Car >200K miles with problems

[Steadygain]

My car had 216,000 miles - new tires and the engine light comes on.

Ann wonders what to do....?

I say get it fixed - that it should cost a lot less to fix it and I'll probably get at least another 100K miles.

So they said it was the oxygen sensor - changed it and we're cool.

*********************************************************

Next day - hour drive to work - engine light comes back on

Ann wonders ....?

I say get it fixed - for the same reason.

They changed various things - for roughly $500

******************************************************

Next day - drive to work - engine light comes on

Ann wonders...?

I say ... same thing .... same reason ..

They change spark plugs, wiring, cataletic convertor and some other stuff for roughly $900

****************************************************

Next day - drive to work - engine light comes on

Ann ....

I say

They did something with the exhaust - another oxygen sensor $400


Most of these were more delayed and the car is the shop for maybe a week - at least 3 days or so.

With everything they did - even put in new fuel injectors - it's like a brand new car and I am thrilled with the way it runs. I get over 30 MPG and I think I'll easily get another 100K if not 200K.

In the long run $1,800 - maybe $1,900 is nothing compared to buying a new car and I'm thrilled with my decision to keep it. It runs better than when I first bought it and still gets great milage.

Since it was 'my car' it was a very easy decision. Now if it had been her car and she was puzzled - and wondered with 216K miles - I would have more encouraged her to feel free to find a replacement.

You see in our daily lives 'politics' weave their way into things and over the years you learn to manage things a little better.

Well have a great weekend everyone !!

 

[burrocrat]

heck, i could have fixed it in matter of a few minutes and would've only charged you half that much.

the secret to those pesky check engine lights is get your hand back up behind the dash with a small pair of needle nose pliers and pull the wires straight out of the back of the offending light. or pull them out crooked, that works too.

there, no more problems.

welcome back, Steady.

let me know if you need the s/n# updated on your jail card after the ban. ah, nevermind, i'll just do it anyway.

 

[Steadygain]

welcome back, Steady.

Thanks my friend - is very deeply appreciated.

http://www.mississinewa1812.com/

Scooters and Ka Bootsters (daugher and wife) are probably already at Mississinewa and will be there over the weekend.

Same with Grandma- boots; my other daughter in college (her school is close) and my wife's 2 sisters and a bunch of their little scoots.

All of them are dressed in 1812 stuff and will live and act exactly as the little rascals did back then. I personally have more of a fascination for the 'Native Americans' and a bunch of them (dressed up and living as them) will also be there.

What makes these events so wonderful it that the ones participating really know their stuff - so when you and talk to various people they are able to give a lot of insights and details about their life and customs.

*****************************************************

Meanwhile - - I'm stuck at home with Ella (laberdoddle) - and will force myself to watch whatever movies I feel like watching :nuts: eating Pizza and making popcorn and all that stuff.

I'm hoping Nightmare on Elm Street is available at redbox - cause that's one I thought was great years back.

Well I hope all is going well with you. BTW - I thought about turning the light off several times because it seemed to run great - but knew with my luck ... I couldn't take the chance.

 

[Birchtree]

Most times the offending part is a plugged up EGR valve (exhaust gas recirculation valve) and it requires nothing to replace. Leave it plugged and the engine will run better, but of course the greens wouldn't be happy with the pollution.

 

[WorkFE]

but of course the greens wouldn't be happy with the pollution.

Those check engine lights can be a real pain. I've opted for burrocrats solution a time or two. 200K on my F250 diesel, knocking on wood.

 

[PessOptimist]

It's great if you can find out what the code is in plain language. Most shops want about $100 to plug in their analyzer. Many people have cheap readers that will decipher the code and at least tell you what it means in plain english. It is often ambiguous but can point you in the right direction. Go from there. I have paid over $100 to have a technician tighten my gas cap.

Forearmed is forewarned. Most repair shops do what yours did, throw parts at it until it goes away. They love people who don't ask "why did my $ not fix it"? Do not be surprised if it comes back. Do not be surprised if the shop disabled it. See if it comes on when you turn the key on before starting the engine.

Good on you to try to get it fixed instead of disconnecting the sensor. Algore would come and kiss you if he wasn't so busy staying out of sight these days.

Do you know what the code was? Good luck on the next 100k miles.

 

[Buster]

Most shops want about $100 to plug in their analyzer. Many people have cheap readers that will decipher the code and at least tell you what it means in plain english.

AutoZone will plug in their OBD-II scanner (On-Board Diagnostic) and tell you exactly what the code means..for Free!



I'd rather not be inconvenienced while the car is in the shop all the time and being nickle and dimed to death, all the while wondering if it will start when I need it most, like to make a fast getaway from a girlfriends just before her husband comes home..And of course, there's that highly addictive new car smell, along with years of factory warranty....

I understand, everyone looks at their car ownership in different little ways....whatever works best for you..

 

[burrocrat]

ok, on a more serious note, the only reason i wouldv'e charged you 900 is i want a new car. both the ones i have now i overpaid for.

i have a '94 buick i bought for $1000. run it on six 1200 mile round trips per year, and 100+ mile trips every couple of weeks to stock up on groceries. only put one oil change and a set of $30 used tires on it in 20k miles. gets ~34 mpg and she is a runner. reduce reuse recycle. eat this you greenies. note: dash lights don't all work.

my other is a '90 ford pickup with a 302, one of the best runners you'll ever find, just don't pull with them or carry too much. cost me, you guessed it, $1000. drive it around town and in the country. has the capabilities i need and carries the essential gear: axe, shovel, bucket, basic tools, miminalist camping setup and extra water, fishing poles, and a couple of weapons. gets me where i need to go, carries all i might need when i get there. new tires did cost me half the value of the outfit, but gotta wear the right shoes.

i don't insure either more than the state required minimum. love them, but drive them hard till they pop. then just get a new one. let's see, 1000 divided by 12 months equals, hmm, maybe less than 100 a month? beats a car payment. if it lasts more than a year then i make money everytime i pull out of the driveway.

i have to admit, i lied a bit about the pliers, sometimes it's hard to get your hands all back up in there and find the right wires. so i just take a screwdriver and put it right over the light and hit it hard with a hammer. light goes away. i go on my way.

everybody's happy.

 

[Steadygain]

Most times the offending part is a plugged up EGR valve (exhaust gas recirculation valve) and it requires nothing to replace. Leave it plugged and the engine will run better, but of course the greens wouldn't be happy with the pollution.

Well I'll be darned!!!

That is what they replaced the last time and it was $400

Those check engine lights can be a real pain. I've opted for burrocrats solution a time or two. 200K on my F250 diesel, knocking on wood.

What bothered me the MOST is after changing the oxygen sensor and the next time I drive it 'it comes back on'.

They tell me not to worry about it - unless the light starts blinking.

So of course while I'm all the way across the country helping take care of Mom and Dad ---

Scamper Boots drives it to HS and the light blinks and apparent it smells bad and sounded pretty bad.

Just keep driving it

Forearmed is forewarned. Most repair shops do what yours did, throw parts at it until it goes away.

Good on you to try to get it fixed instead of disconnecting the sensor.

Do you know what the code was? Good luck on the next 100k miles.

Well I'm probably way too gullible in light of it having over 216,000

Everything they replaced has seriously made a major improvement in the car's performance. They also had evidence that everything other than 'the injectors' needed replaced.

On the whole these guys have done excellent work over the years and I've saved a lot more with them compared to the Ford Dealership.

The code changed everytime something got fixed. Truth is the 'engine light' was OFF after each repair. I truly believe they were all seperate things that needed corrected.

Because it happened a number of times - they did not charge me for the repeat diagnostic tests and for the very extensive one they did.

Money wise I feel like I got 'a deal' overall compared to buying a new car. Actually I'm thrilled with everything they did.

Thanks man!! I'll probably get another 200,000 the way it runs now.

AutoZone will plug in their OBD-II scanner (On-Board Diagnostic) and tell you exactly what the code means..for Free!

Thanks my delightful freind - that's great to know. Using color to make the conversation easier.




I'd rather not be inconvenienced while the car is in the shop all the time and being nickle and dimed to death, all the while wondering if it will start when I need it most, like to make a fast getaway from a girlfriends just before her husband comes home..

Thank You!! so much Buster - I got a long overdue and much appreciated laugh from that.

That's why in my Best and most Prized stories you are always such a cool dude - cause you are cool bro.

And of course, there's that highly addictive new car smell, along with years of factory warranty....

I've found setting the upholstery on fire gets rid of that smell. I use to splash 'marijuana smelling liquid' all over the place but felt too awkward if anyone else ever got in the car. Plus if you ever get pulled over ...


I understand, everyone looks at their car ownership in different little ways....whatever works best for you..

Thanks man - it's good to see ya Buster.

What works best for me it getting the little scoundrals out of college 'debt free' and scamper boots is off to college next year. Meanwhile drama queen is having the time of her life in her last year with an apartment.

Well life goes on and I just go with it and try to let things glide and be cool.

Well I'm off to 'get a movie' throw in a pizza. Maybe even crank the stereo and get crazy.


Have a great weekend everyone and 'be cool'.

Sorry Burro - just noticed you -- PEACE MAN -- HAVE A GREAT ONE

 

[burrocrat]

hey if you're searching for titles, there's some fool posted some recommendations over in his member account talk thread a while back.

just in case you got some, umm, time on your hands.

cool bro.

 

[Birchtree]

I know a doctor that traded in his Caddy which was only 1 year old - telling everyone he traded it becasue the radio didn't work. Come to find out he caught three bullet holes while escaping from an affair with a married woman. This gal used to wear cut out bras to work - always interesting.

 

[Steadygain]

I'd rather not be inconvenienced while the car is in the shop all the time and being nickle and dimed to death, all the while wondering if it will start when I need it most, like to make a fast getaway from a girlfriends just before her husband comes home..

I know a doctor that traded in his Caddy which was only 1 year old - telling everyone he traded it becasue the radio didn't work. Come to find out he caught three bullet holes while escaping from an affair with a married woman. This gal used to wear cut out bras to work - always interesting.

The world is filled with deception and most of how we live and behave stems from our perception of reality. For me the real TRUTH is the ultimate truth and nothing else could possibly compare to it.

What makes LIFE more wonderful to me than anything else is knowing the deepest grounding of why I strive to live and behave the way I do. For me the greatest possible LIFE is one where you are deeply inspired by the Ultimate Source of LIFE and LOVE and TRUTH. A source that is far beyond the frality of mankind.

Only when we are willing and wanting and craving with all we have and all we are to devote ourselves to one another in TRUTH does 'secrecy disappear'. Only then can a man openly give his life totallly and thoroughly on another person's behalf. Only by a source of LIFE far beyond our own can we ever find what 'unconditional LIFE is' - and in this we come to know the basis of all LIFE and the one who controls all LIFE and the only ONE who could honor the purest and most thorough sacrifice possible.

When everything we live for - and all we deeply strive to accomplish and fulfill is done for a far greater cause and is most certainly done to make HIS Glory as fully achknowledged as possible - then there is 'NO SHAME' and most certaintly no need for 'SECRETCY'

I am so deeply grateful that when I open my LIFE and honestly make the depth of my heart known - when I am ever granted the greatest 'Blessing' we can know - of extending unconditional love and sacrifice - I am most thoroughly honored and thrilled that I can do this openly and all can see and know the deepest depth and the widest extent by which I strive to make HIS Glory and Grace known through me.

A life that is 'secret' - a life that is 'hidden' - is largely a life that is full of shame and disgrace. TRUTH is greater than anything else and many refuse to accept it - many run from it - many close themselves to TRUTH entirely because the TRUTH is too hard to bear - it would force them to acknowledge a deeper 'Reality' that goes against all they live for.

I have nothing to hide my dear wonderful brothers and sisters; my deligtful internet family -my friends at large. The TRUTH can only be extended in the deepest and most purest LOVE and RESPECT. That would be impossible when the person is deeply hurt and rejected and whose emotions are 'overwhelmed'.

Now - I am at PEACE and whatever I share has to be done in such a manner that I do it in such a way that I show the deepest RESPECT and LOVE and HONOR to everyone across the board.

Enjoy the lives you have - for LIFE is short and we should strive to make the most with what we have.

My love and appreciation to all of you - for everything.

Steady

 

[Steadygain]

Buster,
I thought about you over the weekend.

http://www.tsptalk.com/mb/showpost.php?p=137851&postcount=369
The post above is where we had our start.

You responded with:
DennisFAA
Not that I'm disputing your word in any way, shape or form...I believe you honestly believe this...But having said that, I am a person of science and IMO, I think it is virtually impossible for human flesh to cause enough friction to cause any kind of wood to self ignite without some stage magic going on....Sorry, but I think the swamp land for sale in Arizona would be a better buy..

Well I kind of liked that - cause you don't hesitiate to step into anything and make yourself known.
So I responed with:
http://www.tsptalk.com/mb/showpost.php?p=137874&postcount=377

Somehow that seems to be a good start for us and when I'm striving to take a friend back to the 'hippie days' so she can have 'her moment' you were right there - and we were cool.

The thing that stuck out the most is the REAL YOU - the person behind the front - the show - that is so often projected.

That's why it's so easy for me to totally forget the 'politics garbage' and remember the person deep down - that person that more defines the core of everything you represent.

Buster for you that is a very 'huge heart' and that is why I entrusted my daugther's life to your care. I knew that nothing could possibly get by you if you were truly committed to her welfare. That is why I displayed your character so accurately; why I had you going out acting kind of crazy and doing your thing - but kicking ass left and right.

For you - demonstrating your loyality and showing 'your worth' means nothing is ever going to have the chance of hurting her as long as you're in place

This would equally apply to CB and once again this goes far beyond politics and to the core of his being. No demonstates a higher calling to 'family' than him - so no one is more worthy to serve as her protector.

For the right cause - neither one of you would ever hesitate to stand against the crowd and go against the odds to demonstate the extent you're willing to stand your ground.

That's what's important to me - who you are deep inside and what most centrally defiines the 'character' of who and what you are. For these are the 'Sacred Bonds' and nothing can change them.

It takes time for me to see and know what is deep down inside - but only by doing that could I possibly know who is most worthy to stand in my place - should something happen to me. That is why you were chosen and by choosing you I was able to ignore the more meaningless aspects.

We all have 'quirks' - and 'misunderstandings' are inevitable - but being real with each other will only make our bonds greater. We need to be willing to be open and direct - honest and true - and really listen and take the time to absorb everything so when we make a stand we know to the highest degree why we stand where we do and what we are standing for.

I immensely admire 'directness' and you asked a very solid and incredibly valuable question - one which I've given a lot of thought to and one to which I'm honored to make known.

Thanks for being direct and in that 'allowing me to be real'.

 

[Buster]

Buster,
I thought about you over the weekend.

.

Thanks Rick...Thoughts of you and your very unique way of expressing yourself, dance over my dendrites ever so often too..

 

[Frixxxx]

Thanks Rick...Thoughts of you and your very unique way of expressing yourself, dance over my dendrites ever so often too..

:laughude, keep your dendrites to yourself......This board is RESPECTABLE:laugh:​

 

[Steadygain]

Thanks Rick...Thoughts of you and your very unique way of expressing yourself, dance over my dendrites ever so often too..

Well first to understand how she thinks and what she would think you need a little background to better understand.

I went to a Bible College right before I joined the Army. I went there because I wasn't finding and knowing and understanding God on the depths that I believed most deeply lacked - here I would say especially me. For when I found God and the transforming Grace that brought me into a totally different state of being -

- I found much to my surprise that is was not the end and all is done and finished -

- totally the opposite - I found it was just the beginning. This was the 'start' of something new and something far better than I could ever have dreamed or imagined

- but where do I go from here??
- what is the next step to finding and knowing His Glory??

In response, and very much to my frustration, most told me 'I was done and the goal and ultimate quest was simply finding God and knowing the transforming power of His Grace and Love'.

Well I thought that was rediculous - because there is no way possible God would 'intend' to make such an incredible total change in our life and mindset and everything about us -

- for us to just sit around and twiddle our thumbs and say 'I got my ticket punched'.

Hmm well part of the problem is my own mindset and the inability to be content living a marginal life when I'm out to find and know and be everything.

So I listened to christian radio programs and read the bible and prayed and did about as much as I could 'on my own' but still had an 'emptyness' and a longing to know HIM more - to really know HIM as I was meant to.

It wasn't an easy transition Buster - cause way back when that happened all my friends got high and I was kind of the main dude - and I rocked and played guitar and was totally into girls and love and all.

So it was quite a difficult situation when everyone who had your heart and soul and you had their's - when the 'BONDS' you'd known forever as sacred and unbreakable - totally disappear because they can't deal with you being 'Mr Straight' - especially for why I had to.

In retrospect I understand it a lot better - but I could never understand it back then. I figured by hanging with them they'd know they're still cool to me - but it was too weird having this totally different person trying to fit in where he doesn't belong.

By the time I went to the Bible College I was craving all the more to find everything I could possibly find and know to the highest degree how my life is supposed to be lived and keep setting out to accomplish the Greater Calling.

So - to have a clue what my wife thinks - you first have to know this part. My LIFE at the Bible College was the Greatest and most transforming part of my entire existence. I changed - and I changed a lot. When my parents saw me they were amazed - delighted - said my face 'glowed'.

The friends I'd had over the years (who got high) saw how real I was and they loved me too and they totally respected the life I had and the way I lived and acted and regarded them and everyone else.

Well soak some of that in - and the rest will make a lot more since.