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I had an ’88 Camry where the driver’s side belt stopped working. I didn’t attempt to fix the problem and manually retracted the belt to the “driving” position. Then, when I got into the car, I would slide the belt over my shoulder and “roll like a fed” as my friend says.
I had an ’88 Camry where the driver’s side belt stopped working. I didn’t attempt to fix the problem and manually retracted the belt to the “driving” position. Then, when I got into the car, I would slide the belt over my shoulder and “roll like a fed” as my friend says.
I bought an ELM327 Bluetooth adapter after returning an inexpensive code reader that refused to connect with my car. I’ve only used it a few times with the Torque app to diagnose a faulty O2 sensor, but it works well for reading and clearing codes, and checking the emissions status. Also, I only used the live data feature once to graph the sensors’ output, but I have no idea how close to real-time it is or how it compares to a professional scanner.
I had some issues with the initial setup. I would have read the manual on the included CD, but the reviews for the device reported malware detected on the CD. In short, the adapter has to be paired with the phone before it can be used with the app. Also, it seems that I had to scan for the Bluetooth device and enter the passcode within ~30 seconds of plugging the adapter into the port. Then, the phone remembers the device and future connections are painless.
I bought an ELM327 Bluetooth adapter after returning an inexpensive code reader that refused to connect with my car. I’ve only used it a few times with the Torque app to diagnose a faulty O2 sensor, but it works well for reading and clearing codes, and checking the emissions status. Also, I only used the live data feature once to graph the sensors’ output, but I have no idea how close to real-time it is or how it compares to a professional scanner.
I had some issues with the initial setup. I would have read the manual on the included CD, but the reviews for the device reported malware detected on the CD. In short, the adapter has to be paired with the phone before it can be used with the app. Also, it seems that I had to scan for the Bluetooth device and enter the passcode within ~30 seconds of plugging the adapter into the port. Then, the phone remembers the device and future connections are painless.
I usually go 7k to 8k miles with Mobil 1, but change the filter and top-off the engine at the midpoint.
I usually go 7k to 8k miles with Mobil 1, but change the filter and top-off the engine at the midpoint.
[quote=”gsr-chick” post=79715]
2) The car is indeed parked outside but I am in the city (Vancouver, Canada). I haven’t seen any mice(or rats) inside the house but there are raccoons and squirrels, and the odd skunk that come around on occasion. Any other critters I should watch for in the urban areas? [/quote]One of my coworkers found that a squirrel or chipmunk had stockpiled food in the airbox, which prevented the car from starting. I wouldn’t worry about it, but check for any evidence of their presence in spring.
[quote=”gsr-chick” post=79715]
4) The garbage bags on the tires. I might try this. I noticed light rust already starting on the rotors. 🙁 Do you need to jack the car up to get them over the entire tire? [/quote]It’s probably surface rust. If I don’t drive my car for a week, the rotors will have a light orange coating. The brakes will squeak for ~10 ft, and the noise will disappear quickly.
I would raise the car and wrap the wheels as best as I could to create a barrier air and moisture. If I remember correctly, I think that I used two bags per wheel to create a good seal. Also, thinking that sealing the bag ends with a lot of tape would be a PITA to remove in spring, I wrapped the ends closed with shrink wrap – I worked in a warehouse at the time and it’s like a stretchable and clingy Saran Wrap for holding boxes on pallets for transport. Alternatively, you might be able twist and tie the end into a knot with a large bag. Sorry, I don’t remember the exact details.
[quote=”gsr-chick” post=79715]
2) The car is indeed parked outside but I am in the city (Vancouver, Canada). I haven’t seen any mice(or rats) inside the house but there are raccoons and squirrels, and the odd skunk that come around on occasion. Any other critters I should watch for in the urban areas? [/quote]One of my coworkers found that a squirrel or chipmunk had stockpiled food in the airbox, which prevented the car from starting. I wouldn’t worry about it, but check for any evidence of their presence in spring.
[quote=”gsr-chick” post=79715]
4) The garbage bags on the tires. I might try this. I noticed light rust already starting on the rotors. 🙁 Do you need to jack the car up to get them over the entire tire? [/quote]It’s probably surface rust. If I don’t drive my car for a week, the rotors will have a light orange coating. The brakes will squeak for ~10 ft, and the noise will disappear quickly.
I would raise the car and wrap the wheels as best as I could to create a barrier air and moisture. If I remember correctly, I think that I used two bags per wheel to create a good seal. Also, thinking that sealing the bag ends with a lot of tape would be a PITA to remove in spring, I wrapped the ends closed with shrink wrap – I worked in a warehouse at the time and it’s like a stretchable and clingy Saran Wrap for holding boxes on pallets for transport. Alternatively, you might be able twist and tie the end into a knot with a large bag. Sorry, I don’t remember the exact details.
In the past, I’ve covered wheels with large garbage bags and tied/taped the ends closed to keep the moisture away from the rims and brakes. It’s far from eloquent, but it works.
Also, I connected the trickle charger/battery saver to a timer in order to prevent overcharging and memory effects from constant charging – I would frequently forget to plug or unplug the charger. However, I don’t know if you need to do this with the newer batteries and chargers anymore.
In the past, I’ve covered wheels with large garbage bags and tied/taped the ends closed to keep the moisture away from the rims and brakes. It’s far from eloquent, but it works.
Also, I connected the trickle charger/battery saver to a timer in order to prevent overcharging and memory effects from constant charging – I would frequently forget to plug or unplug the charger. However, I don’t know if you need to do this with the newer batteries and chargers anymore.
[quote=”Raistian77″ post=79016] Dang. The problem I see is JC becoming basically the only supplier of automotive batteries. No competition usually results in lower quality.[/quote]
JCI’s corporate headquarters is down the road from me. JCI is often featured in the local news, and they are making some surprising changes and investing heavily into R&D. I read a story about their 48-V microhybrid technology a few minutes after seeing a commercial for the new Malibu with the stop-start feature. Supposedly, the battery is dedicated to run all of the electric accessories when the engine is shut off (radio, AC, etc). I’m guessing the layout in the engine bay will change a bit. Not surprisingly, the article didn’t mention the steep price tag and only described uHybrid benefits.
Also, the new CEO is also shifting their focus in the automotive sector. They want to get away from automotive controls and move into interiors. Strange if you ask me.
I’m curious to the actual benefits of stop-start technology. It sounds like a lot of wear-and-tear on a gasoline engine. Also, how much gas is required to start a car now vs N number of seconds idling?
Back on topic, JCI manufacturers batteries for many vendors under many names, including OEM, Autocraft, Diehard (maybe not anymore), Wally World, etc. I don’t know if there are different versions for different vendors and price points. They are somewhat easy to identify though. JCI Pb-acid batteries usually have a round sticker with the manufacturing date in the MM/YYYY format. I don’t know what the sticker’s color signifies, though.
[quote=”Raistian77″ post=79016] Dang. The problem I see is JC becoming basically the only supplier of automotive batteries. No competition usually results in lower quality.[/quote]
JCI’s corporate headquarters is down the road from me. JCI is often featured in the local news, and they are making some surprising changes and investing heavily into R&D. I read a story about their 48-V microhybrid technology a few minutes after seeing a commercial for the new Malibu with the stop-start feature. Supposedly, the battery is dedicated to run all of the electric accessories when the engine is shut off (radio, AC, etc). I’m guessing the layout in the engine bay will change a bit. Not surprisingly, the article didn’t mention the steep price tag and only described uHybrid benefits.
Also, the new CEO is also shifting their focus in the automotive sector. They want to get away from automotive controls and move into interiors. Strange if you ask me.
I’m curious to the actual benefits of stop-start technology. It sounds like a lot of wear-and-tear on a gasoline engine. Also, how much gas is required to start a car now vs N number of seconds idling?
Back on topic, JCI manufacturers batteries for many vendors under many names, including OEM, Autocraft, Diehard (maybe not anymore), Wally World, etc. I don’t know if there are different versions for different vendors and price points. They are somewhat easy to identify though. JCI Pb-acid batteries usually have a round sticker with the manufacturing date in the MM/YYYY format. I don’t know what the sticker’s color signifies, though.
Exide filed for bankruptcy recently. If I remember correctly, they lost the contract to Walmart to JCI, and they were having problems obtaining cores. However, I don’t know if it means that they will be out of the battery business or not.
Higher CCA ratings usually require thinner plates for an increased surface area and lower resistance. Good in winter, but the price is reduced longevity (entropy and undesired chemical reactions).
Exide filed for bankruptcy recently. If I remember correctly, they lost the contract to Walmart to JCI, and they were having problems obtaining cores. However, I don’t know if it means that they will be out of the battery business or not.
Higher CCA ratings usually require thinner plates for an increased surface area and lower resistance. Good in winter, but the price is reduced longevity (entropy and undesired chemical reactions).
When I started out, I bought a fundamental/core set of tools (maybe ~100 pieces) including SAE and metric sockets and combination wrenches, ratchets, extenstions, a screwdriver set, jack and jackstands, etc. I expanded my collection when I need a particular tool/set for a task or when I know that tool/set will be useful in the future. I now have an eclectic set of Craftsman, Husky, GearWrench, and Ace tools. They have served me well (DIY use), and have not needed to peform a warranty exchange (yet). I’ve seen rebadged Pittsburg tools in hardware stores, but I have no experience with them.
An OBDII scan tool will probably be useful to you. I have a bluetooth wireless adapter (ELM327, I believe) that connects to my phone via the Torque Pro app. There were no instructions, and it took some effort to pair the device with my phone, but it works well enough for me.