I'm having a bad day

[VelmaD]

My car died this morning. *sigh* I went out to head to work and it cranked the first time but it didn't sound good and I was worried that it wouldn't crank again this afternoon to get me home from work. So I tried cranking it again...it sputtered and then I got the clicking noise. Uh-oh. The next attempt to crank it...nothing but the clicking noise. Oh joy.

It sounds like a battery thing...either gunk on the cables or leads or a dead battery. Unfortunately I didn't have time to pop the hood and take a look because the bus was comin' down the street and if I didn't catch it to work another one wouldn't be along for another 40 minutes or so. *huge sigh*

On the bright side, today was an ozone action day so I didn't have to pay to ride the bus. Which was good because I don't think I had enough change in my pocket for the return ride this afternoon. *humongous sigh*

Anyway, now I'm sitting at work worrying about whether it's gonna be something bad and expensive (even though I'm pretty sure it isn't gonna be). I just want to go home and get it taken care of. I'm not getting a damn thing done at work today. *sigh of biblical proportions*

I need a hug.

[GOPisEvil]

1. And to top it all off, that darn Lynne....

Just kidding. :hug:

[VelmaD]

4. I figure between my car issues...

and her bank issues we were just primed for a fight. If it hadn't been with each other over football then we both would have been flaming away at someone else over something. Just think, we saved two poor people from getting stomped on. :)

[PittLib]

9. No kidding ...

Bad day to tune in for the first time, eh. But I love her anyway ... given the day, she certainly has right to her despair.

[PittLib]

2. Sorry Velma!

I'll give you a big hug - It'll make me feel better too! Keep your head up :)

[VelmaD]

5. Thanks.

And welcome to DU. :hi:

[Richardo]

3. Awwww...pobrecita.

It'll be OK... :hug:

[VelmaD]

Gracias

:hug:

[demnan]

6. Sometimes staying in bed

just seems like a good idea.

[VelmaD]

8. Sometimes?

Try always. :)

[politicat]

7. First, the hug....

Then the diagnosis: It's the starter or the starter solenoid.
As long as the starter is not impossible to get to, it should be a reasonable repair.
I've replaced both on several cars, and I'm a 5'4" female with minimal upper body strength. Read the directions, take it solely and carefully, and stop when you get annoyed - You've got all weekend to fix it.

And look at the bright side - at least it's dead in the driveway at home and not the parking lot at work, where you'd have to get a tow which would cost MORE....

Politicat (Been there, done that, hate it.)

[VelmaD]

10. I'll keep your diagnosis in mind...

if it doesn't turn out to be a battery thing. (Everyone else on earth seems to think that's what it is but you know how often "everyone" is right.)

Thanks for the hug. :hug:

[PittLib]

11. Wow. you are good!

I'm coming here with all my problems from now on! ;)

[Kolesar]

12. I think your battery theory is good with that clicky-sound

Wiggle the connections on the battery terminals and tighten them if loose. If the battery-cell covers are easy to get off, pop them off and look for enough liquid in each cell. Wear your safety glasses for that one!

If you have voltmeter, check the terminals. Normal is 14v or so. You may be down to around 9 volts.

If you or someone has a battery acid tester, test each cell for density.

You can take the battery to an auto parts store, they can test its' load performance in about 10 minutes with an automated load tester. If it fails, they will sell you a new one. Your old battery may have a pro-rated warranty from where it was purchased. (time to dig through those old files.)

Other than that, the starter and solenoid are likely targets.

Would you accept a hug from a guy with grease on his hands?

[VelmaD]

13. Hell yeah I would

I spent my childhood being my daddy's little grease-monkey. I ain't scared of getting dirty. :)

[KinkyDem]

14. I ain't scared of getting dirty

Don't that just say it all?

Sounds like yer in good hands here. Deep breathes, move slowly. It will be OK.

[VelmaD]

15. I just knew that line...

would get your attention. :)

[KinkyDem]

16. Come over here little girl

and be Daddy's little grease monkey.

I'm gonna stop now or I'll get accused of highjacking your bad day thread and then get it locked.

[VelmaD]

17. You are one sick puppy

I like it. ;)

[KinkyDem]

18. Flatery will get you everywhere!

Some come over here and sit on Daddy's knee and tell me all about getting dirty ...

[Chovexani]

19. Aww

Cheer up. It could be worse...you could be living in Florida. :P

:hug:

[sundog]

20. Here ya go sweetie...

:hug:

I've had a rough week too, so you are not alone. Must be in the air.

When you get home, you'll have a room of nekkid men in loin cloths there to attend to your every need.... well, not really... but I'd order it for ya if I could :P