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TxGreaseMonkey · Aug 5, 2006, 06:56 PM

Did the ETS light go out?

J_9 · Aug 5, 2006, 07:00 PM

Opps, sorry, the ETS light as well as the ABS light are very fickle. The usually go on the first time I start the car and then sometimes go off on their own.

Scott (my mechanic) "cleared the codes" after he said he found nothing wrong and the light stayed off today. I will just have to see what tomorrow brings.

TxGreaseMonkey · Aug 5, 2006, 07:05 PM

Remember, if the light comes back, remove and clean the sensors. There's a possibility that the new plugs will improve the situation and you won't throw any more codes. That's encouraging.

J_9 · Aug 5, 2006, 07:11 PM

Do I have to take it back to clean the sensors?

I will keep you posted as to anything else that happens. I really appreciate your help.

TxGreaseMonkey · Aug 5, 2006, 07:12 PM

Like you said, let's see how it goes.

J_9 · Aug 5, 2006, 07:13 PM

Well, you know for sure that I will be checking in with you.

You are a lifesaver and a "money saver" to say the least.

TxGreaseMonkey · Aug 5, 2006, 07:16 PM

Saving money is a very good thing.

J_9 · Aug 5, 2006, 07:17 PM

Yea, and thanks to you it seems that I saved a lot!!

TxGreaseMonkey · Aug 5, 2006, 07:18 PM

Become an investor and retire young--like me. Saving and investing is a mind set that opens a whole host of new opportunities for your life. My wife and I travel regularly to Europe and Latvia trying to help others. If we did not save our money when we were younger, this wouldn't have been possible.

J_9 · Aug 5, 2006, 07:21 PM

Well, I plan on investing in something medical.

If you ever have any med questions, please feel free to contact me.

I will keep you informed of anything that comes up and, for all that you have done, let you know how well things continue to go.

You truly have been a life saver!!

TxGreaseMonkey · Aug 6, 2006, 06:29 AM

Remember to check the air in your tires, including spare, and the water level in your battery (use distilled water).

Next time you go to Autozone, buy a Deutch Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve, Part No. PCV1106, for $1.39. This is something you should be able to replace yourself in no time.

Preferred oil filters for your car would be:
. Purolator Pure One (PL1011)--Premium filter with silicone anti-drainback valve. Great value for the money.
. ACDelco PF47--OEM quality
. Mobil 1 (M1-101)--Premium oil filter

The technology of oil filters has improved tremendously over the past 5 years. Synthetic oil, in combination with a nanotechnology oil filter, is an unbeatable combination that maintains "like new" performance and saves you big money in the long run.

TxGreaseMonkey · Aug 8, 2006, 06:29 PM

J_9, give me an update on your car. Have the ETS and ABS lights stayed off?

J_9 · Aug 9, 2006, 05:06 AM

No they have not stayed off.

It seems like they stay on the first time I start the car. If I drive it they stay on until I turn the car off and then turn it back on again.

It only seems to happen the first time the car is started each day.

TxGreaseMonkey · Aug 9, 2006, 07:54 AM

At startup, the computer probably notices something is not quite right with the ABS sensors; i.e. metallic oxides and grime. Like we talked before, they likely need to be removed and cleaned with a spritziled rag. Make sure compressed air is not used.

J_9 · Aug 16, 2006, 09:24 AM

Well, TX, looks like I am going to have to get a new car.

The same thing started again, A/C went out, panel lights coming on and off (new ones this time)

Mechanic said this car won't last too much longer.

TxGreaseMonkey · Aug 16, 2006, 01:12 PM

What does the mechanic say is so unfixable with the car? Should you get a second opinion?

Sounds like you might only need a new ignition switch and harness. They frequently plug into the under-dash fuse box. When the ignition switch starts to go, dash lights and other electrical items won't get power. Not that big of a deal, if you think that could be your problem. Take it to a Chevy dealer and let them assess the situation, before you do anything radical.

J_9 · Aug 16, 2006, 03:03 PM

Well, among others, got a broken motor mount.

No need for a second opinion, this mechanic never charges us for work, only parts. He is a family friend. Long story as to why, but he feels partly responsible for a situation that happened 5 years ago and now feels the need to repay. He lives 2 doors down from me and has offered for me to use his car till I get another one, his wife has her own and he can drive the tow truck for a little bit.

He charged the A/C at no cost the other day, has towed me at no cost, etc.

Anyway, my in-laws offered to buy me a car, but I have to stick to the dealership they use, which is Ford. What do you know about a ford focus?

TxGreaseMonkey · Aug 16, 2006, 07:39 PM

The Ford Focus is a very good car.

J_9 · Aug 19, 2006, 05:58 PM

Just a note to let you know that I got a new car today.

Father-in-law bought me a 2005 Ford Five Hundred, 16,000 miles.

Was a program car with a 6 year/60,000 mile warranty.

Apparently the "computer" system on the cavalier as well as the a/c went out. It DIED on me on Thursday. Could not restart it at all.

TxGreaseMonkey · Aug 19, 2006, 06:14 PM

Great car--I'm very happy for you. Remember to only use synthetic oil in the engine and transmission. Change the Motorcraft platinum plugs every 50,000 miles. Make sure you get an owner's manual and follow the recommended maintenance.

Read my thread on Recommended Air Conditioner Maintenance--it might save you a lot of money over time.