BajaNomad - Still Stranded and Want to go HOME

Still Stranded and Want to go HOME

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BajaGringo - 1-15-2009 at 08:43 PM

I go back to my original point; the dealer doesn't have a clue.

They appear to be in the mode of just replacing parts in hope of finding one that works. I have been down this road myself and I would tell Ira to take the truck out for a LONG test drive before he signs off on the dealers SO...

:?:

Skipjack Joe - 1-15-2009 at 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
...I would tell Ira to take the truck out for a LONG test drive...

.... to the dealer in San Diego. Although labor is way cheaper in Mexico.

DianaT - 1-15-2009 at 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
...I would tell Ira to take the truck out for a LONG test drive...

.... to the dealer in San Diego. Although labor is way cheaper in Mexico.

At this time, I don't think they would consider going back to Baja for repairs.

BajaGringo - 1-15-2009 at 10:04 PM

They are at a dealer in San Diego...

BajaGringo - 1-15-2009 at 10:05 PM

You probably skipped the messages with the towing story back NOB...

Skipjack Joe - 1-15-2009 at 10:16 PM

Yes, I thought the family crossed the border and left the truck in TJ. Well, the situation should be well in hand then. If the manufacturer can't repair it's own product, what next?

I suppose going back to baja and completing the vacation is out of the question now. Too bad in a way. Part of baja travel was overcoming adversity.

DianaT - 1-15-2009 at 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Yes, I thought the family crossed the border and left the truck in TJ. Well, the situation should be well in hand then. If the manufacturer can't repair it's own product, what next?

I suppose going back to baja and completing the vacation is out of the question now. Too bad in a way. Part of baja travel was overcoming adversity.

On day one, the family and then the travel trailer crossed the border---that was on Saturday. The truck was brought across on Monday.

This year their trip to Baja was to be shorter than in the past, so they won't have time to return to Baja---but they will be back later.

BajaGringo - 1-15-2009 at 10:24 PM

And I bet they bring a few more spare parts with them too. Maybe even invite a diesel mechanic along for the trip...

:biggrin:

Stickers - 1-15-2009 at 10:36 PM

Very strange, I thought with 'dealer diagnostics' they would know what was wrong in 10 minutes and now it's going on 5 days. :no:

DianaT - 1-15-2009 at 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Stickers
Very strange, I thought with 'dealer diagnostics' they would know what was wrong in 10 minutes and now it's going on 5 days. :no:

One would think so. But the truck was delivered by Diver and ex-nomad after closing time to the dealer on Monday, and no real answer yet.

So much for those instant computer answers.

Keep a positive thought for tomorrow. They would like to have the truck so they can relax and enjoy some more vacation here in San Diego. They have our Toyota Echo so they have mobility, but there is nothing like waiting and thinking the answer is coming soon.

surfer jim - 1-16-2009 at 08:24 AM

....to be continued......

BajaGringo - 1-16-2009 at 11:17 AM

Insert that catchy Jeopardy soundtrack here...

DianaT - 1-16-2009 at 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
Insert that catchy Jeopardy soundtrack here...

Dang you, I won't be able to get that soundtrack out of my mind today. :lol:

Phone rang once and caller ID said Ira, but he hung up before I answered---so I figured he got another call. So, still waiting so keep the tune a playing.

Diane

Packoderm - 1-16-2009 at 12:20 PM

If they can't fix their own product, they should just give him a new truck and call it quits.

BajaGringo - 1-16-2009 at 12:23 PM

Unfortunately there are few dealers today that employ real mechanics. Most only know how to hook up to diagnostic equipment and swap out parts.

BajaGringo - 1-16-2009 at 12:23 PM

I am turning up the volume on that jeopardy jingle.

Your answers please contestants???

:rolleyes:

Phil S - 1-16-2009 at 12:24 PM

Maybe they should give him a new Dodge to replace the Ford. I owned a 96 & 99 diesel, and loved them. Both making many trips to Baja & back.

BajaGringo - 1-16-2009 at 12:26 PM

A friend in San Quintin has a Dodge diesel and swears by it...

Packoderm - 1-16-2009 at 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
Unfortunately there are few dealers today that employ real mechanics. Most only know how to hook up to diagnostic equipment and swap out parts.

Well technically, they'll be swapping out just one part albeit a major part. Maybe they could leave the gas cap where it is and swap out the rest - that is if it isn't the gas cap that's causing the problems.

BajaGringo - 1-16-2009 at 12:40 PM

:lol:

Skip_Mac - 1-16-2009 at 01:27 PM

Sorry to hear of your long lived problems...all for loving Baja. You did get to experience some good from the Nomads though. Most of the rest may just have to be written off as life experience. Have you considered selling the vehicle quickly while it seems to be running and investing in a more reliable/repairable brand of truck? I hope you can manage it so that you can return to the place we all live when not forced to... you know. Best wishes and best luck.

Update, well sort of

DianaT - 1-16-2009 at 02:01 PM

Just spoke with Diver. After the test drive this morning, dealer decided there were more problems---he does not know for sure everything, but it sounds like computers are involved.

So, this afternoon, they told him they were just going out for another test drive and would call him back in a few minutes---that was two hours ago.

But, he is feeling confident that today will be the day. :yes:

Diane

DENNIS - 1-16-2009 at 02:05 PM

Pobrecito Diver. Maybe he should double the insurance on that pile of stuff and park it at Gigante with the keys in the ignition and a full tank.

Timo1 - 1-16-2009 at 02:58 PM

I had an '08 Dodge 3/4 ton diesel full load for a company truck last fall
Great power and smoooooth
To bad Dodge forgot to build a truck around all that

Sharksbaja - 1-16-2009 at 03:35 PM

This whole ordeal is living out one of my most feared living nightmares.
I've always worried about this type of problem occuring somewhere in the bowels of Baja miles from anywhere.

I was hoping to hear whether the problem was an intermittent thang and quits every ten miles or what?

Computers and it's related components hold up damn well compared to the early days of computer controlled engines. Still happens occasionally so it gives one (almost) hindsight.

If I were a Ford owner with this type of setup I would pay close attention.

Why have they not swapped out the brain is curious. That's what we used to do. Drove the service managers and reps crazy but at least you would know to eliminate that part and move on.

The way they wanted was try all other means first. That's probably the case here. (plus they have lame mechanics) :lol:

Iflyfish - 1-16-2009 at 04:42 PM

Sharks,

My worst nightmare too, except on a curve.

The year after they paved Hwy 1 the roads washed out and got pot holed so bad it was near impossible to drive it over 25 mph. We decided to take the ferry from Santa Rosalia to Guaymas. We waited for three days in the impound lot beside a goat truck. I was agitated and chomping at the bit. My buddy got out my copy of The People's Guide to Mexico and pointed at the subtitle and walked away, moment of Zen as I read "where you are is where you are". I have tried to maintain that attitude when confronted with situations like this. There are some things we cannot control.

Iflyfish

BajaGringo - 1-16-2009 at 05:46 PM

They definitely have no clue what it is but I would not be surprised if it is related to the onboard computer. I think I mentioned somewhere in this thread that I was unable to link my code reader to his port - kept getting a linking error...

Skipjack Joe - 1-16-2009 at 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sharksbaja

Why have they not swapped out the brain is curious.

Interesting you brought that up. That exactly what I did. No, not my brain - the outboard's. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

I had a honda 4 stroke that would break down on me occasionally. Only to start up again 3 days later as though nothing happened. The first time it happened I ended up rowing 2 miles back to San Lucas Cove and the next time I was on the north end of San Marcos and got a 5 mile tow.

After a lot of plug smelling and getting shocked by the spark the general conclusion was that it was a problem with the coil. I drove to la paz and the mechanic replaced the coil with a new one and it made no difference. Then after a lot of pull starts she sprang to life again pretending to be cured. I found that if I kept the motor running while still fishing it stayed alive and that's how I fished out that vacation.

Came back to San Jose and she was on her best behavior once again with the mechanic. But I would have nothing to do with that. He told me that he had never heard of anything like it in all his years of experience. Well, I asked that all of her 'cerebro' and coil be replaced and the head scratching stopped.

Bajahowodd - 1-16-2009 at 06:11 PM

Don't want be nit-picky Dennis, but Gigante is out of the retail business. Sold it to Soriana's.

Paulina - 1-16-2009 at 06:48 PM

Diane,

I wanted to suggest that when the problem is solved, it is announced on a new thread. That would allow the discovery and discussion to build up from there and not be hidden in this thread somewhere.

Just a thought,
P<*)))>{

DianaT - 1-16-2009 at 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paulina
Diane,

I wanted to suggest that when the problem is solved, it is announced on a new thread. That would allow the discovery and discussion to build up from there and not be hidden in this thread somewhere.

Just a thought,
P<*)))>{

Good thought-----will do. Then we will turn it all over to Diver so when he has internet once again, he can tell the tales.

The other day I told Mrs. Diver and the oldest Diver child---a super young lady, that at some time in the future, they will look back, laugh some, and see this experience in a totally different light---not easy to do when it is happening. Teenager Diver so wanted that Baja tan.

We took a VW van to Alaska a few years back. We had paid to have a new engine installed, and spent our vacation going from from repair shop to repair shop, and returned to find the local shop out of business--was doing internet business only, long nightmare story that ended up in small claims court.

But today, we really enjoy looking at all the journals, all the court prep, etc and see the experience with different eyes---ones that just say, what an adventure.

Mrs. Diver and the kids are keeping journals---a good thing for future perspective. And, they will be back to Bahia Asuncion and other places in Baja.

Good suggestion, Paulina.

Diane

BajaGringo - 1-16-2009 at 07:06 PM

You think this is long? Imagine how the Diver clan must feel about now...

:lol:

DENNIS - 1-16-2009 at 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Don't want be nit-picky Dennis, but Gigante is out of the retail business. Sold it to Soriana's.

Thanks, I know. I wasn't being serious anyway.

Bajahowodd - 1-16-2009 at 07:42 PM

Not gonna miss Glen Campbell. My wife actually asked me how I could correspond with a guy that looked like that.

BajaGringo - 1-16-2009 at 07:49 PM

I ask my wife the same thing every day....

:biggrin:

Hook - 1-16-2009 at 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
They definitely have no clue what it is but I would not be surprised if it is related to the onboard computer. I think I mentioned somewhere in this thread that I was unable to link my code reader to his port - kept getting a linking error...

If you had a standard OBD II reader, it will not read from a diesel. They are their own breed due to their weight class and their power plant. Or so I have read. They dont have to comply with OBD protocol.

It's not an injector, assuming that the dealer DOES have a typical diesel computer reader/tester. That's very easy to test. You can fire them off without the engine running and they make a distinctly different sound when they have failed.

Maybe it's the injector control module................but I am assuming that an ICM failure would show up in a diagnostic test.

Watch it be something real STUPID like a poor engine ground.

I'm still betting it's fuel related, maybe the fuel pickup inside the fuel tank. No one wants to drop the tank. I've dropped mine in my driveway to remove the screen and the funky fuel heater in there.

[Edited on 1-17-2009 by Hook]

BajaGringo - 1-16-2009 at 08:20 PM

The code reader is new but I was not aware of the diesel "exception". That would explain it...

Bob H - 1-16-2009 at 08:22 PM

What a story.... unreal.
Bob H

Hook - 1-16-2009 at 08:34 PM

This is the one to have. Not cheap, can be found for about 375.00. Uses your own laptop. READS JUST ABOUT ANYTHING, including most all gas cars but you must designate the diesel package you want; Dodge, Chevy or Ford.

http://www.autoenginuity.com/

BajaGringo - 1-16-2009 at 09:05 PM

Thanks, I'll check it out (and look for it on eBay)

Sharksbaja - 1-16-2009 at 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
This is the one to have. Not cheap, can be found for about 375.00. Uses your own laptop. READS JUST ABOUT ANYTHING, including most all gas cars but you must designate the diesel package you want; Dodge, Chevy or Ford.

http://www.autoenginuity.com/

Can you adjust shift points and compensate for tire size changes?

Hook - 1-16-2009 at 09:52 PM

No, that would be a programmer. I am pretty sure this is just a reader.

Hook - 1-16-2009 at 09:57 PM

But there are programmers that will also read trouble codes. I have an older one for my F350. I love the pep it gives you..............but you really must install a turbo pressure gauge as well as an EGT gauge.

I'd better drop out now..........this is getting too far afield for such an important post.

fdt - 1-17-2009 at 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Don't want be nit-picky Dennis, but Gigante is out of the retail business. Sold it to Soriana's.

My kids call it Soriante :biggrin:

surfer jim - 1-17-2009 at 08:34 AM

....to be continued.....(play music now).....

larryC - 1-17-2009 at 08:59 AM

Darn, I jsut spent the time to read all 8 pages and there is no solution yet? Hope all works out for the best.
Larry

DianaT - 1-17-2009 at 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by larryC
Darn, I jsut spent the time to read all 8 pages and there is no solution yet? Hope all works out for the best.
Larry

Still hope it is good news today. It is quite a saga---8 days in El Rosario with parts being sent and brought down with hopes that each part would work.

The dealer here in Chula Vista has now had it for 4 full days.

With the Divers, we have made a few suggestions that are similar to the "Soriente" idea----some a little more colorful. :lol:

[Edited on 1-17-2009 by jdtrotter]

BajaGringo - 1-17-2009 at 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by surfer jim
....to be continued.....(play music now).....

Key up the Jeopardy Jingle once more...

Bob and Susan - 1-17-2009 at 12:40 PM

play this...
http://www.geocities.com/chp295/jeopardy.mid

[Edited on 1-17-2009 by Bob and Susan]

BajaNomad - 1-17-2009 at 01:28 PM

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=36466

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