I understand why the most reliable test would be at the ECU.

I'm also understanding that the field of electrical connections is filled with subtleties making it a science of it's own. Your experience with it is rare and valuable, and I appreciate your willingness to share.

I came across an oily TPS recently. It may have been the one in question but I can't say for sure. I stuffed the twisted end of a paper towel up it's rectum and let it sit, changing it's position every day or so. A lot of oil came out of it, and I remember thinking,'how the heck can it operate like that?'.

I've ordered a new one so she'll have it on hand, but I wont have her put in in until the stall recurs. It would be more interesting for both of us if we could catch him in the act. There's no stress, her term is finished so no late nights at the library; work, and most all of her activities are within biking distance which is her first choice of transportation in the summer.

I also hope the fault returns to see if the code does as well. There were no codes showing after I did the work last August. It's too bad the unit doesn't provide a time and date of the infraction. It would help with the forensics.

I didn't give her instructions on reading codes, only referencing the section in Bentley and asking her to read it.

Yesterday, while clearing our answering machine, I came across a message from her in response to the above. I hadn't listened to it before because I entered the house in mid message and picked up the phone.

I quote "Hi Papa, I checked the codes and I got 2-3-2. I checked again and got the same, so there are no other codes. Call me back with what I should do next. Love you, M".

So it seems that, unlike her father, she was able to read and understand printed words. This does not surprise me, as her brightness long ago eclipsed my own.

One good thing about this is that reading the codes and seeing how it relates to 2 components may have started her on a path of discovery that I haven't been able to initiate. She loves her Volvo, worked hard to get it and wouldn't trade it for the world, but to survive with an older car there's no other way but to get involved. For people clueless of cars and having limited means, or without support or connections to a trustworthy mechanic, I can only imagine what a terrifying world this must be to live in.

Regards,

Peter