Up and Down

O, engine light, O, engine light... 

The Jeep dealer told us the diagnostics indicated the Cat converter was bad.  They didn't have the correct part in stock, but they could order it if we wanted.  Meanwhile, it would be OK to drive to North Carolina.  Ha.  He turned off the light.

So we drove it around on Friday and Saturday, but it was sluggish, rough and was getting terrible gas mileage.  Plus it put out a noxious odor so bad we had to open the windows.  That would make it a little chillly up north.  The light came back on.  Something was wrong.  It was with heavy hearts that we called our family up north to say we would not be able to drive up to spend Christmas with them.  But, we really didn't want to break down on I95, or be poisoned on the way.  They understood, kind of.  We promised to FaceTime on Christmas day.  So we'll be spending tomorrow in St. Pete with our daughter and her family instead.  My son will be there, too, so not all is lost.

Woke up this morning, started the Jeep.  Engine light off.  We might be going a little crazy.  So we took Jeep to Midas to run another diagnostic.  They found nothing.  The tailpipe is full of black stuff, but that doesn't explain the odor or the bad gas mileage.  It could be a number of things, and they said to be sure to bring it back if the light comes on again.  Meanwhile they will get a quote on a new converter Wednesday.  Here's Mesa up on a lift.  I love to know what works why, and Paul and Ken were kind enough to show me all kinds of things, including pointing out that the Jeep was in great condition for its age.  That made us feel a little better.  So we'll wait to see what the light does - again...

Here she is at Midas. 

I got to go under her where Paul pointed out the new parts, the skid plates, how to tell an aftermarket part, etc. etc.  Love that stuff.

They let her down and let us go.  Our lives are ruled by a little yellow light.  Maybe like the star of Bethlehem???

Tomorrow, maybe we'll see the light...

Here's hoping all of you are planning a fun holiday no matter where you are and who you are with.  Merry Christmas, everyone!  And be safe.