[Roadtrip]

Steve is right about the Spica system getting blamed when it's not its fault. My Spica system has run for 3 years now without being touched, except for a bad microswitch (which is easily and quickly diagnosed). And even that is not a "must-replace-immediately" item.

Unfortunately, good Spica mechanics are few and far between, so most owners are going to have to rely on their own moxy and initiative.

I would encourage Spica owners to understand their fuel injection system, to the point of doing easy and simple diagnostics procedures and inspections . . . none of which are invasive to the point of changing the tune of the system. Also, if the cars are driven away from the home area, a little bit of knowledge and a copy of the Roadside Diagnostics Guide in the glove compartment could get you back on the road again instead of a tow charge. The fix could be as simple as removing the #6 fuse to cut power to a shorted fuel cutoff microswitch . . . or if you don't mind getting your hands a little diry and you still want to have your low fuel/oil press warning lights, disconnect the power lead to the microswitch. In the case of a broken compensator link spring, a rubber band and a paperclip make an emergency substitute.