RIP Don Cornelius

Soul Train gave millions of suburban kids a peek inside urban music and trends.  Cornelius died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound today.  He was 75.

Heidfeld's 1999 Mercedes CLR at Le Mans

Even this Heidfeld fan didn't realize that the Merc he co-drove with Dumbreck and Bouchut was the one that flipped spectacularly.  Let's hope he's luckier at this year's race in Le Mans.

VW Phaeton fault codes that show up when the car is fine*

*The Phaeton has been running flawlessly.  Every feature works, with the exception of the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).  The flat tire light is on constantly, despite the fact that all the tires are properly inflated. I've been told by Phaeton owners both before and after my purchase to ignore this common problem.  Even after shelling out $1,300 to repair the problem, there is a high likelihood that the light would erroneously come back on.

Today, I had the Phaeton's oil changed and tires rotated.  The local independent was kind enough to plug in the diagnostic tool and print out for me the readout.  Here are the findings.  Again, I have noticed zero faults with the car, with the exception of the TPMS.

The following systems had no fault codes:

• Engine
• Transmission
• ABS brakes
• Locking and starting system
• Seat memory- passenger
• HVAC
• Airbags
• Steering wheel
• Instruments
• CAN gateway
• Left light
• Level control
• Seat memory- driver
• Navigation
• Right light
• Central convenience
• Sound system
• Wipers
• Battery charger
• Telematics

Here are the parts that contained fault codes:

• Control head: supply voltage terminal, lower limit exceeded intermittently
• Central electrical: intervention load management
• Sunroof: signal to sunroof, intermittent motor for wind deflector, sunroof shade motor
• TPMS: no signal and initialization not successful

I suspect that new batteries will correct some of the faults.  Am also considering paying $75 to have the TPMS warning light turned off.

Hoarding Ford Crown Vics

Am trying to work this into a Hooniverse post.  Telstar Logistics took this picture at CHP's West Sacramento yard last weekend.

Romney and his Super PAC bought $16m in negative ads in Florida

That's right.  In barely a week, the Romney pack has bought over 12,000 TV ads in Florida in anticipation of tomorrow's primary.  He is destroying his opponent Newt Gingrich.  But what is the long term effect?  How can Floridians remember anything positive about Romney in November if all they remember is this?

BTW, Newt and his billionaire casino magnate backer have only been able to spend $4m in Florida.

After Florida, we have another 46 state contests to go!

Phaeton versus tree at "highway speeds"

The driver's only injury was a femur fracture.

Van Halen (with David Lee Roth) coming out with new album

It's been 28 years since their last album together.

Occupy Oakland destroys 1906 scale model of City Hall

That just ain't right.

Occupy Oakland yesterday

The protests, and the City of Oakland's action/inaction, are getting ridiculous.  Mayor Quan is possibly the most inept mayor in recent Oakland history, and that's saying a lot.

Another video here.

Saleen S7

Saw a Saleen on the road yesterday.  Took me about five seconds to process what it was.  It's pretty big and imposing, for such a low car.

Also, I'm planning on going to Irvine's Cars & Coffee in early or mid April.  So if any of yous want to meet up, that would be great.