Phenomena

In our household, we have 2 vehicles. Each serves its own individual purpose for the family which works for us. We’ve got Gilday’s compact, fuel efficient, meticulously clean, tool around town Jetta & my rugged 4WD Pathfinder for camping, mastiff-rottwieller toting & also for hauling big stuff like furniture (and Paul). Both are getting on in age (‘01’s) but we’re not in a hurry to replace them as it’s really nice to not have a car payment and that they both are pretty reliable.

In order to keep them in their great running conditions I make sure that they go in regularly for check-ups and oil changes. Our mechanic, Dave, is in Kingston so in the event the Jetta needs to go in, Gilday would take the truck to work and I’d just drop it off on my way to work.

A few months ago, while the jetta was getting some routine stuff done, Gilday was driving my truck and the “Service Engine Soon” came on. It turned out to be an ignition coil which is a known problem for the 01 Pathy. Problem fixed the next day and truck was fine. 2 weeks ago, when Gilday had my truck for the day, he mentioned that my “Service Engine Soon” light showed up on the way home from work. I chalked it up to simple coincidence. Dave tells me it’s my Mass Airflow Sensor and because it’s an expensive part, he hoped that a thorough cleaning might fix the problem as he had luck with that economical solution before. Since that service, the truck ran fine since and no engine lights. I assumed everything was great.

Last night, I drove us out to New Paltz in the truck to take care of some recycling and pick up some fresh tilapia to grill for dinner. After a great meal, we got into the truck to take John out for some ice cream (it was a belated b-day present) at one of the local farm stands. Steve decided to drive. What happens? The “Service Engine Soon” light comes on.

What The Frick?

This Friday will be a very expensive lesson that Gilday is no longer allowed to drive my truck.