Stories from the Sales Frontlines

driver100

guy fumbling with his remote in a parking lot, cursing at his car while it honked, locked, unlocked, and started itself, over and over and over and over

Please put it on youtube....I would like to watch that!

Fezo....a friend was showing me how he cleaned up his headlights which looked pretty foggy. He used Headlight Lens Restorer mane by Bluemagic.

He only did one lens but it clearly (ha ha, get it) makes a big difference. Says it removes yellow even. Maybe that would work for you.

driver100

Using your cell phone, call your wife on her cell phone.

I wish I knew about that at the time, but I'll keep it in mind for the future. Now, I don't carry her keys unless we both actually go somewhere in her car,
I was carrying them around 99% of the time and only using them to drive her car 1% of the time.

"I used to carry the cars to my wife's keys with me."

I think I meant to say "carry the keys to my wife's car with me", but the old mind is starting to go. In my own defense, I was in a rush and trying to do 3 things at once when I wrote that. I hope that's what it is, and not the start of losing my memory.

driver100

Have you tried it?

Read this article from Snopes
Can you use a cell phone to unlock a car door

Seems it could work in a very special case, but most times the key fob and cell phone work on different frequencies. Nice idea if it could work though.

fezo

There was a good bit on Leno last night where he had his cell phone hooked up to control his 72 Impala. Sent out an assistant to demonstrate. He has him unlock the car and it does it fine. So he tells him to start the car, the assistant hits couple of numbers on the phone and the car explodes into a ball of flame supposedly with assistant still inside...... (professional...do not attempt at home....)

Richard, I know that when you shake off this mortal coil you'll make sure the car was fully detailed as your last act one earth. I'm fine with that.

tjc78

My car can unlock itself with a cell phone...... of course it requires an Android app and an Onstar subscription.

Richard, the LTC in the Lincoln Lawyer film is an 86 or 87 (you can tell by "waffle" grill) 88 and 89 had the more traditional and better looking "waterfall" grill. You can always tell an 89 from the other years because it is the only year where the front marker lights are orange and not clear with orange bulbs. Yes, I know I need a life.

nyccarguy

Glad to have you back & good to know your child is well! 2 already? Crazy.

boomchek

Yeah time flies!

jmonroe

...our garage door would respond to any and all signals.

Here we go again. People in here have a problem then I get a problem. But my problem is the reverse; my garage door didn’t work with either remote in our cars.

We have had Homelink on the rear view mirror of our cars since 2005 when I bought the now busted XG350, so we never used the garage door remote since then. All we have to do is just hit the button on the mirror. I do like that option since I don’t have to clip the remote to the visor, wait for it to fall off and live with the indentation marks left on the visor from it. I’ve also noticed that the range of the Homelink is at least as good and better than the original remote because it always has full voltage to it from the cars electrical system. No degradation with time like you get with the original remote’s battery.

I did replace the garage door opener in 2006 myself. Go ahead start laughing. I think I have installed about 10 of these for myself and others over the years. I‘m pretty sure 4 of those have been for me. Anyway, to program the Homelink on Mrs. jmonroe’s new Subie (my Hyundai’s are identical) you need the remote that came with the garage door opener so that the Homelink “learns” the code when you push the button. However, like I said neither of them worked. I first thought the Lithium battery from ’06 could be bad but I check the voltage and it was good. I know that remotes and other battery operated devices that sit for a long time without use get a film build up on the battery and it’s mating contacts in the device. Sometimes you can see a faint bit of corrosion and sometimes not. My remotes showed no signs of corrosion but I rubbed the battery over some crocus cloth and scratched its mating contacts with a jeweler’s screwdriver and bingo…it worked. Both original garage door remotes are now up and running but when am I going to use them again?

When you guys buy another car you should seriously consider Homelink. I think you’ll like it. For me it’s an almost must have; like power steering, brakes, windows, A/C and the other creature comforts that we have spoiled ourselves with. Voice actuation Nav? Nah, I still don’t get that idea. :confuse:

FWIW, Son #2s water heater is still working and it’s been almost a week. My warranty expires if you don’t do partial drains at least once a year to get rid of at least some crud build up on the bottom of the tank. I’ll bet you guys don’t do that, huh? Too bad, the manufacture doesn’t have to honor your warranty because you didn't do proper maintenance. :surprise:

jmonroe

jmonroe

I'll try it this PM when my wife is home and report back.

Don't waste your time. I guarantee you it ain't gonna work. Like you said cell phones and remotes work via electrical frequencies not mechanical sounds.

In fact we should all try it.

See above.

I'm not the only one that's going to get that LOOK from my wife in the name of science.

OK, I told ya. Go ahead and try it, then get back to us.

jmonroe

driver100

My warranty expires if you don’t do partial drains at least once a year to get rid of at least some crud build up on the bottom of the tank.

I'd make sure they don't void your warranty because you take apart and drain the water heater yourself.

oldfarmer50

"...slept on top of right front tire..."

We had a Burmese that must have been sleeping on top of someone's engine to keep warm. When the car was started he went through the fan.
Dragged himself home with multiple fractures, cuts and a hip pulled out of the socket.

Hated the cat but loved the wife who owned him so I spent weeks doing physical therapy on him until he was right as rain. Only creature I ever saw that was more stubborn and ornery than me. Probably what saved him.

Lived to be 17. :confuse:

oldfarmer50

"...we should all try it..."

I'd have to borrow a cell phone. :sick:

verdugo

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/12/recall-stops-sale-o- f-most-2012-subaru-models/

"Subaru dealers are suddenly being left without many new cars to sell because of a recall -- and stop-sale order -- involving 2012 Impreza, Legacy and Outback vehicles. The problem is too much brake pedal travel. Dealers are now awaiting new master cylinders to fix the problem, says Subaru spokesman Michael McHale."

Hope you're not affected.

jmonroe

Hope you're not affected.

Me too but the page didn't load with anything other than the header and some side bar info.

One week old tomorrow and you're telling me that thing ain't gonna stop.

Mrs. jmonroe has two cars one won't go and one won't stop. What's next? Her new bun warmers go on the blink too? :sick:

jmonroe

verdugo

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/index

Try this one and scroll down until you see the story.

Combine the two cars and you're good to go. :P

jmonroe

Try this one and scroll down until you see the story.

Combine the two cars and you're good to go.

Wise guy eh. Thanks, I got it now. I haven't noticed too much brake pedal travel on the Subie but then again I don't how much there is supposed to be. The car stops fine so far.

When I'm out today I'll stop at the local Subie dealer service dept to see what they know about this. I'll see how much they are on the ball since a fellow worker says "they are top notch". I'll give them the copy I've made from the web site you posted.

Our poster buddy 'tyguy' is waiting for delivery of his Subie but they may have the new master cylinders by the time he gets his. Hoping anyway.

Thanks for the info.

jmonroe

driver100

To all the English pros around here, so here are some oxymorons you can explain to me;

*Doesn't "expecting the unexpected"

Make the unexpected expected?
---------------------------------------------------

* Why are a "wise man" and

A "wise guy" opposites?
---------------------------------------------------

*. Why is "phonics"

Not spelled the way it sounds?
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* If all the world is a stage,

Where is the audience sitting?
____________________________

*If love is blind,

Why is lingerie so popular?
______________________________

* Why do you press harder

On the buttons of a remote control

When you know the batteries are dead?
-----------------------------------------------------

* How come abbreviated

Is such a long word?
-----------------------------------------------

* Why do they call it a TV set

When you only have one?
--------------------------------------------------

* Christmas

- What other time of the year

Do you sit in front of a dead tree

And eat candy out of your socks?
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* To keep car related...........Why do we drive on a parkway

And park on a driveway?
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driver100

When I'm out today I'll stop at the local Subie dealer service dept to see what they know about this.

I wouldn't be too concerned. It seems the brake pedal travels more than people would normally want it to. Every manufacturer has had recalls these days, I'd be more concerned if they didn't recall cars these days. Makes one wonder how unsafe cars used to be when they were never recalled.

Here is the story from USA Today;
Subaru Recall

When I start the 535 I have to wait a few seconds while the screen has some message about not fooling around with the radio/navi screen while the car is in operation. I have to "accept" each time I start up. It has become a very litigious society.

That Subie is a smart looking car;

sterlingdog

Thank goodness I don't have to respond to those oxymoron questions because they are all rhetorical. :P

Richard

sterlingdog

"My warranty expires if you don't do partial drains at least once a year..."

Let's see now. It's $65 for a service call plus $40 labor to do a partial drain. That's $105 per year. If the water heater lasts without draining for 8 years, that's $840 saved. Nah, I'll just buy a new water heater when the old one goes. Naturally, you didn't expect me to do it myself, did you? I could try yanking on the controls, but it didn't work well last time as I remember. :shades:

Richard

sterlingdog

No, I haven't. It came as one of those emails that you send to 200 people or you die tomorrow.

Richard

sterlingdog

Thanks for getting me straight on those Lincoln model years. You are correct. My '89 had the orange marker lights. Mine was an unusual color combination---cinnamon champagne with a chocolate brown top. The interior was cinnamon champagne with wood trim accents. People used to say that the car had the most beautiful paint color. I could kick myself for not keeping that car.

Richard

jmonroe

That Subie is a smart looking car;

Where did you get that photo? Hers does not have that dooflicky antenna. It has the shark fin Satelite thing. That photo shows chrome door handles not painted handles like hers. She likes the chrome but it wasn't a deal breaker. Man , I can hear 'isell' now, "WHAT YOU LET DOOR HANDLES CHANGE YOU MIND ABOUT A CAR ? :sick: Lastly, her rims don't look that good either.

jmonroe

Kirstie_H

Funny!

I got something like that yesterday. You were supposed to do a series of (easy) puzzles. Then the last line said something about wish for something special, then forward the email to 10 people within a minute or the OPPOSITE of your wish would come true.

Thank god for loopholes. I just wished for something terrible to happen and skipped the forwarding. "I wish that someone would take a million dollars out of my bank account." Can't wait to see my balance on Monday.

tjc78

I could kick myself for not keeping that car

I miss my 89 too. Mine was white with a blue full cloth top and blue velour interior. I had the "turbine" wheels too. The person I sold it to destroyed it within three months.

driver100

Where did you get that photo?

The link on my post. That's the Suburu picture USA Today used (I inadvertently typed ASA Today and changed it.heh heh). They probably used last years file photos.....too lazy to look at the new ones.

Also, might not be too many photos of the new ones available. I picked my car up almost 2 weeks after it came in and it was the 1st 2012 the dealer had sold.

They told me which buttons disconnect the automatic engine going off, and the keep the car from creeping forward buttons. I am going to try it for awhile without those gadgets.

driver100

I miss my 89 too.

We all regret at least one car we wish we had kept. We miss the 99 Mercedes C Class. It had a 4 cylinder but that Kompressor gave it lots of power. Great interior......wish we maintained it and still had it.

This color too:

js06gv

I think I've tried every kit out there. IMHO they are all crap. The places that charge $50 to $100 for the service don't really offer long-lasting solutions. The only car in my fleet that stays outside is a 2007 Santa FE and while the lamps aren't really yellowed, they have some oxidation and scratches. I believe most of the scratches have been my own doing by trying all those kits with the sandpaper etc.

There is a product called Refinish Restorer (available from body shop suppliers; just Google it). I found out about it on an Avalanche forum and bought it to bring some shine back to my plastic panels. One of the posters mentioned that he found an additional use for the stuff on his headlamps. I gave it a try and while not perfect it was far better than anything else I've used. We will see how long it lasts before a reapplication is necessary but so far so good. If you do use it follow the instructions carefully as it is pretty strong stuff. Use gloves to protect your hands.

stickguy

for $50-$100 for a temp solution, why bother? Just get a new lens instead and be done with it.

imidazol97

>Combine the two cars and you're good to go.

Then he'd have a car that won't go and won't stop...

js06gv

I agree with the temp solution comment. The problem is that on this car, like most these days, you cannot buy a new lens and you're forced to purchase an entire assembly. New assemblies can be ridiculously expensive and on my car are over $300 each if purchased new IIRC. Used lamps will likely not be any better than mine so that leaves aftermarket. Through my occupation I have access to several suppliers so may give that a try. I think when faced with such high potential costs a lot of folks resort to giving these service-selling vendors and parts store kits a try first. And the industry uses this info to its benefit when marketing these services and products.

js06gv

One more thing on the lens vs assembly issue. It used to a lot easier to get only a lens when manufacturers allowed the option of piecing headlamps together. I manage a regional claims operation for a large insurer and the employees who work for me write damage estimates for a living. If you look through that database it is hard to find a modern vehicle where parting out a headlamp is even an option. Again, this is why we are seeing so many alternative solutions to replacing popping up. Could be that some are much better than others and maybe I just haven't found them yet.

houdini1

I still laugh every time I hear a reference to that story. I can see you staring at that plugged in cord and thinking to yourself.. somebody had to have plugged that darn thing in...and if I can just pull hard enough... YANK,YANK.

It probably looked like you were trying to start a stubborn lawnmower.

stickguy

makes sense. Last car I researched this one was a 1998 Contour and they were about $60 online.

driver100

I found the 535 had a floaty ride and the steering was pretty light. I changed the toggle type button from "comfort" to "sport" and that changed the driving dynamics quite a bit. Firmer ride and firmer steering......now that's much better.

sterlingdog

"It probably looked like you were trying to start a stubborn lawnmower."

LOL! It looked exactly like that, with some verbal comments that I won't mention on this family channel.

Richard

sterlingdog

"We miss the 99 Mercedes C Class."

Now that is one beautiful car!

Richard

jmonroe

Naturally, you didn't expect me to do it myself, did you?

Of course I did. You have a garden hose connected to a hose bib don’t you and you know how to use it, right? The drain valve on the water heater is usually like the hose bib valve so you put a hose on it and do the draining. However, while my Son’s water heater had a drain valve it didn’t have a handle on it like you’re used to seeing. You had to open and close the valve with a screw driver. I don’t know if this was a cost saving measure or a safety feature to keep kids from opening the valve and probably scalding their hands. Yeah, that’s probably the reason. Anyway use the steps below for a successful partial drain.

(1) Shut off the cold water supply valve at the top of the water heater. If you have a hot water shut off valve at the top of the water heater, leave this valve open.
(2) Open a hot water valve at the highest point in the house.
(3) Open a hot water valve at the lowest point in the house. We Yankees have basements so the tub next to the washing machine is the one we use. Some water will drain out of this low point hot water valve when it’s opened but leave it open to fully drain the leg of water that was in this line.
(4) Connect a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and take it to a floor drain or take it outside
(5) Open the tank drain valve and let the water run out for a few minutes. You don’t want to drain the tank completely, only drain about 10/15 gallons. If you drain it completely and the burner kicks on you’ll cook the bottom of the empty tank. The tank will then be a goner and it will have to be replaced (we have a couple plumber supply guys here who can give you a good price for the tank and delivery if you ask for the Edmunds poster buddy discount :sick: ) That’s why you only do a partial drain.
(6) After the partial drain, close the drain valve and remove the hose.
(7) Open the cold water supply valve at the top of the tank about half way. You’ll hear water running. Don’t open it all the way yet.
(8) Go to the highest point hot water valve that you opened and now close it.
(9) Go to the lowest point hot water valve that you opened and now close it.
(10) Now fully open the cold water supply valve at the top of the tank.
(11) Pay jmonroe’s dues for a few months as a thank you gesture.

I know you can do it because you don’t have to yank on anything; you just slowly open and close valves. :shades:

jmonroe

driver100

I know you can do it because you don’t have to yank on anything; you just slowly open and close valves.

I prefer to call the guy!

I don't do anything that has to do with electricity or possible flooding if I get it wrong.

Don't get me wrong, if you know what you are doing (and I am sure you do), then go for it, but people like me can do more damage than they can fix.

sterlingdog

You went to a great deal of trouble to explain and list the steps for doing a partial drain. I appreciate it but the effort is wasted for the following reasons:

1. Shut off the cold water supply---I would strip the threads by trying to close it too tightly or worse, I would break the valve.
2.Open a hot water valve at the highest point---Our house is all one level that sits on top of a hill. All valves are at the same height.
3. Same as #2.
4.Connect a hose to the drain valve---I'll screw the hose on too tight and won't be able to get it off later.
5. Only drain about 10/15 gallons---I'll drain it all because I can't measure that much water.
6. See #4.
7. ...about half way: I don't know half way because I don't know how to measure the full extent of the valve.
8. See #2.
9. See #2.
10. See #1.
11. Pay jmonroe's dues---You should pay mine because you have helped me to destroy my water heater.
12. My water heater is under the house. I don't crawl under houses because we have lots of snakes in this wooded area of the South.
13. I was taught to stay away from things that involve a combination of water and electricity.
14. I follow the old adage that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Thanks for trying to educate me. As I learned years ago, some students just don't get it, and I'm one of those when it comes to taking classes on mechanical topics. :shades:

Richard

stickguy

See, I never realized it was that complicated. I would have screwed on the hose, and opened the valve for a short time (watching the water coming out until it ran clear) then turned off the valve. None of the rest of this stuff.

I had a new tank put in maybe 3 years ago, and that replaced the original one to the house, so it was probably about 15 years old. And actually still seemed to work fine, I mostly replaced it as a preventive measure (It was looking pretty grungy).

And I never once touched the darned thing.

Can't recall, but I must have some instructions that came with this tank. Wonder what it says in there about draining?

sterlingdog

I just did a little research on draining a water heater. You may want to add these two comments to your list: 1. Cut the power to the water heater at the main house panel first. 2. You will know when you have drained enough water because the water will begin to run clear. Your other steps were very accurate.

Richard

stickguy

It actually sounds very similar to when I backwash my pool filter. Turn it to drain, and when the water is clear, you are done.

tommister2

Question:
What region has the Toyota Highlander Hybrid available with a cloth interior? Here in VA they are only available as a Limited model with leather.

Back story:
My wife and I do not like like leather seats in cars. Unfortunately, most cars with the options we want are only available with leather seats. We have purchased some with leather, only to regret it later. We will not do that again.

So we both like the Highlander. She would like the Hybrid model. As I understand, Toyota has different option combinations available in different regions. Our local Carmax has a used 2011 Highlander Hybrid with cloth, so I figure they must be available somewhere, right? I checked at Toyota.com using MD, VA, NC and SC zip codes - all only allowed me to build one with leather. Would some of you guys check Toyota.com with your zip code, to see if you can build a Highlander Hybrid with cloth? Or maybe some of the dealer guys here know what region makes that combination available?

I asked my local dealer about 2 years ago, and was told they can only order what is available to build on the Toyota website.

Thanks in advance.

driver100

Back story:
My wife and I do not like like leather seats in cars

How come you don't like leather? Just wondering. It does get a bit hotter or colder depending on the weather, but it is sure easier to clean. I assume you don't have a dog?

Good luck in your search, I would look for one for you but if I find one in Canada it won't do you much good.

stickguy

You got me curious to look at them, because yesterday my wife commented that a Highlander looked like a good size for her next car. So I checked.

The hybrid is mind numbingly expensive. Happened to check NJ (where I am) and CA (because I remembered the zip for Beverly hills!). 47.5K in Jersey, and over 49K in CA was the only way they were making them. Fully loaded limited with Navi packages.

But, at random, checked Dallas. In that zone, they show you can get a regular hybrid, with the leather package being an option (ditto for the navi).

A "base" hybrid will be msrp of $39,095 down there (gulf states Toyota region). But, good luck finding one without the options.

robr2

Sorry - leather only here in MA.

Why not get the leather and put cloth seat covers on? Leather is worth something at resale time if you care about such things.

stickguy

driver, I would be happy to go back to cloth, but as this guy notes, many of the cars that are worth having require it.

Especially bad with black (never making that mistake again). hot in the summer, cold in the winter. And I never in the past had problems with stains. We do have a dog, but when he is in the car, he rides in the back (of the van). With an SUV, he would be in the cargo area.

tommister2

We have extreme weather here in Virginia. Very hot summers, very cold winters. Leather does not feel good to either of us in the extremes. I have 3 kids but nobody eats or drinks in our cars, so no issue with cleaning messes.

tommister2

I don't want to pay extra for leather that I don't want. Plus, I've never really liked seat covers, they never seem to fit right. Maybe they are better these days? Although I doubt I could get some that fit Highlander seats properly.

Might just get another Honda Pilot. We had a 2006 that was well liked. my wife doesn't like the new exterior style, but otherwise they build them like we want.

That you for your response.