"On the positive side, maybe my tough post might serve to motivate him further. I hope so... I truly understand it is not easy. Old car electronics are definitely not easy."

First, I owe you an apology, Jim. I have no excuse for being so blunt immediately after reading your attempt to be helpful. I've read your posts over the years and only rarely felt the need to offer alternative technical "opinions" because your input is indeed helpful.

In this thread, as in many, the OP is getting a lot of help attempts, but none seem to be effective. It is easy for me to understand why, because I am technical, particularly. And I have experience.

But the big picture here is the OP is working with the person he feels most comfortable with. This is one area where I am a moron: I've never been able to use my instincts to "feel" who is going to give me accurate technical advice. Trust. Too many times my "feel" is wrong, and I trust someone who does not deserve it. So education leading to understanding is my reaction.

The post you made leading to my misdirected and overly critical response was not the one with mistaken advice, but the suggestion the OP adjust his attitude. It was a perfect defense of our friend Phil's efforts seemingly being wasted on the OP.

My mistake is imagining this Brickboard as a place to find help fixing bricks instead of a friendly place for us all to spend too many hours. I do believe as I hear you; that so many people have come to rely on their I-phones to provide You-tube solutions to every problem in life - without need to study or understand - and expect it as an entitlement.

I'll try harder to view this place as fun and games and win Kitty's thumbs instead of Volvo Technical School.

--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

How to Ask Smart Questions