Okay, I was here recently asking about my mechanics advice to take care of a rusty flange by replacing my entire catalytic converter for around $900. I also knew I was in need of new brakes, which would cost about $300-$400. After getting feedback from you, I ended up taking the car to a local Midas shop. They took a look and said that while the flange is rusty, what was causing the noise was a gasket inside that needed replacing, which they did for me for a cost of $12 (which they ultimately forgot to charge me for). They said it could be another six months to three years before the converter needs to be replaced. They also took care of the brakes for me (which ended up need new calipers, if I'm spelling that right?) for a total cost of $515. That was Friday. The car now sounds and brakes great. Except...
I spent Saturday running all over the place doing errands all over town. Finally put the car in the garage around 6 p.m. I pulled it out again because I wanted to move something around in the garage. When I got back in the car to pull it in again, the car was completely dead. The seatbelt light did the ding-ding-ding sound when I put the key in, but, otherwise -- nothing. Turned the key -- nothing. 6:05 p.m. on a Saturday. So I got all panicky until someone reminded me I have a motor club and I called them. They sent someone out who attached a charger to the battery and it started right up. He took the charger off, and, after about a minute, the motor died and would turn over again. He attached the charger again and it started up. He recommended I keep it running for about 20 minutes to recharge the battery. So I asked him to wait while I pulled the car into the garage, in case it died again, and then I sat in the garage with the motor running (and garage doors open!) for the next 20 minutes, during which time I had to reset the radio as it had gone to CODE after the disconnection of power. After 20 minutes I shut off the motor, then tried to start the car again. Nothing.
So, my new question is: Does this sound like just a new battery? Or something more sinister? I just put $515 in the car and can't really afford another big hit this month. I explained to the auto club guy the work I'd just had done to the car and asked if any of that sounded like it could be causing the problem, and he said no. Anyone disagree with that? And is it worth me (walking to) Home Depot and buying a battery starter or booster or whatever for $40-$50 so I can start the car myself tomorrow? Of should I have the motor club do it again and drive it right to the service station? If I was sure it just needed a new battery, then I'd sooner have the motor club start the car and put that $40-$50 toward the new battery. But if it's something more than a dead battery causing the problem, maybe a self-charger is a good idea. Yikes! I'd love your feedback and advice. The car's sitting in the garage now, but I'm going to have to figure this out pretty quickly tomorrow as I'm facing a busy week and really need the car. HELP?!
Thanks, Patricia