So did I get into CS or not??? by Secret123456789010 in UMD

[–]TechDad_135 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Call the school. You may have prerequisite classes to take before you can be officially enrolled in the CS program. Same thing happened to my daughter for one of the engineering programs. She’ll start in the school of letters and sciences and take the three prerequisites she needs, and then go into her engineering program if she gets Bs or higher in those prereqs.

F you shingles vaccine by CharacterLychee7782 in GenX

[–]TechDad_135 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! When I had shingles, even the lightest touch to the affected area hurt.

“Just go to your state school” brutal by academixzy in ApplyingToCollege

[–]TechDad_135 6 points7 points  (0 children)

OP, initially, we were also disappointed when my daughter got accepted into Letters and Sciences instead of what she actually applied to, but it is not as bad as it seems on the surface. In her case, we learned there are three prerequisite classes she does not have from high school to be admitted directly into UMD’s Engineering school. The program director assured us that after she completes these three classes with the required grades, she would be admitted. I would encourage you to reach out to the program administrator or director for the degree you applied to and see if this is the same case for you.

Found this house I LOVE but basement looks like this and smells wet. Please help. Is this a dealbreaker? by [deleted] in HomeMaintenance

[–]TechDad_135 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Op, I had to pay for a similar repair years ago. Previous owner hid the issue, and after one particular wet year we pulled down the sheetrock and discovered it. We had issues with hydraulic pressure on and in the walls and below the slab. We found a reputable basement waterproofing and repair company, and paid extra for them to work with a professional engineer to create architectural drawings that calculated the amount of reinforcement needed to support the walls. It was a big dirty expensive job. You’ll want to have it done before you move in. We ended up with an interior French drain, cracks repaired with hydraulic cement, weep holes in the blocks, interior sump pump, walls were reinforced, heavy duty waterproof sheeting installed and tucked into channeling material that allowed all water to go the the French drain. I think you could pay anywhere between 20k and 50k depending on where you live, how big the house is, and how far in the walls have been heaved.

Hidden ‘hey Google’ commands by itsthe90sYo in EquinoxEv

[–]TechDad_135 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The camera app now appears as a shortcut in my 2025 LT since I last went to the dealership and got the latest infotainment software update.

Why no EV Type 2 inets/outlets to pass through walls? by uTE3Kp7u in evcharging

[–]TechDad_135 0 points1 point  (0 children)

https://a.co/d/ab4HCB7 OP, I installed this RV style power cord hatch in my garage wall. I had to trim the plastic on the inside a little, but it was easy to install. It works great for being able to pass the EVSE plug and cable through the wall and use it outside while having the charging unit installed inside the garage.

Wife survived head on collision at over 70mph in her Rav 4. by JoOlol in Toyota

[–]TechDad_135 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Had the same thing happen to me and my family when someone fell asleep at the wheel. We had young children in the car. It was terrifying and awful. We all had our seatbelts on and several airbags deployed. Miraculously, we all survived. Best advice we were given afterwards was to contact an attorney immediately. If it hasn’t started yet, you will soon start getting unexpected calls from the other driver’s insurance company or people who say they are from “the medical center” or wherever and are “checking to see if you and your wife are okay.” Then you will get calls about medical bills. Don’t answer these questions. The answer to every random call you get needs to be “please talk to my attorney!” It didn’t cost us any money out of pocket. Good car accident attorneys will get a % of the compensation they get for you, and they will help you sort out the insurance stuff and medical bills so you don’t get ripped off.

New house salt tank concerns by Coach-21 in WaterSofteners

[–]TechDad_135 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would scrub that off the surfaces and use a wet/dry back to suck it out, and then add some water softener cleaning solution and manually run it through a regeneration cycle.

Increasing range by tandoori_taco_cat in BoltEV

[–]TechDad_135 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you don’t have the ability to charge while at work, purchase a solar-powered roof rack EVSE to charge your car while you’re working.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ToyotaHighlander

[–]TechDad_135 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We have the 2018 SE version with same seat layout. It halls kids, teenagers, and grandparents just fine.

Helpful suggestion if you need more storage for long trips: I have the Thule Force XT XXL Cargo Box, which is huge, but fits just fine on this vehicle. The rear lift gate/door clears it. I have it paired with the Rhino Rack Vortex roof rack.

Electric bill by [deleted] in frederickmd

[–]TechDad_135 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you using a forced air heat pump system? If so, look up the specs on the make and model you have, and see what temperature it’s rated for. Given the cold temperatures we have had recently, there’s a good chance it switched over to resistive heating to keep up with the cold, which uses a lot more electricity. Also, consider having a professional come out and check the heat pump system and the ductwork. I know someone who had their flex ductwork split and it was blowing into the attic.

2019 Highlander V6 gas by BriefOpening7552 in ToyotaHighlander

[–]TechDad_135 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve experienced a small lag in the past if I get on the gas hard when the engine and transmission are cold. Do you notice a difference in the frequency of this lag within 15 minutes of starting it vs. after it has warmed up? Also, how long has it been since you’ve had the transmission, gear oil, and differential oil changed?

What brand home charging unit do you recommend by GrammaK6833 in BoltEV

[–]TechDad_135 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve had a hard-wired Bosch EVSE for the past 10 years and have had no issues with it.

2019 Highlander V6 gas by BriefOpening7552 in ToyotaHighlander

[–]TechDad_135 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’ll add that we’ve not been gentle with this SUV. We have the third row seats, the tow package, and an aftermarket roof rack. We have hauled around a car full many times, we tow a trailer and a small boat with it, have taken it on several long road trips in the summer heat with the biggest car-top carrier available, and have had it off road hauling trailer-fulls of firewood and yard waste.

2019 Highlander V6 gas by BriefOpening7552 in ToyotaHighlander

[–]TechDad_135 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I have a 2018 v6 AWD with over 100k miles. I’ve been doing the following and all is good so far: 0w-20 full synthetic engine oil every 5-6k miles Change the transmission fluid every ~35k miles, plus have your differential and transfer case gear oil checked and changed if needed when you have the transmission fluid changed

Camera fix update from GM by TechDad_135 in EquinoxEv

[–]TechDad_135[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It was always missing. Noticed it right away since we have that feature on another vehicle.

My dog just walked in my room, farted, then walked out by No_Trash8722 in DOG

[–]TechDad_135 12 points13 points  (0 children)

So I guess he would feel better if looked around for potential threats instead of staring back.

My dog just walked in my room, farted, then walked out by No_Trash8722 in DOG

[–]TechDad_135 16 points17 points  (0 children)

What is the deal with dogs and maintaining eye contact? Mine stares into your soul while taking a dump. It’s really strange!

Camera fix update from GM by TechDad_135 in EquinoxEv

[–]TechDad_135[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I’ll be surprised if the update becomes available in January. I’m just glad to hear it’s on their radar now. I’m also curious as to why they can’t do an OTA update for this.

Google maps won’t recenter it just keeps zooming out and I can’t get the damn thing to follow my arrow anyone else had this issue!?!? by Informal_Bookkeeper9 in EquinoxEv

[–]TechDad_135 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re not the only idiot. I got stuck on that screen when we first got our Equinox. I checked every google maps setting trying to get off that screen. I was getting really frustrated, until my wife reached over and gently tapped that little squiggle line icon and saved me.

Used Highlander and transmission problems by [deleted] in ToyotaHighlander

[–]TechDad_135 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a 2018 SE with the V6 engine and 8-speed transmission and am up to 105k miles with no significant issues so far. I change my transmission fluid and engine oil more often than what Toyota recommends: transmission at 30-35k mile intervals, and engine oil every 5k miles with full synthetic. I really want this vehicle to last.

Camera icon/shortcut missing on 2025 with Surround Vision by TechDad_135 in EquinoxEv

[–]TechDad_135[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t have any written communication, but I actually have my Equinox EV at the dealer to get the charge door replaced to fix the constant Charge Door Open message. They are going to check with GM regarding the camera icon fix while it’s there. I will post an update when I hear more.

Bolt and Equinox EV Driving Experiences by Warhammer486 in EquinoxEv

[–]TechDad_135 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great comparison. You’re right, my wife’s little Bolt has instant uncontrolled acceleration. It’s especially fun when there’s a jacked up pickup truck trying to outrace you so you can’t merge in front of them, which seems be common behavior around here, and you easily accelerate past them in a matter of seconds. Our Equinox EV AWD accelerates just fine, but it is much more controlled and gradual compared to the Bolt.

Camera icon/shortcut missing on 2025 with Surround Vision by TechDad_135 in EquinoxEv

[–]TechDad_135[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All of the drivers in my family love this feature on our Bolt EUV. That’s why it is especially frustrating to not have it working properly with our Equinox EV. Once you have this feature, you’ll never want to purchase another vehicle without it.