Category Archives: Uncategorized

Household plumbing

There has been a lot need to document, it seems that I need to start this part.

First of all, household main water shut off.

There are two main water shut off:
The first one is located by the meter and it needs a special tool to shut it off.

The second one is normally located inside, this video provides plenty of details.

Here some of the fixing videos

The second one is normally located inside, this video provides plenty of details.

My old video on how to fix the tub faucet.

Working with a heat pump system

My friend has heat pump issues and asks me for help, here are my homework and hopefully, I can get it fixed and update my note afterwards.

This guy gives five reasons that the thermostat can go black, I find it very useful and summarize the issues below.

1. Protection system kicks in the "shut off" the system, i.e. the drain pan is full of water
2. High voltage power issues, i.e. after power supply outage
3. Low voltage power supply issues, transformer's failure etc.
4. Battery fails
5. The thermostat itself fails

This guy makes the video thermostat wiring with heat pump system.

Good sources of videos

EdgeTek does a good job providing useful information.

Check the freon level

A common tutorial.
This one presents measuring in heat mode

The video gives clear explanation how the reverse valve can fail, and some important diagnosis strategies.

His initial video on basic heat pump operation, this is very helpful.

Diagnose the reverse valve.

Work on RAV4

My RAV4 is almost 4 years old, and it could be the time to start working on it with any error!!

Firstly, I found TPMS light on, after inflating all 4 tires, the light stays on!

Here, I find a forum site by Sam Leman on Toyota. Of course, it covers my RAV4.

Here are some ways to reset it:

	
  • Drive at or above 50 mph for 10 minutes. This can cause the tire pressure sensor to reset the next time you turn on the car.
  • With the vehicle off, turn the key to the “on” position, but don’t start the car. Hold the TPMS reset button until the Toyota tire pressure sensor blinks three times, then release it. Start the car, and wait 20 minutes for the sensor to refresh. The TPMS reset button is usually located beneath the steering wheel. If you are unable to find it, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
  • Inflate all tires to 3 PSI over their recommended amount, then deflate them completely. Be sure to include the spare tire, as it may have a sensor as well. Once they’re all deflated, re-inflate to the recommended tire pressure.
  • With the vehicle off, disconnect the positive battery cable. Turn the car on, and honk the horn for about three seconds. This will discharge any power still stored in the vehicle. Then, reconnect the battery.
  • Learning about Tesla Model Y

    Here are a few topics in categories

    At the delivery, here are a few things to check just to avoid future problems.

    Please follow the check list upon delivery arrives.
    Found another how to set up  after picking up your car. 
    Found a new useful video on check list upon delivery.
    

    A comprehensive check lists

    1.	Document & VIN, interior & exterior color
    2.	License plate mount
    3.	Registration document, temporary tag
    4.	Mobile connector
    5.	Software updates
    6.	Wheels, scratches, mount
    7.	Deep scratches
    8.	Panel gaps
    
      a. Front and back bumpers
      b. Around the head lights
      c. Door panel, closes easily
    d. Bumper clips 9. Condensation in the lights 10. Charging properly 11. Keyfobs and app work 12. Features, light 11. Document & VIN, interior & exterior color

    About Tesla charging

    Best practice on charging . 
    

    Understand important and useful features of Tesla Model Y

    There are some settings need to be set properly or personally.
    There are more tips by this pal.
    
     
    

    Explore more features and determine the best SOP driving a Tesla

    
    This guy reveals some hidden features, lol.
    How about these 10 features, very cool!
    
    

    How can I contribute to Tesla community?

    Place holder: Found anotherhow to set up  after picking up your car. 
    

    There are lots of postings on the Model Y, and I am studying these and hopefully can contribute back to the community.

    Here are videos that I studied and am giving credits to these URLs

    A good link on hidden features by Andy Slye.
    Found another how to set up  after picking up your car. 
    Here is the multimedia suggested for Tesla
    Please follow the check list upon delivery arrives.
    

    Potential problems

    This guy reports some minor to major issues with a new model Y
    

    Learning electricity

    Basic electricity knowledge

    Understand the lines coming into residential electric panel
    Where to turn the main breaker off or how??
    Be careful with the line coming in energizing
    Understand the "electricity code" and best practice, dos and don'ts
    Understand the safety and how to handle it properly
    Understand NM wiring and Romex related history here.
    

    Basic component

    Details on a switch relay by JumperManTech.
    Understand the transformers and coils used in  HVAC system. Unfortunately, he does not do a good job. He has the knowledge but he jumps around and does not treat the viewers as students.
    

    Information on how to wire a 240V/50A onto the panel

    How to remove a breaker from the residential electric panel. This guy also explains the danger of mis-handling.
    There are people posting videos with least information, it could be misleading and we batter watch out. 
    A pretty decent tutorial on adding a new breaker, I liked his video. This guy also has a video on install a sub-panel, he is really good at this type of work!
    
    This video provides quite clear instruction on this. 
    A simple version would be like this. 
    
    This guy do this for EV.
    
    This guy does the wall work much neater.
    

    Okay, after doing all the research, I would like to work on this project and get a NEMA 14-50 outlet wired for my Tesla Model Y.

    Need to purchase parts

    	
  • NEMA 14-50 outlet, receptacle. According to this guy, I decide to buy a Hubbell 9450A for this project from Amazon. It is $147 now and I found a cheapter option from Kelly & Hanes. Here are some detail specifications of this outlet: HUBBBAE00255_A44 HUBKELE07290_1
  • A 50 amp breaker that matches my home electrical panel.
  • Wire. Romex 6/3 wire is suitable for this project, I need to measure the length.
  • Conduit. If I can wire it inside the wall, it will not be necessary
  • Other small components
  • Videos pertain to Tesla in particular

    Roy's model 3 delivered.
    Here some basic about Tesla charging people need to know about.
    This guy is a little too casual, lol
    His friend wants to show some special knowledge, which is incorrect. 
    Understand Tesla battery and charging better explained in this video. 
    

    Clean GE dryer

    This is almost the same model, shows how to dissemble it.

    I need this video to remove the drum so that I can access to the place to clean.

    Today, my dryer does not heat. It reminds me to check out my previous post on the “same problem” of a different brand electrical dryer. There are three sensors around the heating element, and if anyone fails, the dryer will fail to heat up.

    The first one is High-limit thermostat
    The second one is Inlet Control Thermoitor
    The third one is High limit safety thermostat
    

    Working on 2009 Lexus RX350

    I bought my son a 2009 Lexus RX350 with 150k miles on it. I am trying to establish the maintenance record for it. Here is the recommended maintenance L-MMS-09rx350.

    First of all, how to reset the maintenance light, bingo!!

    Found a guy is changing the power steering fluid.

    Programmed Homelink buttons.
    Purchased map update on Ebay for less than 10 bucks and updated the map. Another guy does a video for RX400h, it is exactly same as RX350. 
    Install a new battery into the remote key.
    Flush the power steering fluid. This guy has a better idea, at least has more viewing.
    Engine air filter changed (12/03/21).
    Cabin air filter changed (12/03/21).
    

    Replacing the steering rack boot

    Here is a complete process to replace the tie rodsteering tie rock. 
    Found a very good video explains why the passenger side boot tend to break easily.
    This guy gives an overview of the job, it is quite informative.
    This guy shows replacing the boot a slightly different way.
    Overall reminder is to mark the bolt for the correct position when we put it back on.
    This guy does it in a crazy way way,
    On an Toyota Avanlon.
    

    Replacing the cooling oil line, hopefully, I will not need it before I sell it.

    replacing the VVT-i oil line
    This video is much better. I am going to follow this video to conduct the fixing.
    I may need an E8 Star socket to remove the stud.
    

    Measuring the proper automatic transmission fluid

    It seems to be an intuitive practice, but it can get more complicated than one can imagine. I am documenting what I find out.

    Firstly, shall we test the transmission fluid level with engine on or off?

    According to this document honda-ATF, the engine shall be turn off to measure the ATF level. 
    
    But, it is the different case with Toyota/Lexus brand. 
    According to the report, it seems to leave the engine on to test the ATF level. BUT it is VERY vague.
    This guys's second video shows he is testing the ATF on a Highlander, which is equivalent to RX350. 
    I think the question is still up in the air until I get some professional validation.
    I have found another video also echos that for Honda vehicles, the engine needs to be hot but off position to measure the ATF level. 
    

    Change the automatic transmission fluid

    Here is the forum site for people to discuss.
    This guy shows a video on change transmission fluid and filter. 
    This guy shows how to examine an RX350.
    This video looks promising. It is for Toyota Highlander, but it is same as RX350.
    This guy shows on 2008 RX350, provides some follow up testing.
    

    Change rear differential oil

    Here is a very clear video, easy to follow.
    We need regular ATF fluid for the rear differential oil.
    This guy shows how to properly use a pump to pump the rear differential oil back.
    Just another good details video on this project.