What did you do to/with your vehicle today?

[skyking]

I got the dash back together, but for a transceiver set to wirelessly connect the trailer camera. That is on order.
The truck was a logging rig in it's first 250,000 miles, and had a switch and a wire run back for the big fuel tank and pump. I hijacked that for my backup LED lights. I tucked the lights under the bumper and they are blocked from above so they do not blind anyone.
Maybe someone in an old MG could look directly at them LOL.
They will prove handy for general lighting for doing tasks, etc.
I powered the camera off the factory backup circuit, and sent a trigger wire forward to the radio and programmed it for automatic operation. It comes to life in about a second when I put it into reverse gear.
The new installation is a double din, requiring a new dash piece. It eliminated one of the two dash pockets. I cut holes and slots in the remaining pocket, and fitted the radio's USB inputs with those round magnetic connectors. I put either an android or apple phone into the pocket, it connects and either Android Auto or Apple Carplay is provided.
receiver link
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cables
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yesterday I removed the snow tires, aired up and installed the summer tires, and torqued to spec. Crawled under and added air to the spare.

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by skyking

Did that same thing a few years back with my 2007 truck. All it needed was a little bit, and I found the service valve was probably the culprit and put a new gasketed cap on it.

Looking forward to tackling this on my wife's Forester soon. Today, all I did was shape the remnant of Cali redwood from my removed house siding to function as a center column piece for my electronics & switches on the dash by the shifter. Took an hour and a half... was like shaping a surfboard or something. Fun. Meditative.

Daughter still has not tackled her HVAC problem... apple not all that far from the tree.

[California98Civic]

Oil catch can mounting bracket and placement complete. Just need to attach tubing but ran out of time.

[skyking]

I swapped off the snow tires on the 2002 Beetle TDI yesterday and delivered it to my friend today. He was thrilled with it. He drives very little, and the components that need changed out ( clutch and timing belt ) are not due in a very long time. He quipped that he may not last that long. It's a good driver that gets the mid-40s without too much difficulty.

[California98Civic]

Walked the mile to my favorite autoparts store with my wife, got two 3/8" hose splicers for the oil catch can & PCV inspection project. It's not a hard job, but it is new to me, and, as always, I am not willing to just cut hoses or replace parts that I cannot confirm as failed and not repairable. I'll try to clean the PCV valve if it does not rattle. And the hose is stuck so I am soaking the ends with PB Blaster and waiting. We have my wife's car if I gotta go somewhere.

[California98Civic]

Worked on the HVAC system on my daughter's car by watching her check if the fuse for the blower was to blame. She was hoping yes. But no luck. The fuse was fine. Got her to set up an account on a vehicle specific discussion forum and post a good question. Tomorrow is another day.

I'm learning about the PCV system on my car. As I install a catch can, I want to check the PCV system. I have small oil leaks, I have dirtier emissions, I have oil loses between oil changes and all of those things could be related partly to a sub-par PCV system.

This video was instructive.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pr5MZni4_Bc

[California98Civic]

Got the PCV valve off properly, without cutting or damaging the valve or its hoses. It is a 275,000 mile Civic PCV Valve, and it was caked in sludge on the inside. The valve rattled but only slightly and with a dull sound, like it was gummed. No wonder my emissions have gotten worse, but atleast it was moving a little, so it must have let pressure out into the manifold still. Partially opening, it probably slurped up oil and sludge at all speeds and sent it into the manifold, especially at startup. Atleast I don't need to worry about gasket damages and pressure-caused oil leaks.

I cleaned it internallly with Mass Airflow Sensor cleaner and externally with a degreaser. Now it rattles louder and with a hollow sound, like a valve moving in a plastic housing. Looks almost new.

I think I will reinstall it as I complete the oil catchcan project.

So much fun.

[skyking]

I did the 40,000 mile service on my wife's 2013 Beetle TDI with DSG. New oil, fuel, air, cabin air, and transmission filters. It was my first DSG transmission service. Tomorrow I will put it back on my friend's lift and install these backup lights.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[skyking]

That is a shop with several windows, not all that dark.

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by skyking

That is a shop with several windows, not all that dark.

Looks good. Nice and bright. I can hardly see behind my car. My LED bulbs are not as good as advertised.

Here is what I received today...