In my last post I mentioned the delightful time I had with a stranger with both of us being in a mask less conversation. But what happened next was a bit astounding also--well at least to me.
My little pick up was having transmission problems. I drive a manual transmission and it was starting to pop out of gear at odd times. It would voluntarily go from 4th gear to neutral with no command from me. I was hoping that changing the transmission oil would help. It was probably suspect since in the 184,000 miles I have driven it, I had never had that particular oil changed. I was fanatical about changing gear oil but ignored the transmission oil which should be changed ever 60,000 miles. Bad Patti!!!
The mechanic was doubtful the change would help but he said it couldn't hurt. He took it for a test run and it did it for him. He said he would do the oil change for me the next day but he quietly told me that gear shift organizer tray really needed cleared of all my junk, er stuff.
I realized I probably had over loaded it when I got home and started to clear it out. Seems I had spare keys, hairspray, pepper spray, Tylenol, Altoids, hand lotion, eye drops, and eyeglass wipes in a 6 x 12 box that was all ready 60% taken up by the gear shift skirt.
I was a bit embarrassed at what all was in there. But the big shocker came when I started to remove the coins I had squirreled away there. Eighteen years of drive through change dumps had accumulated about 4 pounds of coins. Some how it was out of sight, out of mind.
My piggy bank was suddenly bursting at the seams but the next morning when I drove to the mechanic, not one pop out of gear happened. Since he changed the oil and I unloaded the tray, it has run perfectly. Which fixed it, I don't know.
I am sending this out as an FYI post (for your information). I told my neighbor about what I had done so she went out and cleaned out the catch all in their car. She removed over $20.00 in coins. Now theirs did not affect the car's performance but she was amazed at the accumulation.
If you don't have a manual gear shift you are probably not in any danger. But if you do, avoid filling that handy tray that surrounds it with coins and junk.
Those of you with a center console, you may be surprised what is lurking there. At least it can't hurt your car's performance but it might be fun to see just what is hiding there. Happy hunting. Maybe a long lost treasure??
I'd be surprised at what is hidden in mine. lol
ReplyDeleteJust hope the clean up job continues to keep the gears from popping into neutral!!!
Anni,
DeleteHa ha, let us know if your find a treasure:)
Me too on hoping it keeps working.
I wonder what Tom and Ray Magliozzi (Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers) would have to say. I enjoy their NPR podcasts and this sounds like a caller dilemma. Sounds like a worn linkage to me Patti, but maybe you've solved the problem. What, pepper spray?!?
ReplyDeleteFlorence
DeletePepper spray is for pushy car jackers or anyone threatening.
I will have to check out that podcast. Maybe they will answer my questions. The mechanic thought it might be my synchronizers but I hope this is all. We will see.
Personally, I always look for those non-mechanical fixes to car problems. Usually they don't work but I'm glad yours did.
ReplyDeleteOlga,
DeleteI do the same for my body and most often it is the simple fix that works. Toes crossed.
I too drive a manual transmission, but so far, no problems with the gear shift. Fingers crossed. I like learning how alike the two of us are, Patti. Old ladies driving manuals, for one.
ReplyDeleteDjan,
DeleteGood to know another old lady with a stick shift:)) Toes crossed yours stays in top shape.
That is a great piece of information. I used to have a manual pickup truck but sold it after 20-years of excellent service. It was getting rusty. I have a tendency to leave change in piles everywhere but that changed this year now that I use a community laundromat. I find myself searching for those magic quarters.
ReplyDeleteSue,
DeleteSomehow those manuals seem to last longer don't they. I've had mine 18 years. So glad you have a use for those quarters. They will pile up on you if you don't.
Haven't driven a manual in decades but I'm paranoid at keeping the center console picked up.
ReplyDeleteJean,
DeleteI'll bet the rest of your car is spotless too. I try but am much better with the outside.
That is a LOT of change! Patti, I couldn't help but be reminded of my dad when I read that you drove a manual transmission. My dad used to tease my mom and tell her that women that drove manual transmissions were sexy, and she better learn before he found one. She never did, so he might've scooped you up!😉. PS Patti, I just wanted to thank you for what you wrote on my last blog. My sister was reading the comments and saw yours, and asked me if I knew you. I said I sure did and that you were a real friend. 🙂
ReplyDeleteDoug,
DeleteThat is fun about your dad thinking women wielding a stick shift were sexy:)
And yes we are friends. We think so much alike and I am just glad you aren't on a comment hiatus. I would miss your visits.
That is so wild, Patti. I had no idea that a build up of stuff like that could effect the gear shift. Wow. We drive an automatic, but stuff still builds up in all the nooks and crannies of the car. Now I'm going to take a better look, or maybe some time soon. LOL!
ReplyDeleterobin,
DeleteSurprised me too. Cars do have endless places to put our stuff. Side pockets, center consoles, and glove boxes. Let me know if you find a surprise:)
Wow, I would never have suspected that the accumulation of "stuff" would be the issue. Coins are very heavy! Glad it's fixed!
ReplyDeleteMargaret,
DeleteI was surprised just how heavy they can be. I was piling them in my shirt to carry in the house and they were stretching it out.
I drive a standard as well, and will keep driving it until it drops because I'm told the manufacturers don't make them anymore. :(
ReplyDeleteMy shift isn't in a tray and I so rarely use cash that I don't have a lot of change. But I've not thought about having the transmission fluid changed out. I'm close to 100,000 miles on my vehicle so it's probably time. I learn so much from you. :)
Eileen,
DeleteCongrats on your choice of transmissions. They are more fun to drive. I am glad my post made you realize that you might need a fluid change. I didn't know and went way too long.
Well, good for you! Now, go out and buy yourself a nice treat with all that money!
ReplyDeletegigi,
DeleteNow I just have to find a bank with a coin counter. Not feeling up to wrapping them but there should be enough for something fun.
I loved that story. It is so true that out of sight, out of mind. My car has a change holder so that's where I keep my money. And, a bunch of other things but it doesn't interfere with anything... least I don't think so. maybe i better check.
ReplyDeleteLatane,
DeleteGood idea to have a change holder. I may get one. Thanks.
Now that is wild. I no longer drive a standard but good to know. My car is making a screeching noise, any advice Patti? I may just clean the inside and the 4 inches of pollen off it and it may just be happier :-)
ReplyDeletePeg,
DeleteYikes screeching is scary. Loose belts?? Know what you mean by pollen though. Mine is in a carport and that does little good. I do have a hose nearby and can hose it off before I leave.
Such an interesting blog! Who knew? Fortunately, I have a mechanic who reads the manual and he reminds me when it's time to change/do anything ... I never even knew there was a cabin filter!!
ReplyDeleteTAW,
DeleteSmart to go to the same guy who looks out for you. I usually use Walmart and it is never the same guy. Think I'll start going to this last mechanic. Thanks.
OH MY GOSH PATTI! You could be arrested for car abuse! Never had your tranny oil changed!? I'm freaking out! You're very lucky all that sludge in your tranny oil didn't injure it. Ok, I'll calm down.
ReplyDeleteHad a manual VW bus in the '70s. Drove from the First National UFO Conference in Arkansas back to K.C. with a gear or clutch going out. We just had to get at a certain speed and then we could shift. Had a manual VW bug too.
Even automatic shifters can cause trouble. Mine had those little overlapped pieces of plastic in the slot where the gear shift moves forward and back. Got stuck one day; couldn't move into reverse at all. Turns out if you spill some soda on those little flappy pieces of plastic while trying to use the drink holders next to it, the soda dries and freezes the little flaps. I had to clean them with Qtips one at a time to unstick my gearshifter!
My 25-year-old Saturn wagon finally wore out it's tranny. The symptom was it'd shift hard and clunky into reverse, so the mechanic had me add a special fluid to keep it running. Had to use more often, then tranny worsened to not getting up to speed on the highway. At 225,000 miles, I donated it to "Cars for Heroes." They fix it at high school or college auto tech classes, then give to vets. Linda in Kansas
Linda,
DeleteYes I am properly ashamed:) I had a VW bug right before this little truck. LOVED it though no A/C in Florida was a pain.
I like how you disposed of your wore out car. Great idea and will keep it in mind if mine eventually quits. Hope we have such a program.
Good that you know so much about your truck, it's important when driving an old car. My new one is so fancy, you have to be a tech wizard to understand any of it.
ReplyDeleteInger,
DeleteThose new ones are loaded aren't they? My neighbors drove their new one to Montana before they figured out all the gadgets.
What a lucky experiment. I have standard but my console box does fill up quite often. You'd think I live in my car but no - just like you, I like to be prepared.
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
DeleteYes, we are ready for just about any situation aren't we? You watch, now that I have cleaned up, I will very soon need half the things I removed:))
I keep my console pretty neat and clean; but I've always been afraid to lift up the tray in my wife's car and look into her console. But maybe I should ... might provide me with some extra beer money!
ReplyDeleteTom,
DeleteMaybe it is a woman thing. I know I found enough for at least a keg:)
We don't accumulate stuff in the car, but even if we did, it would not be coins. We almost never use coins or real money any more.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteLucky you. I still use both though I guess even now at drive thrus you can use plastic.
That's interesting to have such an accumulation. Don't think I ever had that much. Yes, Bad Patti, change that oil!
ReplyDeleteJoared,
DeleteOh I have learned and it took the hard way. Just found out on Google that I need to change my brake fluid too. Dang, that is what happens when you don't have a man around:)
A veritable treasure trove of stuff! I am astonished at how much and how long though. It's a bit like not being able to find the baby in the backseat because of all the accumulated toys. I'd say DEFINITELY that cleaning out that tray did the fixing.
ReplyDeleteRiver,
DeleteI think you are right. I could now eat off the tray now. Slow learners do learn.
He He, maybe enough coin to pay for the new transmission oil? I unload my car at times. Garbage isn't real garbage until it sits a bit. Take care.
ReplyDeleteAnn,
DeleteWell maybe the oil but not the fee to change it. All told $75.00. Still it was worth it.
LOL
ReplyDeleteI do think it was the weight of things pressing on the gear shift lever that did it. Thanks so much for sharing the story. I don't have a handy dandy tray near mine.
Mage,
DeleteI think so too.Good thing you don't have that tray. It is tempting.
I have never accumulated any spare change. I would like to think it is because I keep such a spotless car ... but really it's because I'm so frugal ...
ReplyDeleteevery night my change goes to my special jar that goes to my bank acct. when it's full. !
Good Idea. That is what I am doing now.
DeleteEnjoy your company!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDear Patti, Wow! I never imagined that the weight of coins could, perhaps, affect the effectiveness of a car. That old saying, "Live and learn," seem more applicable every day to me. Hope you are enjoying your visit with your brother. Peace.
ReplyDeleteNo money in ours, I'm afraid. It's filled with masks. $20 of coins?!? Wow! That's awesome!
ReplyDelete