This week has been a bit of a bummer. Bacon sprung
a squeak and the new mechanic suggested it might be coming from the transmission. Then while I was investigating I noticed
a leak coming from the transmission pan, and another one coming from further up. In addition, when I ripped the radio out I found out the hole isn't the right size, so I need to get it cut, and there's metal on it. And when I tried to hook up the stereo anyway to at least get the parts in place, no power seemed to go to the unit. Also, the AC runs ok at highway speeds, but I can't use it in traffic because it stalls her out. So these 90 degree days are unpleasant. Then to top it all off I got super pissed at the new mechanic because they basically said they couldn't diagnose the squeak until it got louder, but still charged me the $50 diagnostic fee, despite diagnosing nothing other than that I have a short patience for car stuff. And I've tried to read the transmission fluid level like six times and none of it makes sense - it's high when it's cold and low when it's hot.
I know I shouldn't expect a new van for the amount I paid, and I still think she's a good van, but this week is testing my resolve. I don't seem to have anyone around me who is willing to help me on stuff, mechanic included. The worst part is I'm willing to pay for the stuff I can't do myself/alone, but it feels like no one wants to work on my van. Also, the Haynes manual is no help - "How to remove X: Step 1: Locate X, Step 2: Remove X." Where are the decent instructionals with clear illustrations and actual pointers about what I'm looking for? Grrr.
I just need to take a moment, take stock of all the things, and work through them, one by one, believing that eventually the list will stop getting longer and start getting shorter (probably at the same time the days do... lol).
Here's the thesis of work I'm currently faced with:
- Diagnose speed-related squeak coming from engine area
- Fix leaks on transmission
- Check steering box for stress cracks/critical damage
- Check U-joints (I might need some pointers on where these are)
- Driver's power window doesn't roll down
- Figure out why car stalls under heavy load (AC etc) in traffic
- Add curtains
- Replace front wheel bearings
- Detail interior windows and metal fixings
Exterior clean - just need to clean crud from behind spare tire
- VOLTS is lit up on dash
- Figure out electrical stuff - lots of cut wires, speakers don't work - I think I need to map things out so I at least know what all the various bits of wiring hanging by my feet are!
- Install a new sound system with aux input/bluetooth -
do this one I've troubleshot the current system and know where the failure is at (speakers don't work, seems to be no power to the radio, but the fuse is intact) I jumped ahead and ripped it out. Now I have no idea why nothing's working.
- Slight squeal comes from the roof of the van at around 40mph - I think air is coming in somewhere
- Weather stripping on doors is old and cracked - pending. 2 of 6 are now done. SOOO BOOORRRINNNGG.
Right mirror (passenger side) is slipping when I drive, so I have to keep adjusting it This seems to have stopped now
- Add privacy curtains
- Get nicer storage for stay-in emergency van tools (to fit under bed) and personal stuff
- Replace spark plugs
Sort out area above cab - it's sagging and has the old TV in that I'd like to do something with
- Add sea foam and drive her around a bit
- Update flooring
Add power option for 2-3 days of laptop and phone charging - solar? Found a 12v plug, got a 12v charger for laptop - will have to do for now