Mystery Car Problem
I was about to drive 30 miles in one direction and then come home and drive 25 miles in the other direction. But, as I pulled around the corner (remember, I live on a corner.), I saw one of the indicator lights flash. I immediately pulled over and turned off the car. I turned the key so all those lights were on and looked at the spot where I saw the red flash.
I cannot post a picture, so let me explain what the symbol looked like. It was an almost-square rectangle lying on the long side. Across the bottom were waves maybe just pointy peaks and valleys. From the top and pointed to the bottom was an arrow. I took it back to the place where I had it serviced last and an oil change. I forgot what they called it. At any rate it was below freezing here in the daytime, so I had them check to see how cold it would hold--something like 9 degrees.
The reservoir was full, but we only sat for ten minutes until they checked the car. Then, it was driven to the back where the doors are located for the bays.
After the delay, the day was uneventful. But, since them, I get the same red symbol flashing just for a moment. I am quite sure the mechanic can repair something. What I want to know is why this symbol flashes for a split second so I don't just take it in for weeks until the actual problem shows up and possibly disables my car or cost more. ???
Chevy Malibu, 2000, 187K miles on it.
Oh yeah, the check engine light has been on for years. Auto Zone said the check engine light is broken or something.
Recall
Another thing, this car has the recall for the key falling out. My key has fallen out for years. Only twice has it caused a problem. Once, while I was stopped, the car died. I just restarted it. Another time, I was driving slowly and had to manhandle the car around a corner. Since I have two torn rotator cuffs and carpal tunnel in both wrists AND bad back injuries, that was an adventure in pain. However, I have had to drive a car without power steering when things went wrong, so I knew to put my all into it. Yes, it hurt, but I did not die or have a wreck!
New Insurance
Remember all the times when I locked the keys in the car? Well, I used State Farm roadside service to unlock my car. Every time, the key was half-hanging from the ignition, so the ding ding thing did not warn me and refuse to lock the door. NOW, State Farm is upset because I used my roadside service too many times--five times in 3 years. They suggested I get AAA. That won't happen, so don't suggest it. I will cancel State Farm and get another insurance policy. However, I must do this by Monday. My roadside service was only $8.yr.
Dreams and Eggs
1 egg
I forgot the dream.
Your turn
Thoughts on the dash symbol? Insurance recommendation other than State Farm or AAA? Have you had a recall during this GM problem?
check air cleaner
ReplyDeleteIs it expensive?
Deletehave had geico for years..eady to work with and best rates for us. car problem not sure..
ReplyDeleteThanks, I am thinking I will try Geico. I suppose I can get different people to help with my questions. I am afraid the car will fail in some way and want to fix it first.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLinda, Low coolant notification.
DeleteA few moments ago I tried to post a link to the place I found the icon that you described (you described it perfectly) when I pasted the link it took up about 6 INCHES.
Janet,
DeleteThe coolant was not low. That was a monster link!
Linda- As someone in the insurance industry- (dont hate me) I can say that the fact you have used that service multiple times will "harm you" in shopping. Just a word of caution on Geico and Progressive- they have a habit of coming back later after they run credit, etc and surcharge you later. (after you pay)They are good but be careful. Heather
ReplyDeleteHeather,
DeleteThanks for that information. My insurance ends Monday. So, I may just go ahead and pay for State Farm, then shop. SF will refund me.
Have used Geico and Progressive both with no problems. 2 of my 3 sons have used Geico with no problems. We now use USAA and the rates are the lowest we have found but I think you have to be in the military or former military.
ReplyDeleteAlso, e-insurance is good but it is owned by Allstate and they aren't the best from people we know who used them.
Have you googled the icon or your model of Chevy to see about recalls?
Bellen,
DeleteMaybe people with good insurance have little problems. ??? I have not heard good things about Allstate.
There is no recall about the icon. Thanks.
Linda, one son using Geico had to call for dead battery 3 times in one year, finally got the problem fixed. Did not have an increase in premium or any problem when he switched to another company. The other son had a not his fault accident that totaled his car and the claim was settled in 3 days with no increase in premium.
DeleteEsurance is AWFUL.. I second that from knowing a few folks myself who have used them... Heather
ReplyDeleteHeather, Thanks. Wht insurance would you suggest?
DeleteOne that you will move your house to as well.. Be ready if State Farm has your house.. They will cancel your house if you move your auto. Most carriers want both. Progressive and Geico are fine. Just take your time and put ALL your information in....
DeleteI can but say that if the problem was a recall issue, they could easily find it out. I guess I can assume that the key problem was fixed since that was a recall issue.
ReplyDeleteSnow,
DeleteNot fixed yet, I got the notification in the midst of no water problem, then was sick, still no water. So, my mind has been occupied. Plus, if hair is dirty and I feel nasty, I just won't go anyplace like that, stay at home or go grocery shopping.
I hate car problems. I think you may need to take it in. It may be the year of the car. Car problems seem to be taking over.
ReplyDeleteBut I can tell you that when it gets super cold(below freezing) my Kia has a fit. The doors open and close by themselves, they are automatic. The volume on the radio becomes the station button. Its crazy, oh and the tire pressure lights come on.
The long thing laying on its side, and the "electrical" signature signs (voltage) sound more like low battery, and that could happen due to the cold temperatures. If I'm wrong, I'm used to it, but did you let your car warm up before taking off? It warms up the oil so that it can flow smoothly.
ReplyDeleteYou might remember I have experience working in auto insurance (casualty & coverage).
ReplyDeleteI've had Progressive for 5 years now, & I love them. Fair prices for excellent coverage, easy claims process (I've filed two roadside & 1 comp claim), & I love being able to manage my policy online. I pay $4 every 6 months for roadside.
Good luck with your insurance hunt! Email me if you have any questions about coverage.
I have State Farm right now for both my car and home, but have used Geico for the car until a few years ago. Even when I switched to Geico for the car, I kept my house insured with State Farm with no issues. I only switched back to State Farm from Geico because they were both priced the same.
ReplyDeleteWe do use AAA and have had nothing but good experiences with them. The 3 roadside assistances per year plus the discount on tons of things we do annually more than offset the price for us.