Shop Life Story #002
Repair Order #002
Runs Rough
The keys still felt new in Wabbit's hand.
His very first repair order.
His very first customer.
His very first chance to prove Mike hadn't hired the wrong guy.
He found the car sitting quietly outside the bay.
Nothing unusual.
No warning lights.
No strange noises.
Just another vehicle waiting its turn.
The customer met him halfway.
"It just started running rough yesterday."
Wabbit nodded.
"Anything else?"
"No."
"It just doesn't seem to have the power it used to."
"Hopefully it's something simple."
Wabbit smiled.
"Let's find out."
He pulled the car into the bay and lifted the hood.
The engine looked...
normal.
No obvious oil leaks.
No loose hoses.
Nothing immediately stood out.
He reached for the scan tool.
Then stopped.
Something Mike had said echoed in his head.
"K.I.S.S."
"Keep It Simple, Stupid."
"Always check the simple stuff first."
Wabbit looked at the scan tool for a moment.
Then quietly set it back on the cart.
He unclipped the air box.
Lifted the lid.
And just stared.
Leaves.
Pine needles.
Dust.
Enough debris to convince him something had been living there rent-free.
It looked less like an air filter...
...and more like the beginning of a compost pile.
Mike happened to walk by.
He glanced into the open air box.
Didn't even slow down.
"Found it?"
Wabbit held up the filter.
"I think the engine's been trying to breathe through a forest."
Mike chuckled.
"Happens more than you'd think."
A fresh filter went in.
The air box clicked shut.
A quick test drive later...
The engine ran smoothly.
Back at the service counter, Wabbit handed the keys back to the customer.
"So..."
"What was wrong with it?"
Wabbit smiled.
"It turns out..."
"...engines like oxygen."
Service Record
Technician: Wabbit
Customer Complaint: Runs rough.
Diagnosis: Air filter full of nature.
Repair: Replaced air filter.
Lessons Learned: Keep It Simple, Stupid. Always check the simple stuff first.
Next Repair Order
Repair Order #003
Check Engine