I just wanted to take the time to thank everyone who has ever contributed to this site as it was always a tremendous resource of useful information! I can’t begin to count the number of times I used the site to search for almost anything related to DIY write ups and enjoyed the countless discussions or topics on just about anything Acadia or lambda related. True I haven’t posted much or contribute much in past years but that was just it life got in the way and the Acadia was a solid workhorse for which I had no gripe so no need to come back to the site but I did drop in every now and then. I do want to thank everyone again from GeoHawk, RBarrios and Speleos. There are many more but you get the point. Thank you to everyone and anyone who either directly and indirectly helped me during my ownership of perhaps one of the most solid, dependable and almost trouble free SUVs that served me and our family for 12 years and 104,033 miles. My motto when it comes to car ownership is and always will be— you take care of me and I will take care of you, meaning I put in a lot of care and maintenance aka TLC and you‘d had better reciprocate!
i have to say it is bitter sweet to part ways the way I did but a bit of backstory or summary so to speak and in absolutely no way not meant to bash the Acadia as I stand by my statements. i was getting the Acadia ready for another round trip to Florida for spring break with the family. I had just worked on the TECHM as I suspected a few sluggish gear changes related to this and I was correct. I also replaced the passenger side cv axle for the 3rd time (apparently notorious for this and yes my engine mounts are almost me as I’ve replaced them as well) and I also went ahead and replaced both inner and outer tie rods as I had pretty much rebuilt the entire front and rear suspension on my own over the past 2 year. Plugs done the year before as well. As you can see I’m a bit cautious and OCD when it comes to my cars. Anyways Out of the blue the Acadia finally failed to start 2 days ago. initially I started to hear what sounded like a lazy starter but yesterday out of the blue I got a check engine light with code P0336. Since our trip is fast approaching and since I no longer wanted to invest anymore money into the Acadia at 12 years old and merely throw parts or pay for proper diagnosis I finally decided it was time to part ways with it. I intended to use it as a trade in but it wouldn’t start even after I changed out the crankshaft position sensor. I had a few mechanic friends of mine tell me to go after the starter but I didn’t feel like dropping the catalytic converter as I know I likely would have snapped the bolt since I’m in the snow belt of the world here and also didn’t want to spend any more money on parts or to have the issue/code properly diagnosed nor invest the time or money. There were other factors also that influenced my decision to let the Acadia go like the leaking R&P as well as a ever so slightly noisy PS pump and a few likely insignificant coolant and oil leaks that I no longer wanted to get after so I sold it as is to my BIL’s bro who happens to be an ASE mechanic and knows the lambda 3.8L like the back of his hand. He initially thought it was the starter too but suspects timing chains despite such a good clean record of maintenance and no issues or even any signs or symptoms other than the crank no start and P0336 two days ago! He plans on getting back in the road one way or another and giving to his 18YO daughter and I do hope that it continues to be decent vehicle for someone else.
today I sign off and say goodbye and again many many thanks to everyone who contributes to the forum! in case you are left wondering I pretty much gave the truck away knowing there was a trade off and if it had been running the dealership would have offered me up to $4500 for trade in but I’m sure I could have bargained more due to its clean bill of health and my record keeping and OCD maintenance schedule.
I will now head off and make new friends in the Subaru Ascent Forum. My wife and I picked up a 2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Limited Edition. I like the vehicle but was sticker shocked especially since I found the Acadias original- still intact- window sticker in the glove box as I cleaned It out today.
something too funny not to mention is we purchased the Acadia 12 years ago almost to this date (March 2011) before the birth of our son and here we are today doing the same. Coincidence or fate? And my 12 YO son who accompanied my wife and I to the dealer was like “dad so you’re telling me I was technically the 1st to ride in the Acadia when I was in moms belly and now out of you’re 3 kids I’m the 1st again?” Such a smart *** this kid!
i have to say it is bitter sweet to part ways the way I did but a bit of backstory or summary so to speak and in absolutely no way not meant to bash the Acadia as I stand by my statements. i was getting the Acadia ready for another round trip to Florida for spring break with the family. I had just worked on the TECHM as I suspected a few sluggish gear changes related to this and I was correct. I also replaced the passenger side cv axle for the 3rd time (apparently notorious for this and yes my engine mounts are almost me as I’ve replaced them as well) and I also went ahead and replaced both inner and outer tie rods as I had pretty much rebuilt the entire front and rear suspension on my own over the past 2 year. Plugs done the year before as well. As you can see I’m a bit cautious and OCD when it comes to my cars. Anyways Out of the blue the Acadia finally failed to start 2 days ago. initially I started to hear what sounded like a lazy starter but yesterday out of the blue I got a check engine light with code P0336. Since our trip is fast approaching and since I no longer wanted to invest anymore money into the Acadia at 12 years old and merely throw parts or pay for proper diagnosis I finally decided it was time to part ways with it. I intended to use it as a trade in but it wouldn’t start even after I changed out the crankshaft position sensor. I had a few mechanic friends of mine tell me to go after the starter but I didn’t feel like dropping the catalytic converter as I know I likely would have snapped the bolt since I’m in the snow belt of the world here and also didn’t want to spend any more money on parts or to have the issue/code properly diagnosed nor invest the time or money. There were other factors also that influenced my decision to let the Acadia go like the leaking R&P as well as a ever so slightly noisy PS pump and a few likely insignificant coolant and oil leaks that I no longer wanted to get after so I sold it as is to my BIL’s bro who happens to be an ASE mechanic and knows the lambda 3.8L like the back of his hand. He initially thought it was the starter too but suspects timing chains despite such a good clean record of maintenance and no issues or even any signs or symptoms other than the crank no start and P0336 two days ago! He plans on getting back in the road one way or another and giving to his 18YO daughter and I do hope that it continues to be decent vehicle for someone else.
today I sign off and say goodbye and again many many thanks to everyone who contributes to the forum! in case you are left wondering I pretty much gave the truck away knowing there was a trade off and if it had been running the dealership would have offered me up to $4500 for trade in but I’m sure I could have bargained more due to its clean bill of health and my record keeping and OCD maintenance schedule.
I will now head off and make new friends in the Subaru Ascent Forum. My wife and I picked up a 2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Limited Edition. I like the vehicle but was sticker shocked especially since I found the Acadias original- still intact- window sticker in the glove box as I cleaned It out today.
something too funny not to mention is we purchased the Acadia 12 years ago almost to this date (March 2011) before the birth of our son and here we are today doing the same. Coincidence or fate? And my 12 YO son who accompanied my wife and I to the dealer was like “dad so you’re telling me I was technically the 1st to ride in the Acadia when I was in moms belly and now out of you’re 3 kids I’m the 1st again?” Such a smart *** this kid!
