carHelp

[Alison]

I was wondering if any ledgies are mechanically inclined.
I have a real crappy 1997 Ford Taurus. I have spent 2 thousand on repairs since I bought the car a year ago. Here is the latest problem.
Was leaving the store and when I started my car the power steering went, it goes on and off. Get to the post office the car won't start right away. As I'm driving the computer is making these clicking sound and the seat belt light flashes of and on at the same time the steering is going on and off. Now the steering will be fine for a bit and the seat belt light still goes of and on from time to time. The check engine light is on, but was on before because I think the oxygen sensor is acting up again, that is another story.But the computer is not making that sound anymore. Took it to the garage and they can't find anything wrong. I have run out of money, and still need to drive my self to work and drive the kids around.
Any suggestions so I know where to start?

[estranged4life]

Originally Posted by Alison

I was wondering if any ledgies are mechanically inclined.
I have a real crappy 1997 Ford Taurus. I have spent 2 thousand on repairs since I bought the car a year ago. Here is the latest problem.
Was leaving the store and when I started my car the power steering went, it goes on and off. Get to the post office the car won't start right away. As I'm driving the computer is making these clicking sound and the seat belt light flashes of and on at the same time the steering is going on and off. Now the steering will be fine for a bit and the seat belt light still goes of and on from time to time. The check engine light is on, but was on before because I think the oxygen sensor is acting up again, that is another story.But the computer is not making that sound anymore. Took it to the garage and they can't find anything wrong. I have run out of money, and still need to drive my self to work and drive the kids around.
Any suggestions so I know where to start?

for the oxygen sensor errors, which can cause monoxide buildup with can cause a car to lose horsepower (Which can leave to MAJOR engine damage).

But reading that you stated your seat-belt safety light seems to flicker and your power steering has failed makes me believe you have a major problem with the computer brain, or at the least a minor coupling short (bka a loose wire to the housing of the computer brain)

I suggest taking the car to a certified Ford dealership and have the techs due a diagnostic scan to check if indeed the computer is failing. They will be able to hook a analysis machine to the port to check how the brain responds.

Also, be careful, some mechanics will take advantage of women to make extra $$$ due to their lack of knowledge with an automobile, so having a male companion tag along can help avoid this problem.

Good luck...

Brian "My Dad was a professional car mechanic...and electronic repairman" j.

[Alison]

Thanks, the last garage told me the rack and pinion had to be replaced.

[estranged4life]

My wife once took our ol' beloved battlehorse 1996 Nissan Sentra (bka "The Wildlife Eradicator") to the dealership and they TRIED to have her pay $120 to fix a minor transmission line leak.

She brought the car home, I put it up on jack-stands, climbed under it with only a phillips head screwdriver and fixed THAT leak in less than 30 seconds (Tighten the screw on the hose clamp).

Trust me, mechanics love to try to squeeze that extra dollar from women who don't know a thing about automobiles.

[Alison]

Took the car to another garage this morning. Said it would cost up to $200 just to find what the problem is. That is not even fixing the problem.
It was running fine this morning, then all of a sudden the power steering went then the seat belt light flashed off and on. Now it is fine again.

[Alison]

Took the car of the road yesterday. This car has bled me dry.
I think you are right it is a computer problem. Paying a loan on a car you can't drive is no fun. So I'm driving my old 89 crown vic for the time being. Which is not cheap on gas.
Thanks for your help.

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by estranged4life

My wife once took our ol' beloved battlehorse 1996 Nissan Sentra (bka "The Wildlife Eradicator") to the dealership and they TRIED to have her pay $120 to fix a minor transmission line leak.

She brought the car home, I put it up on jack-stands, climbed under it with only a phillips head screwdriver and fixed THAT leak in less than 30 seconds (Tighten the screw on the hose clamp).

Trust me, mechanics love to try to squeeze that extra dollar from women who don't know a thing about automobiles.

A dealer once had my car for only 6 hours for repairs and charged me for 12 hrs of labor. I told my Dad and he marched down there and tore them a new one. They bill according to the book's time on things but seriously, if I give you my car late morning and take it home early evening, that just ISN'T 12 HOURS! They would only refund me for 3 or 4, I forget exactly how many.

Dad also made them put 2 more new tires on the car when I first bought it. They said they were fine and I didn't need them, he said I'll take it to the registry and they'll put a failed sticker right on it. They gave me the tires. I wish I could be more like that, I am not a good negotiator.

My advice on that Ford would be to trade it in for a Toyota.

[estranged4life]

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

A dealer once had my car for only 6 hours for repairs and charged me for 12 hrs of labor. I told my Dad and he marched down there and tore them a new one. They bill according to the book's time on things but seriously, if I give you my car late morning and take it home early evening, that just ISN'T 12 HOURS! They would only refund me for 3 or 4, I forget exactly how many.

Dad also made them put 2 more new tires on the car when I first bought it. They said they were fine and I didn't need them, he said I'll take it to the registry and they'll put a failed sticker right on it. They gave me the tires. I wish I could be more like that, I am not a good negotiator.

My advice on that Ford would be to trade it in for a Toyota.

long line of auto-mechanics, and I have a conscience - so I would never take advantage of a person when in regards to auto repairs...Most mechanics are $$$ driven and if given a chance they will F.O. (f**k over) anyone they can out of sheer greed, especially if one knows nothing of the workings of an automobile...

Mechanics TRIED F.O.ing my Mom after Dad passed, but Mom was also very knowledgeable and she put those lame f**ks in their places. (Hell, I saw Mom remove the temperture control mechanism from a natural gas dryer by reading the electronic diagrams - and she turned off the gas meter herself without need of having make a call and wait for a person to do it for her)

As for Ford's, I suggest never owning one...PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!