I just parted ways with the other vehicle on our baja trip. On their way north they broke down outside San Ignacio. After stopping on the side of
the road, the car wouldn’t start. The local mechanics don’t have a diagnosis or a fix and recommended they get a tow up to a bigger shop in
Vizcaino. Not sure if it’s something simple like a sensor or serious.
Is Vizcaino a good plan? Or should they get a tow to Loreto or Guerrero Negro for best mechanics?
Any recommendations on a mechanic?
How does a long tow work in Baja? What should they expect to pay?
Any tips welcome.TecateRay - 1-18-2018 at 08:44 PM
Vizcaino is much closer and is a major trucking and farming center. Probably lots of good mechanics.
A few years ago I broke down in Jesus Maria and the mechanic had to go all the way to Vizcaino for parts. No parts in Guerrero Negro.LukeJobbins - 1-18-2018 at 09:03 PM
I know this isn't useful for them particularly but a public service announcement for everyone. Buy a code scanner and print out the codes list and
keep it in the car. They are only about 35-40 dollars and can at least show you if its as simple as a loose gas cap or something major. Good things to
know when in the middle of the baja desert.
Good luck to your buddies.SunDevil - 1-19-2018 at 07:09 AM
My truck has USB ports and a full computer screen/buttons to operate. It is silly that manufacturers don’t put diagnostic codes visible on regular
dashboard screen for any driver/owner to review when faults occur. Desertbull - 1-19-2018 at 08:22 AM
Call Junior Moreno 615-109-5553 ... he and his dad have a automotive shop in Vizcaino, they do everything from transmissions, engines, electrical to
welding, fabrication etc.. they have a trailer and they will come pick you up as well if you need that.
They are an amazing family of mechanics.
[Edited on 1-19-2018 by Desertbull]weebray - 1-19-2018 at 08:30 AM
'J' is for junk. SellBajazly - 1-19-2018 at 09:09 AM
The auto shop on the northern end of Vizcaino, parts and labor under one roof. If I remember correct it is right next to the bank on the east side of
the road, cant miss it.WideAngleWandering - 1-19-2018 at 09:17 AM
Thank you for the useful info and contacts. I think we're looking at some internal engine work (rings) as the likely out come.
I'm disappointed with the grumpy nomad troll brigade. I expected a stronger heaping of scorn.David K - 1-19-2018 at 10:53 AM
The auto shop on the northern end of Vizcaino, parts and labor under one roof. If I remember correct it is right next to the bank on the east side of
the road, cant miss it.
The Pro One Auto Parts store (east side of hwy./ south side of bank/ATM) in Vizcaíno was amazing!!! Mechanics next door will install or fix anything,
I believe!
We also stopped at the Pro One auto parts in Santa Rosalia, similar signage and logo to Vizcaino:
Girls enjoying watermelon from the fruit stand, across the highway, while the guys address a loose rear stabilizer bracket. Sept. 2016.TMW - 1-19-2018 at 12:03 PM
Call Junior Moreno 615-109-5553 ... he and his dad have a automotive shop in Vizcaino, they do everything from transmissions, engines, electrical to
welding, fabrication etc.. they have a trailer and they will come pick you up as well if you need that.
They are an amazing family of mechanics.
[Edited on 1-19-2018 by Desertbull]
Thanks, good to know.motoged - 1-19-2018 at 12:34 PM
....
I'm disappointed with the grumpy nomad troll brigade. I expected a stronger heaping of scorn.
WTF were you hoping for???? nbentley1 - 1-19-2018 at 02:54 PM
I second the shop connected to the parts store on the left as you enter form the north. They have patched me up a couple of times.Hook - 1-19-2018 at 03:04 PM
Thank you for the useful info and contacts. I think we're looking at some internal engine work (rings) as the likely out come.
I'm disappointed with the grumpy nomad troll brigade. I expected a stronger heaping of scorn.
My God, that's almost unheard of in a 2006 vehicle. Yes, even for a Jeep (mild scorn).
WTF happened, did they let it run out of oil?
I suspect the circuit that prevents an engine from turning over if the car "thinks" it is not in park and the brake pedal depressed. Not uncommon in
some vehicles.
Could you hear the starter trying to turn?
My 2005 Jeep actually got stuck in park with the engine running as I tried to pull in the gate where I live. Nothing would budge it from Park (auto
tranny). A quick search of the internet pointed to a flexible plastic extension that was inside the transmission shifter in the cab. When you depress
the button on the side of the shifter to move the shifter out of park, this flexible piece moves a part that allows the shifter to move towards the
rear of the vehicle. But the plastic piece, probably due to all the heat coming from the transmission, eventually becomes brittle and breaks. The fix
that many used was to take a plastic chopstick, cut to a similar length and replace the broken part with this. It has enough flexibility to negotiate
a curve in the shifter. It's still working after 4-5 years.
The ultimate cheap Chinese part fix.
[Edited on 1-19-2018 by Hook]BajaBlanca - 1-20-2018 at 08:32 AM
Oh my gosh! That is exactly how we temporarily got our titan to change gear when we got stuck on the Marin side of the GoldenGate Bridge on our last
vacation. Our problem was electrical (fuse) but the fix was the same!
We use the mechanic in Vizcaino who is close to the bank as well. He is wonderful and usually works very fast. Reasonably priced.
Let us know if you need anything ~ Blanca
[Edited on 1-20-2018 by BajaBlanca]WideAngleWandering - 1-21-2018 at 07:48 AM
We suspect the oil pump failed as it has oil and coolant, wasn't overheating.
We're i. Vizcaino awaiting the transporter for the border. They were supposed to arrive yesterday but now they say today. Qien sabe
The transporter will go to a warehouse in Tijuana where we'll meet a US towing service to bring it to SD.
My new land cruiser now has a name. RescataJeep.shari - 1-21-2018 at 08:09 AM
if the semi doesnt show up....meet ya for shrimp tacos at Don Ramons!!! Juan's vehicle is vacationing at a shop near you too needing an adjustment
after getting a new engine.
Hope that Jeep is worth the trouble!weebray - 1-21-2018 at 08:57 AM
Oil pump fails. No oil pressure. Oil warning light comes on. Stop driving immediately and find out why or disaster. I have seen this scenario
numerous times in my career. The cooling system masks the increased heat until BOOM. surfhat - 1-21-2018 at 10:57 AM
It sounds like a rescue is on the way, but when I broke down in the same area decades ago, I got a ride back to TJ with a lumber supplying tractor
trailer to GN with my ford 4 wheel drive van. He was empty going back north, and any extra bucks for him was appreciated.
This was my first and only time riding in a real truck and I have always appreciated the time, even if it was for less than desirable reasons.
The lumber yard in GN was as helpful as they could be to set this up.
I think it cost me $300 or so to get me back to TJ and the experience was worth every penny.
Baja is always a bargain, even if at times it may be hard to imagine anything good when the worst happens. It is not the worst if you are able to find
a way to recover and return at a later date. Thanks to all here.WideAngleWandering - 1-21-2018 at 02:24 PM
We got a nomad discount on the transport, looking at 6000 pesos for the ride. We just got word that the hauler left Santa rosalia a few hours ago so
maybe we'll be moving soon. Only downside is no passengers allowed, so we have a person and a dog that need to get to TJ. I volunteered to drive them
up to spare the dog from riding in the bus cargo hold. Just a little 900 mile detour from planned route.shari - 1-21-2018 at 03:08 PM
We could find a ride for the mutt...some good clients of ours will be heading north to the states on Wednesday and have done doggie deliveries before!
good excuse to come and visit us too!WideAngleWandering - 1-23-2018 at 09:13 AM
Doh. We are already up north. With luck I'll drop them off at the warehouse in Tijuana today and be back to ojo de liebre and then Asunción tomorrow.
