the problem it is having. All vehicles built after 1996 have an OBDII port that can connect to a scan tool and give information, such as why an engine light is on. An OBD2 connector is usually… Read More: Review: Launch 6001 OBDII Code Reader with O2 Sensor Test… »

Causes and Fixes of a P0442 Code

If you have a car or truck with a P0442 code, the onboard computer (ECM/PCM) is reading a problem with the evaporative emission system (EVAP). The P0442 points to a small leak in the EVAP system. Note: EVAP leaks often do not change how the car drives. The check engine light and a failed emissions… Read More: Causes and Fixes of a P0442 Code »

Review: TT TOPDON ArtiBattery 101 Digital Automotive Battery Analyzer Tester

Review TT TOPDON ArtiBattery 101 Digital 12 Volt Battery Tester

Testing a car or truck battery health can be done a few ways with most using a multi-meter to check the voltage. If more information is needed on the state of a 12-volt automotive battery, testers can be used which give much more information. One such unit is the TT TOPDON ArtiBattery 101 which can… Read More: Review: TT TOPDON ArtiBattery 101 Digital Automotive Battery Analyzer Tester »

Toyota Lexus 4.6L (1UR-FE) V8 Engine Firing Order, Cylinder Location, Bank-1 and Bank-2

The Toyota and Lexus 4.6L (1UR-FE) V8 is a popular engine and it was used from 2005 to 2023. The coil and injector numbering is the same as the cylinder numbering. Coil 1 and injector 1 are both cylinder 1. Vehicles That Have the Toyota Lexus 4.6L (1UR-FE) Engine Option 2005-2011 Lexus GS 460 (Middle… Read More: Toyota Lexus 4.6L (1UR-FE) V8 Engine Firing Order, Cylinder Location,… »

How to Replace Headlight Bulb 2014 GMC Sierra

Replacing a headlight bulb on a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 is a solid DIY job. The driver side is the easy one. The passenger side is tighter and usually needs the air box pulled for room. These steps cover the common halogen projector setup on the 2014-2018 Sierra 1500 (K2XX). If your truck has factory… Read More: How to Replace Headlight Bulb 2014 GMC Sierra »

How To Change an Air Filter for a (2000-2005) Dodge Neon

How To Change a Air Filter for a 2005 Dodge Neon (2000-2005)

On a 2000-2005 Dodge Neon, the engine air filter sits in a plastic airbox on the driver side of the engine bay. Chrysler’s normal schedule calls for replacing the element about every 30,000 miles. If you drive in dust, dirt roads, or heavy pollen, inspect it sooner and change it when it looks packed. This… Read More: How To Change an Air Filter for a (2000-2005) Dodge… »

Honda 1.5L Engine Firing Order, Cylinder Location, Bank-1 and Bank-2

The Honda 1.5L 4-cylinder covers popular family codes including the D15, L15A, L15B, and L15B7 Earth Dreams turbo. It was a popular engine and it shows up on models from the early 1980s into current model years. The coil and injector numbering is the same as the cylinder numbering. Coil 1 and injector 1 are… Read More: Honda 1.5L Engine Firing Order, Cylinder Location, Bank-1 and Bank-2 »

How to Replace the Fuel Filter on a 2004 Volkswagen Passat (1998 – 2005)

Fuel Pump location on a 1998 2004 Volkswagen Passat

On a gasoline 1998-2005 Volkswagen Passat (B5 / B5.5), the fuel filter is an inline metal can under the car on the passenger side, just ahead of the right rear tire. You do not drop the tank for this job. Drop the rear undertray, swap the filter, and put new hose clamps on while you… Read More: How to Replace the Fuel Filter on a 2004 Volkswagen… »

Review: Launch CReader 4001 Diagnostic OBD2 Scan Tool

This unit was sent to me to review with my honest opinion and results below. The Launch CReader 4001 is a basic OBD2 scan tool. It is not fancy looking, but it makes up for that with solid beginner features. I am used to nice packaging and looks on tools I buy. The 4001 looks… Read More: Review: Launch CReader 4001 Diagnostic OBD2 Scan Tool »

What is a Good Electric Orbital Sander for Auto Body Work?

If you are a professional auto body repairman, using an electric sander will be unthinkable. But what if you are a do-it-yourself at home person that wants to do bodywork? Can an electric orbital sander be used to do auto bodywork? The short answer is yes they can be used. I have seen many at… Read More: What is a Good Electric Orbital Sander for Auto Body… »

How To Remove a GM or Chevy Power Steering Pump Pulley the Easiest Way

On most GM and Chevy power steering pumps the pulley is press-fit on the shaft. You cannot just unbolt it and slide it off. Prying with screwdrivers or a 3-jaw gear puller often bends the pulley or damages the pump. The right specialty puller saves time and parts. I have pulled, bent, and even broken… Read More: How To Remove a GM or Chevy Power Steering Pump… »