New girl on the block.

[FordCastle08]

Hi, my name is Vera and I am the proud owner of a 2000 Explorer Limited. I have owned this vehicle for 3 years and previously it was a rental. I thought that if I regularly changed the engine and transmission oil, took it in for tune-ups, and had my vehicle repaired by a certified mechanic that my vehicle would remain in good shape. However, I quickly discovered that I was paying for repairs that were unnecessary and I have been overcharged numerous times for things like "putting my car on the computer" as a diagnostic. Sounds pretty technical and huge, right? Well after some research and hundreds of dollars spent on diagnostics, I discovered I could actually buy my very own-hand-held "DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER(((RRR)))(((RRR)))" (that was an echo) for pretty cheap. I registered on this forum because I am here to learn. My goal is to diagnose and make the repairs on my own vehicle. I refuse to be "fed crap and politely eat it with a knife and fork" because I didn't know the difference. I am smart, determined, capable, and hard-working...besides I am single-parenting and I can no longer afford mechanics. Since I am the new girl on the block, I ask all forum participants to please by patient if I ask questions that may seem elementary and down-right stupid at times. Like I said I am here to learn...a humble student. I appreciate those folks with the extensive knowledge on Fords. I know I can learn a lot from you guys. So I apologize in advance if my questions irritate some. Take Care All--FordCastle2008

 

[cybergasm]

Welcome Aboard Take a look around here and you will find all kinds of good info on this forum to keep your Explorer running without it costing a kings ransom.

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome vera

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! We have many sections on this site, even one just for ladies. Keep in mind that not all scanners are capable of reading manufacturer specific codes, air bag or anti lock brake codes.

 

[Dopler174]

Welcome to Explorer Forum!

 

[grooveface]

It's all in here. I've learned alot by reading some of these posts. Good luck!

 

[ringpop1]

welcome, sorry about your misfortunes.

 

[Tbars4]

...And you may want to take and chat with the other ladies, as we have a few...Here is a link to the Ladies Forum..
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=41

 

[CAHUNTERMAN]

Welcome

Welcome fellow Californian. You will find answers already here for 90 percent of your questions and the rest of them will be answered by a great group of people here.

 

[FordCastle08]

Thanks all for the warm welcome! I look forward to getting to know you all.

 

[best X]

welcome ! im glad to see you are taking a stand and trying to fix your truck yourself goodjob! and always remember the search bar is your friend =)

 

[04mach1]

Welcome to the site.

 

[FordCastle08]

UPDATE: I did it!!!

I am official do-it-yourself-er...I changed the oil pressure sensor that I had sitting in my glove box for six months. I dreaded the idea of having to take it to a mechanic to have the sensor replaced. So I decided to fix it on my own however, I didn't have any idea on how, or where the oil sensor was...thanks to an excellent post by "yourpalmike" :notworthy and his great pics, I did the job myself. I will be honest though I needed help unscrewing the sensor so I asked a man to loosen it. He supervised the rest of my work but basically...I did it. I just wanted to update everyone on my progress. I am proud of myself.

I did not think to take pics at the time but I did take a pic after I saw how greasy and grimy I was after I finished the job. I will post it when I figure out how to do so.

Thanks to all...

Vera
FordCastle08

 

[Turdle]

I am official do-it-yourself-er...I changed the oil pressure sensor that I had sitting in my glove box for six months. I dreaded the idea of having to take it to a mechanic to have the sensor replaced. So I decided to fix it on my own however, I didn't have any idea on how, or where the oil sensor was...thanks to an excellent post by "yourpalmike" :notworthy and his great pics, I did the job myself. I will be honest though I needed help unscrewing the sensor so I asked a man to loosen it. He supervised the rest of my work but basically...I did it. I just wanted to update everyone on my progress. I am proud of myself.

I did not think to take pics at the time but I did take a pic after I saw how greasy and grimy I was after I finished the job. I will post it when I figure out how to do so.

Thanks to all...

Vera
FordCastle08

This is a good story-
I like hearing these things. As you do more repairs you'l gain the confidence to tackle anything. After all, it was assembled by a person no smarter than you, right?
You'll be asking your kids for tools for Christmas--lol

Anyway-Dawn dish soap gets the stuff off real good, so do dishes after working on the car. The plates will leave a funny flavor on the next meal, but you''ll get used to it.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Lava soap is another option. I have a product review on it: http://www.explorerforum.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/245/cat/500

 

[MakingBoost]

Here is a little tip to keep your hands a little cleaner....

SHAVING CREAM

Before you start, apply to your hands and arms... Rub in! When you are finished it makes all that gunk come off so much easier!
GoJo or Lava for the really tough stuff!

Welcome to the site!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did anybody ever use this:

 

[MakingBoost]

Tried it once, but its hard to beat dollar store shaving cream....
Especially considering that stuff is like 6-10 bucks a tube...