<VV> Was: Corvair Research - Human factor. Now: Human Factor (Humor) No Corvair Content!

[George Jones]

Speaking of human factor and automotive design, I rented a car on a recent
business trip, and since they had no American cars left, I was stuck with an
08 Nissan Altima.

They pulled the car up and I loaded my luggage, got in and familiarized
myself with the controls (mirrors, lights, wipers, shifter, etc.) and off I
went. First stop was a restaurant about 30 minutes from the airport (read:
in the boonies). Got out, locked the doors, took the key fob with me
(noticed that there was no key) and went in to eat a great meal.

Afterwards, I went out to the car, unlocked it with the keyfob got in and
pushed the start button. Nothing. All instruments seem to work, and pushing
the start button illuminated the dash and cycled between the Lock, ACC and
ON positions, but it just wouldn't start. Checked the shifter and it was in
Park, so the shifter interlock shouldn't be a problem. Opened the glove box
to grab the users manual and pulled out this sleek plastic case. No Manual!
Just a DVD.

Now I'm in trouble. There is no DVD player in the car, and the battery on my
laptop was depleted from usage on the flight from Salt Lake City to
Pittsburgh. I went back into the restraunt and asked if they had a DVD
player I could use for a moment or two. No such luck, they were stuck in the
80's with only a VCR. So I looked at the Rental Car Companies tag on the
keyfob. You think they would have their phone number on it. No such luck.
They barely had the license plate number on it.

I went back out to see if I could figure it out when a guy came out of the
restaurant and said he noticed I was having trouble. He also had an Altima
as a company car. He was the one that told me the car wouldn't start unless
your foot was on the brake pedal. It also had an interlock on the shifter,
but someone somewhere thought it would be prudent to and a second interlock.
But, I want to find the MORON who decided a DVD operators manual was a good
thing!!!!!!!!!




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George Jones
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Tidewater Corvair Club (since 1987)
Central Virginia Corvair Club (since 2006)
Corvair Society of America (CORSA)(since 1987)
'65 Monza Crown V8 Convertible
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2397326
'66 Monza Coupe Custom (in progress)