The stupidest thing I've seen today -an open thread

[Rettax3]

So in the spirit of venting or just sharing something amusing, I am starting this thread. It was truly inspired at work today.

The stupidest thing I've seen today (so far all week, even all month) was produced by Ford. In the mid 2000s, Ford's Exploders did not have a dipstick (or even a filler tube) for their automatic transmissions. Instead, to check the fluid level, from UNDERNEATH the vehicle, while it is RUNNING and LEVEL, locate the tranny drain-plug. in the center of this drain plug, locate the Torx-head plug (the size varied by year, making this game even more fun!). Using a wrench, hold the drain plug from turning while removing the Torx-head inner plug. Using a small tube at least six inches long and slightly curved (yes, they DO sell a special tool for this!), pump Mercon V fluid UP, into the tranny until it starts running out as quickly as you are pumping it in. Replace the inner plug. Yay, you are done! Hmm, how do you check the condition/color of this fluid, since everything flowing back out is diluted with the fresh fluid you are pumping in? I guess Ford must have a special tool for that too, I bet Ford's special tool wears a name-badge and an engineer's smock.
Yep, I like our old 'throw away' Berettas just fine, thanks. At least you can check the tranny fluid without a lift and a set of special tools...

[Cliff8928]

The method for the 4T40-E and 4T45-E isn't all that much different.

[Money pit Beretta]

Yeah but you can use your finger on the 4T40 as a dipstick.

[ifixalot]

Daughter's 2006 Saturn has no dipstick on the trans.
I hope it never develops a leak.
Car companies just gotta make them as cheap as possible
even though cars are more expensive than ever.
To hell with down the road owners.
I'll take the having dipstick over in dash electronics any day.

[CorvetteBeretta]

SEAT BELTS IN THE DOORS!!!!!! I just looked at my damaged doors today.

[1988GTU]

General Motors l81. That engine requires many curse words and blood donations with should be simple tasks.

[Rettax3]

General Motors l81. That engine requires many curse words and blood donations with should be simple tasks.

Ah yes, the Caddy Catera engine, right? The "Caddy that zigs", then breaks down, gets fixed, breaks down again, then suffers "rapid disassembly of the engine" due to the use of a timing belt on an engine that you can barely even change the oil on... Yes, that one is in the line of "stupid" for sure. Not especially smooth with its' narrower-than-60-degrees either. Good power output for the displacement though...

[1988GTU]

General Motors l81. That engine requires many curse words and blood donations with should be simple tasks.

Ah yes, the Caddy Catera engine, right? The "Caddy that zigs", then breaks down, gets fixed, breaks down again, then suffers "rapid disassembly of the engine" due to the use of a timing belt on an engine that you can barely even change the oil on... Yes, that one is in the line of "stupid" for sure. Not especially smooth with its' narrower-than-60-degrees either. Good power output for the displacement though...

No, Saturn/opel.

[Cliff8928]

General Motors l81. That engine requires many curse words and blood donations with should be simple tasks.

Ah yes, the Caddy Catera engine, right? The "Caddy that zigs", then breaks down, gets fixed, breaks down again, then suffers "rapid disassembly of the engine" due to the use of a timing belt on an engine that you can barely even change the oil on... Yes, that one is in the line of "stupid" for sure. Not especially smooth with its' narrower-than-60-degrees either. Good power output for the displacement though...

No, Saturn/opel.

It's the same 54° V6 as used in the Caterá and early CTS.

[1988GTU]

I thought that 3L was different config to what the saturn was stuffed with?

[Rettax3]

No, he is right, it is the same engine. The Saturn mounts it transverse though, the Caddy is longitudinal. I had to do an A/C compressor on a Vue last year -stupid POS had to have the subframe unbolted on one end and the body lifted ~three inches to clear the compressor out of the vehicle. Obviously NOT intended to be worked on, it is just another poorly engineered disposable vehicle.

[Rettax3]

Next item up for bid on the stupid list is junkyards that charge a core-fee on, well, junk. Seriously, a core fee on scrap parts that can not and/or will not be rebuilt? It is a scam -"Look, we only charge $100 for that part. PLUS $25 on the old part we know you will never bring back..." The yard I've been going to lately even charges a core fee on PLASTIC bumper-covers...

[CorvetteBeretta]

Pick and pull recently took over our area they charge a core fee, 2 bucks here 10 bucks there it adds up. I have never once taken anything back, they give you 30 days most of the time I haven't even installed the part by then LOL

[themixer]

That really sucks !

[CorvetteBeretta]

The yards are clean and well organized and great prices. But then the core charge gets slammed on you. Ha!