Fault Finding Guide - iPod Adapter/Car Kits - January 31, 2006

The information below will eliminate 97% of iPod adapter/car kit errors or “non functioning product” issues for the Dension Ice Link Plus Car Kit, Connects2 iPod Car Kit and iPod-incar Car Kit.

The first step is to ensure your iPod is running the latest operating software. Apple release regular updates to ensure the iPod is compatible with all iPod add-on products such as the ice>Link Plus. 97% of operating issues will be resolved by downloading a simple update, Here’s how . . .

Updating Your iPod Software:
To update the software on your iPod you will need to download the latest version of the Apple iPod updater from Apple’s website. Please, note that this is a totally different application from iTunes. Tunes will not update your iPod operating software.

Copy and paste the following link into your browser:
apple.com/ipod/download/

Step 1:

Scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your details along with the operating system your computer uses. Then click the Download iPod Software Update button.

Step 2:

Follow the onscreen instructions to install the updater application on your computer.

Step 3:

Run the iPod updater application and select update . Once your iPod has been updated. I recommend restoring the factory settings to your iPod by clicking the restore button.

Your iPod is now updated. Connect it to your Ice>Link Plus and test for correct operation.

Further Checks . . .

If you are still experiencing problems, perform a cold reset on the Ice>Link by disconnecting it for 20 minutes then reconnecting. Next, you will need to reset the Ice>Link Plus software if the problem persists.

If everything fails, consult a car audio expert.

You can get

Be Careful At Car Auctions - January 30, 2006

Police and seized car auctions are a good place to find a used car. It’s possible to find a car, purchase it, and drive it home the first day without a lot of red tape or hassel. However, you should make sure that you know what you’re doing before you go. A car can be a long-term investment.

What is not a scam is that the federal government really is actively making second hand luxury vehicles available for sale. Some cars the feds owns but want to dispose of. These vehicles are usually vehicles that are no longer needed in service for the federal government.

However, most of these vehicles offered by the government are not actually owned by the feds, but have been seized because of criminal activities. Vehicles that are used in the commission of certain crimes, particularly drug offenses, often become the property of the arresting agency, depending on local laws. While these seized vehicles are occasionally used by the agency, in the vast majority of cases, the vehicles are sold at auction.

Before you start placing your bids on that sweet ‘Vet that you fell in love with on first sight while browsing your favorite online auto auction site, remember that a picture is only worth so many words, which makes it difficult to get a complete assessment of a vehicle.

Do your homework and due diligence first. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

You need to make sure that you have enough money in your bank account before you attend a car auction. All cars purchased at a car auction must be paid in full. It won’t work to say, “I’ll give you a portion now and the rest later” I’ll give you half now and the rest when I get paid.” That’s not going to work. You must have the total cost of the vehicle.

» These cars are typically sold “as is” and not only is the auction house not responsible for any damages, but they are also likely not aware of them.

It is not their business to do inspections or validate the condition of the cars they are selling. You might want to purchase an extended warranty on the vehicle you win from auction so that you are covered for any unexpected problems or expenses.

» There are some cases where the automobiles will come with a warranty and if this is the case, they will let you know before bidding but typically there is not one, especially with repo cars.

» Car auctions are competitive, and it’s possible to end up paying more than the vehicle is worth. Have your Kelly Blue Book handy and do not pay over the blue book price. Some people will run up the bid price because they have no idea what the auto is worth.

» If possible, bring along a specialist in bidding for a car. Vital information is important to know whether a car is of decent quality.

» Remember: state and government seized cars are those that are done by people who committed crimes, so the seized cars may be more damaged and more fragile than a car that the government may have seized in a different manner (a repossession, for instance).

» Be careful. Before you ever place a bid, pull a Carfax or Autocheck by Experian. This will reveal possible odometer and title problems. Important issues like if the car has been wrecked or flooded is also revealed.

Do you know what some of the common pitfalls are when attending a car auction? Protect yourself now with this free report - seizedvehiclesauctionsite.com/ Car Auction Tips - Know Before You Go

2007 Lexus GS 450h: Full Hybrid Technology Revs Up With Superior Toyota Aftermarket Parts -

The 2007 Lexus GS 450h is the world’s first hybrid luxury sedan and the first full hybrid vehicle with a front engine and rear wheel drive.

‘Once again, we’ve applied our formula of no compromise engineering - this time to a luxury sport sedan which proves to us that hybrid power trains can work superbly in virtually any application,’ said Lexus Vice President of Marketing Mark Templin. ‘It’s very important to continue pursuing substantial reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, while continuing to improve performance and driving pleasure. Our customers wouldn’t have it any other way.

It will be a rear wheel drive full hybrid making it able to travel at low speeds under electric propulsion alone. Lexus says the GS 450h will have gas mileage similar to the average 2-liter, 4-cylinder compact sedan.

The Lexus GS 450h is a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle. A SULEV-rated vehicle is 90% cleaner than the average new car.

The GS 450h will have a 3.5-liter V6 engine combined with a high-output electric motor–all driving the rear wheels–to pack horsepower at the level of a V8 engine. Lexus says it will have horsepower equivalent to a 4.5 liter V8. 0-60 acceleration is expected to be less than 6 seconds. For perspective, the 2006 GS 430 has a 4.3-liter V8 that has 300 horsepower.

It’s built on the GS 430 platform and offers similar standard equipment and options, including a sunroof and perforated leather seats. It is visually identical to the GS 430, except for a large air dam on the front bumper to cool the electric motor, a power meter on the dashboard instead of an odometer, and 18-inch light-alloy wheels.

Hybrid technology, driving dynamics, motoring comfort and generous space inside redefines the new Lexus GS450h. Featuring more powerful and fuel efficient engines, innovative assistance systems, a wide range of safety features, as well as a superior standard of equipment, the new Toyota Lexus of today need no less than superior BMW replacement parts when the need arises.

This is where Parts Train comes in. Having a vast array of well crafted Toyota Replacement Parts, Performance Parts, Aftermarket Parts to choose from its online store at partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/TOYOTA available 24 hours a day to serve your most demanding auto parts needs. Excellence is synonymous to service for all of Parts Train’s customer service staff in dealing with all of your auto parts inquiries.

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/TOYOTA partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/TOYOTA