See full version: Why (and When) You Need to Replace Your Surge Protector
Surge protector lifespans aren’t measured in years — they’re measured in joules. It’s all about how many joules your surge protector has absorbed. But, the older your surge protector is, the more it’s likely degraded. [links]
It’s difficult to tell exactly when a surge protector loses those protective powers and just functions as a power strip. But, if you’re still using an old surge protector you purchased ten years ago, it’s probably long past time to replace it.
It’s practically impossible to tell exactly when a surge protector stops functioning as intended. Some surge protectors have built-in lights that are designed to alert you to this problem and inform you when the protector needs to be replaced. However, you can’t necessarily rely on these lights. It’s not a foolproof system [links]
We’ve already outlined why you want a surge protector. These devices sit between the electrical socket and your gadgets, protecting them from any power surges and ensuring they receive a consistent voltage of electricity. It’s possible for a voltage spike caused by an issue in the power grid to damage your expensive electrical equipment, and that’s what surge protectors are designed to stop.
Surge protectors are rated in joules, and this tells you how much protection they’re desigend to provide. For example, you might get a 1000 joule surge protector. This is a measure of a total amount of energy a surge protector can absorb before the protection wears out and it stops absorbing any extra voltage. [links]
Car has No Hi Speed Forward:
1. Most vehicles have a Hi-Speed lockout so younger riders don't go too fast. If your vehicle has a shifter assembly then remove the screw or pin at the base of the shifter handle for Hi Speed. If you have dashboard shifting switches then look under the dash for a disconnected white connector. Plug that in for Hi Speed.
2. If you have a shifter assembly then one of the switches has possibly gone bad. If you have dashboard switches then it may be on of them gone bad. They are inexpensive and available at Authorized Power Wheels Service Centers. [links]
Car won't move at all, no sound from gears:
1. Check your battery with a volt meter. It should have at least 10 volts when dead, up to 14 when charged.
2. Make sure your charger is plugged into an outlet that has power to it!
3. Check the switch under the gas pedal. Most foot board assemblies are press-fit into place and can be "popped" free with a straight-head screwdriver. Corrosion under the foot board is usually obvious to the eye. If the wire harness is corroded we have replacement sections in our Stock Parts section.
4. Check the wires to the motors. There's 2 wires going to each motor. Make sure they haven't come off. If they have they can not be repaired. You'll need to replace the motors.
Car has No Reverse and Only 1 Forward Speed:
1. Check the wires to the motors. One motor may have lost a wire. If so they can not be repaired. You'll need to replace the motors.
2. If you have a shifter assembly then one of the switches has possibly gone bad. If you have dashboard switches then it may be on of them gone bad. They are inexpensive and available at Authorized Power Wheels Service Centers. [links]
Car is making a grinding noise:
1. That is a stripped gear or one of the wheel drivers. Easy to diagnose- take
off the tire on the side you hear the noise. Open the gearcase and take a look, it's obvious. Nothing will spring apart at you opening a gearcase. ( Hint: If one gear case is stripped the other isn't far behind. Replace them both.) Gearboxes normally fail because of an external influence. If you don't fix the cause then you may just strip the next gearbox again. Here's some common ways we see 7R gearboxes get damaged (in no particular order):
A. Melted gearbox housing behind the final drive gear - This is caused by an uneven pressure or too much pressure pushing against the final drive gear. 3 major causes area bent axle (no matter how slight), modified tires, or damage to the frame where the axle mounts.
B. Melted gearbox housing at the first gear shaft - This is caused by the spinning first gear heating up the shaft. Causes are - lack of grease on the shaft, debris or old grease in the gearbox. Our steel first gear is the best solution for this as it spins on ball bearings so there is no heat build-up.
C. Stripped first gear - This is the weakest link in the gearbox so the first thing to let go typically when adding more power. If the teeth are stripped on an angle it means the motor wasn't bolted tight and even to the gearbox. If half of each tooth is stripped the pinion gear wasn't centered over the first gear. If just a few teeth are removed it means there was a sudden jolt to the gearbox. If they're all removed it could be any of the above. If you don't want to deal with this ever again then replace it with a hardened steel first gear and hardened steel pinions. A brake reduction module is also helpful to the gears.
D. Broken teeth on 2nd, 3rd, or final drive gear - Caused by a sudden jolt to the gearbox. Most typically from changing vehicle direction without stopping first or from hitting a non-moveable object. These gears can handle 775 motors at 24 volts when driven properly.
E. Pinion gear stripped - Most commonly caused by being the wrong material or shape. If you're using a hardened steel first gear you must use a hardened steel pinion, not just metal. With the stock first gear the material does not matter. The pitch of the gear is the distance between the peak of each tooth and must be 32. The shape of the pinion's tooth is also important to proper mesh with stock and modified first gears. There's no standard measurement or name for this and it varies greatly among brands. Best thing we can tell you is that ours are the correct shape.
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Possible Cause #1: As mentioned above, aftermarket gears can require different spacing than the OEM set, so you can’t use the old shim spacing. Again, you’ll need to determine the proper spacing by using a pinion depth setting tool to ensure proper installation. Improper gear spacing will lead to wear and damage to your gear set. here
Problem: Teeth on the gear set are excessively worn, chipped, or broken. here
Problem: Gears make excessive noise.
Possible Cause #2: Excessive noise can also be caused by improper spacing. Because aftermarket gears can require different spacing than the OEM set, you can’t use the old shim spacing. To ensure proper installation, you’ll need to determine the proper spacing by using a pinion depth setting too . more
Possible Cause #3: If spacing is correct, it’s possible that improper tooth contact could be to blame for excessive noise. After the gears are installed using a pinion depth setting tool, you should always check the wear pattern using a marking compound. You should see the wear pattern closer to the toe of the tooth with most gear sets. more
Many cars have a sensor button that you will find below the brake pedal. This button must be activated before using the gearshift. If the sensor button gets stuck, then this may prevent the gearshift from moving. You can easily resolve this problem with the help of some penetrating oil. This type of oil can be used to clean metal and penetrate incredibly tight spaces, and this can come in handy when you are dealing with a small device or button. Simply spray a small amount of fluid to help lubricate the button. This will allow you to loosen it up without damaging any other component. This is a temporary solution that can work in emergencies or whenever you need a quick fix while on the road. Replacing the sensor button will help eliminate this problem once and for all.
If your brake lights stop functioning, then this can directly affect the shift interlock mechanism. These lights are activated using a switch, and if this switch breaks, your gear shift will get stuck. A brake light switch can be tested by simply pressing and releasing the brake pedal in the presence of a friend or family member who can stand behind the car and observe the brake lights during this test. If you press the pedal and nothing happens, then the culprit is a faulty switch that will require further testing by a mechanic.
Cars with an automatic transmission are fitted with one cable that links the transmission to the shifter. Manual transmission cars are equipped with two cables instead of one. These cables can be broken or stretched depending on your driving style. Speed shifting on a regular basis and slamming gears can result in premature damage. A stretched cable can cause a lot of havoc and drivers will find it difficult to switch gears. Car keys will eventually get stuck in the ignition and other problems will follow as well. For example, you will begin to notice that the indicator is pointing to reverse while your car is still in park. more
Sometimes, the problem has to do with outdoor elements that are beyond your control. Drivers who live in areas where the temperature drops below freezing can encounter transmission system issues. Cold weather can cause havoc on the system, resulting in low line pressure and gear trouble as well. A frozen shift lock solenoid can be the culprit behind a stuck gearshift. Heating up your garage can help resolve this problem. [links]
Limp mode occurs when the computer in your car becomes unable to read the signals coming from the sensors. These sensors help your vehicle determine when to switch gears and receiving inaccurate date from them will automatically trigger limp mode. This mode will lock the transmission in second or third gear and you will be unable to move it. This feature was designed to guard the transmission until the driver reaches an auto repair shop where the problem is typically diagnosed. here
Check the fuses that belong to the shift lock control system. If a blown fuse is the culprit, then getting it replaced can fix the gearshift problem. All you need to do is consult the service manual first in order to determine what kind of fuse you are dealing with and how you can successfully replace it. Fuses are far from expensive and they seldom require a visit to the mechanic.