I just talked to the mechanic. The “intermittent” firing problem is the wiring, which is not surprising. When they get it fixed, maybe the radio/stereo will work and the alarm will work properly!!
There is also an “exhaust gas” problem, but he hasn’t pin-pointed that yet. If he has to replace the wiring, I’m groaning. I told him to please be kind to me...
In retrospect, a wiring problem is not “unusual,” as the vehicle came from a fairly damp climate into an extremely arid one. The heat kills things on vehicles here.
Just one thing after another. And now where has Kathleen gone?
Wiring. UNGH! Mechanic’s Bane.
Of all the mechanics I know, I know of ONE who has undertaken to specialize in troubleshooting, and repairing vehicle electrical, and — increasingly — electronic, systems. He NEVER lacks work.
Among the interesting things he’s discovered is that vermin seem to prefer the insulation on the wire specified by Engineers at Ford Motor Company to that specified by Engineers at other automakers. So, be happy yours is a GM product.
The upside: Mr. Bill’s whole problem could be a poor ground connection, and the fix perhaps as simple as cleaning some corrosion off of a ground lug, and tightening the screw that holds it down. I’ll pray for you that the issue is that minor, and that easily dealt with.