How To Correctly Install Your Car Stereo

I wanted to share a few tips on installing a new radio or CD player in your car correctly. I don’t know how many cars come into Metric Wrench Billings because someone has incorrectly installed their car stereo and we have to fix the wiring and all of the issues that arise because it was installed wrong. (BANG HEAD HERE)

When you purchase your new stereo, the very first thing that you should do is make sure that it’s going to fit correctly into the slot where your old one is. Make sure that if you purchase a wiring harness that it is the correct one for your car’s make and model as well as for the stereo that you purchased. Purchasing a wiring harness will eliminate a few headaches when you’re installing your new car stereo.

Make sure that you have all of the correct tools and material for installation! Some standard tools and material include: screwdrivers, write strippers, wire cutters and electrical tape.

Before you go any further, check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to remove the dash panel and how to CORRECTLY remove your old radio.


Removing Your Old Car Stereo

After you’ve reviewed your owner’s manual and you’re ready to go, the next thing to do is to disconnect the ground cable or the negative cable from your battery. DO NOT EVER work on the electrical system of any vehicle if this is connected!

Now you’re ready to remove the dash panel that covers your stereo! Unscrew and slide out the old head unit. At this point, you’re going to have one of two choices-a single plug with a ton of wires that connects to the back of your unit or a lot of individual wires. This next tip is KEY! If you see several single wires going into the back of your stereo unit, DO NOT detach them all at once. You’re not going to remember what goes where!

If you purchased a wiring harness, now is the time to plug the connector into your new wiring harness. This will then plug into the back of your new stereo and you can skip the next section, because you don’t need it. If you didn’t purchase a wiring harness, then keep reading!

Connecting the Wiring Manually

If you didn’t purchase a wiring harness, you are going to have to connect each wire yourself in order to install your new car stereo. So connect the positive wire from each speaker to the positive connector on the back of your new stereo. Next you would connect the negative wire. Note: If there is only one wire coming from your speakers, your speakers are grounded at the chassis, which basically means that you need to install new speaker wiring.

Next, you will connect the ground (-/black) wire of the stereo to a screw or bolt close to where the radio is mounted on the dash. The must be attached to metal! NOT fiberglass or plastic!

Whew! You’re almost done! (SMILE) Connect the 12 constant and ignition power wires (both +/red) to the new stereo. Go back and check your stereo’s installation manual to be sure that these get to the correct places.

Putting in the Car Stereo

Last process-you’re almost there! Take a look; you should have a single connector that connects all of the wiring in your car-either from the wiring harness or the one that came with your stereo that you have just finished connecting.

Now it’s time to ease your new stereo in the mounting bracket that came with it. If you didn’t measure correctly, you have to use the bracket from your old car stereo.

Plug the harness connector in the back of your new stereo; make sure that there is only one wire left from your old stereo now. This is the antenna which you can plug directly into your new unit. You may have a power antenna wire as well and you will need to connect that too!

Now it’s time to slide your new stereo into the slot in the dash, but don’t jump the gun here and screw it in, you need to test it out first! So go and reconnect the negative cable of your car to the battery. Turn your car on as well as your new stereo. Is there music coming out? Listen to ALL of your speakers to be sure that they are ALL working properly!

If everything is working properly, you can now tighten the screws so that your new car stereo stays in place and put the dash cover back on.


FYI: The number one reason that most newly installed stereos do not work is because of a bad ground wire. If you are experiencing this issue, look for another piece of metal to attach your ground wire too and try it again. Another suggestion is to get a piece of sandpaper and sand the surface of the metal before screwing the ground wire down to make a better connection.

For Volkswagen’s there is a wire that goes to the existing radio, if this wire goes to ground as it does in some of the aftermarket harness adaptors, it will cause no communication with the diagnostic scan tool. This is the most common problem that we see at Metric Wrench Billings.

And just a friendly reminder, don’t EVER work on the electrical system of your car when the ground wire is still attached to the battery! You can severely damage yourself as well as your car!

Volkswagen Auto Repair, Do Your Brakes Need Repairs on your VW?

Don't Take Chances With Your Brakes - Repair Them Now!
Brake repairs - critical?
Of course! Your brakes keep your family safe.
Brake repairs and parts for Volkswagens - expensive? You bet! Brake rotors for import cars, unlike domestics, are built with minimal thicknesses to save weight - meaning they can't be "turned"; they must be replaced.
Brake rotors for imports are also more sensitive to warping from heat, and overheated brakes are the second most common cause of failure (first is wear-and-tear).

Save money on Volkswagen brake repairs and parts with these tips:
Use Your Eyes & Ears to Inspect Your Volkswagen's Brakes
Visually inspect your brakes' condition at least every six months.

When installing a new fuel pump to avoid fuel system problems in your Volkswagen:
Tip #1: Whether a fuel pump is mounted inside a fuel tank or externally, the inside of the tank should always be inspected and cleaned if rust or debris is found in the pump or filter. Replacing a pump without cleaning a dirty tank will doom the new pump to premature failure.
Tip #2: If you're replacing an in-tank fuel pump, always disconnect the battery to prevent any unwanted sparks. Then drain the tank before removing the tank straps and opening the pump's retaining collar. Keep all flames and sparks away!
Tip #3: When installing the new fuel pump, always replace the filter screen and use a new O-ring or gasket for the sealing collar.
Tip #4: Do not "test" a new pump before it has been installed by jumping it. Running a pump in a dry condition with no fuel to lubricate it risks damaging it. Do not run the pump until fuel has been added to the tank. Also, replace any braided or rubber fuel lines that are flaking or cracked with the correct type of EFI hose.

Got a car problem? For more information about Audi, Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes repair in Billings, Montana, please contact the professionals at Metric Wrench today!

Audi Auto Repair Tips - Ways to Reduce the Cost of Audi Repair

In today’s tough economic climate, we are all searching for ways to reduce our cost of repair no matter if you drive an Audi, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes or any vehicle. Like everything in the world today, auto repair does not come cheap. If you are experiencing trouble with your Audi, then these tips could help in reducing the cost of repairs.

Check the Warranty of Your Audi
Before bringing your Audi to Metric Wrench Billings, check if it is still covered by the warranty. If it is, then you need to contact your car dealer immediately and tell about the problems that you’re experiencing with your Audi. You can get free service and parts replacement if the Audi is still within warranty. The car dealer and the manufacturer will be the one responsible for repairs.

The Do-It-Yourself Repair
If you understand cars and knows the basics of car repair and maintenance, then you may be able to repair some things on your Audi by yourself. You will not pay for services which are really expensive now.

If repairing your Audi yourself, take advantage of free auto repair manuals which can be found abundantly on the web. You can find general repair manuals and model-specific car repair manuals.

There are also sites that have repair manuals exclusively for Audi cars. Specific Audi problems are listed on these sites. You only have to choose which manual to use and start repairing your Audi.

Simply download these free repair manuals. They are usually formatted in PDF or Word so you can print them easily. Just follow the steps in the manual and you can surely troubleshoot the problem bugging your Audi.

Finding Car Repair Shops
In case you don't know anything about car repairs, then don’t attempt to fix Audi yourself, you can cause more damage and end up with an even costlier repair bill. You should bring your Audi to Metric Wrench Billings and let the certified technicians repair your car.

Take your Audi in for regular checkups-we recommend that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for these, but this will assist in preventing some Audi repair issues in the future.

For more information about Audi, Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes repair in Billings, Montana, please contact the professionals at Metric Wrench today!

Extend the Life of Your Vehicle With Tips From Metric Wrench

With the economy what it is, motorists have been paying more attention to keeping their current vehicle running properly than purchasing new ones. Vehicle owners are looking for improved dependability, economy, performance, safety and ownership satisfaction.

In 2008, R. L. Polk & Co. reported that the median age of passenger cars in operation has increased to a record high of 9.4 years.

To extend your vehicle's life, make sure to keep up with routine maintenance and regular checks of key areas, such as brakes, engine, undercarriage, battery and engine belts.

Make certain that your brake lines, master cylinder, brakes shoes and/or caliper pads are maintained and not worn. Take care of your engine, the heart of your vehicle, and be on the lookout for all drivability problems.

Have the certified technicians at Metric Wrench Billings check underneath your vehicle, including U-joints, half shafts and CV-joints. Examine battery cables and posts and make sure they're clean to avoid corrosion.

Engine belts are extremely important and can greatly affect engine performance. Make sure belts do not have cracks or missing sections.

Costs are always a concern; in a study by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), vehicle repairs cost an average 34 percent more at new car dealerships than at independent repair shops, resulting in $11.7 billion in excess costs annually to consumers.

Save money by having you’re the suggested manufacturers checkups for your vehicle done at Metric Wrench Billings, which offers value and convenience to your vehicle maintenance plan.

Take good care of your car so that it can take care of you. If you are concerned about the life of your vehicle, visit Metric Wrench Billings today to have a certified technician check it out for you. Visit Metric Wrench Billings today for all of your vehicle solutions today!

Prevent Avoidable Problems and Play it Safe by Changing Your Brake Fluid

According to recent studies, 5% of all serious vehicle accidents are caused by maintenance neglect. Preventative checks will greatly extend the life of your vehicle.
Specialists should always check: fluids, tire inflation, battery, lighting systems, and belts. Brake fluid, in particular, is important this time of year, with record weather hitting many parts of the country.

For many, topping off the brake fluid seems a no-brainer, but what about changing the fluid?

According to the Car Care Council (carcarecouncil.org), brake fluid can become contaminated in 2 years or less. This is because the fluid absorbs moisture, which makes its way through the vehicle's hydraulic system. With heavy braking, moisture in the overheated fluid vaporizes (boiling point of water is lower than that of brake fluid) and braking efficiency is reduced.

At Metric Wrench Billings, we feel that it is best to follow the manufactures recommendations. However in the thirty + years of business I have seen very few brake failures due to not changing the brake fluid and I have serviced a lot of cars that probably haven't had the brake fluid changed until the brake master cylinder or some other part fail. Would they have lasted longer if the fluid was changed? Maybe.

The greatest concern is the fluid will boil due to the heat of hard braking and the brakes will fail. Then it becomes a liability issue, which is probably the main reason the manufacture recommend it every 2 years. The boiling as you know is due to the moisture adsorbed by the fluid lowering the boiling point.

The brake fluid is basically a closed system with a small vent in the reservoir cap and this is the only place that air with moisture can enter the system. In the state of Montana I would guess the amount of moisture that gets into the brake fluid through that vent hole is pretty slight.

Common errors I've seen in servicing/changing brake fluid: Changing only the fluid in the reservoir and not bleeding/flushing the system. This does nothing to prevent the fluid from boiling in the calipers or wheel cylinder which is where the boiling will occur. Using the incorrect fluid, there are several types of fluid, DOT3, DOT4, DOT5 etc. The main difference is the boiling point of the fluid. Using fluid from a container that has be sitting in the shop open to the air. Not bleeding/flushing the fluid when the brake pads or shoes are replaced.

Because of the liability, we suggest following the manufactures recommendations for changing brake fluid. We are careful to use the correct fluid and always bleed the brake with pad or shoe replacement.

Take good care of your car so that it can take care of you. If you are concerned about your brake fluid, visit Metric Wrench Billings today to have a certified technician check it out for you. Visit Metric Wrench Billings today for all of your vehicle solutions today!

80% Of Vehicles on The Road Need Service

The results are in. Vehicle check-up events at community car care events across the country revealed that 80 percent of vehicles on the road need service or parts, the Car Care Council reported. The overall unsatisfactory condition of most vehicles also reinforces the continued need for consumer education about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.

Vehicle inspection forms submitted from event coordinators in several states shows that 80 percent of the vehicles checked during National Car Care Month and Fall Car Care Month needed parts replacement, service or fluids. For example, nearly one out of every ten vehicles had the "check engine" light on. The top problem areas were: motor oil, windshield wipers, air filters, belts and hoses, and lights.

When checking lubricants and fluids, the three top failure rates were: low, overfull or dirty motor oil at 32 percent; inadequate washer fluid levels at 23 percent, and low, leaky or dirty coolant at 23 percent. Additionally, transmission, brake, power steering and clutch fluids were also checked and had failure rates of 17 percent and below. Fifteen percent of vehicles had front windshield wiper failures and 10 percent needed service to rear wipers.

Other statistics of concern included: At least one belt reported as unsatisfactory in 18 percent of the vehicles inspected, and 7 percent required at least one new hose. New air filters were needed in 18 percent of the vehicles, while 7 percent needed new PVC filters. The "check engine" light was on in 9 percent of the vehicles.

Call or visit Metric Wrench Billings today for all of your BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Volkswagen car care solutions.

How to Keep Up with Your Vehicle Maintenance

Median car life has nearly doubled, from 5.5 years in 1970 to more than 9 years in 2000. Engines and drivetrains are superbly refined, as are fuels and lubricants. Equipment developments, and the personnel training to go along with them, have added to this formula for long life.

One thing that has not changed is the importance of regular checkups and change as well; more specifically: oil change. Regular changes of the oil and filter are generally recommended every 5,000 miles, but you should check your owners manual for the specifics on your vehicle. If you just purchased a used car, it’s a good idea to have it serviced so that your certified technician at Metric Wrench Billings can let you know where your car is at for services and if any services need to be completed.

Finally: don't forget about the brakes. Most car owners including BMW, Mercedes and Audi, wait until they hear grinding noises before taking action. Being a bit more proactive - checking to making sure there's adequate material remaining on the brake pads for disc brakes - is a good place to begin. Remember that brakes should be checked every 30,000 - 45,000 miles, and that leaking brake fluid means immediate repairs are required.

Take good care of your BMW, Mercedes or any vehicle to help prevent common tail light, turn signal and brake light failures. Visit Metric Wrench Billings today for all of your car needs!

Here's Some Helpful Tips For You "unseasonened" Southerners....Just in Case It Gets Below Freezing!

by Jerry Pasman, Automitive Express Centre, Red Deer Alberta.


Here are some helpful hints that could make your winters easier to deal with ...


Keep your Headlights clear with Car Wax! Just wipe ordinary Car Wax on
your headlights. It contains special water repellents that will prevent that messy mixture from accumulating on your lights - lasts 6 weeks.

Squeak-proof your Wipers with Rubbing Alcohol!
Wipe the wipers with a cloth saturated with rubbing alcohol or Ammonia.
This one trick can make badly streaking & squeaking wipers change to near
perfect silence & clarity.

Ice-proof your Windows with Vinegar!
Frost on it's way? Just fill a spray bottle with three parts Vinegar to
one part water & spritz it on all your windows at night. In the morning, they'll be clear of icy mess. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which raises the melting point of
water---preventing water from freezing!


Prevent Car Doors from freezing shut with cooking spray!
Spritz cooking oil on the rubber seals around car doors & rub it in with a
paper towel. The cooking spray prevents water from melting into the rubber.

Fog-proof your Windshield with shaving cream!
Spray some shaving cream on the inside of your windshield & wipe if off
with paper towels. Shaving cream has many of the same ingredients found in commercial defoggers.

De-ice your lock in seconds with hand sanitizer!
Just put some hand Sanitizer gel on the key & the lock & the problems solved!

Take good care of your BMW, Mercedes or any vehicle in this unseasonably cold weather! Visit Metric Wrench Billings today for all of your car needs!

Common Tail Light, Turn Signal and Brake Light Failures

One of the most common tail light, turn signal and brake light failures is burned out bulbs. Unfortunately, glass replacement bulbs are a reality for any vehicle owner. Time and the elements take a toll on your bulbs, leading, inevitably, to failure. Having the right bulb on hand to replace that blown light will keep you legal and safe on the road. You can replace your bulbs with colored bulbs to add a custom look to your vehicle.

Another problem commonly found in BMWs, is after you change all of the bulbs, the check light remains on. That could be caused by the wire harness cable that connects to the light housing; one of the pins could be burned and melted. This causes a slight voltage irregularity thrown to the computer telling it there is a fault even though the lights still work. So check all your wire connections very closely and see if you have any abnormalities or burned out pins.

Having problems with your turn signal? If your turn signal stops working or isn’t working all of the time, use hand signals until you can get it fixed to avoid a huge fine! A turn signal is also known as the electrical connection and switching, there are two types of dashboard turn signal telltale indicators, left and right green indicator lights on the vehicle's instrument cluster, and a cyclical "tick-tock" noise generated electromechanically or electronically.

And did you know that International regulations mandates that turn signals are required to blink on and off, or "flash", at a steady rate of between 60 and 120 blinks per minute.

If you’re having problems with your turn signal, it’s best to have a certified technician at Metric Wrench check your vehicle to see what’s causing the problem, to correct it and to reset all lights and warnings.

Take good care of your BMW, Mercedes or any vehicle to help prevent common tail light, turn signal and brake light failures. Visit Metric Wrench Billings today for all of your car needs!

November - an Important Month for Car Care

Here in Montana, winterizing your car, is not only smart, but essential. November is the perfect time to start getting ready for the big chill; we recommend you visit Metric Wrench Billings to have our specialists check these applications:

• Check coolant (antifreeze) - coolant should be checked every winter, but most manufacturers recommend changing it out completely every five years or 100,000 miles.
• Check tire depth and tire pressure-it’s also time to think about putting your snow tires on your vehicle.
• Change oil – is it time for your oil to be changed? Now’s a good time to schedule that oil change along with your other BMW, Mercedes and car winterizing needs.
• Check your battery and exhaust system
• Ensure your heater and defroster are working properly

Take good care of your BMW, Mercedes or any vehicle to help prevent common breakdowns and an uncomfortable commute. Visit Metric Wrench Billings today for all of your car needs!

Metric Wrench Billings, MT Provides Tips for Fall Weather

Summer days are gone and we’ve all seen the days grow shorter, kids are back in school and excited teens are getting up at 6 o’clock in the morning to take Driver’s Ed! Therefore we must endure increased morning traffic that leads to longer commutes and more wear on your car. To ensure that your car is in peak condition, visit Metric Wrench in Billings, MT to have our certified technicians check these components:

Brakes—increased cars on the road means more stop-and-go traffic. Research shows that stop-and-go traffic can wear your brakes down at a much more rapid rate. Metric Wrench’s certified technicians can provide expert brake repair service.

Gas Mileage—and needless to say, the more you stop-and-go, the fewer miles per gallon your car gets. While Metric Wrench can’t help you with the flow of traffic, we can help assist you in helping your car to get the maximum gas mileage by checking components, that when in optimal condition can increase your gas mileage. Components like checking oil filters, air filters and tire pressure just to name a few.

Engine Belts—did you know that worn belts can dramatically affect your engine’s performance? It’s true and they can also lead to breakdowns, which if your taking kids to school, it could prevent you from getting there on time. The certified technicians at Metric Wrench can check for cracks and missing sections and help you to arrive at school on time!

If you would like more information about tips for fall weather, you can try asking your favorite certified technician at Metric Wrench Billings for some pointers. You can also try searching the Internet for pointers on auto repair. If you have a BMW or Mercedes that needs repair, please contact Metric Wrench Billings, today.

Auto Repair 101

As a new owner of a vehicle, one of the most important things that you will need to know is where to take your car for auto repairs and what you can do for yourself. Then, in the event that your vehicle breaks down, you will know who your certified technician is and/or if you can fix the problem yourself. BMW, Mercedes and most automobile manufacturers and auto parts dealers provide their customers with tips on how to do basic auto repairs.


Metric Wrench Billings specializes in BMW and Mercedes repairs as well as other vehicles. And if you are planning on doing some of the auto repair work yourself, it’s a good idea to get to know the parts and systems that make up your automobile. Things that you should learn are how the parts and systems work, what their optimal performance levels are, because this will assist you in mastering simple auto repair needs. But more importantly, if you know your car’s functions, you won’t have a difficult time identifying where that strange sound is coming for and what application of your vehicle is being affected.

By understanding the basics, you can assist your certified technician if your car does break down or even before it breaks down to save on time and cost.

If you have a Mercedes or BMW and you are a beginner in auto repair, you need to know ahead of time that there are specific tools for your vehicle and that it may be necessary to take your car to Metric Wrench Billings rather than purchase all of those expensive tools. You can check with your certified technician at Metric Wrench Billings to see if there is a basic service tool kit that he would recommend so that you could do some things at home, yourself.

If you would like more information about auto repairs for beginners, you can try asking your favorite certified technician at Metric Wrench Billings for some pointers. You can also try searching the Internet for pointers on auto repair. If you have a BMW or Mercedes that needs repair, please contact Metric Wrench Billings, today.