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Airbag

An airbag is a flexible pouch that is filled rapidly with air in the event of a collision. It is designed to act as a supplemental restraint to the seatbelt for the driver and passenger, keeping them

created: Mar 1, 2010 - last edited: Jul 13, 2010 - category: Interior and Accessories

Airbag control unit is defective

The airbag control unit monitors all of the crash sensors and fires the airbag once certain conditions are met. The airbag control unit also checks the sensors on ignition to ensure they are all in wo

created: Aug 9, 2008 - last edited: Jul 13, 2010 - category: Gauges and Sensors

Airbag control unit is disconnected

The airbag control unit monitors the collision sensors and, when certain conditions are met, the airbag is deployed. If the control unit is disconnected, the airbag will not deploy in the event of a c

created: Aug 9, 2008 - last edited: Jul 13, 2010 - category: Gauges and Sensors

Alignment

Alignment is the position of a vehicle's wheels relative to its body. If a vehicle's wheels are improperly aligned, uneven or rapid tire wear can occur as well as a diminished handling.

created: Mar 1, 2010 - last edited: Mar 1, 2010 - category: Suspension and Steering

All-Wheel Drive

All-wheel drive, or AWD, describes a vehicle in which the engine turns every wheel. In four wheeled vehicles such as cars or SUVs, an all-wheel drive would be four-wheel drive(4WD).

created: Mar 3, 2010 - last edited: Mar 3, 2010 - category: Axles and Drivetrain

Alternator

The alternator is a device that generates an electric current in order to recharge a vehicle battery. The alternator spins with as the engine runs, generating an AC current that is then converted to

created: Mar 3, 2009 - last edited: Jan 16, 2011 - category: Electrical and Charging

Alternator is overcharging

The alternator can pass too much voltage to the battery. The range of voltage is generally around 13.8 and 14.3 volts. If it exceeds that range, it can overcharge the battery.

created: Jun 7, 2008 - last edited: May 29, 2010 - category: Electrical and Charging

Alternator not charging

If the alternator fails to charge the battery, the car's electrical system will run out of the electricity it needs to operate.

created: Jun 7, 2008 - last edited: May 29, 2010 - category: Electrical and Charging

An interior light wire or switch is loose

If an interior light switch is loose, it makes contact in certain positions but not in others. Movement of the vehicle causes the parts to move enough to make and lose contact. This can cause the

created: Aug 9, 2008 - last edited: May 29, 2010 - category: Interior and Accessories

Anti-Lock Brakes

An anti-lock brake system, or ABS, is a system of brakes that pumps the brakes at a rate much faster that a human could. The idea behind anti-lock brakes is that the wheels don't lock up, eliminatin

created: Mar 3, 2009 - last edited: Jan 22, 2011 - category: Brakes