Replacing brake lamp on 98 Toyota Camry

This is a vehicle that lost its brake lamp due to a minor crash from the rear. I bought the required lamps from Auto shop and have replaced the bulb as mentioned below.

Detailed pictures:

http://picasaweb.google.com/satyadev101/ToyotaCamry98#

1. Open the trunk, locate the plastic cover which is fixed to the inside of trunk with plastic screws. You need a star screw driver to remove this cover (Picture 2 on the picasa album).
2. After removing the plastic cover, you can locate the lamp holder, twist it easily and remove it from the brake lamp box (Picture 3 on the picasa album).
3. Remove the older lamp by gently pulling it and replace it with a new one (Picture 4 on the picasa album).
4. Check if the brake lamp is working by applying the brakes on your vehicle, once confirmed follow the same steps in reassembling the bulb holder and the plastic protective cover.

It only took me around 10 mins to do this repair.

Replacing lamps on your car isn't difficult. Mail me if you need any info.

Oil leak from Engine valve cover

I was regularly noticing the oil spill out of the valve gasket cover and was told by the mechanic that I need a new gasket. I have removed the valve cover and noticed that the gasket is in a good shape and didn't need any replacement. I have cleaned the gasket, reassembled the valve cover and applied little extra torque on the bolts. No more leaks.

If you have a similar leak situation on your car and would like to repair it and need some help, then mail me and I would share additional information along with pictures.

Replacing thermostat on 2000 Mazda 626

Recently my coolant temperature has been going beyond the max limits and my coolant has been evaporating, engine check light came on . If I switch off the AC and turn the heater on, then the temperature reduces but far away from normal. I bought a thermostat, necessary tools and repaired my vehicle as stated below.

• Locate the radiator, coolant hose coming from the below of the radiator to the engine and air filter.
  
  
  

• Remove the electrical connections closer to the air filter.
• Unbolt the nuts of the air filter, Disconnect the air filter from the engine,removing the air filter gives space for easy removal of thermostat.
• Disconnect the radiator hose coming from the radiator to the inlet of the engine, you would be needing a bowl or bucket to avoid coolant being spilled onto the floor.
• There is a small steel pipe which connects the radiator hose and the thermostat housing, this steel pipe is attached to the engine housing with two 12mm bolts. These 2 bolts needs to be removed.
• Thermostat housing comes with two 12mm bolts, thermostat could be located once the thermostat housing is removed.
• Remove the old thermostat, replace it with a new one, ensure the seals are placed on the thermostat and the thermostat housing.
• Reassemble all the parts as per the list, fill up the coolant tank with enough coolant to compensate the loss of coolant.
• Start the engine and notice if the coolant temperature is showing as normal.
  

Reset the car computer to clear the engine light on, I got this done through Jiffy lubes. I have more pictures to show component's in detail. Mail me and I can explain more in detail.