Wednesday, October 19, 2005

The Holden - Ain't

More car troubles have surfaced recently, with our beloved Holden going through some rough patches in it's legacy.

After we got the air conditioning Freon refilled, we noticed an intermittent stoppage of the fan blower. So, we had juice but no way to feel it. Our mechanic had mentioned in passing that it was probably something with the relay, which immediately qualified us to diagnose and fix the problem.

We drove down to the local auto mart, bought an assortment of relays and fuses, popping them in with little problem. However, the extent of damage was not yet evident.

The next morning, Peggy stalled driving up the hill and was unable to get the Holden started again. Later that afternoon, the power window malfunctioned and essentially collapsed. That evening, the turn signals began sporatically not working as well. The next day, the left speakers went kaput.

So, back into the shop goes our Holden to get the electrical problems sorted out and to prop the driver-side window shut with a block of wood. The temperature is not a problem, as we have a fan that works now, but going through either tollbooths, ticket kiosks or drive throughs are all extremely awkward. One must either contort out the back window or attempt to open the door within a typically constrictive space.

This all adds quite a bit of character to an already colorful car. As Peggy hopes, 'the engine will go on forever while the body falls apart'. Our fingers are crossed.

posted by ncawthon at 1:42 PM