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Thursday, May 04, 2006
 
I actually ended up skipping work today. Now don't get me wrong, I had every intention to go. In fact, I was on my way and in traffic on the 5. But then the engine died. I figured maybe I hit clutch too late while braking. No biggie, since I've done it a lot learning how to drive with the stick shift. But then the engine won't turn over. I try again and again, putting the gear in neutral and first. Nothing happens. Slightly panicking, I try unlocking the alarm from my keychain and turn on the hazards. Still nothing. If it's the keys, then I could use the reset button in the car itself. I press it, get a wimpering beep in reply, but still the engine won't start. I try pushing the car to the breakdown lane, since I was in the slow lane to begin with. Won't budge. Really worried now, and with the alarm half-heartedly going off I try to stay calm. I finally get the alarm off when I notice the hazard lights are off. It dawns on me then that the battery went. I try pushing the car to the breakdown lane again, and thankfully it moves this time.

Now I'm safely in the breakdown lane, without anyone behind me to get pissed that I wasn't moving. I try calling Triple A and my dad, wondering why the phone won't work. About five minutes later I realize the phone is still connected to my earpiece, which fell off a few minutes ago. I find the earpiece and disconnect it and try Triple A again. As I'm wading through the automated responses, a Metro Freeway Service Patrol car pulls up behind me. Hanging up the phone, I walk over to the Metro guy and explain the trouble.

He gives my battery a jump and the car starts. Good, right? Just to be sure, I turn off the engine and attempt a restart. Nothing. So it's either the battery or the alternator. The Metro guy tows me off the freeway and puts in a call to Triple A for me. Triple A comes and picks me up from the gas station I'm now at and drives me to a Ford dealership. There dad shows up and we find out after some time that it's both the alternator and the battery.

Now I'm back in the LA house typing this, waiting for Ford to call and tell me when the $600 worth of repairs are done. Then I have to call dad at work to drive me back to the dealership. Fun day, huh? Good thing my boss understood my problems and let me have the day off.

posted by Phillip at 12:51 PM 0 comments
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