Friday the 13th: You win

On my way back to the office after buying lunch, my car's "Service Engine Soon" light came on. So I dropped by AutoZone after work to see if I can find out what's causing it... Hoping that it's just something minor, like maybe I didn't tighten the gas cap enough.

No such luck. Instead, I've got this.

P0403

EGR Flow Circuit Malfunction

And here are the details, according to AutoZone's printout:

Definition
EGR system fault (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
Explanation
The ECM has detected a fault in the EGR solenoid circuit
Probable Causes
1.-Failed EGR vacuum solenoid
2.-Open or short circuit condition on the EGR solenoid circuit
3.-EGR solenoid faulty
4.-Failed EGR pressure sensor where applicable
5.-Failed EGR position sensor where applicable

It was $140 to "rent" the ODB-II scanner, which they supposedly credited back to me when I returned it (about five minutes of use). The credit back hasn't shown up yet, though.

The curse of the just-washed car

So after the rain last week, I waited for the weather forecast to confirm that there won't be more rain in their extended forecast, and finally washed my car last night.

And wouldn't you know it? Just after I got back from buying lunch, a bird (or birds) have dropped not one, not two, but three bombs on my car. I even purposely parked away from trees and power lines. Ugh.

What will it be this time?

Decided to get lunch earlier today... and wouldn't you know it? My car won't start. Cranked it several times, it just won't turn over. There was a faint smell of burnt plastic coming from under the hood. Never a good thing.

Can't be the battery, as I had just gotten a new one a few months ago, plus all the electronics in the car still seem to work fine. It's might be the starter, but that was also just replaced only a few months prior to the battery...

I guess it might be the alternator? I've had the battery and oil indicators flash on and off from time to time while I was driving, and I'm told that such is the typical indication of a bad alternator.


I'm gonna have to jump it later and pray that the car starts. After that... I hope the car shop is open tomorrow.

Dead battery

Woke up to find my car's battery dead this morning, as I had suspected it would be (though I didn't know when it would die, just that it would probably die soon).

Since I couldn't find my previous battery's receipt and warranty info, I got a new battery from AAA, instead. Checking my blog, it looks like I last replaced the battery in January, 2005. So it's been about 2 1/2 years.

This new battery has free replacement for three years. I'll have to remember that.