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Is your old car remote broken, lost, or malfunctioning? This article will show you a quick way to replace your old car remote and save you a lot of money in the process. In this method, a key fob is used to program the remote to your car. This process should work for various GM vehicles from 2005-2012, including models such as Aura, Grand Prix Lacrosse, and Malibu.     1     Enter your vehicle. Work will be done on the driver’s side.     2     Locate the OBD2 Port. This port is located underneath the steering wheel.     3     Close the door you entered through. Make sure all the other doors are closed as well before proceeding.     4     Insert car key into the ignition. Turn the key till the odometer lights turn on. Do not start the engine.     5     Insert the key fob into the port. You only have two minutes to complete the following steps; otherwise the session will time out.     6     Wait for a chime or red light. Once you hear or see it, the remote is ready to be programmed

CB (or Citizens Band) radio is a type of radio that transmits signals on a channel shared by other CB radios. It transmits and receives using Amplitude Modulation (AM).Their use and popularity peaked during the 1970s, although they're still used by hobbyists today.[1] Many CB radios in use are hooked up in cars, but are mostly used still by semi-trucks. However, with a basic antenna setup and some thoughtful tweaking, you can have a powerful CB radio for use at home. Installing a CB Radio     1     Purchase the basic supplies.[2] Although CB radios are no longer in fashion, you can purchase one at most electronics hardware stores and truck stops. While a radio will be the most important part of your shopping trip, there are some other thing you'll want to look into picking up as well.         The radio itself. Most CB radios are 4 Watts and under by default. A microphone should come with the radio package.[3]         An antenna. The antenna is the most important part of

Many Acura navigation owners don't like their startup screen. This article should be interesting to all Acura navigation owners who want to change the startup screen of the navigation. The actual navigation system of Acura is an Alpine unit running Windows CE on a SH-4 processor. There is the program called Dumpnavi which will pull out and modify the files contained in a .BIN file located on the Acura Navigation DVD-ROM. Some of the things that can be done by this program are changing the background picture to your own personal image, removing the words "Navigation Screen" at the beginning screen, and change some of the words that pop up.     1     Stop the car and turn on the navigation system.     2     Wait until you can see the main screen.     3     Hold down the "MAP/GUIDE", "MENU", and "CANCEL" buttons about 3-5 seconds at the main screen.     4     Wait until the Selected Diagnosis Items screen comes up.     5     Press the "

A tachometer is used to indicate the revolutions per minute (RPM) being performed by a car engine. Most cars with automatic transmissions are not equipped with a tachometer, since a tachometer is mostly used to indicate visually when it's time to shift gears. If your car doesn't have one, it's a good way to keep an eye on your engine speed. See Step 1 for more information. Getting Started     1     Get a tachometer and splicing connectors. You can either buy a tachometer new, which usually run somewhere between $30 and $50, or salvage on old one for relatively cheap and install it into your car.         The only other specialty item you'll need to complete the job is a package of quick-splice connectors, which are usually only a few dollars at the auto part store. The wires are about 16-18 gauge usually, so get connectors of the appropriate size.     2     Adjust the tachometer for the number of cylinders in your engine. New tachometers may be set to work on 4-, 6-

Today, more automobiles are being sold or upgraded with high-tech components than ever before. Trucks are manufactured with everything from CD players to DVD players to factory installed voice-operated cell phone. Forefront among these devices is the popular remote keyless entry system, which allows operators to open truck doors from a distance using a remote control. Here are a few steps to follow when installing a remote keyless entry in your truck.     1     Decide what features are needed. Before you investigate further, decide what features will work best for you. Key entry systems can be for the driver's side door only, or they can be for all passenger doors. Make sure you know which system is right for you.     2     Research models of entry systems online. Different models will have different features, but be prepared to spend more on more popular or praised systems. Check different websites and discussion boards dealing with both keyless entry systems and your s

If your 2002-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee did NOT come equipped from the factory with a navigation system radio, you can install the factory RB1 navigation radio in place of your Jeep's factory radio. The installation is plug-and-play, and does NOT take much effort to install. Here is how to do it and save money by NOT paying the dealer labor to install it.     1     Start by using a pry tool to pry the radio bezel surrounding your Jeep's factory radio out from the dashboard. Set it aside, you'll need it later.     2     Your Jeep's factory radio is held in by four (4) Philips-head screws. Remove them and set them aside, you'll need them later.     3     Remove the dashboard tweeter bezel by using a pry tool and set it aside. You'll be reinstalling it later.     4     Remove your Jeep's factory radio from the dashboard and disconnect the wiring harnesses, CD changer cable, and radio antenna. Set your Jeep's factory radio aside.     5     Run the wiring pl

Speeding tickets can be an expensive way for drivers to learn that they must slow down. As a result, many drivers have rely on a radar detector to give them advance warning of police activity to avoid a speeding ticket. Radar detectors are small devices mounted in a car to alert drivers whenever a police radar beam passes over their car. Radar detectors listen for broadcasts on the band frequencies that police radar guns use (X, K, or Ka) and give an audible warning and flash a light to alert drivers to slow down. The intensity of the alarm increases with the proximity of the radar beam. Radar detectors come with a variety of options such as cordless models, those that have voice-alert messages, dash-mounted, or high-tech stealth models. You can learn how to install a radar detector in your car, but keep in mind that high-tech stealth model installations can be very involved and should be installed by a professional.     1     Learn the laws concerning radar detectors in your state

CB radios are recommended for a lot of off-road groups, as well as traditional uses. There are many ways to install this; the way presented here offers a cheap and effective way to do this if you are pressed for time and money, and use your CB radio infrequently.     1     Select a CB radio. For this exercise, the smallest Cobra was selected. It sells for about USD$35 at Walmart Online. You will also probably find it in local shops from $50-$60. There are other radios from Midland, Radioshack with similar dimensions. (Prices as at Sept 2007, feel free to update.)     2     Select a suitable location. A good location would be under the AC controls alongside of the cigarette lighter. When taking the plastic off you’ll see that you’d have to cut into the wall behind the plastic, it’s not deep enough to fit the radio. It’s possible but not quick, and the mic cord would be in the way of the transfer case shifter. Other ideas:         On YouTube, there’s a video where someone mounted it b

Using the Keyless Entry feature for a Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer can be a convenient feature. However, if you forget your personal code it can be a challenge to get into your car without damaging it. There are a few cheap and easy ways to retrieve the 5-digit factory code without any tools or automotive expertise. Whether simply using the owner’s manual or locating the Remote Anti-theft Personality (RAP) Module, you will need the factory code to set a new 5-digit personal code. Using the Owner’s Manual     1     Look for the factory code. Whether you’re the sole owner or have a pre owned car, the Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer will come with a factory code and owner’s manual. It is recommended that a new owner change the original five-digit factory code. Hopefully, you have kept the factory code in a safe place.[1]         The 5 digit security code is usually in the glove department if you have not moved the owner’s wallet card.     2     Enter the factory code. Fi

Depending on where you live, radar detectors may or may not be legal. Radar detectors are considered by many to be an essential tool for those who just love to drive. They work by picking up any radar signals in the area, such as those from the radar guns that police officers use to detect if a car is speeding. Here's how to have a radar detector installed in your vehicle. Decide on a Type of Radar Detector     1     Consider a remote mounted detector.         Remote mounted radar detectors are typically more expensive than the traditional units that are mounted on dashboards. These radar detectors are more difficult to detect if you're in a place where they are illegal as the detector unit is usually mounted inside the dashboard. This unit is also not visible to thieves. Remote mounted radar detectors should always be installed by a professional as the unit will need to be placed inside the dash.     2     Consider a corded detector.         These are the most common of a

"LoJack" is the trade name for a wireless radio transponder the size of a deck of cards that can be installed in a motor vehicle, either at the time of purchase or at a later time, to discourage the vehicle from being stolen. When a LoJack-equipped car is reported stolen, the police activate LoJack's inaudible tracking signal, which can penetrate tunnel and garage walls, ship containers, and dense foliage. If you're planning to buy a new car, you may want to consider buying a LoJack system.     1     Know whether LoJack coverage is available in your area. LoJack's radio signal requires special computer equipment to be tracked; not all police departments have the appropriate equipment. A list of counties within states where LoJack coverage is available is given at http://www.lojack.com/Buy-LoJack-Products/Check-Coverage, and is also available by calling 1-800-456-5225 (1-800-4-LoJack).         The telephone list is usually more current than the website list.    

The LoJack system consists of a wireless radio transponder the size of a deck of cards that is installed in a motor vehicle and activated by the police to track and recover the vehicle when it is reported stolen. The LoJack's signal is powerful enough to transmit through walls, dense foliage, and ship containers. LoJack is available for new cars and motorcycles through authorized LoJack dealers, but you can also get LoJack for a car you already own. Here's how.     1     Know whether LoJack coverage is available in your area. The LoJack radio signal requires special computer equipment for tracking; not all police departments are equipped to track the LoJack radio signal. A list of counties within states where LoJack coverage is available is available by calling 1-800-456-5225 (1-800-4-LoJack).         The telephone list is usually more current than the list on the website.     2     Know the age of your car. LoJack makes different systems for cars built before 1985 (classic

A car television system consists of 1 or more television screens that are installed directly in the car in order to provide on-the-road audiovisual entertainment. It is not unusual for new cars to come with factory installed mobile video systems, but if you have a vehicle without a television system, you may choose to purchase your own and have it installed. When you shop for a car television, you will find that there are many different styles, manufacturers and installations to choose from. In order to choose the best system for your needs, automobile and budget, follow these guidelines for how to compare tv systems for your car before you buy.     1     Make a list of the features that you want for your car tv system. Prioritize the importance of each feature on your list.         Monitors. You may choose to have just 1 monitor or multiple monitors.         Installation location(s). Common installation options include headrest monitors, center console monitors, sun visor monitors,

A car video system is a configuration of monitors, a video player and an audio component that is installed in a vehicle for the purpose of providing on-the-road visual entertainment. On occasion, a new car may come with a factory installed video system. However, if your car does not have a video system and you desire one, you may opt to purchase it and have it installed yourself. Car video systems come with a variety of features options, one being monitors that are installed in the headrests. If you are interested in a video system with headrest monitors for your car, you can find one by following these instructions.     1     Decide what features you want your car video system to have. You may choose from the following options, among others, and the features you choose will impact the cost and installation approach of your system.         Screen style. When it comes to your car video screen, you have a variety of things to consider. Depending on the size of your headrests, you may

The simplest way to deactivate OnStar is to unsubscribe from the service, but doing so will not disable the system completely. To do that, you will need to remove the fuse or manually disconnect the OnStar control box. Unsubscribe     1     Contact OnStar. If you want to cancel your OnStar service immediately, you will need to contact the company and speak with an adviser.[1]         The simplest way to speak with an adviser is to press the blue button on the OnStar system installed in your vehicle.         Alternatively, you can contact OnStar by phone by calling: 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).         After contacting OnStar, the adviser you speak with should be able to guide you through the process of canceling your service. You may need to provide certain information during the process, including contact information, billing information, and information about your vehicle.         Note that you cannot cancel your service online.     2     Wait for your subscription to expire.

Buying a remote car starter can be an overwhelming experience if you don’t know what you’re looking for. How should you choose a remote car starter? Look for the features that are most important to you. Would you like to be able to start a vehicle that is usually parked across the street? Do you live in an extremely cold climate? Are you interested in a starter system that includes keyless entry? These are all important questions you’ll need to address. Know Your Car's Requirements     1     Read the warranty information on both your vehicle and the remote starter system.         Many companies will guarantee the remote starter for as long as you own the vehicle. While the system is under a warranty, the remote itself is rarely warranted for more than a year or two, so find out what the remote replacement cost will be.     2     Check with your current vehicle warranty information. A dealer cannot void a warranty if equipment is added. It is against the law. The dealer can howev

Having access to movies and videos while on the road can provide a mode of entertainment for passengers in your car. Watching television while in your car is possible as long as you already have access to satellite reception. You do need to have a good monitor to enhance the overall viewing experience. There are several types and styles of monitors available on the market, including models that can be permanently installed as well as portable models. Here are some suggestions on how to choose a monitor for satellite TV reception in your car.     1     Select a backseat headrest monitor if you want to mount and permanently install units within the headrests. This format will provide multiple monitors in your car for each passenger in the back seats. Backseat headrest monitors tend to be smaller and usually do not include the option of a DVD player, which is installed separately in a different region of the car.     2     Go for the overhead, flip-down monitor if you want to install

Car navigation systems are helpful in finding a desired location while driving. The effectiveness of these units can be enhanced by storing as many readily available maps as possible, but the maps take up memory storage space in the car navigation system. The ability of the navigation system to hold large amounts of map data can be enhanced by attaching optional memory modules to the navigation system. Use these tips to learn how to buy an optional memory module for your car navigation system.     1     Determine the need for more memory for the car navigation system.         Consult the owner's manual for the car navigation system. Find the listed free memory space of the car navigation system. Note that the owner's manual of the car navigation system may list total memory space. The total memory space is not important to determine because the operating system of the car navigation system will occupy much of that space. The amount of free memory space available in the car n