We lost one of our Ignition Transponder Key to our 2002 Prius. Toyota wanted $36.21 for a blank key and an additional $105 to program the key. I took our good key to Henry’s Hardware in Kingston and had them cut and program a new key for $69 however the key did not open the locks or turn the ignition. No charge. I found and ordered an Uncut Un-programmed Transponder Ignition Chip Car Key on Ebay for $6.24 which included shipping.
I took this Uncut key to Coast to Coast Hardware in Poulsbo and they cut it but it would not open the doors but did rotate the ignition but the programming did not work. They cut another key which did open the doors but had no Transponder so could not start the engine. They charged $11 for the two keys.
I was eventually able to program the Transponder Key using the below program so now all works however I need two keys instead of just the original one key. We did not loose a FOB Remote so we could use that with the new Transponder key and all should work fine.
The below key programming worked. (From https://www.coastaletech.com/keys.htm)
This is something you can do yourself and really only takes a little more than a minute.
STEPS:
1. Begin by sitting in the driver seat with all the doors shut.
2. Insert your working master (black) key in the ignition.
3. Very Quickly, turn the key from "LOCK" to "ON" 5 times. (You will end with the key in the "LOCK" position)
4. Immediately, open and close the driver door 6 times very quickly. (End with the door closed)
5. Immediately, remove your working Master Key and insert your new Master Key
6. Turn the key to the "ON" position and leave it there while you wait for 1 minute.
7. After the minute, if you want to program another key, just remove the first one and insert the next one, turning it to "ON" and leaving it in position for 1 minute.
8. When you are through programming keys, just take the last one out, open and then close the driver door to lock in the programming, and your done :)
You can erase all the keys and start over by turning a working master key 6 times and then opening and closing the door 7 times. Then remove the key and reprogram again.
Remember : You only have a few seconds to perform each maneuver so don't waste time. You will know when you have done it right when you insert the blank key and the security light on the radio stops blinking. If it does not work, try completing the sequence faster, time yourself. And don't worry, if it doesn't work the first time, just do it again :)
Monday, November 7, 2016
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Merry Christmas 2015
Merry Christmas to all. Winter has arrived in the Northwest with high winds, lots of rain and some cold days. Praise the Lord, we stay warm and dry.
We get to watch our grandkids several times a week. Sonja is now 7 and in second grade, Freya is 6 and in kindergarten, Emma is 5 and in preschool, Hannah is 3 and in preschool, Parker is 1.75 years old. We really enjoy being part of their lives and watching them grow. What a blessing.
Our property looks so different now that we logged almost every tree the government allowed. Today we sat on the porch bench in the late afternoon sunshine and felt warm even on this cold 30 degree day. Sunshine in the Northwest feels especially nice. Living without a barrier of trees on the road side changes the feeling of the land but we are grateful the big trees are down and the sun shines brighter. We now have 2 more acres of pasture which Jeremy used this year to raise 3 sheep. We learned that sheep are lots of fun to raise, however we did have one break-out artist. The pasture is still in the process of growing as we had such a drought in the Spring and the pasture grass struggled to germinate.
We had 22 logging truck loads along with 5 split loads we shared with Al from our homestead. It is hard to believe we have been on this property for 46 years watching the trees grow a couple feet a year. We planted new trees but half of them died due to lack of rain. We have scheduled another round of tree planting next year.
Our garden produced extremely well except for a rabbit family that ate most of the pea starts. I nailed 5 of the guys with a trusty pump pellet gun. We harvested 30 large squash along with corn and lots more. We were able to enjoy two camping trips this year, one to eastern Oregon on the Colombia River and also the extended family campout in Oregon at the Colombia River’s exit to the Pacific Ocean (Fort Stevens).
Jim had carpal tunnel surgery on his right hand which allows him to use the computer mouse in the right hand for the first time in 5 years. Linda will be out of her walking boot and casts by Christmas after surgery on her big toe. Arthritis had taken quite a toll on one joint.
Lord permitting Linda and I plan to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary on a 19 day cruise through the Panama Canal next April. On our 25th anniversary we cruised the Southern Caribbean so we thought another cruise would be appropriate.
We pray all is well with you all! We are certainly grateful God has not forgotten either mankind or us as individuals. Blessings to you as we celebrate Jesus‘ birth, and enter 2016.
Jim & Linda
We get to watch our grandkids several times a week. Sonja is now 7 and in second grade, Freya is 6 and in kindergarten, Emma is 5 and in preschool, Hannah is 3 and in preschool, Parker is 1.75 years old. We really enjoy being part of their lives and watching them grow. What a blessing.
Our property looks so different now that we logged almost every tree the government allowed. Today we sat on the porch bench in the late afternoon sunshine and felt warm even on this cold 30 degree day. Sunshine in the Northwest feels especially nice. Living without a barrier of trees on the road side changes the feeling of the land but we are grateful the big trees are down and the sun shines brighter. We now have 2 more acres of pasture which Jeremy used this year to raise 3 sheep. We learned that sheep are lots of fun to raise, however we did have one break-out artist. The pasture is still in the process of growing as we had such a drought in the Spring and the pasture grass struggled to germinate.
We had 22 logging truck loads along with 5 split loads we shared with Al from our homestead. It is hard to believe we have been on this property for 46 years watching the trees grow a couple feet a year. We planted new trees but half of them died due to lack of rain. We have scheduled another round of tree planting next year.
Our garden produced extremely well except for a rabbit family that ate most of the pea starts. I nailed 5 of the guys with a trusty pump pellet gun. We harvested 30 large squash along with corn and lots more. We were able to enjoy two camping trips this year, one to eastern Oregon on the Colombia River and also the extended family campout in Oregon at the Colombia River’s exit to the Pacific Ocean (Fort Stevens).
Jim had carpal tunnel surgery on his right hand which allows him to use the computer mouse in the right hand for the first time in 5 years. Linda will be out of her walking boot and casts by Christmas after surgery on her big toe. Arthritis had taken quite a toll on one joint.
Lord permitting Linda and I plan to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary on a 19 day cruise through the Panama Canal next April. On our 25th anniversary we cruised the Southern Caribbean so we thought another cruise would be appropriate.
We pray all is well with you all! We are certainly grateful God has not forgotten either mankind or us as individuals. Blessings to you as we celebrate Jesus‘ birth, and enter 2016.
Jim & Linda
Thursday, July 9, 2015
2000 Doge Caravan interior blower motor stopped
Fortunately the heater/air conditioning blower motor stopped working after our Eastern Washington camping trip in the 2000 Doge Caravan. The blower did not work on any blower motor speed setting.
It took a while but I verified the fuse to the blower motor relay was good and also the fuse to the blower motor. I swapped the relays and still no help. I took out the passenger front seat to give me access to the blower motor and then removed the blower motor. A bench test of the motor verified it was working well. I did blow out a lot of fine dust.
I removed the speed resistance selector device from the engine side of the firewall and found it extremely dirty at the connection. The wire (spring) coils were clean. Lots of fine dust came out as the ¼ inch spayed terminals were pulled loose.
Electrically all was still in place meaning no burnt spots and continuity everywhere. So I wire brushed the lugs until bright again and cleaned with alcohol. Then reinstalled everything and all works fine as designed. Bottom line I think there was enough dust and corrosion on the terminals to cause and open circuit.
It took a while but I verified the fuse to the blower motor relay was good and also the fuse to the blower motor. I swapped the relays and still no help. I took out the passenger front seat to give me access to the blower motor and then removed the blower motor. A bench test of the motor verified it was working well. I did blow out a lot of fine dust.
I removed the speed resistance selector device from the engine side of the firewall and found it extremely dirty at the connection. The wire (spring) coils were clean. Lots of fine dust came out as the ¼ inch spayed terminals were pulled loose.
Electrically all was still in place meaning no burnt spots and continuity everywhere. So I wire brushed the lugs until bright again and cleaned with alcohol. Then reinstalled everything and all works fine as designed. Bottom line I think there was enough dust and corrosion on the terminals to cause and open circuit.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
2000 Dodge Caravan overheating
The so faithful 2000 Dodge Caravan overheated climbing the last mile of Snoqualmie Pass. The temperature gauge faithfully remains at midrange consistently but in the last mile of the climb the needle climbed smoothly past the ¾ mark. With heat on and windows open we were able to reach the summit without boiling over. Whew. We were pulling our 1,200 pound RV (Aliner).
Then again in Eastern Washington the same overheating occurred at the top of another pass on this very hot day. However this time a mile before the summit the temperature gauge surprisingly dropped from the ¾ mark back to exactly midrange yet we were still climbing.
This indicated to me that likely the electric fans for the radiator did not turn on until late. We were able to get to Boardman Marina RV campground without further overheating. The next day I stopped at NAPA auto parts and picked up a temperature switch to use if needed. We planned to return down the Colombia River to Portland and then back home using I5 which has no passes to climb.
After studying the clumsy wiring diagram I determined the temperature switch they sold me was not a switch but an analog sensor which likely would not cause this fault. I tried to return the switch at the Poulsbo NAPA but they were not associated with the Boardman City NAPA and could not allow a return. I did purchase and installed a solid state relay which is located under the drivers side headlight for $65. I turned on the air conditioner and verified the fans kicked on after several minutes. Hopefully problem is solved.
The Caravan fan circuit measures the temperature from the temperature sender which goes to the gauge and the computer. Then the computer determines when the electric radiator fans trip on and energize the solid state relay which energize the fans. This was a common problem as revealed on you tube which showed how to replace the solid state relay.
Then again in Eastern Washington the same overheating occurred at the top of another pass on this very hot day. However this time a mile before the summit the temperature gauge surprisingly dropped from the ¾ mark back to exactly midrange yet we were still climbing.
This indicated to me that likely the electric fans for the radiator did not turn on until late. We were able to get to Boardman Marina RV campground without further overheating. The next day I stopped at NAPA auto parts and picked up a temperature switch to use if needed. We planned to return down the Colombia River to Portland and then back home using I5 which has no passes to climb.
After studying the clumsy wiring diagram I determined the temperature switch they sold me was not a switch but an analog sensor which likely would not cause this fault. I tried to return the switch at the Poulsbo NAPA but they were not associated with the Boardman City NAPA and could not allow a return. I did purchase and installed a solid state relay which is located under the drivers side headlight for $65. I turned on the air conditioner and verified the fans kicked on after several minutes. Hopefully problem is solved.
The Caravan fan circuit measures the temperature from the temperature sender which goes to the gauge and the computer. Then the computer determines when the electric radiator fans trip on and energize the solid state relay which energize the fans. This was a common problem as revealed on you tube which showed how to replace the solid state relay.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Warrantee Toilet Repair
In 1996 we updated the first floor bathroom which included a new toilet. Unfortunately the toilet flushed very poorly causing way too much plunger type work. This issue was caused by the governments water saving requirement for new toilets and all the issues that created.
In 1999 we purchased a fancy Flushmate toilet which uses less than 1.6 gallons of water per flush. It uses compressed air which creates a “turbo - charged flushing action“. (Manufactures words.) I must say it indeed does flush well although a little loud, I suppose. ($300)
Moving on in time to 2015 and the plastic turbo generating pressure tank inside the porcelain tank developed a small leak at the seam. This leak was about the size of a pencil lead and did not cause an external leak fortunately as we caught the leak early.
It turns out we saved some paperwork that mentioned there was a recall on this toilet. After checking out the details sure enough this toilet qualified even after 16 years of usage! The company sent out a replacement plastic air pressure tank for absolutely free.
I had to remove the porcelain tank and remove the defective plastic pressure tank and install the replacement tank. Now all worked as good as new. This recall was part of a class action settlement which may yet also pay me $50 for the effort I went through to replace the tank. The $50 is still in the works so can’t say for sure that will happen.
I am indeed grateful for the companies follow through and somewhat humbled as the original equipment did last 16 years.
In 1999 we purchased a fancy Flushmate toilet which uses less than 1.6 gallons of water per flush. It uses compressed air which creates a “turbo - charged flushing action“. (Manufactures words.) I must say it indeed does flush well although a little loud, I suppose. ($300)
Moving on in time to 2015 and the plastic turbo generating pressure tank inside the porcelain tank developed a small leak at the seam. This leak was about the size of a pencil lead and did not cause an external leak fortunately as we caught the leak early.
It turns out we saved some paperwork that mentioned there was a recall on this toilet. After checking out the details sure enough this toilet qualified even after 16 years of usage! The company sent out a replacement plastic air pressure tank for absolutely free.
I had to remove the porcelain tank and remove the defective plastic pressure tank and install the replacement tank. Now all worked as good as new. This recall was part of a class action settlement which may yet also pay me $50 for the effort I went through to replace the tank. The $50 is still in the works so can’t say for sure that will happen.
I am indeed grateful for the companies follow through and somewhat humbled as the original equipment did last 16 years.
Origional
New tank
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
UV water purification light ballast failure
When I applied for a building permit for our garage in about 1998 the county directed me to certify my well and add to my 1969 septic system. During the well certification they required among other things a water treatment. Adding a chlorine system was suggested but we opted for a UV light purification system thinking it kills any possible bugs and does not ruin the taste of the water plus other advantages. So after quite a pile of paperwork the system was approved by the county. With the approval came a requirement that an alarm be installed if the light failed.
I designed a little light sensing circuit which has been in use all these years although in the past I have made a couple of changes in the circuit due to the alarm sounding when the light was still working.
It has been 15 years and the light failed for the first time. I replace the $35 bulb with a new bulb I have on hand for next year and still it did not function. Then replaced the bulb with a known good used bulb and it still did not light.
So I ordered a new ballast for almost $70. The ballast arrives a week later and is about 1/10 the weight and 1/10 the size. (Probably an electronic ballast of which I have little regard to their life expectancy.) Also the original ballast had 3 wires and this one has 5 wires. I went on line and found out how to wire this to the fixture and sure enough it works.
What are the odds this new ballast is going to last 15 years? I am not optimistic but will sure give it a try.
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I designed a little light sensing circuit which has been in use all these years although in the past I have made a couple of changes in the circuit due to the alarm sounding when the light was still working.
It has been 15 years and the light failed for the first time. I replace the $35 bulb with a new bulb I have on hand for next year and still it did not function. Then replaced the bulb with a known good used bulb and it still did not light.
So I ordered a new ballast for almost $70. The ballast arrives a week later and is about 1/10 the weight and 1/10 the size. (Probably an electronic ballast of which I have little regard to their life expectancy.) Also the original ballast had 3 wires and this one has 5 wires. I went on line and found out how to wire this to the fixture and sure enough it works.
What are the odds this new ballast is going to last 15 years? I am not optimistic but will sure give it a try.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Dodge Caravan Grand Sport 2000
It is hard to believe it is 14 years old. So it backfired a couple times and runs rough suddenly but not always notable rough. I looked up its history and noticed just a little over 30,000 miles ago I replaced the spark plugs wires and sparkplugs. Then observed on utube cases of timing chain repair. This car has 150,000 miles and seems like the timing chain may not be due yet. Then I saw a great utube about sparkplugs fouling due to excessive antiseize used during spark plug replacement. It mentioned many sparkplugs come with a coating to protect the threads even for their 100,000 mile life.
So looking into the Autolight plugs NAPA sold me year ago and now seeing the decal in the engine compartment recommending Champion plugs, (RN14PMP5) which appears to be equivalent to a Champion #7031, I thought new proper plugs might be the best way to go. The plug is a double platinum plug. $15 with no tax for six through Ebay with free shipping and $24 with tax at auto parts stores. Interesting enough the computer has no faults.
Then I started looking on how to get to the inside 3 plugs. Whew. Once before I loosened the intake manifold and moved it several inches to the side so I could replace the plugs and plug wires. Youtube showed removing the panel between the windshield and the hood. This panel houses the windshield wiper motor and arms. Looks like quite a job. The Service Manual says for plugs #3 and #5 to remove the resonator which is interesting as the only resonator in the index was an exhaust resonator at the end of the tailpipe which is not near the sparkplugs. Then remove the intake strut to cylinder head. Then to remove plug #1 just remove the accessory drive belt, remove the bolts to the upper half of the generator bracket and push generator rearward to provide access. Whew.
I was ready to go for the last method and observed I could not see plug #5 but could just touch the plug wire. Would you believe it was loose from the plug. I was able to snap it onto the plug. I took the Caravan for a 3 mile spin where the van ran perfectly. So that sort of freed up several hours of work. Lots of investigation and planning yet the fix was so simple.
I decided to de-moss the garage roof. That meant getting on the roof and sweeping the whole roof. 90% of the moss removed easily. Then came the baking soda application which kill any leftover moss. Costco sells big bags of baking soda at a reasonable price. Then came the gutter cleaning. Now all is ready for the rainy season.
So looking into the Autolight plugs NAPA sold me year ago and now seeing the decal in the engine compartment recommending Champion plugs, (RN14PMP5) which appears to be equivalent to a Champion #7031, I thought new proper plugs might be the best way to go. The plug is a double platinum plug. $15 with no tax for six through Ebay with free shipping and $24 with tax at auto parts stores. Interesting enough the computer has no faults.
Then I started looking on how to get to the inside 3 plugs. Whew. Once before I loosened the intake manifold and moved it several inches to the side so I could replace the plugs and plug wires. Youtube showed removing the panel between the windshield and the hood. This panel houses the windshield wiper motor and arms. Looks like quite a job. The Service Manual says for plugs #3 and #5 to remove the resonator which is interesting as the only resonator in the index was an exhaust resonator at the end of the tailpipe which is not near the sparkplugs. Then remove the intake strut to cylinder head. Then to remove plug #1 just remove the accessory drive belt, remove the bolts to the upper half of the generator bracket and push generator rearward to provide access. Whew.
I was ready to go for the last method and observed I could not see plug #5 but could just touch the plug wire. Would you believe it was loose from the plug. I was able to snap it onto the plug. I took the Caravan for a 3 mile spin where the van ran perfectly. So that sort of freed up several hours of work. Lots of investigation and planning yet the fix was so simple.
I decided to de-moss the garage roof. That meant getting on the roof and sweeping the whole roof. 90% of the moss removed easily. Then came the baking soda application which kill any leftover moss. Costco sells big bags of baking soda at a reasonable price. Then came the gutter cleaning. Now all is ready for the rainy season.
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