Dear So and So

[Bethany1]

Dear Santa Fe,

I'm sorry I haven't been able to get you to the dealer to see why the check engine light is on but did you have to pick today to finally die on me?

I only needed to drive to Lincoln for several important errands/appointments and to take you to the dealer and get you fixed. I hadn't forgotten about you. Really.

Please be something simple.


Your driver

[withm]

Before you drive your car with the check engine light on, I'd call the dealer first and discuss it. It may be on because it's time to change the emmissions sensor.

Or it may be on because something is SERIOUSLY wrong with the car. You should probably get it towed.

The towing bill will be a lot less than replacing the engine, or the entire car when it dies 10 miles down the road.

Learned the hard way.

[Bethany1]

I called up the local Ford dealer 3/4 of a mile away hoping they could look at my Santa Fe. Last thing I want to do is tow it 80 miles to the dealer. They came over and said I needed a new battery and would run a diagnostic check. Probably cost me a fortune just to have them come down the 3/4 mile to start it up.

I'm getting what they had, a portable battery starter. Cables suck because you need another car. I have 70,000 miles on it so any sensor work would be covered under warranty.

I'm just grateful it died in the driveway and not somewhere else.

Everyone around me works or I would have had some help from a neighbor and driven it down.

[indysteel]

FWIW, you don't necessarily need to go to a dealer to get a check engine light checked. Most repair shops should have the diagnostic tools needed, especially for domestic cars.

[Bethany1]

Dear Ford Dealer,

Thank you for putting in a new battery. It's nice to know you had one for my Santa Fe. You didn't charge me a fortune and didn't take forever to do it.

[marni]

Dear Ford Dealer,

Thank you for putting in a new battery. It's nice to know you had one for my Santa Fe. You didn't charge me a fortune and didn't take forever to do it.

this is one of the reasons that I appreciate my premium AAA membership. They have come promptly,(to the driveway) checked out my battery/ignition, towed or fixed the problems, both times at no additional charge to me beyond materials. It has paid for itself.

marni

[channlluv]

+1 to the premium AAA memberbship. I've used it several times.

Roxy