Stupid fscking van

[TrogL]

I just spent $188 putting a new thermostat in. It doesn't seem to help much. If I top up the rad absolutely right to the top, it misbehaves less (ie. there's a bit of heat and the needle tries to stay in one spot), but that could be a delusion.

The temperature needle wobbles all over the place but the van doesn't act like it's overheating.

The radio's developed a new stunt - cutting out and lowering it's own volume (I'd be more spooked if it was a manual volume control, but it's electronic).

There's a wierd noise coming from the alternator.

It wouldn't be electrical, would it?

[TrogL]

1. I think I figured out the radio

There's a second set of controls in the back seat.

The back seat is full of junk.

I wonder if something's sitting on the rear volume control?

[david_vincent]

2. 188 bucks to change a thermostat???

You must have the same mechanic my GF has - he charged her 50 bucks to change the air filter.
My guess: voltage regulator. On some vehicles, the regulator is built in to the alternator.

[TrogL]

3. I'd a changed it myself

(no, I'm not going to change my own diaper)

but there's about 50 hoses to disconnect and reconnect.

I had them do the spark plugs the other day because you have to damn near pull the engine to get at them. Plus, I was threatening to change the oxygen sensor, which is a lot more.

[TrogL]

4. How do I find out?

I looked at the alternator (last night) and don't remember anything that looks like a voltage regulator.

[tinnyguy1777]

5. your feckin van----------

Bad alternator will make the radio sound screwey, and some speedometer needle may go berserk. If you suddenly die on the road, it's probably the alternator. Prepare yourself for a gigantic repair bill, especially if it's hidden away.

[TrogL]

6. Shouldn't be too bad

It's right on top. Speedo's been fine.

Radio sounds fine even on AM, it just cuts out and changes volume (which I suspect is a child's toboggon hitting the speaker cutout switch and remote volume control).

[TrogL]

7. GRRR - Self-imposed spelling Nazi

it's "its own volume"