"stupid is as stupid...."etc.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Took my wife's Scion (essentially a Toyota breathed on by kids) for a wash in a bay - and then to my fav National Pit Stop for an oil and filter change.
Old-timey place, where you stay in the car and play with your toes while a kid roots around under your car in the "pit".
They do the tires, check the air filter ("clean, you're good to go, sir!"), pull all the dip-sticks, top up fluids, etc.



Yong fellow asked me to pop the hood. I reached down and pulled the lever. He tugged and poked and sent for the senior team member.
Senior team member walked to the front of the car and said, politely, "Sir, you're opening the gas cap."
"ahhh..."
I wasn't the only one having a 'dumb thursday'.

Few minutes later I looked up from my toes and see the fellow adding oil, again??

The female supervising us all explained - "Yeah - lack of communication = we hadn't removed the filter yet. So the oil went right through."
(it IS a bear to get at...)

oops.
I like that they check for leaks and check your dip-stick again before you leave.
Stig

[randyo]

never again, I went to one of those fast food of oil places with my Vanagon when I first bought it.  Ignorant of VW procedures, they changed the spin on filter, but did not pull the screen at the oil pickup.  wasn't long before the engine was over heating and starving for oil.

I pulled the motor and tore it down, the screen was clogged with oil container seals, you know, the wafer under the twist off cap that usually stays with the cap, but not always. 

Now, I have a trusted mechanic that does ALL my truck maintenance

[Stig / Major Tom]

never again, I went to one of those fast food of oil places with my Vanagon when I first bought it.  Ignorant of VW procedures, they changed the spin on filter, but did not pull the screen at the oil pickup.  wasn't long before the engine was over heating and starving for oil.

I pulled the motor and tore it down, the screen was clogged with oil container seals, you know, the wafer under the twist off cap that usually stays with the cap, but not always. 

Now, I have a trusted mechanic that does ALL my truck maintenance

Agreed I wouldn't take a Volkswagen Vanagon to an oil change place either. Only a VW shop . Or do it myself.
Toyota is a whole different ball game.
Stig

[Iahawk]

I must be an oddball..I thoroughly enjoy the process of changing my own oil and filter. I find it very satisfying. At least I know it's done correctly!

[randyo]

when I was younger, I was DIY out of necessity. I never had all the correct tools, still don't own a torque wrench. But I do like fabrication.  I'm clearing my surveying office out of my barn, turning it into a workshop, almost finished the bench top, built on 6x6 frame (they were cheaper than 2x6s) top is 3/4 hardwood plywood topped with 6/4 sugar maple planks, I bought a nice 8" Baileigh bench grinder,  and a 7" Capri vice, a used Delta drill press, looking at a shear-brake-roll.  Maybe even an English wheel.
and of course some welding ability, been looking for a local class.

[Stig / Major Tom]

I must be an oddball..I thoroughly enjoy the process of changing my own oil and filter. I find it very satisfying. At least I know it's done correctly!

Yep - me too.
But not on the low-riding Scion (best to be on ramps), behind its panels - or the sideways shooting drain of the Silvertomatoe.
Both love to cover you, themselves and your driveway in old oil.
What I don't do - is neglect the changes.

Stig

Brought the chevy Quixotic home today after delivering MIL to her Dr's. She was happy to ride in her late husband's car again....
 it is next for oil servicing....and a bath! Discovered that only one of the two key fobs work! (that gave me and MIL a thrill - thought the battery was flat already!)
Amazing how many youtubes there are for removing the massive front license plate holder.

[Neil955i]

Stig
Discovered that only one of the two key fobs work! (that gave me and MIL a thrill - thought the battery was flat already!)

Battery in the fob dead?...

[Stig / Major Tom]

Battery in the fob dead?...

No, I struggled to get the old fob apart after FIL broke the buttons on it. Put guts in a new one from ebay, with new batteries in both.
Press the door locks, etc. and the car responds properly.
Put the key in and all lights up on the dash - but turn the key to 'start' and everything goes dark - and no starter turning. Zip.
Other key forb/key works fine.
Worse case - will pay dealer a few $100 to get another key programmed. Car was free. 

I shouldn't whine.....
Stig

[Neil955i]

Yep. To put it in the vernacular, suck it up!