MIKE has now completed 19,500 kms in what's less than 2 years now.
The service was due in the month of April, but since i was out of town then, wasnt able to do the same. Heading out to this service, there were a couple of things which needed to be sorted out :
1.) There was some difficulty in slotting the car into third gear from the neutral position. Similar when downshifting from 4th as well. However, 2nd to 3rd had no issues at all, and worked like a charm. Needed to be checked.
2.) Another bent rim, thanks to another highway run, and jumping at speed into a pothole. This was on the front left wheel.
I was informed that there was a problem with the outer shaft, as a result of which the gear wasnt engaging properly. Would be taken care of under warranty, but the part currently wasnt in stock. Was told i would get it in about 3 days. Since i use the bike to commute to office, it didnt really inconvenience me much, although it did mean having to cancel some outings over the weekend, as the car is used primarily for these. With Cauvery Ford opting out of the Ford dealership in Bangalore, they are just sticking to fulfillment of their prior commitements, including my car's service. Hence, I was fine with the delay.
The actual process took about a week, for the part to finally come in, and for me to receive the car. Apparently, one of the parts which did come in wasnt up to standards.
I got the car back on Saturday evening (delay during delivery as well), and was happy to see that the gears were now slotting beautifully, just like a new car. I insisted that i would pay up only after i was satisfied with the work carried out.
Paid up, and left the dealership with the car. Time was about 7:30 PM. Suddenly, it was raining cats and dogs in Bangalore. One flick of the stalk to switch on the wipers, and LO!! Nothing happens!! Visibility during the rains is now almost nill. I am shocked! i use the rear lights of another car as a guide and get to the side of the road and stop. Call up the service advisor. He asks me to check out if the fuse has blown.
This is the first time i am even checking out the fuse box, although i know it exists. I see that one of the fuses is missing!! I know the spare fuses are there somewhere in the boot, but the heavy rain doesnt inspire me to step out and look for it.
Wifey pops out the manual. We come across the fuse for the radio; i gingerly use my fingers to pull out this fuse (of similar rating) and then stumbling in the dark with just illumination from my mobile phone, slot this into the fuse slot for the wipers. Finally, the wipers are up and wiping, although it did mean having to drive back with no music.
I get back home and then locate the spare fuses and replace the missing fuse. Need to get another spare now for the same rating.
Post service, my Autocop has also been reset, and it doesnt work now. Need to get that attended to by the service folk from Autocop.