“Gate Ajar”

“Gate Ajar” — That’s what our 2005 Chevy Malibu Maxx tells us just about every time we start the engine now. That message means that the “trunk” lid is open, but of course it never is. I suppose it’s just the car’s electronic “brain” showing the effects of “old age” since we’re closing in on 100,00 miles.
 
But the car thinks the trunk is open nonetheless, and it simply refuses to stop its incessant beeping and nagging until one of us gets out of the vehicle, pops the trunk, and then closes it again. Never mind the fact that it’s my car, and if I wish to drive around with the trunk lid open I’ll do it, thank you very much.
 
Memo to the Malibu: I don’t need or want you nagging at me over something as trivial as a perceived open trunk lid! Now if the oil level is critically low, nag away. After all, that’s a serious situation that would require a quick resolution in order to prevent major engine damage. And if the gas tank is about to run dry, by all means tell me – I hate walking to the nearest gas station! But just because YOU think I have accidentally left the trunk lid open, that in no way constitutes an emergency.
 
Sometimes I long for the good ole days before cars came equipped with computers and Microsoft Windows, but nowadays they do so I guess I’ll just have to get used to all the nagging. Memo to the younger guys out there: You might as well just dispense with the notion of finding a wife and marry your car! After all, why burden yourself with two sources of nagging when you can get by with just one? (Just kidding, Honey…)