Originally posted to Nissan Forums:

My check engine light recently came back on in my 1997 Nissan Maxima SE. I took it to AutoZone, an employee checked for codes, and found the following:

0325: Knock Sensor Circuit Malfunction

0400: EGR function – no/low flow detected

0500: Vehicle speed sensor circuit fault

0600: AT Communication error

I’ve seen at least 3 of these 4 codes previously (possibly all 4; my memory fails me) when dealing with a recurring issue: My speedometer would sporadically not activate (for lack of a better word) when driving. The issue started occurring more frequently until I finally took it to a mechanic, who gave me two options: A quick but likely temporary fix at a lower cost or a more expensive but permanent fix. I opted for the less expensive fix and didn’t experience the issue again for several months.

I started having the same issue again recently (speedometer not activating), but smacking the dashboard directly above the speedometer would sometimes temporarily force the speedometer to work again.

I haven’t noticed the car handling any differently and haven’t had the speedometer issue in the last week or so, but I’m concerned that the AutoZone employee found 4 trouble codes. I’m not that concerned about driving around town, but I sometimes visit family out of town and I don’t want to take my Maxima on the highway without first knowing that it’s safe.

As for many others in this economy (and terrible, terrible job market), money is tight right now, so I don’t want to spend more than absolutely necessary to resolve these issues once and for all; however, I also don’t want to neglect my or my family’s safety.

What would you all advise?

While reading the story of Joseph in Genesis today, I found myself angered when the chief butler forgot Joseph for two years (Genesis 40:23). No other element of the story is as aggravating: Jacob making public show of favoritism toward Joseph, Joseph’s adolescent error in sharing his dream with his brothers, the other sons of Jacob plotting to kill Joseph, Reuben’s frustrated plot to hide Joseph then sneak him back to Jacob, the sons of Jacob lying to their father about his favorite son’s fate, Joseph’s enslavement, and Joseph’s imprisonment for false accusations. None of them evoke the anger toward a man restored to prominence and who forgets an act of divine and personal benevolence for two years.

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A few weeks ago, I was in my car and pulling out of my apartment complex when I thought I heard an airplane flying overhead. I soon realized my car was making the sound, but only when first accelerating. Once the car reached approximately 25 mph, the noise stopped.

I thought the issue might be low tire air pressure, so I checked my tires. Air pressure was normal.

I thought the issue might be a part dragging on the ground. When my car was stopped, I looked underneath and nothing seemed to be hanging low.

The sound has continued up until 25 mph for the last few weeks, but today, when pulling out of another parking lot, my car made an awful high-pitched squeal. The sounds stopped a minute later, but the experience was unsettling and the rumbling sound from before persisted while below a certain speed.

When I arrived home today, I looked under my car again and noticed my car’s muffler was rusted:

Is it likely a rusted muffler is the culprit? If so, what would be the least expensive (yet still safe) solution? I’ve been unemployed for the better part of two years and the job I work now only lasts until the project ends.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

UPDATE: I took my car to a local auto repair shop and, while my muffler indeed looks rough, it is not leaking. The problem causing the awful sounds is instead with the rear brakes. It doesn’t take a mechanic to know that’s not good.

This is very bad news as the ballpark estimate for repairing the issue is considerably more than the cost of installing a new muffler.

Futurama: The Complete Collection is on sale for $85 USD (list price: $199.98 USD) shipped on Amazon today (Thursday, March 11, 2010).

The pack includes all episodes of the Futurama television series, all four Futurama movies, and a collectible Bender head.

I may have to break down and finally spend some of the Christmas gift money I’ve been hoarding.

Update: HUZZAH! Just ordered the Collection from Amazon a few minutes ago.

I recently decided to write a screenplay and need some help figuring out the formatting and other technical details. It had been a few months since I had visited my local library, so I decided to drop by and check out a few books and a DVD:

1. Aristotle’s Poetics for Screenwriters: Storytelling Secrets From the Greatest Mind in Western Civilization
2. Screenwriting for Dummies
3. Syd Field’s Screenwriting Workshop
4. Teach Yourself Screenwriting, Third Edition
5. Writing a Great Movie: Key Tools for Successful Screenwriting

I just got the books home; I have the books for 3 weeks and the DVD for one week. I’ll try to remember to post again if any of the resources listed above were especially helpful.

If you have any books or videos you’d recommend for an aspiring screenwriter (especially resources that cover technical details like formatting), please leave a comment with your recommendation.