What have you done to your CX-3 today?

[SparkYellow]

The trunk space in the CX-3 is very limited so I have tried many different ways to organize my gears/supplies. Today I settle on a version that is hopefully final. Most of my wrenches, tools, and fasteners are in the three pouches strapped to the upper deck. A welding felt covers the pouches so they don't get hot under the sun.

My tray of sockets is in a drawer in the center of the trunk. Other car supplies are in the two totes. The backseat will be for groceries and etc.

 

[SparkYellow]

Installed battery #4 on my 2017 this morning. Placed the order late last night. Item is in stock but the order was still being processed after 9:30 am. I wonder if they're saving battery pickups for later because most folks expect free installation and they're short staffed. Drove over, picked up the battery, and installed in the lot. Asked clerk #1 if they'd be able to help check the alternator voltage, he said they would if I come back later, like after 12 and 1 pm. They were taking turns helping customer and receiving deliveries from the semi.

The sticker says it's 3/26 new but the voltage was 11.7v immediately after install. Asked clerk #2 and he said it's normal and will work itself out. For how long though? Knew this was a possibility so I kept the SAE ring connectors on the terminal/chassis and am boosting the brand new battery now.

Gave them a core from the Suburban that is not driven so I can keep the weak old one as a backup.

 

[SparkYellow]

At 179,340 miles with 1.5 quarts of VRP and the rest Castrol GTX, both full synthetic 5w30. Yes I understand that different brands offer different additive packages. Going forward, 3K with lowest cost full syn oil plus one of the 3 aftermarket filters left on my shelf.

 

[SparkYellow]

It started raining again in my area so I thought what better time to upgrade the solar panel on my roof. The 40w flexible panel has been serving me well since October 2024. Well bigger is better and I can always have more than enough juice. The roof is good for most 100w panels. Removing the current panel was a major pain. The alien tape wouldn't budge under the plastic razor. It was my sashimi knife that helped. I tilted the blade upward to avoid scraping the roof. I didn't have to use five strips of tapes, two would have been enough. The panel was cracked under the blunt force I applied to pull it away from the tape. I would have liked to keep it intact.

Will use magnets to secure the new 100w panel. Maybe a strip of tape at the very front to prevent lift-off.

... The magnets pictured below do not fit the grommets on the panel. The alternative plan is to use magnetic strips with adhesive backing. However, since the roof on the CX-3 is curved from left to right, AND from front to back, the semi flexible panel does not stay flush with only magnets. I may have to use alien tape after all.

 

[SparkYellow]

The curves of the roof makes it hard for the panel to stay planted with magnets. Alien tape can hold it down but I don't want to mess with tape again. Will just treat this as a portable unit. It rides in the ceiling with support of bungees between the handle bars.

Found a 50w panel that is shorter and might be a good fit for the rear of the roof.