(Untitled)

[kataklysma]

On my way back from the Hindu temple today, I had to take a 70-minute detour because cars were completely stopped on the freeway. During this detour, GS needed to pee. So we stopped. Mission accomplished, we get back in the '74 VW Bug, and it won't start. Fuck

Comments

[mrcairo]

I'm embarrassed to say that I have no idea where either of my copies of How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive ("The Idiot's guide") are. If you don't own a copy, you should. Perhaps someday if I find one of mine, I'll mail it to you. Clearly I've become too much of a responsible yuppie to not need them any more. (fortunately, I'm still enough of an irresponsible hippy to have misplaced both copies

[kataklysma]

Hmm, I will look up this book of which you speak.

I am an old pro at the VW Bug push start technique. Had to do it all the time (in heels, no less) 5 years ago, before we took care of a lot of poor Lulu's car issues. My mom changed the battery 2 years ago and I'm just hoping that's all it is. I don't have the tools to change the battery, let alone the alternator, so hopefully the people at the auto parts store will have mercy on a poor, incompetent, buxom blonde and help me out...

:-D

[silverseabear]

If your other electrical stuff gets wonky, blame a short. If a jump gets you started, it's probably the connection from alternator to battery. The other option could be the starter, but it's hard to tell with a dead battery, and not likely anyway, since a jump worked.

If the fluid level in an otherwise problem free battery is okay, trace the wire from alt to batt (no tools needed, only a rag) and look for bald spots. Electrical tape wrap on any naked places.

Slip joint pliers and a slotted screwdriver can take care of a lot of little problems, and can be had for cheap. Have some and keep them in your ride.

[kataklysma]

OK, I'll check out the wiring before I push start my car over to AutoZone for a new battery and (battery tester). My mother says it's probably not the alternator, as that is fairly new. And yes, also a jump start got her going fine. Can one change a VW battery with a screwdriver and pliers? I think you need special tools for that, right?

[mrcairo]

How old is the battery? For some reason, I recalled you saying that it wasn't that old, but I'm not seeing it now.

For a battery, I'd say: a screwdriver, pliers, and a small bit of sandpaper. You need to clean the contacts on both the battery and on the battery wires. I'm not sure about your current location, but if you were where I am, corrosion there is entirely possible, and could explain your problems.

It's vaguely possible that you might need a wrench to do it. If that's the case, then you probably only need a wrench. (and sandpaper.)

It's entirely likely that the autozone can loan you what you need. If you're nervous about this, wear a tight, low-cut shirt, and ask nicely. (it might work for you. It's _never_ worked for me... ;) )

[blood_thunder]

and it just happened to be the part where Dana dies.

I uh...hadn't seen that season yet.

You're seriously fired.

[kataklysma]

Well.

I thought everyone knew that!

Anyhow, it's been a year. There's an unwritten rule that you can post spoilers after a year...

>;-P

(come over and watch it!)

[blood_thunder]

Most people put spoilers under a cut.