There have been issues with this vehicle for a while - as can be expected with high mileage and spotty maintenance (husband lost job - long story)so this will unfortunately be lengthy. So, it sat in our garage for around a year in need of a new catalytic converter. When the funds came through, we replaced the battery and had the converter replaced, along with a couple other things like brakes and oil change, etc. It didn't run perfectly was pretty good. Took it to get the A/C serviced and topped off - noticed that the A/C unit was ice cold and working, but no air was coming through the vents. As it wasn't hot at the time, we let it go in favor of other more imminent things. It began running roughly, and sucking more gas, until it lost not all but most power. Wouldn't go above 30 mph unless going downhill. Took it back in and the diagnosis was ignition coils. Could only get the one replaced, with plans on replacing the others with next paycheck. While replacing that coil, a vacuum leak was discovered and repaired - fixing the A/C issue. However, the A/V wasn't blowing very cold. The air was a smidge cooler than tepid. So, another thing to add to the list after taking care of the remaining ignition coils. But, 8/26 after church the A/C began blowing hot air, and started smoking. Fearing damage to car, began running with no A/C or fan regardless of heat. Began whining/squealing on start-up and sounding like slight grinding while running (like smooth metal rubbing against smooth metal). As it's our only vehicle we had to keep driving it, again without any A/C. 9/1 we took it down the street to the grocery store, when we came back out it wouldn't start. It cranks, but doesn't start. When we release the ignition after trying to start, the entire van shudders like a release of pressure. At this point, I don't know if the problem is the A/C or something else entirely - so much is happening so fast! Add in that neither my husband nor I are at ALL mechanically knowledgeable, and we are just lost. Not even trying to fix it myself, just trying to find out possible causes and repair costs for the purposes of budgeting repairs as quickly as possible since we have no other mode of transportation. PLEASE HELP!
SPONSORED LINKS
Monday, September 3rd, 2007 AT 12:31 AM
