So, I got up bright an early – well, for a Saturday, at least – and headed to the mechanic. Two and a half hours later I’m out of paper to fold, cranky, and poorer. It “appears” to be the fuel pressure sensor and now that’s been replaced.
With the Check Engine Light now off, I blissfully head over to the echeck station, wait in line, then present my papers. Yes, it really felt like some kind of military checkpoint.
But, oh no, there’s no data. It had been cleared by the mechanic. So, since I’d failed the data-sucking test the last time, I am required to pass that test before I can get my clearance. The technician gives me a sheet of paper with some websites that will tell me how long I have to drive my car before I get enough data built up for a successful test.
So, I go home, swearing like it was my native language. To the internet and – oh ho – the websites are no good. Two are actually bad URL’s (nice job on updating your paperwork, E-check) and the rest are useless. I call the number on the paper for some suggestions on other sites to find out the “drive cycle” for my car and – of course – the office is closed on Saturday. The recording gives me another number to try and that office is also – helpfully – closed.
I call the mechanic and he give me some vague answers and then says he’ll call me back once he’s done some checking. When he calls back, he has a website for me to check that – surprise – has nothing useful. Other than to tell me to check my user manual.
So, I check the user manual and it suggests I drive the car “a couple of days”. Does that mean around the block or to Florida?
Instead, I split the difference (sort of) and drove around town a bit, running some errands. I guess I need to figure out some kind of road trip for myself tomorrow to see if this will finally build up some indefinite amount of data.
Here’s what I’ve learned today:
1. My car has no freaking idea what’s going on with itself and clearly cannot be trusted.
2. I’m running out of “free” tests and will have to start paying for them.
3. If the light comes back on – I’m screwed.
Time to get back to my laundry, get some food in me, and listen to some music while I try to reduce my level of cranky.