Add your FAQ to 1000 answered questions and grow TDI knowledge

The goal of the FAQ-wiki pages is to provide a free, reliable, accurate, and updated source of information. The site has seen steady growth and I really appreciate any contributions by the users. The FAQ and "how to" cover a lot but there's a lot of stuff that I can't do or don't have access to do. There is lots of good work going on but most don't document it because it takes effort and time. This website is regularly updated and your contribution will be recognized and get a lot of visibility.

The FAQ is now a "wiki" which means any registered member can edit it. Past versions are stored to prevent vandalism or so you can check what changes were made to the article.

* The writeup should include notes on bolt/nut sizes, pictures of each step, and possible pitfalls/costly mistakes. These are things that usually aren't in the service manual.
* Be prepared to spend significantly more time taking notes on each bolt size and taking pictures. It takes effort but your work will help many and have good visibility through the FAQ.
* It should be original content and and not a mirror of someone else's existing work. If you find really good misc. information somewhere, free to post it anyways. It should cover something that doesn't have an existing writeup. Even if there's an existing writeup feel free to document your work if you can significantly improve it.
* Try to keep the FAQ in a consistent format (introduction, parts, procedure). Other people may rewrite your article or edit it in the future. This is the internet and so be prepared with a thick skin.

Guidelines for pictures:

* Pictures should be in focus and well lit. This sounds simple but if you see enough writeups on misc. sites and take enough pictures you'll see that it's not.
* Take multiple pictures of each step. I usually take 3 pictures of each step from slightly different angles and frame. This results in almost always having a usable picture.
* A camera flash can wash out detail because you're so close up when working on a car. Try to avoid taking pictures head-on or too close. If the object has reflectivity, all you'll see is a shiny object. When using a flash, take the picture from a slightly off axis angle and try to back up a little. It will light the whole picture better and will light the object and avoid reflections.
* The goal of composing pictures for a writeup isn't artistic appeal, it's to describe an element of a technical article. Sepia tone, funny angles, and your big toe in the middle of the picture are not encouraged. Frame it so that the object is in context. For example, a closeup of a bolt means nothing. A closeup is fine if it has an earlier picture which references it against a landmark like the oil pan or wheel well but it's better to have it all in 1 picture vs. 2.
* When possible, pictures in the article should be from about the same orientation to reduce confusion.
* Bigger frame is normally better since you can always crop it. Most digital cameras also take big images which will let you crop without too much loss in quality.

Thank you for any contributions! This post is closed so you have any questions, please post them in the forum.