Malibu replacement

[kevm14]

Here's the Malibu. I'll have to take some with my real camera.

WP_001427.jpg

WP_001428.jpg

Since I had to drive it to Newport and back yesterday, I had a chance to reflect that it still drives fine. Rides normally, handles normally, no squeaks/rattles. But the body is really past the point of reasonably keeping it, imo. And Jamie would like increased utility from a mid-size sedan. So here we are.

[kevm14]

I also forgot to mention that I thought the CD/DVD player was broken. I kept trying to play the movie and it said disc read error. I got out my CD player cleaning disc and put alcohol on it like I did with the Maxima (which worked). Still no luck.

Then I realized I had inserted the Blu-ray.

The DVD played nicely.

Damn two-packs. The transformation to old man begins now.

[kevm14]

Like my CTS-V, the SRX uses a 6-lug wheel hub. I wonder if someone would notice prior to stealing the rims (because they are useless to anything but another SRX).

[kevm14]

There is a fuse block under both the right and left side of the rear seats. My CTS-V has at least one there, as well.

[kevm14]

Northstar takes 8 quarts for oil fill! This was a Mobil 1 factory fill (requires GM4718M, like my CTS-V) so I will need to see what the Northstar likes (maybe GC 0W-30).

12.5 qt coolant fill.

6.7 qt for trans pan drop and refill.

Overall, this vehicle is at just the right age and mileage that if I go through it and do maintenance, that should extend its life.

[kevm14]

I know I'm just randomly streaming thoughts at this point but so what-

The CTS wagon had an analog oil pressure gauge as part of the instrument cluster. That was nice to see.

[kevm14]

Whoa. V92 means mechanical fan. Kinda funny for a Northstar to be turning a mechanical fan. I don't recall seeing that in my brief look under the hood, so I guess that means no V92. I need the RPO codes. My OCD is acting up.

Ooh, even better. V92 not only meant mechanical fan, but it also had two small pusher fans on the bottom half of the radiator (well, in front of the condenser) which effectively acted as transmission cooler fans. The trans cooler is in that general location.

[kevm14]

Just ordered this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/121603532563?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

Having a hard time finding the ashtray door/applique piece. May have to buy more than just that piece, which will cost more, and I still need to make sure it matches the rest of the wood trim.

Fun fact about the rear seat entertainment system: the car originally came with FOUR sets of wireless headphones. The extra pair comes when you select the 3rd row seating option.

Uhh...I think the wireless audio works via IR transmitter (explains what I saw on the top of the screen). Now that's something.

[kevm14]

I found this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2008-CADILLAC-S ... 76&vxp=mtr

or this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-2009-CADIL ... 42&vxp=mtr

or this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-2009-CADIL ... ae&vxp=mtr

or this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/08-CADILLAC-SRX ... 19&vxp=mtr

I dunno if I can just replace the applique/door or what. But it's just cosmetic so maybe I'll wait on this. Pretty big eye sore though, right at the bottom/center of the console, in front of the shifter.

[bill25]

Did you buy the SRX? I am confused. Did I miss that?

~Edit - Oh yeah, I missed it. Congratulations!