Dealer called this morning to say the hoses popping off on my 95 SE appears to be caused by bad catalytic converter(s). At first they didn't think it was converter related but after a test drive and second look they were convinced. I think my note explaining things may have helped. I also have a coolant leak (pinhole-sized hole in the hose coming from the coolant fill reservoir); not sure if this could somehow be related.
Advisor isn't sure if it's main or pre-cats, or both. He said they'll try to get all 3 replaced for me (if they can't figure out which one is bad, then they'll replace all 3).
Advisor also said he might be able to hook up the scan tool to pull the codes for my ABS and TC lights. He implied they might be able to do this for nothing, time permitting.
So far I have a positive impression of Suburban Ford in Waterford (formerly Flannery Ford). Dealer had already looked at my car by 8:30 this morning, advisor spent at least 10 minutes on the phone with me, advisor offered two alternatives for fixing the coolant leak (.7 hrs labor + $10 parts vs. 2.5 hours and $60 parts), etc.
Thanks to all those who helped me troubleshoot and pinpoint the problem. The car's not fixed yet, but I'm finally on the right track.
