Trusting Auto Repair To Professionals
I recently had a problem with my vehicles battery
. After 70,000 miles the original battery that was installed in my van by the manufacturer ran down and I had to replace it. Thinking that the job would be an easy fix I pulled out the old battery and tried to put in a battery from another vehicle that I had scrapped about a month ago. Not realizing the difference in the voltage I experienced a shocking revelation as the van's lights began to flash and the horn sounded repeatedly. Believing that the vehicle was being stolen or hotwired the computer system shut down and while I have replaced the battery with the proper size and voltage I am able to turn over the motor, although I have lost all the electrical power to my van.Believing that the shutdown was triggered by the anti-theft system and that I have not completely fried the computer that services the vehicle, I am taking my van to an Austin auto repair station where the problem can be properly diagnosed and treated. Even though I have power to the engine and can override the lock on the transmission to shift gears I have no other electrical systems working in the van. Outside of being able to still use the remote door locks and turn on the headlights I have no radio, no heating or AC, I cannot roll down the electronic windows and my dashboard does not register the odometer or speedometer. Even the clock on the dash is out, although I can turn on the interior lights and lock the doors automatically.
While I am fearful that I will have to replace the onboard computer I am hopeful that I have only triggered an anti theft system and that with a plugged in computer can be reset and restore the electronic systems to their proper working order. Unfortunately my dead battery took place late Friday afternoon and I have waited until Monday to do something about the problem. However, by entrusting my vehicle to an Austin auto repair shop and not taking it to the dealer I can save money on the repair and restoration of the electronics of the vehicle and be back on the road much quicker than if I went anywhere else.
With the treatment that I have received from taking the van in for its routine service and oil changes I have come to rely on the dependability of the mechanics that are ASE certified and know their way around my car. When it comes to the bigger problems I know that I can count on the same level of professionalism in caring for my van's electronic failure as I have for the small maintenance issues that I have entrusted to the Austin auto repair center.
by: Art Gib