Toilet running constantly

So I had a toilet that has been running water constantly for the last week.  Here's my fix.

1. Remove the toilet tank lid to examine the type of water fill valve you have.  So I got one of these you see above.
2. Next, put a bucket under the water inlet. Shut off the water inlet valve and flush to remove the water from the tank.

 

3. Once the water has been remove, use a wrench to loosen the nut from the bottom of the tank. 

4. remove the fill valve assembly and replace with a new one. 

5. I bought the one below, the picture is upside down, but I'm sure you can see it. It is an universal one, so it is good for all toilets.It costs me 10 dollars Canadian.

6. Once valve filler is installed, connect the water inlet back, and turn on the shutoff valve. 

7. Flush the toilet a few times and check to see if there are any leaks. 

 8. Put the lid back and you are done!

Grand AM won't start / fuel cutoff

Here is a story with my Grand Am. I went to a gas station to fill up my tank and after I filled up my tank, the car would not start!!! First, the good luck. There was a license mechanic at the same service station, and he tried to start the car but no luck. So I had it tolled to my mechanic. He spent the whole afternoon trying to figure what is wrong, and he couldnt find anything...

But the next day, the car mysteriously start by itself in the garage, and he doesnt know why, so I wasn't charge anything...good luck. Being a little nervous since I don't want to get stuck on the highway, I had figure out the problem without it costing to much... so after going through pages on the forum, I finally figured out the problem.

It is GM Theftlock system!  Sometimes the car computer thinks the ignition has been tampered with, for whatever reason (alarm, keyswitch), the vehicle cuts off fuel and refuses to start.

The solution for me was to 'reset' the car computer by leaving your key in the "ON" position for about 10 minutes until the security light stops blinking and become solid. Then turn the key to "OFF" and restart the vehicle. 

It worked for me!

2001 Grand Am Turn Signals Not Working

Apparently, many people that owns a Grand Am have an intermittent problem with the turn signals and hazard lights. So having one myself, I called up GM and they told me to bring the car in to have the car 'diagnosed' and IF it is the turn signal problem, they will fix it for 'free'. I have asked twice whether the diagnostic is free, and the girl on the other line said that even the problem is confirmed, I would have to pay the diagnostic fee. Wouldn't you know it, how much do they change an hour for that?  So I did some research, and found out that the majority of turn signal problem is the hazard switch. A little digging, an I found out it costs about 30 Bucks Canadian to get a replacement, tax in.  So I went off to my little adventure to fix it myself, because it is CHEAPER than the diagnostics. Here's what you have to do to replace the switch.

1. Buy a new hazard switch, I used Dorman 924-605, but it is always better to check with the seller that this is what you need. You can even take out your switch, and bring it to the store and ask for a replacement.

2. Remove the ignition cap in the key slot, I used a flat jewelry screwdriver!

 3. Remove the bezel from the console. Notice the metal clips on the panel below? If you want, put a screwdriver on the side to help you remove it. I didn't use a screwdriver, I just pulled it, and it came right out. The picture below is when the entire bezel is out. you have to disconnect the connectors first. See top view below.

4.  There are three nuts hold the switch onto the panel, just untorque it.

 

5. once it is off the panel, I just snap the green switch out. I was careful about the black part though. The green part is broken anyways...Then I put everything back and it works great. 

Digital multimeter

A digital multimeter is a useful tool for electricity work. There are numerous models that you can buy, one popular make is the fluke. The meter can be used to measure electricity, current, and resistance. Although there are many uses, I generally use the multimeter to check if there are live electricity in the circuit I'm working on.  Below is an image of a digital multimeter courtesy of wiki.  I use multimeter that is less sophisticated than the one shown, mainly because of the price, and the features I need for home repairs.  These meters can cost  from 30 dollars to 6000 dollars Canadian.

NOTE: ALWAYS ASSUME THE CIRCUIT IS ELECTRICALLY POWERED. NEVER TOUCH THE WIRES WITHOUT CHECKING FOR EXISTENCE OF POWER.

Electrical Safety

Electrical safety is the most important aspects of any electrical reparation. Before you start, make sure the electrical power is turned off! 

WARNING

1): DO NOT WORK ON ANY ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE IF THE POWER IS STILL ON. FAILURE TO DO SO, CAN LEAD TO DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY.
2):IF YOU MUST WORK ON A TV, CRT OR ANY CAPACITOR TYPE ELECTRONICS, MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE THE UNIT UNPLUG FOR AT LEAST 48 HOURS. THIS IS BECAUSE CAPACITORS CAN HOLD AN ELECTRIC CHARGE FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME.  
3): TELEPHONE WIRES ARE GENERALLY POWERED BY THE TELEPHONE COMPANY. ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE TELEPHONE WIRE SOURCE BEFORE ADDING NEW WIRES.

There are many ways to do that, here are a few.

1. Find the electrical panel, and turn off the appropriate circuit breaker. Generally, the panel is labeled, so you will know which one is the right one. 

Here is an example of electrical panel from wiki.

2. If the electrical panel is not labeled, and chances are, it is not, then you have to do by trial and error. The way to do this is:

a. plug in a small WORKING appliance (e.g. radio) into the plug that you wanted electricity to be removed. Turn on the radio to see if it is powered.

b. Once you confirmed that the radio is working, go to the electrical panel and turn off one (1) circuit breaker.

c. Check the small appliance to see if the radio is powered. If it is still on then it is the wrong circuit breaker.

d. Repeat steps b and c until you find the circuit breaker that powers off the radio.

e. Once you find the circuit breaker, tag the circuit breaker so no one can turn it back on while you work on the appliance. `