I haven't had a chance to catch up on everyone's blogs yet. Although I was supposed to have Wi Fi at my hotel during the web institute, my computer never managed a connection. So, I had very limited internet time.
The 4 day institute was pretty good - the best part was meeting other people who are wanting to be librarians, or are already librarians and just need the degree.
So, I got home on Tuesday afternoon around 2 p.m. Today (Wednesday) I went out to my car to head to the library and then to the gym where I was to work an extra shift.
My car wouldn't start. Again.
I noticed that the passenger side under glove box cover was laying on top of my passenger seat. I thought that was strange. Then I noticed several bundles of wires hanging loosely.
After consulting with several of my complexes maintenance men who were nearby, my fear was confirmed. Someone had broken into my car and stolen my ECM.
Yes - THAT ECM. The one which had just been replaced a week ago.
I called E and told him that I didn't think I'd be able to make it into work today. Maybe I could've taken a cab, but I needed to figure out how to deal with this, and couldn't very well do that while at work.
While the maintenance men were looking at my car, they called over one of the apartment complex residents - D. D is a little person with a big heart.
D offered to take me to a junk yard to get another ECM. I first told him I needed to make a couple phone calls. I called my stepdad who suggested that I call the mechanic I used last week and see if he'd come out and replace my ECM.
So I called that mechanic. He didn't sound too enthused about the idea - so my other option was to have my car towed out to his place, and he'd replace the part tomorrow. That would set me back roughly another $400 (longer towing distance + $300 for part and labor.)
I went back outside to find D, but he'd left. So I went to the apartment office to see if I could find out where D lived. R, the maintenance man who let me in to my apartment last week and made me the extra key was there and remembered me. They told me where D lived.
So, I went and found D. We took off in his car (the gas pedal and the brake were modified to be almost to the seat cushion. Very neat.) I realized I didn't have any cash, and was worried the junk yard would only take cash. D didn't think that would be a problem.
We got to the junk yard and D talked to someone he knew there and went out to locate the part. I sat out in the lobby and called my dad.
Not too long later D and his friend came out with the ECM! D jokingly said to the guy at the counter, "$25, right?" I think the guy at the counter must have overheard my story, because he let it go for $20!!!
On the way back, D stopped at a gas station where I could get some cash from an ATM. I planned on getting out $100. The ATM only gave me $40. It had run out of money!!!
So, we get back to my car. D and another maintenance man who stopped by managed to get it all hooked up and set back up. The car started - the air ran - the radio played.
I gave D the $40 and apologized - he told me that it was no problem.
He left. I went back up to my apartment to cool off a bit. Then I still needed to get to the library, and thought it would be a good idea to give my car a test run.
So, I got in my car. Everything started perfectly. Then I tried to back up. The gearshift was locked.
I tried everything I could think of and that my dad could think of (I called him) and could not get it unstuck. I went back to D's apartment. He finally figured out that if I put my extra car key in the shift lock release slot and hold it down while shifting, that it would work.
So ... the car drives ... but just barely. I don't think I'll be able to make it much over 40 miles an hour.
Plus, the dashboard lights are not working again.
So, tomorrow after work, I'm going to go back to the mechanic I was at last week and hope that he can figure out what is going on with my gear shift and get my dashboard lights to work again!
*The maintenance men think that someone that had a Honda Civic needed an ECM and rather than bothering with going to a junk yard and buying one, they saw my car and decided to just take what they wanted for free.
Seriously, Murphy? Leave Me Alone!!
August 27th, 2009 at 12:03 am
August 27th, 2009 at 12:09 am 1251331780
You poor thing!
August 27th, 2009 at 12:10 am 1251331839
August 27th, 2009 at 12:39 am 1251333563
August 27th, 2009 at 02:10 am 1251339000
It happened after I got back from the institute. I had my car with me while taking the classes.
August 27th, 2009 at 04:33 am 1251347634
August 27th, 2009 at 01:33 pm 1251380009
August 27th, 2009 at 04:30 pm 1251390600
August 28th, 2009 at 02:20 am 1251426045
I talked to the mechanic who worked on my car last week. He told me that he thinks that the computer D put in was for a stick shift (I have automatic) and so that is why it won't change gears without me pressing the shift unlock button.
Tomorrow I'm meeting him to put the correct ECM in, and fix the dashboard lights. At least another $150. I'm hoping he'll take my current ECM for partial credit.
I just want my car working right and not have to mess with anything car related again for a good long while!