alternator

Case I: how to reset the service indicator

To Reset Service Indicators such as the Oil Service Interval, or the Brake Wear Light, perform the following steps:


To enter the service Menu:

Insert Key
Do not press clutch / brake
Press Start button
Wait until the Car / relevant Service symbol disappears on the Rev counter display
Immediately after the symbol goes out - Press and hold Both buttons on the Rev Counter
Continue to hold - the system will run a dash light check
Continue to hold
Display will then show VIN / Menu, - continue to hold through this until the time Reappears on the display.
Now release Only the Right hand Button (trip reset) for about a second, and then press and hold again (whilst still holding the LH button)
After another second or 2 the display will show the Front Brake Symbol 
You Are now in the Service Menu 
Release both buttons on the Rev Counter - and complete the rest of the procedure with the BC button alone
Use the BC Button (on indicator stalk) to scroll through to the relevant symbol - eg Oil Reset or Rear Brakes
To Reset the warning indicator light - Press & Hold the BC Button at the relevant symbol until RESET appears - then press and hold again until the process is complete.
Turn Off and On the Ignition again - Warning should now have gone! 
 

Here is another procedure posted by 'A' below (Thank you A):

Start the ignition and wait for the service info to go out.
Then press and hold the right button.
The first service item should appear after 10s on the display.
Release the odo-reset button and keep the button on the light stack pressed.
Now "reset?" should appear below the service item.
To reset, press AND keep the indicator tack button once more.
During this time a clock will appear. Some seconds later the procedure is complete.
Repeat for all service items you want to reset.

Here are the online resources I found very useful:

A clean step-by-step instruction
A blurry video on 2008 model
A clear video for 2013

Case II: It turns out that my mini’s AC is not working. I wanted to give it a try and fix it if I could

This post reveals the secret of how a dealership will trick you for something can be done by yourself.

Let's see this in three steps:

Step 1: check the fuse  -- easy
Step 2: check the cabin air filter -- easy. Mine needs to be pulled from the front, and it is easy.
Step 3: check the coolant -- easy + $50 

Beyond this, I shall check the AC coil relay to make sure the relay is good. By connecting 30 and 87, one shall hear the clutch engaging. It turns out accessing this clutch relay is a neightmare. 

Here is a good video on how to remove the bumper
Also, one can remove the radiator here
Oil and filter change can be done without lifting the vehicle
Test the AC coil here. This post was done for an 04 model, the 08 model does NOT seem to have a AC clutch relay.
To change the coil, it is not that easy.

Here are a few more complicated videos on testing the AC system

Testing whethere the clutch engages properly
Here is a better video
Another one with details diagnosis

Case III: I need to get another remote key knob replacement

A off-market replacement can be purchased here, but it needs to be programmed and curved
The dealer will NOT help to program the key knob if it is not purchase from BMW dealership.

Maybe it is too new, I searched online and found none on this topic. But, there are videos doing different things, and I was able to string them together.

First, I found one video that trying to install the stereo speaker and he needs to access the door.

Secondly, I found two videos on window regulator, they are VERY helpful for me to get a general ideas.

The part is sold at 1A auto for $140.

A different car and on the passenger’s side.
A GM vehicle by 1A auto

Oil Change

I found this model from Sears. Ours stopped working, lights won’t turn on, hood can’t be turned on

I downloaded the manual L0504485

Diagnose:

1. The light sockets have regular 110 volt,
2.

Fixing 2008 Toyota Camry Bumper

Here is a good post on removing a bumper.
sun visor
sun visor
rear bumper

Cleaning the throttle body

Here is a very good video on 2006 toyota camry, which is same as my 2008

Changing the cabin air filter following this video

Here are some official web sources:

Acetel L-Carnitine
Creatine Monohydrate
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Choline Bitartrate

Brother Pinwu share with me this post on adjusting the rear derailleur.

Bought one unbranded Navigation Console from Ebay

Main Steps:

• Take the two side pieces toward the bottom of the radio console

• Remove the center pieces and dismount the wire harness

• Unscrew two screws and unmount the bottom pieces.

• Remove the vent about the radio console and unmount the wire harness

• Unscrew four bolts behind the radio console, unmount the wire and remove the console

• Re-mount the new navigation sole and reconnect all the wires

• Reverse all the above steps and finish the installation

Light In The Box 2 Din

www.lightinthebox.com

More videos are here

2007-2011 camryVideo-I
2007-2011 camryVideo-II
CSonic video
Backup camera 101
video-III
video-IV

Project 1: Replacing the alternator

There are three youtube videos:
Part I
Part II
Part III
Changing the ADD acurator

Take the battery negative off

Take the plastic cap
Loosen 14 mm bolt
Loosen 12 mm bolt
Loosen 10 mm bolt under the plastic cap
Disconnect the 10 mm connection
Disconnect the back cable (hard as it is in the back, has to push the correct lever)
Quarter inch loose the tensioner bolt, it sit on the U shape and we do NOT have to take it off,
Push in the alternator and remove the belt
Take the 14 mm bolt
Need to wage it off

8 minutes video for disassemble it In his hands though

To mount,

14 mm bolt first
belt on next
put in 12 mm bolt (4 tension) back in (in the back)
put another nut back in (front) ??
a plastic pack to keep the wire firm

Top: 14 mm bolt
Underneath 12 mm bolt
On the side 12 mm bolt for the tensioner
Two electric connector (plastic cap, and back connector)
Wedge out the alternator

Project 2: Replacing the front break pad and roter

This is a great detail video, which makes it seem VERY simple. But it misses the finishing steps, which I think can cause a problem. 
This one is better. 
Another one is Here

Here is the video from the same guru link on the rear break shoes.

Project 3: Toyota 4 runner front differential sensor

I need to remove the skip plate before I can reach to the part. I found this post gives very clear structure primarily for folks to change the differential oil. Another post on 4WD’s problem

This lady did this and posted three parts of youtube video clips.

	
Part I
	
Part II
	
Part III
	
Part IV

This did NOT work for me. It was not her fault but it wasted me $50 buying a good part when mine was not faulty!

I am determined to figure it out.

	
This post right on spot.
	
Here is how to replace ADD acurator
	
Another wise man's post on this

Details about the add acurator — Toyota part number: 41400-35031

Trouble shooting with sequoia

I want to check whether the differential oil level is correct. Here are a few videos for help:

A guy posted how to change the oil, but he is incorrect as people suggested to test whether you can unscrew the "filling bolt" before you try to drain from the bottom bolt.