Update 3/8/08 -
OK... so, I've only owned it since October, but I think I've learned a LOT about these things because of all the damn repairs!
Previously, I got rid of the no starting issue by flipping on the headlights when I got the strange electrical issues related to the alarm.
Maybe there was a lose current in the electrical system somewhere related to the alarm and the lighting system, but what did the trick (and I haven't had a single repeat of this issue again) was that when I would turn off the truck, if the dome light when I opened the truck did not come all the way on, then I knew I would have this issue with the alarm not working properly (remote wouldn't open the car, etc.) and the alarm function would leave the starter disengaged, so if I saw the dome lights dim and not full lit, then I would turn on the headlights, and the dome lights would shine full. This signaled me that the rest of the electrical system would work fine.
I had to do that maybe two or three times when I figured out that this would fix the mystery, and I haven't had to do it again not for probably 1-2 months.
the truck has however had more issues with starting up...
I had a timing issue that had to be fixed short of changing out the timing chain (probably will need that to happen within the next 4-6 months actually according to the mechanic... not a cheap job by the way... labor will be like 450$!), and a spark plug change, which really helped pep the car up and got me a little better gas mileage.
A week later the car just stopped starting at all and wouldn't even turn over at all.
I had my sales guys help me push it to the local mechanic and it turned out that the starter motor was done.
Picked up a lifetime warranty premuim rebuilt unit from my NAPA dealer at wholesale and gave it to the mechanic and we are back in business! YES!
I'm hoping that all these fixes will give me 70-100k out of the truck. I'd hate to fix it all up and not get the benefits out of it. I always feel bad for those guys that fix up a car, get sick of fixing it and sell it at a killer deal to the next guy who gets a fixed car, that lasts him for a long time with no headaches... I'm committed to reaping the benefits on my money damn it!
OK... here's another question for you guys:
I thought the fleted change holder in the dash would slide out for easier access and I snapped off half of it with my finger! ARG! the dash was PERFECT before this as the previous owner had had it replaced under warranty due to warping in the sun or something....
I'm guessing I can probably buy JUST that piece from my LR dealer at wholesale, but I am curious if anyone has a clue how to install it?
OR am I shafted and that whole thing is one piece... I hope not.
-John Paul
PS - by the way, the start up issues did not have anything to do with the Battery, nor alternator, which I ended up not having to replace (although I did get a brand new battery) and was still good after all.
