Edmunds Answers questions

How many times per year is it recommended that I clean my leather seats?

blackadder5639 — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 15:16:58 GMT

I've had my Protege with leather seats for more than a year. During that time, I've never cleaned the seats and I don't think the previous owner did. I learnt recently about leather cleaners and conditioners.....I just bought some and I'm about to clean my seats. It would be interesting to know how often I should clean the leather. Once a year? Twice a year? What are the best times to clean? Thanks for the help!

2003 Lexus GS 430 has horrible wind noise on Passenger side...feel air coming in between dashboard and window....

tex2007 — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 13:35:36 GMT

Lexus GS 430 has 60k mi. and is a wonderful car with the exeption of the wind noise/air leak around side of dashboard and passenger window. Can this be fixed? Costs? Had windshield replaced but problem still exists.

My Power window on driver side wnet out and I want to find out where the circuit breaker is???

lizzy30 — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 16:18:01 GMT

The driver side window quit working and I checked manual and it kept refering to a circuit breaker- Does any one know where this would be on a GMC Envoy so I could check it out. I checked the fuses and they are all fine, so I think the switch probably is out but thought I would check to see if anyone knew about this

How do you remove and install bench seats in a Ford Aeorstar?

jerjorju — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 08:59:31 GMT

How do you remove and install bench seats in a Ford Aeorstar?

Interior Modifications

tkalota — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:54:38 GMT

I am not an NBA player, however, I am as big as one: 6’8” – I am looking for an after-market custom car interior shop, preferably in the Southern California area, that can modify the driver’s seat to increase length and height from the factory built specs. Can anyone make some recommendations?

Ted

Can I use an indoor carpet cleaner on my car's upholstery/carpet? Why do I need to buy auto carpet cleaner?

sammys — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:17:02 GMT

I don't want to spend the extar money to buy auto upholstery/carpet cleaner. I just want to clean stains from my cloth upholstery and carpet (Mitsu 93 Eclipse)

Left car wash. Driving away, water was pouring out under dash area on passenger's side inside car.

cherek — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:31:23 GMT

water was pouring out on passengers side of car, on to floor seemed to be coming from under dash, this happened after pulling away from the car wash

Interior cleaning?

grandcherlar20 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:38:16 GMT

What's the best product to use to clean car seats (not leather) with stains from pop/cola and dirt.

How to change dash light bulb?

jerry103 — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 14:34:38 GMT

my battery light indicator light on dash is burned how to take that apart to put new bulb

Display no longer shows outside temperature. How do you reset?

ddary51 — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:54:25 GMT

The dashboard display no longer shows the outside temperature. How do you reset?

Will an 05 Toyota Tundra seat fit in an 02 Tundra? I have an 02 SR5 with access cab, bucket/captains chairs, but need more.

tsteiner — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:16:23 GMT

I just don't get enough leg room with the current seats - seats need to be further back and higher. I'm thinking that an 05 60/40 bench seat with height adjustment will work.

Looking for STP Sun of a Gun Protectant in 32 OZ or 1 gal. containers. All local stores no longer carry it.

jjd345 — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:04:57 GMT

STP sent a list of stores to locate the product. All the stores no longer carry the product. I will buy a case if I can find it at a reasonable price. I use the product on exterior trim, and on all non fabric interior surfaces.

What does it mean if the lights on my dashboard are going really really dim?

jake50 — Wed, 13 May 2009 11:00:59 GMT

Why are the dashboard lights in my car so dim, seems to have happened suddenly?

I would like to remove the upfitter switch panel from the dash.

xfire06 — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:14:50 GMT

I would like to remove the upfitter switch panel from the dash without causing damage in order to make some new connections. I can see that the plastic housing is secured very tightly into the dash unit.

Is there an "easy" or correct way to pop out this small panel in order to access the switch connections? ? ? ?

I have tried to remove the cup holder below the switch panel but it too is quite securely fastened.

What does a J 38778 Trim Pad and garnish clip remover tool look like?

gino10 — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:13:34 GMT

Have to replace back door lock wire and have to remove the side panel to get to the lock wire, driver's side.

Removal of interior trim panel?

JA21 — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:37:17 GMT

I want to remove the center trim panel which surrounds the radio A/C. radio. temp controls, etc.
I do not see any obvious fasteners and do not want to pry it off without first making certain of the design.
This piece is in the very center of the dash and I believe is always black in color.

Why are my dashboard lights so dim?

patrick51 — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 07:13:14 GMT

I can barely see the dashboard...how do I fix that?

Where are the fuses that control the key reminder buzzer, dome light and cargo light?

1dodge — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 20:50:44 GMT

My key reminder, dome light and cargo light all quite working about a week ago. I have checked fuses in both locations and cannot find a bad one. The head light buzzer does not work either.

Chevy S-10 dome light won't turn off.

paynedl — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:12:08 GMT

I replaced the door switches and interior module. The dome light stays on with the roller switch removed. Why is this?

Smelly stain on cloth interior

witchywoman — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 13:24:12 GMT

How do I remove a smelly stain from the cloth interior of my Honda CR-V? After grocery shopping, I didn't notice that a stick of butter had fallen out of the bag. Unfortunately, the butter remained there over the weekend in the sweltering heat. My back seat is stained and I can't even get into the car because of the sickening odor it left behind. How can I remove the stain and make my car smell good again?

Outside of Audi what cars or SUVs have a heated steering wheel?

blueend — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 13:49:28 GMT

Title says it all. I may switch brands but like the heated steering wheel. Who offers one (car or SUV) besides Audi? Thx!

Torn leather

deelite — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:04:56 GMT

How do I repair damage to my Acura TL's leather seats? Last weekend I was doing some work on the cabinets in my office. Part way through I decided to scoot over to Starbucks for a coffee break. When I stepped out of the car, I suddenly realized that I had left a screwdriver in my back pocket that somehow managed to put a broad gash in my car's leather seat. I cannot afford to have the leather replaced at this time. Can you tell me how to repair the damage?

Smoke! ugh, it reeks.

aggies1 — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:26:05 GMT

How do you get rid of cigarette smoke smell in a car? One of our company cars is a 2004 Jeep Liberty. The driver was a heavy chain smoker and the cloth interior completely reeks of cigarette smoke, and now we need to sell it. Does anyone know how to minimize the smoke smell before sending off to auction or selling privately?

Options for protecting new cloth interior?

alasker — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:44:37 GMT

I'm thinking about buying a new Rav4 and don't want to spend $1500+ on leather just to avoid stains. Can you offer any recommendations on where to look for seat covers and what kind make sense (safety, comfort, aesthetics, etc.)? Someone said they were getting hard to find now because of side air bags in seats?

How do I turn-off the seat belt chime on a Ford Edge?

mrmsc — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:46:01 GMT

I use the belt, but sometimes I have to jockey the car in my lot a bunch and it's bugging me. No lectures please. :-)

Aftermarket Honda parts and accessories?

bigdog100 — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 22:59:51 GMT

I just bought a new Honda Ridgeline and I want to get some accessories for it. The dealer prices seemed high and I didn't want to finance it during the buying process. Any recommendations? Especially need some tough mats.

How do I stop my car from making a helicopter noise?

moriahh — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 23:43:20 GMT

My (new to me) 2006 Volvo XC90 makes a helicopter noise when I roll down a second row side window. If I go faster than around 40, the sound is so intense, you can actually feel the pressure waves. Is this normal and is there a fix?

Are all Tacomas this noisy?

rasstein — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 01:30:42 GMT

My Toyota Tacoma is very noisy (road noise). Does someone make an interior noise level comparison gizmo??

Why won't my shoulderbelt retract?

guidare — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 07:04:24 GMT

My Honda Accord's seatbelt won't retract. Help! The shoulder belt in my car doesn't retract all the way when I unhook it and it's getting caught in the door when I exit. Is there a way to fix it?

I have an 05 Pontiac G6 I am wondering if anyone else has had a problem with a driver side leak when it rains?

tricia14 — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 08:28:02 GMT

When it rains there is a leak on the driver side that seems to come out of the space where the plastic molding is on the side. It causes water to come in and soak the carpet all the way to the back seat. I am scared to seal that off somehow I don't want the water to come out somewhere else then. I am at my witts end!!

I need a drivers seat for 1998 explorer AWD, new or used. Does anyone know where I can find one

bbelasco — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:15:51 GMT

I bought the car used. Previous owner must have been real heavy. Seat portion of drivers seat has no support left. I need to either replace the seat or seat componets. It is a 1998 explorer awd xlt

I have a 2000 cadillac sts.The lights are out on my steering wheel and my overhead console.Anyone know the problem

mb500 — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 13:54:30 GMT

I have a 2000 cadillac sts.The lights are out on the steering wheel and the over head console.Anyone know the problem.

2000 STS Cadillac heated seats problem

mb500 — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 08:38:06 GMT

The heated seats in my 2000 Cadillac STS do not work. Anyone know the problem?

How do I unlock a permanently locked seat belt in a 1998 Lincoln Continental?

cardav — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 20:06:41 GMT

1998 lincoln continental, the rear center seat belt won't extend, even if on a flat driveway while stopped. Locked only one inch of slack.

How do I replace the center armrest cover on a 2001 Passat?

spielmanfm — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 03:56:13 GMT

My center armrest cover broke off and I glued it back together. How do I put it back on the armrest?

Best price for a mirror on the sun visor of a 02 Nissan Sentra SE-R?

tlcruz — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:53:23 GMT

I bought my 02 Nissan Sentra used back in 2006 and I need to replace (one side doesn't have one at all w/ wiring showing and the other one's cover is no longer there) the sun visor's mirrors on both the driver's and passanger's side. I called up my local Nissan dealer and they are telling me that I can only order the sun visor and not just the mirror. I would do this IF it wasn't so expensive! They quoted me $161 for the driver's side and $108 for the passanger's side. Anyone know where I can get just the mirror itself or possibly the sun visor w/o the big price tag? Thanks.

My sun foof on my 2004 maxima wont open all the way and wont close tight. somewhere i heard something about reset

billy08 — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 23:45:35 GMT

Somewhere I heard if you have disconnected the battery you have to reset the sun roof. Can you shed any light on this issue. The motor still works because the sun roof opens and at first would not close and then it closed but not tight. after messing with it I finally got it to close tight, and I have not opened for fear i couldnt close it...
Thanks,
Bill
2004 Nissan Maxima

I have a 2001 explorer.The power door lock on the drivers side does not unlock

tob2 — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:19:24 GMT

drivers side door does not unlock without rapidly tapping the inside unlock switch on the passengers door.

focus 07 passengerside door inside car thier is a port of some type whats it for

cravinmorehead — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:01:00 GMT

the port/hole on the passenger side in the car. underneath it says no gas but what is it for???

I'm looking for an exploded view of the inside of door for window regulator replacement. Buick Century 2002

papa_john — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:56:28 GMT

The mechanics in my town charge $300. per window to replace the window regulators. I have located new window regulators on ebay and would like to install them myself. An exploded view of how they look or how to install them is what I am seeking. I have a 2002 Buick Century Custom with 4 doors. Can anyone help?

Is there anyway for me to get the code for my 2000 Mitisubishi Galant without taking the radio out? Thank you

sharonmorgan — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:39:31 GMT

I do not have a code and the dealer can not help me. He said I'd have to take the radio out and get the serial # of the radio before he could give any information.

How do you turn around or remove front passenger seat head rest in 2007 Ford Edge ? Hurts wife's neck & head.

clhold — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:23:14 GMT

Was able to remove driver's head rest and turn it around.(Depressed lock buttons and head rest slid right out). Passenger side will go to the top of allowable travel but will not come out ! Ford dealer,service manager also was unable to remove the head rest .

I need to replace my front console(due to a fire) - 2003 Pilot

cambfa — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:33:14 GMT

I had a sm fire under my front passenger seat,that cooked the seat and the side of the console...I want to replace the console,but need some help to remove it(location of screws/clips) without doing damage to anything else.
Thanks in advance

Acura TL HFL is stuck in pairing mode. Need Help!

sport36 — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:34:09 GMT

In my 2004 Acura TL, my HFL is stuck in pairing mode. The display shows "PAIR" and my four digit code. The call buttons do not work and my radio displays "PHONE". Can not use radio or cd player. Has anyone experienced any problems like this? Thanks!

My Passenger seat of my 1997 Saturn SC2 doesnt slide anymore the mechanism is broken or something what should i do

juliomex4ever — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 09:06:13 GMT

The lever is stuck and the seat doesnt slide backward or forward. How could i fix this problem? If i take it to the mechanics how much would they charge?

Where can I order the original seat covers for my 2003 Honda Civic EX Sedan?

hondalover9 — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:30:37 GMT

I am a smoker and I burned a hole in one of my front seats and I want to know where I can go to get the covers replaced?

2004 chevy trailblazer has air coming from the instrument cluster

ceetown — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:13:57 GMT

I've had the instrument cluster replaced because it was making a grinding noise and it sounded like air was escaping from it. The grinding is gone but the air noise remains. What's causing that?

1989 chevy blazer tailgate window wont go down.changed motor just clicks any suggestions

get2lsm — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:16:41 GMT

tailgate window wont go down

I have an 02' prius. Does using a car charger for phone, etc. use more gas, or will I get free juice?

02priusdallas — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 10:51:18 GMT

There is a device you can plug into the car charger that has a couple of standard household plugs on it. If I use that to charge my phone and razor, will I get "free" electricity? Or will the usage cause the motor to run more to keep the battery charged? yes, yes, this is esoteric, but I am seriously wondering ...

anyone experiencing rain water leaks in 2008 Pacifica our front passenger floor gets 1/4 inch of water when rains

waggs1 — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:26:26 GMT

have had vehicle back to dealership twice to fix. Still trying to find anyone else experience this with the 2008 Pacifica