Car falling apart (literally)... please help!

[SHO Squall]

Well, it's starting... As soon as my dealer warranty was up, the car started coming apart on me. First thing I noticed was that the driver's side door panel on the inside is falling off. The only thing holding it on when I pull the door closed from the inside is the lock plunger...

The other thing. Last week Saturday, I got home, pulled my adaptor for my Discman out of the lighter socket, and it took the socket with it. Now I have a bright light coming from the hole where the lighter used to go, and no way to have good, reliable music on long trips through western Illinois between Iowa and Chicago. Unless there's a lighter in the back, but I haven't looked yet.

So, anyone have any suggestions on how I can start putting my car back together and get it to stay together? I'm all ears!

-John

 

[Gianni]

That door panel thing happened to me. I just used super glue on the top part and that has been working fine.

 

[XLSuruaT]

Mine does teh same with the door panel. That's probably because I have removed it three or so times. I think I know the solution for that and it's a cheap one. Take out the screw and the little plastic behind the door opener. Then carefully pry the panel off. Replace those little plastic "chrismas trees" and reverse the proceedure. I think www.v8sho.com has a tsb for removing the door panel which will give you teh part number for those little plastic holders.

 

[SHODWN]

its all very typical stuff to happen to a Gen 3. Nothing out of the ordinary here.

 

[snake396]

the lighter thing happened to me too. luckily i had the U-hook tools to remove the radio/HVAC unit from the dash. we got them from a walmart a couple of years ago. just pull the unit and put the lighter socket back in. you'll have to screw it back into the socket's socket (i don't know what else to call it. i used my cell charger to do it. then just plug that ground into the little screw on the end, just push. when you plug the ground back in, close the ashtray to make it easier.

-Ian

 

[SHO Squall]

Thanks for the lighter procedure, Ian. thumbs_u I'll have to stop by Wally World on my lunch break tonight to get a set of pulling tools. The radio on my bike and the radio in the SHO have the same release mechanism, and wouldn't ya know, neither one came with the tools!

I'm assuming this took about 5-10 minutes once the radio was out, from the sounds of it. Which means I should be able to do it tonight between work and my trip to Chicago. If it takes longer than this, warn me, so I don't end up futzing with it until midnight or so before I leave.

I'll worry about the door next week.

Thanks again! beer

-John

 

[snake396]

i did it the other day before my tranny went, trial and error for me, might take 15-20. but you never know.