Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

ruking1 · March 2019

Indeed! Over the years, we also go to Richmond, BC, CN. It’s easy to forget @ times CN is a foreign country.

One daughter is in London, England for a week long conference. I just hope she can break away without having to entertain, to places she wants to go. On the other hand, learning using the food bill as theater & having fun can be very important.

snakeweasel · March 2019

driver100 said:

Safest drink to have in any country is beer...usually made with finest filtered water, boiled and sealed. Bottled water is dangerous in any poor country, they refill bottles from cesspools and put the cap back on. Sometimes people are careful, then they will do something like get a drink....with ice cubes...which could have been made from toxic water. Or order a salad, washed in it.

You can brew beer from just about any water source that's not contaminated with chemicals and the result would be safe to drink as the brewing process kills most bacteria.

snakeweasel · March 2019

suydam said:

A winter in Iowa and you think you came out ahead? Well, it takes all kinds to make a world. As David Byrne said of the Texas desert, “God overcooked it, and could have started over, but then said, ‘I’ll just make people who like it that way.’” By the way I’m sure the pickles are perfectly safe. And they may even be delicious!

Other than you're in Iowa winters aren't to bad, no worse than most places in the midwest.

However last time I spent any amount of time in Iowa (i.e. not passing through) it snowed. And that was in June.

ab348 · March 2019

driver100 said:
Safest drink to have in any country is beer...usually made with finest filtered water, boiled and sealed.

Back in 2003 I was attending a conference and witnessed a presentation by Dr. George Soleas, who I believe is now President of the LCBO (Ontario provincial liquor board that Driver would patronize when at home). At the time he was their chief of product quality and safety among other things. He said that the safest thing to consume is wine because of some of the compounds in it would neutralize any harmful organisms, In fact he said they had done some tests that indicated you could take questionable water, add a small quantity of wine to it, and that would render the water safe to drink. I did not choose to try that experiment.

snakeweasel · March 2019

driver100 said:

Some of the best Indian food is indeed in the west!
Same with Chinese food.....it was practically invented in the U.S.

The food history in the U.S. is that new batches of immigrants bring their foods and cooking techniques here and they slowly merge into the society as a whole which modifies it to our blended culture. So a lot of ethnic foods are different than in their original country.

Michaell · March 2019

driver100 said:

ruking1 said:
Some of the best Indian food is indeed in the west!
Same with Chinese food.....it was practically invented in the U.S.

I read an article recently that stated there are more Chinese restaurants in the US than there are McDonalds, Burger King, and Wendy's combined

ruking1 · March 2019

snakeweasel said:

driver100 said:

ruking1 said:
Some of the best Indian food is indeed in the west!
Same with Chinese food.....it was practically invented in the U.S.

The food history in the U.S. is that new batches of immigrants bring their foods and cooking techniques here and they slowly merge into the society as a whole which modifies it to our blended culture. So a lot of ethnic foods are different than in their original country.

Indeed, beers, wines, spirits, spaghetti, pizza, sushi, sashimi, egg rolls, chow mein, fried rice, pastrami sandwiches, wraps, tacos, curries, BBQ meats...etc., etc., etc., Then there are FUSIONS.

Mr_Shiftright · March 2019

ruking1 said:
Some of the best Indian food is indeed in the west! This is despite occasional outbreaks in/on so called “healthy” foods, sometimes “organic”.

This has been true for quite a while but for example, due to grading systems, 90% of the food can be wasted in the USA.

Most people don't realize that food growers are allowed to use pesticides in food labeled "organic"--what is controlled is where they get the pesticides.

ruking1 · March 2019

Last night I had a good taste of an Irish Whiskey bought from its’ distillery in Ireland. I can without reservation say no waterborne illness as of yet.😎 I guess I have to keep testing ?🤪

houdini2 · March 2019

driver100 said:
Safest drink to have in any country is beer...usually made with finest filtered water, boiled and sealed.
Bottled water is dangerous in any poor country, they refill bottles from cesspools and put the cap back on.
Sometimes people are careful, then they will do something like get a drink....with ice cubes...which could have been made from toxic water. Or order a salad, washed in it.

I have never been to Mexico, but I understand you are never supposed to drink the water. Then I see that everywhere there are swimming pools.....with tourists happily splashing about.

abacomike · March 2019

houdini2 said:

Safest drink to have in any country is beer...usually made with finest filtered water, boiled and sealed. Bottled water is dangerous in any poor country, they refill bottles from cesspools and put the cap back on. Sometimes people are careful, then they will do something like get a drink....with ice cubes...which could have been made from toxic water. Or order a salad, washed in it.
I have never been to Mexico, but I understand you are never supposed to drink the water. Then I see that everywhere there are swimming pools.....with tourists happily splashing about.

The Chlorine in the pools probably eliminates most of the bacteria, I would think.

driver100 · March 2019

houdini2 said:

driver100 said:
Safest drink to have in any country is beer...usually made with finest filtered water, boiled and sealed.
Bottled water is dangerous in any poor country, they refill bottles from cesspools and put the cap back on.
Sometimes people are careful, then they will do something like get a drink....with ice cubes...which could have been made from toxic water. Or order a salad, washed in it.
I have never been to Mexico, but I understand you are never supposed to drink the water. Then I see that everywhere there are swimming pools.....with tourists happily splashing about.

You drink pool water?

ruking1 · March 2019

One of my daughters spent three months in Oaxaca, Mexico. Part of the time, she spend in medical clinics. No water borne illnesses for her.

snakeweasel · March 2019

Mr_Shiftright said:

Some of the best Indian food is indeed in the west! This is despite occasional outbreaks in/on so called “healthy” foods, sometimes “organic”. This has been true for quite a while but for example, due to grading systems, 90% of the food can be wasted in the USA.
Most people don't realize that food growers are allowed to use pesticides in food labeled "organic"--what is controlled is where they get the pesticides.

I don't think that there is any strict guidelines on what "organic" means. A lot of "organic" food is grown with natural fertilizers (you can use your imagination to figure that one out) which means it's more likely to transmit food borne sickness.

snakeweasel · March 2019

abacomike said:

houdini2 said:

Safest drink to have in any country is beer...usually made with finest filtered water, boiled and sealed. Bottled water is dangerous in any poor country, they refill bottles from cesspools and put the cap back on. Sometimes people are careful, then they will do something like get a drink....with ice cubes...which could have been made from toxic water. Or order a salad, washed in it.
I have never been to Mexico, but I understand you are never supposed to drink the water. Then I see that everywhere there are swimming pools.....with tourists happily splashing about.

The Chlorine in the pools probably eliminates most of the bacteria, I would think.

You know when you think about it swimming pools are just oversized bathtubs filled with bathwater.

ruking1 · March 2019

Well, YES & NO! The strict guidelines are STRICTLY ...loose! 😱🧐
(vice versa for other than organic.)😱

driver100 · March 2019

OK boys and girls....todays newest topic is the Check Engine Light!

Yesterday I had to enter the highway and the cars on the highway were really moving, so I stomped it. The yellow check engine light came on. When I got home I tried turning the car off and then on...it was still on. I checked the manual and it said to unscrew the gas cap and put it on tight....which I did. When we went out this morning for groceries it was on, but just when we came out of the second store it was off, and didn't come on again when we went out.

So I checked up about this light, and I will pass this on in case you come across this;
What problems can trigger the Check Engine Light?
Ranging from minor to major, a slew of things can trigger the check engine light to come on in your Mercedes-Benz, including (but not limited to):

Loose gas cap
Faulty fuel injector
Blown gasket heads
Faulty oxygen sensors
Cracked and loose hoses
Faulty mass air flow sensor
Worn out spark plugs and wiring
Emission control system malfunction

I was going to call and make an appointment on Monday if it didn't clear up. From what I read on some cars it should be looked at as soon as possible, but urgent if flashing....also urgent if it is associated with low oil or radiator overheating.

I think in my case I stomped it and it overwhelmed the air flow sensor or the fuel injector but after driving for awhile it corrected itself. Usually, only the garage can read the code, and reset the light. That was a close one...glad I don't have to take it in.

fintail · March 2019

Richmond is tough to believe is actually in Canada, and not a teleportation venue to Shenzhen or Guangzhou. Laughably bad drivers, and a yuuuge amount of kleptocrat and corrupt official money laundering and capital hiding in residential real estate.

ruking1 said:
Indeed! Over the years, we also go to Richmond, BC, CN. It’s easy to forget @ times CN is a foreign country.

One daughter is in London, England for a week long conference. I just hope she can break away without having to entertain, to places she wants to go. On the other hand, learning using the food bill as theater & having fun can be very important.

28firefighter · March 2019

But the dim sum is awesome!

driver100 · March 2019

snakeweasel said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

ruking1 said:
Some of the best Indian food is indeed in the west! This is despite occasional outbreaks in/on so called “healthy” foods, sometimes “organic”.

This has been true for quite a while but for example, due to grading systems, 90% of the food can be wasted in the USA.
Most people don't realize that food growers are allowed to use pesticides in food labeled "organic"--what is controlled is where they get the pesticides.

I don't think that there is any strict guidelines on what "organic" means. A lot of "organic" food is grown with natural fertilizers (you can use your imagination to figure that one out) which means it's more likely to transmit food borne sickness.

I don't trust organic food. Organic apples could have worms in them...or even worse if you bite into it half a worm. I like sprayed crops more....perfectly shaped apples with no worm holes, and the sprays help build immunity

driver100 · March 2019

ruking1 said:
One of my daughters spent three months in Oaxaca, Mexico. Part of the time, she spend in medical clinics. No water borne illnesses for her.

Something like 2/3rds of people who go to Mexico get sick at some point.

explorerx4 · March 2019

The Mustang has a screw on/screw off gas cap, all our other cars have a capless filler.

suydam · March 2019

snakeweasel said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

ruking1 said:
Some of the best Indian food is indeed in the west! This is despite occasional outbreaks in/on so called “healthy” foods, sometimes “organic”.

This has been true for quite a while but for example, due to grading systems, 90% of the food can be wasted in the USA.
Most people don't realize that food growers are allowed to use pesticides in food labeled "organic"--what is controlled is where they get the pesticides.

I don't think that there is any strict guidelines on what "organic" means. A lot of "organic" food is grown with natural fertilizers (you can use your imagination to figure that one out) which means it's more likely to transmit food borne sickness.

There are very strict requirements for anything labeled organic. “Natural” on the other hand, has no requirements whatsoever. https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/labeling

roadburner · March 2019

driver100 said:
OK boys and girls....todays newest topic is the Check Engine Light!

Yesterday I had to enter the highway and the cars on the highway were really moving, so I stomped it. The yellow check engine light came on. When I got home I tried turning the car off and then on...it was still on. I checked the manual and it said to unscrew the gas cap and put it on tight....which I did. When we went out this morning for groceries it was on, but just when we came out of the second store it was off, and didn't come on again when we went out.

So I checked up about this light, and I will pass this on in case you come across this;
What problems can trigger the Check Engine Light?
Ranging from minor to major, a slew of things can trigger the check engine light to come on in your Mercedes-Benz, including (but not limited to):

Loose gas cap
Faulty fuel injector
Blown gasket heads
Faulty oxygen sensors
Cracked and loose hoses
Faulty mass air flow sensor
Worn out spark plugs and wiring
Emission control system malfunction

I was going to call and make an appointment on Monday if it didn't clear up. From what I read on some cars it should be looked at as soon as possible, but urgent if flashing....also urgent if it is associated with low oil or radiator overheating.

I think in my case I stomped it and it overwhelmed the air flow sensor or the fuel injector but after driving for awhile it corrected itself. Usually, only the garage can read the code, and reset the light. That was a close one...glad I don't have to take it in.

There is absolutely no way you can determine what set an SES fault without an OBDII scanner- and believe me, there are more than eight different fault codes that can be set. Flooring the accelerator should never set a code unless something else is wrong- and only a good scanner will reveal what is actually going on.
For example, the Clubman would set a code once the car went closed-loop; my scanner revealed that the fault was multiple misfires. I checked the service history and noted that the PO had not changed the plugs at 100k miles as required, so I suspected the issue was the plugs as opposed to the coil packs. I replaced the plugs in less than 30 minutes and the problem was solved. Without a scanner your best guess is-at best-a shot in the dark.

Mr_Shiftright · March 2019

If the light is off, I wouldn't worry about it. If it goes on every time you stomp on it, then I would suspect something like a misfire or a temporary lean situation.

If the CEL (aka "the money light") ever blinks rapidly, shut the car down! This means your catalytic is being unduly stressed and could get damaged if you keep rollin'.

Even with a code reader, the actual problem can be elusive. Code readers only tell you the system or circuit that is non-conforming. It doesn't tell you what to replace. Even a $10,000 scanner can't tell you that, without doing a deeper diagnosis.

Without any codes, you are indeed, just guessing---and guessing is expensive.

[Deleted User] · March 2019

abacomike said:

houdini2 said:

driver100 said:
Safest drink to have in any country is beer...usually made with finest filtered water, boiled and sealed.
Bottled water is dangerous in any poor country, they refill bottles from cesspools and put the cap back on.
Sometimes people are careful, then they will do something like get a drink....with ice cubes...which could have been made from toxic water. Or order a salad, washed in it.
I have never been to Mexico, but I understand you are never supposed to drink the water. Then I see that everywhere there are swimming pools.....with tourists happily splashing about.

The Chlorine in the pools probably eliminates most of the bacteria, I would think.

Exactly, but being a water guy I do know what's in pool water and, well, most people would prefer not to know. In most cases, as long as the chlorine levels are maintained, people will be fine. The world around us and our own bodies are not nearly as sterile as we'd all like to think.

[Deleted User] · March 2019

abacomike said:

And I thought Mexico and Latin America were bacteria havens for Americans - India sounds worse the way you presented it above! Listerine in your mouth until you dry off after a shower? Holy bacterium!

LOL. My list comes from two assumptions: first, non-bottled water is contaminated including what is used to grow crops and prepare food, and second, people don't wash their hands after using the restroom (if there is a restroom). From those two points you can see why each rule I follow exists. Same can be said in a lot of developing countries and even parts of developed ones. The list works and kept me healthy for many months in-country while the folks around me had rather...hmmm..."unpleasant" experiences. One of my employees disappeared over the weekend and then resurfaced Sunday with an emergency call asking me to drop of more toilet paper to his apartment.

[Deleted User] · March 2019

bwia said:

All very good points. At my Caribbean home I follow most of your above practices and more. For example:
I brush my teeth with only boiled water.
I make my ice with boiled bottled water and I don't use ice when I'm out at a restaurant.
I do not shake hands. Fist bumps only.
All cups and dishes are washed with boiled water just before use.
I eat only cooked frozen vegetables imported from the US.

All great points and I forgot about adding bottled water for brushing teeth. I didn't have access to cooking supplies in my little apartments or hotel rooms the companies provided me, so no option for boiling water. Ice was out of the question - no way, no how.

[Deleted User] · March 2019

tjc78 said:
So you have to avoid most fruit, veggies and meat. Well... I guess you’ll lose a few pounds. Not much left to eat.

Just the fresh stuff was where I was most cautious. Cooked food was no problem, and I ate a ton of local cuisine while in-country and loved it. But fresh lettuce? Nope. Uncooked cabbage, broccoli, or cauliflower. Nope, nope, and nope. Cook any of those things and you'll be fine. I did turn vegetarian during my trips to India and to this day limit my meat intake, and there was very little refined sugar available, so I did drop some weight despite never going hungry.

Honestly, I felt very privileged to have running water for a shower each day, power about 80% of the time, my own apartment or hotel room, air conditioning, and access to food every day. Very few people around me where I worked had that kind of luxury. I do miss working with the wonderful people there who eventually treated me as one of their own and made me feel so welcome. I admire many parts of their culture and think we westerners could learn more than a few things from them.

[Deleted User] · March 2019

cdnpinhead said:

tyguy said:
I spent quite a bit of time working in India and had a few rules that kept me healthy.
I was warned and have been following most of these. So far so good--one week down and two to go. Thanks for the list.

Awesome! I hope you're managing to enjoy the experience. Good luck and safe travels home when the time comes.

jmonroe1 · March 2019

cdnpinhead said:

tyguy said:
I spent quite a bit of time working in India and had a few rules that kept me healthy.
I was warned and have been following most of these. So far so good--one week down and two to go. Thanks for the list.

"One week down and two to go", sounds like you came out of retirement. In general, I don't like traveling and as a result got out of traveling when I was a working stiff as much as I could. I think the only way I would have accepted a trip to India was if they threatened to fire me.

Stay safe and healthy

jmonroe

driver100 · March 2019

Good comments roadburner and Mr S.....I am learning something every once in awhile.
One article said taking the gas cap off and putting it back on was about the only thing you could do on your own.
I know the light went on when I stomped it...the hardest I have ever stomped it.
It could be my imagination but it ran a little rougher after stomping it and the light going on.
I am glad I don't have to take it in, and yes, Mr S., if it is a catalytic problem could be expensive.
Like I say, I am not a mechanical genius, but my wild guess is the air/gas mixture was off, or fuel mixture not right. I guess they can check the codes when i go in for an oil change, maybe?

driver100 · March 2019

explorerx4 said:
The Mustang has a screw on/screw off gas cap, all our other cars have a capless filler.

Guess not much point in trying to screw on the filler cap if you don't have one explorer....ignore that one.

driver100 · March 2019

jmonroe1 said:

cdnpinhead said:

tyguy said:
I spent quite a bit of time working in India and had a few rules that kept me healthy.
I was warned and have been following most of these. So far so good--one week down and two to go. Thanks for the list.

I think the only way I would have accepted a trip to India was if they threatened to fire me.
jmonroe

isn't that how they got you to do anything?

henryn · March 2019

If you do get the urge to buy an OBD II scanner, you can get a very useful one for quite cheap these days. Look on Amazon or Ebay for an OBD II plug in device which will send the codes via bluetooth (wireless) to your smart phone. The plug in device will set you back $10 or $12, and a good app for your smartphone, about $5.

stickguy · March 2019

driver, some cars actually pop up a message to "check gas cap" since that is such a common reason. I assume that is triggered by the fault code related to the cap. Actually, the fault code means there is a leak in the gas vapor system (there is a technical name for that!) and the cap is the most likely culprit. If the cap is OK, you have to start checking the rest of the system.

so, re-install the cap, and see if that works. It does take a few cycles to reset (the car runs tests on all the systems, and sets the light when certain conditions met, then after a defined # of cycles within spec, turns it off).

if the car really was running poorly after your romping, entirely possible it was something else, but also possible you won't cause the out of spec condition again anyway.

imidazol97 · March 2019

Here, the box stores that sell auto repair stuff will use a quality scanner to pull the engine codes.
Advance auto parts
Oreilly/Checkers
Autozone

What you want is the exact number, PXXXX, such as P0303 in the standard meaning is a misfire on cylinder #3.

Do not let the person just say, "It's a misfire." Or "it's your catalytic converter." and so on...

If you post the code number or numbers here someone may be able to tell you it's the emissions equipment sensing the gas cap wasn't screwed on or there's a leak in the gasoline tank system that controls emissions (I think those are in the 400 series of numbers). Searching for the meaning on the internet will usually give links to the standardized results.

But those numbers point to the sensing device that detected something, and that something may be not directly related to the actual problem. Takes a little intuition and experience.

I submit the code on my leSabre about emissions and leak indicating it was a charcoal canister solenoid not working right that vents the gas tank through charcoal to capture hydrocarbons. That solenoid seals off when the computer does a vacuum test to look for leaks--small or gas cap size.

Changed solenoid under car, not easy. Same result. Turns out it was the little switch that turns the vacuum on to the tank system to suck air in through the canister and the tank to reclaim the captured hydrocarbons. That switch that sits on the top of the hot engine was sticking. That set off the sensor that said the vacuum levels in the tank indicated an air leak.

oldfarmer50 · March 2019

ab348 said:
I bought a jar of pickles on Friday at Sobeys (Canadian supermarket chain Driver would be familiar with), their house brand.

When I got home and was putting them on the shelf I noticed they are made in India.

I am unsure if I actually want to try them now.

Amazing that it is cheaper to make them there and ship them all the way here than it is to get them from a packer in Ontario or the USA.

Vinegar kills most any germ. I use it as weed killer too.

oldfarmer50 · March 2019

driver100 said:
OK boys and girls....todays newest topic is the Check Engine Light!

Yesterday I had to enter the highway and the cars on the highway were really moving, so I stomped it. The yellow check engine light came on. When I got home I tried turning the car off and then on...it was still on. I checked the manual and it said to unscrew the gas cap and put it on tight....which I did. When we went out this morning for groceries it was on, but just when we came out of the second store it was off, and didn't come on again when we went out.

So I checked up about this light, and I will pass this on in case you come across this;
What problems can trigger the Check Engine Light?
Ranging from minor to major, a slew of things can trigger the check engine light to come on in your Mercedes-Benz, including (but not limited to):

Loose gas cap
Faulty fuel injector
Blown gasket heads
Faulty oxygen sensors
Cracked and loose hoses
Faulty mass air flow sensor
Worn out spark plugs and wiring
Emission control system malfunction

I was going to call and make an appointment on Monday if it didn't clear up. From what I read on some cars it should be looked at as soon as possible, but urgent if flashing....also urgent if it is associated with low oil or radiator overheating.

I think in my case I stomped it and it overwhelmed the air flow sensor or the fuel injector but after driving for awhile it corrected itself. Usually, only the garage can read the code, and reset the light. That was a close one...glad I don't have to take it in.

I think I mentioned how the CEL came on just as I was selling my old Lincoln. Stomping on the gas cleared it up. The light on the PT was thought to be a gas cap but turned out to be a leaking gas tank.

My son triggered his check engine light by driving around all day with a blown water pump. Engine got so hot he burned a valve. His current inspection is good until October at which point the car will be sold for parts rather than pay $3000 for a valve job.

Fortunately, by then it will have well over 100k miles and he’ll have gotten his use out of it. Unfortunately, he’ll have to inherit the PT. That’ll learn him.

I don’t know about a MB but on run of the mill domestics a $20 code reader can not only scan for codes but erase them too. Next time buy a Chevy.

[Deleted User] · March 2019

oldfarmer50 said:

ab348 said:
I bought a jar of pickles on Friday at Sobeys (Canadian supermarket chain Driver would be familiar with), their house brand.

When I got home and was putting them on the shelf I noticed they are made in India.

I am unsure if I actually want to try them now.

Amazing that it is cheaper to make them there and ship them all the way here than it is to get them from a packer in Ontario or the USA.
Vinegar kills most any germ. I use it as weed killer too.

OF, my wife and I are very interested in less toxic gardening. Do you use a straight vinegar, or do you mix it with anything? And do you prefer any type of vinegar in particular? I appreciate any counsel you an provide.

cdnpinhead · March 2019

jmonroe1 said:
"One week down and two to go", sounds like you came out of retirement.

Stay safe and healthy.

Thanks! Yeah, I've taken on a part-time consulting gig. I always enjoyed my travel for work, so long as it didn't involve more than about 30% of my time. Staying in the cubicle 100% of the time dealing with the big corporation would have driven me nuts. I expect this job to consume no more than 30% of my time, so should offer me some diversion.

While I enjoy traveling, the first time anywhere is always a hassle--need to find everything and figure out how things work, even in unfamiliar places in North America, though there aren't that many of them anymore. That's true in spades over here, but I'm pretty well adjusted now, in spite of the 12.5 hour time difference, and beginning to actually enjoy the place.

Having good internet and air conditioning goes a long way.

abacomike · March 2019

cdnpinhead said:

"One week down and two to go", sounds like you came out of retirement. Stay safe and healthy.
Thanks! Yeah, I've taken on a part-time consulting gig. I always enjoyed my travel for work, so long as it didn't involve more than about 30% of my time. Staying in the cubicle 100% of the time dealing with the big corporation would have driven me nuts. I expect this job to consume no more than 30% of my time, so should offer me some diversion. While I enjoy traveling, the first time anywhere is always a hassle--need to find everything and figure out how things work, even in unfamiliar places in North America, though there aren't that many of them anymore. That's true in spades over here, but I'm pretty well adjusted now, in spite of the 12.5 hour time difference, and beginning to actually enjoy the place. Having good internet and air conditioning goes a long way.

Good luck with the new gig. Sounds like it’s just what you wanted and you are enjoying it. Keep us up-to-date.

driver100 · March 2019

henryn said:
If you do get the urge to buy an OBD II scanner, you can get a very useful one for quite cheap these days. Look on Amazon or Ebay for an OBD II plug in device which will send the codes via bluetooth (wireless) to your smart phone. The plug in device will set you back $10 or $12, and a good app for your smartphone, about $5.

Henryn...if I buy an OBD II Scanner it sounds like I would have to get a Smart phone and even if I know the codes...what will I do then...take it to the garage? btw, this is the first time this has happened in over 30 years.

driver100 · March 2019

stickguy said:
driver, some cars actually pop up a message to "check gas cap" since that is such a common reason. I assume that is triggered by the fault code related to the cap..

Stick....I checked the gas cap first thing....that is the one thing I could do myself. It was on tight but I took it off and put it on again, extra tight. Light was still on. Light went out after about 20 miles of driving and a few stops and starts......I think it fixed itself (or burned out!). I am sure some things and cars can't be fixed until the ~~mechanic~~ technician resets it.

jmonroe1 · March 2019

abacomike said:

cdnpinhead said:

jmonroe1 said:
"One week down and two to go", sounds like you came out of retirement.

Stay safe and healthy.
Thanks! Yeah, I've taken on a part-time consulting gig. I always enjoyed my travel for work, so long as it didn't involve more than about 30% of my time. Staying in the cubicle 100% of the time dealing with the big corporation would have driven me nuts. I expect this job to consume no more than 30% of my time, so should offer me some diversion.

While I enjoy traveling, the first time anywhere is always a hassle--need to find everything and figure out how things work, even in unfamiliar places in North America, though there aren't that many of them anymore. That's true in spades over here, but I'm pretty well adjusted now, in spite of the 12.5 hour time difference, and beginning to actually enjoy the place.

Having good internet and air conditioning goes a long way.

Good luck with the new gig. Sounds like it’s just what you wanted and you are enjoying it. Keep us up-to-date.

Let me second that too. If he likes consulting as much as I did, he'll be doing it till he's 73 like I did. As much fun as it was I finally decided to hang it up before the cleaning crew found me slumped over my keyboard one night.

jmonroe

driver100 · March 2019

imidazol97 said:
Here, the box stores that sell auto repair stuff will use a quality scanner to pull the engine codes.
Advance auto parts
Oreilly/Checkers
Autozone

What you want is the exact number, PXXXX, such as P0303 in the standard meaning is a misfire on cylinder #3.

Do not let the person just say, "It's a misfire." Or "it's your catalytic converter." and so on...

If you post the code number or numbers here someone may be able to tell you it's the emissions equipment sensing the gas cap wasn't screwed on or there's a leak in the gasoline tank system that controls emissions (I think those are in the 400 series of numbers). Searching for the meaning on the internet will usually give links to the standardized results.

But those numbers point to the sensing device that detected something, and that something may be not directly related to the actual problem. Takes a little intuition and experience.

I submit the code on my leSabre about emissions and leak indicating it was a charcoal canister solenoid not working right that vents the gas tank through charcoal to capture hydrocarbons. That solenoid seals off when the computer does a vacuum test to look for leaks--small or gas cap size.

Changed solenoid under car, not easy. Same result. Turns out it was the little switch that turns the vacuum on to the tank system to suck air in through the canister and the tank to reclaim the captured hydrocarbons. That switch that sits on the top of the hot engine was sticking. That set off the sensor that said the vacuum levels in the tank indicated an air leak.

Like I say, it hasn't happened in way over 30 years....if the light stays on I would rather take it to the guy.

driver100 · March 2019

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:
OK boys and girls....todays newest topic is the Check Engine Light!

Yesterday I had to enter the highway and the cars on the highway were really moving, so I stomped it. The yellow check engine light came on. When I got home I tried turning the car off and then on...it was still on. I checked the manual and it said to unscrew the gas cap and put it on tight....which I did. When we went out this morning for groceries it was on, but just when we came out of the second store it was off, and didn't come on again when we went out.

So I checked up about this light, and I will pass this on in case you come across this;
What problems can trigger the Check Engine Light?
Ranging from minor to major, a slew of things can trigger the check engine light to come on in your Mercedes-Benz, including (but not limited to):

Loose gas cap
Faulty fuel injector
Blown gasket heads
Faulty oxygen sensors
Cracked and loose hoses
Faulty mass air flow sensor
Worn out spark plugs and wiring
Emission control system malfunction

I was going to call and make an appointment on Monday if it didn't clear up. From what I read on some cars it should be looked at as soon as possible, but urgent if flashing....also urgent if it is associated with low oil or radiator overheating.

I think in my case I stomped it and it overwhelmed the air flow sensor or the fuel injector but after driving for awhile it corrected itself. Usually, only the garage can read the code, and reset the light. That was a close one...glad I don't have to take it in.
I don’t know about a MB but on run of the mill domestics a $20 code reader can not only scan for codes but erase them too. Next time buy a Chevy.

Good point, a code reader in my hands could do more damage than good. People like me should go to the guy.

driver100 · March 2019

abacomike said:

cdnpinhead said:

jmonroe1 said:
"One week down and two to go", sounds like you came out of retirement.

Stay safe and healthy.
Thanks! Yeah, I've taken on a part-time consulting gig. I always enjoyed my travel for work, so long as it didn't involve more than about 30% of my time. Staying in the cubicle 100% of the time dealing with the big corporation would have driven me nuts. I expect this job to consume no more than 30% of my time, so should offer me some diversion.

While I enjoy traveling, the first time anywhere is always a hassle--need to find everything and figure out how things work, even in unfamiliar places in North America, though there aren't that many of them anymore. That's true in spades over here, but I'm pretty well adjusted now, in spite of the 12.5 hour time difference, and beginning to actually enjoy the place.

Having good internet and air conditioning goes a long way.

Good luck with the new gig. Sounds like it’s just what you wanted and you are enjoying it. Keep us up-to-date.

+1
The way the workplace is these days you could do a lot worse!
Actually, a nice way to see another country...on the company expense account.

abacomike · March 2019

driver100 said:

OK boys and girls....todays newest topic is the Check Engine Light! Yesterday I had to enter the highway and the cars on the highway were really moving, so I stomped it. The yellow check engine light came on. When I got home I tried turning the car off and then on...it was still on. I checked the manual and it said to unscrew the gas cap and put it on tight....which I did. When we went out this morning for groceries it was on, but just when we came out of the second store it was off, and didn't come on again when we went out. So I checked up about this light, and I will pass this on in case you come across this; What problems can trigger the Check Engine Light? Ranging from minor to major, a slew of things can trigger the check engine light to come on in your Mercedes-Benz, including (but not limited to): Loose gas cap Faulty fuel injector Blown gasket heads Faulty oxygen sensors Cracked and loose hoses Faulty mass air flow sensor Worn out spark plugs and wiring Emission control system malfunction I was going to call and make an appointment on Monday if it didn't clear up. From what I read on some cars it should be looked at as soon as possible, but urgent if flashing....also urgent if it is associated with low oil or radiator overheating. I think in my case I stomped it and it overwhelmed the air flow sensor or the fuel injector but after driving for awhile it corrected itself. Usually, only the garage can read the code, and reset the light. That was a close one...glad I don't have to take it in.
I don’t know about a MB but on run of the mill domestics a $20 code reader can not only scan for codes but erase them too. Next time buy a Chevy.
Good point, a code reader in my hands could do more damage than good. People like me should go to the guy.

I second that - especially for me. “Take it to the guy” or “let the guy look at it” is my motto. That reminds me - my car goes back to the service department tomorrow for another try at getting my sunroof to work. This is the second attempt to get it to work - it was there back in January for a week. My guess is that this will not be a quick fix since they looked at it on Tuesday and were stymied. I really hope this car does not cause me to Lemon Law it over a sunroof malfunction. I love this car too much!

abacomike · March 2019

The Orlando area is crazy with more traffic than I have experienced since leaving NYC 55 years ago. The hotels and motels are jammed. Mostly college aged kids from my observations. Got home at 6:00 PM and I am exhausted.

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