I was on the way to my 1:00pm inspection in downtown Philly when my car seemed to running strange. The engine was revving higher than normal and the tach was gauging high. On the way home, I'm on 76 (John understands), the over-congested main highway through Philly. Now my car is really revving high and just won't level out. Out of curiosity, I mash the gas pedal to see what happens and hear a CLUNK. The engine is still running but the drivetrain won't engage. I knew it had to be the transmission. I was in the left lane of a 4 lane section on the road and the shoulder was on the other side. Rush hour in Philly is not a good time to expect other drivers to let you weave through 4 lanes of traffic. Luckily, I had just enough momentum and just enough gracious drivers to get over to the shoulder where I came to a standstill. Looks like my 1996 Explorer has bit the dust. The cost of a new transmission will exceed the value of the car.

I can't complain too much as I haven't had a car payment in 7 years. Looks like that is about to end.