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choco_frosh) wrote2020-04-29 03:55 pm
choco_frosh) wrote2020-04-29 03:55 pm
Entry tags:
Realm: Cars, Car Repair and; Subrealm: Battery problems
I said I was going to post about my car adventures; and since we had to jump-start roommate E's car yesterday, it's been on my mind. [I delayed posting this, though, 'cause I wanted to get Squigamunk's permission before posting a bunch of conversation extracts.]
So. On Friday, I'd been persuaded by Squigamunk that it might, in fact, be the battery, and had located a Napa Auto Parts near me that said that yep, they could provide me with a battery.
I neglected to ask whether they could install it.
(Me, on the phone to roommate M., 11:20, Saturday) "Uh, hi, [M]... can you come rescue me?"
[She did]
Text Conversation with Squig (Excerpts):
[ME, 11:44] How complicated is DIY installing a car battery?
[Sq, 11:50] Not super. I'd suggest a YouTube video for safety, but basically don't get zapped.
[ME] It's the getting zapped that I'm worried about.
[Sq] No prob. Wear rubber gloves (not needed but might make you feel better). Don't touch the metal parts of the battery or the wires. Do it in the right order
[Sq] Oh, and keep both batteries level. Don't tip during install or uninstall.
[Sq] /Sqig. just woke up info dump/
[Sq] Just need the right size wrench, and maybe a flathead screwdriver to help pry the wires off.
[ME, c. 12:10] Between the chances of getting electrocuted and the chance of spilling acid on the ground (or, with my luck, the alternator/myself), I'm wussing out and having a professional do it.
[ME] I know, I suck
[ME] Also, this way I get a warrantee
[Sq] No worries. TBH I don't enjoy doing it and quietly freak out every time (okay it was once with the lawnmower)
[ME] Lawnmower sounds more manageable?
[ME] Man, there's two other people here ALSO getting batteries.
[ME] Also, just as well I didn't try to DIY: the bolt on the thing holding the battery in is stuck.
[ME] Or was, yay mechanic!
[Sq] Lol
[Sq] I wondered if it was, but didn't think to mention it because I...tend to add force to overcome such obstacles and...yeah.
[ME] Apparently in this case that would probably have broken the threads.
[ME] At which point force would still work, I guess, only it would have to be the force of a drill
[Sq] Personally wouldn't care because it's not a vital part and I could probably get a new one somewhere, but I also freely admit that I got much of my knowledge from a mechanic who might not put that bar back in if it was his own car
[Sq] He has all the skills to do stuff correctly, but also the mindset of someone living on spaghettios and willing to "Mickie Mouse" it
[Sq, 1:24] So all is well? Crisis averted?
[ME] Yes! Sorry, I was driving home, and then I needed food badly
So. On Friday, I'd been persuaded by Squigamunk that it might, in fact, be the battery, and had located a Napa Auto Parts near me that said that yep, they could provide me with a battery.
I neglected to ask whether they could install it.
(Me, on the phone to roommate M., 11:20, Saturday) "Uh, hi, [M]... can you come rescue me?"
[She did]
Text Conversation with Squig (Excerpts):
[ME, 11:44] How complicated is DIY installing a car battery?
[Sq, 11:50] Not super. I'd suggest a YouTube video for safety, but basically don't get zapped.
[ME] It's the getting zapped that I'm worried about.
[Sq] No prob. Wear rubber gloves (not needed but might make you feel better). Don't touch the metal parts of the battery or the wires. Do it in the right order
[Sq] Oh, and keep both batteries level. Don't tip during install or uninstall.
[Sq] /Sqig. just woke up info dump/
[Sq] Just need the right size wrench, and maybe a flathead screwdriver to help pry the wires off.
[ME, c. 12:10] Between the chances of getting electrocuted and the chance of spilling acid on the ground (or, with my luck, the alternator/myself), I'm wussing out and having a professional do it.
[ME] I know, I suck
[ME] Also, this way I get a warrantee
[Sq] No worries. TBH I don't enjoy doing it and quietly freak out every time (okay it was once with the lawnmower)
[ME] Lawnmower sounds more manageable?
[ME] Man, there's two other people here ALSO getting batteries.
[ME] Also, just as well I didn't try to DIY: the bolt on the thing holding the battery in is stuck.
[ME] Or was, yay mechanic!
[Sq] Lol
[Sq] I wondered if it was, but didn't think to mention it because I...tend to add force to overcome such obstacles and...yeah.
[ME] Apparently in this case that would probably have broken the threads.
[ME] At which point force would still work, I guess, only it would have to be the force of a drill
[Sq] Personally wouldn't care because it's not a vital part and I could probably get a new one somewhere, but I also freely admit that I got much of my knowledge from a mechanic who might not put that bar back in if it was his own car
[Sq] He has all the skills to do stuff correctly, but also the mindset of someone living on spaghettios and willing to "Mickie Mouse" it
[Sq, 1:24] So all is well? Crisis averted?
[ME] Yes! Sorry, I was driving home, and then I needed food badly