Boiling on the Beltway

Hello Friends. I hope you and your pets are staying cool this summer. As many of you know, I have now been struggling with no A/C in my car since the middle last summer. In the Mojave Desert, you just don't do that. Some very well meaning people have worked on it in an effort to help me over the last year, but to no avail. I have replaced the compressor twice in 8 months, had the dash removed and the evaporator replaced. The heater core has been flushed, freon recharged many times, and the charging valve replaced. I'm probably forgetting a few things, but now, after the last repair, the electrical is wonky, the dash is not right, and the the new components are not working. My gear shift indicator doesn't work along with electric locks and mirrors . I honestly don't even know if the air bags are engaged. In other words, the car is actually worse. Humpty needs to be put back together again, correctly.

As of right now, when I drive, hot air is coming from the engine right into the cab even with the vents closed. I bought crickets for my Bearded Dragon and they died on the 15 minute drive home. My phone overheats so badly that it shuts down (can't call for help), and I show up to every appointment looking like I ran there. I can't transport fosters or even my own dogs anymore. It's too dangerous.

The dash will have to be removed again. This alone is a huge labor expense. I was quoted $1100 once just to fix the heat. Other systems were affected during the repairs, so diagnostics will be needed. Along with parts and labor, I will also need to rent a car to stay mobile. I just want to get it fixed so I can feel safe and comfortable on the roads again.

I worry that some of you might be thinking, hmm...you should just get a new car. But, the truth is, my paid for 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis has a beautiful V-8 engine that purrs. Air Suspension that makes travelling very smooth, and the frame is solid because its never been in an accident, not even a fender bender. There is not one ding on the body and the interior is intact with not a single crack on the dash after nearly 20 years on the road. Most of all, the car has never broken down, never left me stranded. That is a solid car. She is not ready for the the junkyard by any means. In fact, it becomes a classic car in 2 years.

Also, you must have steady income to finance a car and I just don't have income reliable enough to budget in a $400-$500 monthly payment. So, its actually not a viable plan for me.

I have such a wonderful tribe and many have said, "If you need anything, just ask". I am now asking. I feel grateful that most of the people reading this know me. I just want to be good to my animals and help others. But, now I am so limited. Please know, I am so grateful for any and all help. It has been extremely stressful and I need to close this chapter so I can concentrate my efforts where they will be more fruitful. Again, thank you.

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