On the way home from work, Michelle noticed that the "ENGINE" light was on.  Having read the manual from cover to cover, she didn't think much about it other than to take it easy for the final four miles to the house.  She planned to call Swift Chrysler-Davis on Wednesday, the 2nd, for an appointment to check out the problem.
     She was three miles from home when the "OIL" light came on and the engine died.  DIED, absolutely nothing, nada, zip.  She steered to the side of the road where she put the transmission in park and set the handbrake.  She called the Chrysler 800 number and the tow truck was there within 45 minutes.

     Rose was loaded on the tow truck and transported to Auto West Chrysler in the Roseville Auto Mall.  Being as late as it was, Michelle completed the paperwork and said goodnight to Ramblin' Rose.  She promised her that she'd be back the next day.
     The following day, we called the service department twice before being advised that the problem was "electronic" and not mechanical.
     The "Crank" Sensor had gone bad.  They would have a replacement from another dealer later that day and have the car ready by the end of the day.  Taking advantage of the "wait" time, we asked them to change the oil and filter since we were a little over the 6000 mile mark.

     Michelle picked up Rose at 5:00 on Wednesday.  The car was ready as promised.  The repair had been made but... they had washed it.  Our problem, not theirs.  We forgot to tell them that only one person has ever washed Rose.
     We weren't excited about a power wash sprayer and non-Zaino carwash soap being applied to Ramblin' Rose.  We will make a point of telling the next "alien" dealer to HOLD THE WASH, Thank you.
     Swift Chrysler in Davis, our Five-Star dealer, has it noted on our records.

     The result of the first major calamity was a greater understanding of the complex world of electronics and automobiles.  It also took one Five Star Dealer off our list of preferred service departments.  Why? 
     Good question.  Briefly, we initiated all the phone calls, they did not have the parts, they left the car's interior smudged with oil and grease.
     When Michelle brought the grease and oil spots to their attention, they cleaned most of them and offered to fill the tank with gas. 
     We finished cleaning the interior when Michelle got the car home.  Not a pleasant experience for us.

 To contact us in the garage, during regular PT CRUISER maintenance periods