Can anyone top this story???????

Question

Came to a head this morning but the chain of events started 2 days ago. I filled up the car with gas on Tuesday morning and forgot to replace the gas cap, subsequently, my check engine light came on. Forgetting about the cap, I thought I needed oil. I went to check the oil level this morning & in removing the dip stick, the neck fell off and the piece that secured it fell into the oil pan. I drove the car to the mechanic to be serviced for the check engine light and to replace the dip stick. I switched cars with my wife and took of for work in a rush as I was running late. As I exited the turnpike, in my haste I ran into the car ahead of me. Generally, I am a cautious driver but in my haste I made the mistake of assuming the behavior of another driver. To top things off, it'll take 2 weeks for the part to come in for my car and I can't drive it which means I need to rent a car. So imagine the total cost I will incur just because I forgot to replace a $7 gas cap. Merry X-mas!!

I actually have had an excellent year, thanks for the sentiment. I shared the story because as bad as this was, once I calmed down, I actually laughed at myself. Anyway, I appreciate all of the comments and for those with the rude remarks, say hello to Ebenezer Scrooge!!! Happy Holidays!!!

Answer 1

Oh, you poor thing. That really was terrible. I do feel sorry for you.

I am a firm believer that only so much "bad" can happen to someone in any given time. You have about 6 months worth taken care of, so you are not going to have to worry until June or July.

I do hope this New Year finds you and yours healthy and happy.

Answer 2

Why can't you drive it? Do you mean the actual metal dipstick rod fell into the oil pan? or something else? If it was just the rod that slid down the dipstick tube, it won't hurt anything to drive it. If something else actually fell into the oil pan, don't drive it. I had a car (ford product) where the plastic handle broke away from the metal rod and I drove it for a few weeks with a rag tied around the top of the tube to prevent anything from falling in. It caused absolutely no problems, and never would. To get it sooner, I would check with the dealership because if it is a common problem, as it was with my car, they will have it in stock. Any car parts store will have your gas cap in stock.

Answer 3

I do not know the make, model, or year of your vehicle, but for the most part of o.b.d.II autos, if the fuel cap is not tight, or is left off, it will 'light up' the check engine light. This is due to the emission control system requiring a certain amount of pressure in the fuel tank. The explanation is actually more involved, but this should suffice as an explanation for the light coming on when fuel cap is left off, It is actually a rather common complaint I deal with often on customers vehicles. In fact one elderly customer come in with this complaint on average of once a week, and I cannot get her to understand she needs to make sure her gas cap is installed tightly, I just tighten it on securely, and send her on her way, telling her the light will go off on its own after a few start/ stop cycles. Well, I hope this gives you some help, and encouragement. (burts chevy)

Answer 4

Well...they say problems come in threes so let's see...1,2,3,...6....at least! I think you are good now for awhile, shouldn't be any more problems for you for at least 3 months!

So, what will you not forget to do again? :)

We have 2 vehicles that we can easily forget to put the cap back on and actually hubby has done that on the Jimmy a few times...those things are a little pricey from the dealer.

My car tho has the cap that is secured to the car by a cable...if I forget to put it back on it doesn't allow me to close the gas tank door...I found that feature a pain cause every time I take the cap off it ends up banging against the car til I can grab it and put it in the little holder thingy...won't consider it a pain any longer after reading this.

Have yourself a good Christmas now...trouble free and frustration clear!

Answer 5

That was a good example of never being in a rush specially when your driving it's just not worth it. Well good luck and be glad it was your car and not your life.

May you and you family have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!

Answer 6

As far as the gas cap, I just recently did the same thing! I couldn't figure out why my check engine light was on and almost took it in and paid the $80 to have them figure it out. Little did I know, if it turns out it was your gas cap, all you have to do is disconnect your battery and connect it and the light will go off without paying someone to reset it. If the light comes back on, then you know it wasn't your gas cap.

Answer 7

sucks for you. patients is something that 90% of people today have none of. try leaving for work earlier. as a business owner.....nothing pisses me off more than when my employees are late. even by 10 mins. i tell them to leave for work earlier so they get there on time so what if your sitting around the shop for 10-20 mins befor we open.......there are always things to do like clean and organize. personally if you were one of my employees, i would of fired you. being in a rush only causes problems no matter what the situation is.

now i can top that story............
how bout going to two funerals already this month and one of them for a 2 month old. one was for my grandma....no shock there she was pushin 95. but the other one was unexpected. my ex girlfriend had twins in oct. and one of them died last thursday early morning from an underdeveloped kidney. now the twins are not mine but me and her have a boy together....so technically they were family kind of. they are my boys step sisters.

Answer 8

The linked Press strikes thoughts in dozens of categories daily, from activities to economic to election to state information. like it or no longer, a semi-popular sixteen-365 days-previous entertainer saying she's pregnant is, for a minimum of the subsequent couple of hours or days, close to the right of popular entertainment information. no be counted if that's common perfect information is somewhat arguable.

Answer 9

i own a repair shop,,and i cant top that one,,this is one of those days you wish you could have stayed home on,,you just had about the worse few days i have seen in a while that's for sure,,your luck has to change after all of this,but that's worse than any i have had in a while,,good luck,,and you need it hope this help,s.,,have a good ,and safe x-mas.

Answer 10

Sniff, Sniff, i cant help but feel your pain. I really hope Christmas is a Merry one for you and your family, That really sucks at this time of the year.