skip to main content

The Kitchen Table

NOT time for a new car!

17 years ago

Through some research, trial and error, a timely investment a few weeks ago on an OBDII scanner from Amazon for $30, and some good luck, I've fixed my car.

It's running like a champ right now.

All told, the cost was under $200.

But the big luck item was the air bag light, which suddenly went out (after 3 months) by itself while my friend David and I were car shopping. Weird, but I'm not complaining.

I used JB Weld epoxy to fix the crack in the ignition coil. It was leaking current, arcing, and causing the misfire.

I traced another performance issue and code to the knock sensor, a small item tucked in on top of the engine. Less than a minute to replace it, nearly an hour removing stuff from the top of the engine and standing on my head in the engine compartment trying to maneuver the new one into place, followed by about an hour of reassembling all the stuff I had to move.

Cost? $82 for the sensor.

I took it to be inspected yesterday, and it passed.

I did get new rear brakes for it, as I know they're getting thin, but it passed with the thin brakes. I'll replace those probably this coming week.

All told, a VERY satisfying weekend.

I'll just continue socking money into savings and when the time DOES come and I want (or have to) replace that car, I'll be that much farther ahead on the down payment.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

sjerin
17 years ago
You sound like a mechanically-talented person! I am not, so reading about how you fixed your own car certainly impresses me. Good for you!
nodakgal
17 years ago
Well good for you!! I like the repairs better than payments!;)
My DS bought a work car for $75...a Chevy Celebrity. He stuck $40 into it and did the repairs himself, it runs like a top!
For his dirty greasy job he needs a junker to drive back and forth to work, plus he can fix almost anything.
Related Discussions
A new car in the neighborhood.
Q
Comments (12)
Don, you are so right about about the importance about being able to transfer knowledge in our fast changing world. I'm finding out that it is important to keep up to date on new developments so one can move forward to the next step. I tend to keep my comfortable old stuff too long, and when I want/need a new thing, I have a huge learning curve. We drive "old" cars but DH has kept up with the new developments. DH studied mechanical engineering in college, and his grand father owned one of the first Ford franchises back east. DH worked in the pit and learned all about the "guts" of a car. When he saw the Karma, he knew that we were looking at new technology. But he was quick to figure out, in general, how the car was built.
...See More
Beware Of New Car Jacking Scheme
Q
Comments (4)
I travel from client to client in my little pickup truck. People laugh at me about all the door locking and checking I do. Thankfully, I live in a low crime area, but I have lived in high crime areas, and the habit is there. As I walk up to the truck I look through the windows into the camper shell to check to see that I have no unwanted passengers. I look through the door windows before I unlock the vehicle, then I check behind the seats before I get in and then I lock the door immediately. I used to date a police officer and he drilled me and drilled me and drilled me. I do it so automatically now most people don't notice my routine.
...See More
Protecting carpet in new car
Q
Comments (3)
Scotch gaurd in a can.Same stuff the dealers charge extra for.A few years back thats what they called it at both car dealers and furniture stores.That they charged extra and you would get a certificate to make you feel all warm and fuzzy about.They would charge a heffty price to have your new car or your new sofa or recliner Scotch Gaurd protected. My uncle worked at a furniture store for many years.He set up and delivered furniture.One of his duties was to spray Scotch gaurd on if the customer paid for it.He used the same cans you buy in a store today.Applied it the same way you do your self.One can goes a long way and the customer paid extra like $50.00 for a coach.
...See More
Got My New Car but I feel dumb
Q
Comments (10)
Doesn't a valet key also work in the drivers side door, so they can get into the car. I thought they just didn't work in the inside compartments and the trunk. I've never had one. I hope you really like your new car. Just the fact that new cars get that much more milage should be a help to our economy. Would you buy a 2 year old car with 10 less mpg rather then spending more for that great milage? I would (if I had it LOL.)
...See More
susanjf_gw
17 years ago
i'm impressed, too...

kframe are you doing the brakes yourself? disk brakes arn't that bad to do..(dh used to do things like that years ago) the bummer, on newer cars, the roters are about useless to get reground...and you have to replace them...
mcmann
17 years ago
That's what I like to hear- do it yourself and save money. I wish my son had asked about prices before he stopped at the Infiniti dealer to get a new windshield wiper for his rear window- the wiper was $14 and they charged $28 in put it in. The front wipers he could buy at any auto parts store, but the rear wiper is proprietary- and he never thought they'd charge that much for a wiper insert. Oh it probably needed a proprietary screw and screwdriver too.
kframe19
Original Author
17 years ago
Yep, I'll be doing the brakes, too.

I've done both disk and drum brakes in years past. Disk are far easier.

I think my rotors have more than enough life left on them, so I should be OK.

Related Stories

New Year's Resolution: Make More "Me" Time

Find a Way to Create a Mini Retreat at Home

DREAM SPACES A Car Lover's Man Cave Kicks Into High-Luxury Gear

By Vanessa Brunner

Fast cars, fine wines and a high-tech bathroom elevate this backyard outpost to the realm of dream space

DECORATING GUIDES 10 Popular Home Design Trends — Timely or Timeless?

By Samantha Schoech

Weigh in on whether these of-the-moment decorating elements will have staying power or become a memory of these times

GARDENING GUIDES 7 Ecofriendly Gardening Ideas That Also Cut Chore Time

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Spend less time weeding, less money watering and more moments just sitting back and enjoying your healthy garden

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Take Your Kitchen Back to a Simpler Time

By Cozy Little House

Give your kitchen a comfortingly classic feel with appliances, furnishings and accessories styled for the good old days

PATIOS An Outdoor Dining Spot Creates Quiet Time in the Heart of San Francisco

By Mitchell Parker

See how this abandoned site became a big-city oasis with the help of a new lawn and a unique outdoor dining area

DECORATING GUIDES How to Remove Wallpaper in 4 Steps

By Christine Tusher

Learn the best way to remove wallpaper with only water (and elbow grease) so your next wall treatment will look great

MOST POPULAR A First-Time Buyer’s Guide to Home Maintenance

By Christine Tusher

Take care of these tasks to avoid major home hassles, inefficiencies or unsightliness down the road

BASEMENTS Design Workshop: Is It Time to Let Basements Become Extinct?

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Costly and often unnecessary, basements may become obsolete — if they aren’t already. Here are responses to every reason to keep them around

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Is It Time to Consider Fake Grass?

By J. Peterson Garden Design

With more realistic-looking options than ever, synthetic turf can be a boon. Find the benefits and an installation how-to here

Sponsored

More Discussions

TYPE OF LIGHT FIXTURE GLASS

6

Weekend Music Part 2 - Pain

26

Smile today -8/23/26

5

Pizza art and science

10

Smile today - 8/24/26

6