My van is a 1986 Ford E-150 Econoline Conversion van. I bought it for $850 in Oregon and it got me all the way to Tx! I blew out (and by blew out I mean shredded) a tire in Phoenix and had to have all 4 replaced. Then got to Texas and discovered my transmission needs a new 380 pump. A $2g repair. Instead of dropping 2g on a 20 year old van, I keep it well stocked in tranny fluid.
A few weeks ago... my passenger side window refused to roll back up again. I now drive with plastic sheeting over the passenger side.
But last night was the worst. Last night at about 2am I was driving home from dinner and a movie with friends when I realized the car wasn't responding to the brake the way I wanted it to. I started to panic a little, then thought... ok maybe my cruise control is on. So I hit cancel, then off, and ... the car continued to try to accelerate. Good thing all my **** is still in it... it was too heavy to get up too much speed.
And that's when I realized... the gas pedal was down. To the floor. And my foot wasn't on it. Yes that's right, my throttle was stuck on GOFAST.
So I racked my brain to my now 10 years old drivers ed training. I knew I had to get the van to slow down! I first applied the brake (using my right foot), then used my left to put on the emergency/parking brake. Still moving forward... although slightly slowed (not enough though) I shifted into neutral, then let it slow some more... and then... when I didn't think I would flip tail over head,... I put it in park and prayed.
*screeeech* :STOP: Turned the van off, cried for 5 minutes and called AAA.
Ended up getting it towed. But talk about TERRIFYING! Never in my life. Car place isn't open until Monday so I have no idea how bad it will be. BUT JESUS! I need some good car mojo. Seriously, I have had my share of car issues, and emergencies and although I'm pretty sure there's an entire CHORUS of angels up above who are give the exclusive task of watching my a@@ while driving... I'd like not to NEED them for awhile.
Plus...I don't want ot have to shell out another $500 to repair a 20 year old car! :grrrrr:
I'm just glad I didn't crash! Thank heavens it was 2am and I was the only one on the road! And that I was leaving walmart where I had just purchased a new phone card for my pay as you go phone... otherwise I wouldn't even have been able to call AAA! Jeeeeeez.
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If you're not going to snort.... why bother laughing?
Now that is SCARY!!! I'm glad that you're okay. Hmmm maybe time for a new vehicle. If you feel that you can't sell it donate it before end of year (that means tomorrow) and write it off as a tax deduction. Then hopefully you'll have enough money through your tax return to buy a newer vehicle or have a good down payment.
I hate car troubles and we've been through our share!!! Hang in there.
I agree ith Duchie. It's probably time to trade that sucker in and upgrade. It sounds like it is an undafe verhicle for you to be driving! I'm glad nothing bad happened. That would have freaked me out too!
Yeah, unfortunately that's just not an option financially right now. Its my first goal but I'm still going mostly paycheck to paycheck at work.... and living with family.
My first major purchase will be a newer car of some kind, but that's probably a ways off still. I'm just hoping this repair won't run up to $500 like the last one did. Althought at least this time I do have that much in savings. :sigh:
I know I'll land on my feet eventually but I am getting tired of stalling out trying.
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If you're not going to snort.... why bother laughing?
Thanks for reminding me to check the powerball numbers. Since I live only two miles from the IN stateline I can easily run across and play a dollar. Got all of two numbers, well actually three but it was not the powerball. Oh well. Maybe next time, then it is definately going to be a newer vehicle for you!
That had to of been terrifying just the same. I am certianly sending you good van mojo! Sheesh.
OMG I cannot imagine how scary that must have been - kuddos for staying calm and putting your driver's ed knowledge to use!!! I'm so glad that you're okay!!! *hugs*
Chelsea
