Check engine light

[Chris...]

Was on. Took the car in. They called me back an hour later, 2 coil packs are bad $505. I told them to go ahead. I called them back and changed my mind after looking the parts up online at napa. List price for the parts was $86 each. Got to work and one of the guys said they saw my mini parts that the dealer had ordered through napa. Their cost was $35 each. I texted my daughter and told her what eas going on, the future SIL works there. He said the service dept mgr told him they were $200 each. By the time I went to pick up my car I was pretty pissed off. Then they charged me $89 for diagnostics.

[Kristen Wiig]

You almost got ripped off.  I am outraged  and I am sorry you had to go through this ordeal.  

BTW, you owe me 4.95 for reading your post, 1.95 each per emoticon

[Guest]

I had a crank shaft sensor go out on me. Repair shop wanted nearly $300. I found the part for $20 at Auto Zone. Hardest part was finding where it was located. Chevy has a weird sense of locating parts. 

It took me literally 15 minutes to R&R the part. 

Since I had a hard time locating the part on the engine, I made a video and posted it on youtube to help others locate it on the model engine I have. It has received over 33,000 views! 

 

I've also received a lot of thank you pm's from several yt viewers! 

[2Far ★]

Last time I was at the dealer they said my blinker fluid was leaking. Cost me $500 but they said it'll never leak again. 

[Guest]

The check engine light is on in my truck, has been for years. One mechanic said I needed my engine rebuilt for $2000.

I got a code reader of my own, turns out it is an emissions sensor somewhere around the front fender that takes in moisture and goes bad. Did some research, said it isn't worth the hassle price to replace the unit as it does not affect the way it runs. Tuck has run fine for the last 3 years after the engine replacement quote. 

[Page Turner]

...why do you need a crank shaft sensor, anyway.  Won't it be pretty obvious if it's not there ?

[maddmaxx ★]

8 minutes ago, Page Turner said:

...why do you need a crank shaft sensor, anyway.  Won't it be pretty obvious if it's not there ?

Given your vehicle, I'd have thought you'd spell that "Crank Shaft Censor".

[2Far ★]

31 minutes ago, Mr. Beanz said:

The check engine light is on in my truck, has been for years. One mechanic said I needed my engine rebuilt for $2000.

I got a code reader of my own, turns out it is an emissions sensor somewhere around the front fender that takes in moisture and goes bad. Did some research, said it isn't worth the hassle price to replace the unit as it does not affect the way it runs. Tuck has run fine for the last 3 years after the engine replacement quote. 

How in the world does it pass the Cali emissions test with the light in??

[Thaddeus Kosciuszko]

This weekend I had Mrs. TK's car inspected.  The shop calls, three hours after they were supposed to have it done, and 'Paul' says "The car passed, but you need a battery.  It's boiling over and the acid is going ALL OVER the engine compartment!"  So Mrs. TK and I go the shop, and we get The Long Story of how bad the battery is.  Mrs. TK quietly points out to me they've already got a new battery sitting on the floor next to the car. 

So we go inside, and 'Paul' proceeds to tell us how the battery needs to be properly maintained when it's checked so it doesn't boil over, and etc. and blah, and more blah blah.  Mrs. TK looks at me and says "Didn't we have that battery checked right here in this shop about a year ago?"  'Paul' stopped his blah blah about maintenance.

I decided to replace it myself, so Paul says "Give me a call and tell me how much Advance Auto (parts store across the street) charges you for the battery."  How arrogant.  And you know whatever number I told him he'd counter with a lower (imaginary) number just to make me think I missed out on The Deal.

Then he proceeds to tell me how I better do it soon, because, you know batteries can explode from just a spark and you don't want THAT to happen! And he even SAW a battery explode once, and it WASN'T PRETTY!!    OK, pal, I design systems that have hundreds of batteries in them, so I think I'm good.

As it was I saved about $30 bucks over his price, got a battery with a longer warranty, cleaned up the acid better than they would have, and repainted a couple of parts that the acid had eaten the paint off.  They wouldn't have done that for their $10 'clean up charge'.

Sad thing is I've been going to this shop for nearly 15 years, but they've had a lot of management turnover recently, and mechanics too.  Mrs. TK took an instant disliking to 'Paul' and her instincts are nearly always spot on except when choosing a husband.  So, I think it's time to move on and find a place where the people are less dramatic, less condescending, and at least give the appearance of being more respectful.

[Page Turner]

...I actually created a small explosion once from the gassed hydrogen that built up in the back of a VW (6 volt, under the back seat) that I had on a charger way too long.  Blew the cell caps right off that thing.

[Square Wheels]

10 hours ago, Mr. Beanz said:

One mechanic said I needed my engine rebuilt for $2000.

That came with a free emission sensor.

[team scooter]

I used to take my pickup to a dealer once a year for it's annual oil change whether it needed one or not. While sitting in the waiting room, I watched the service manager walk in dozens of times to tell each new person that sat down that they also needed their fuel injectors cleaned for $89 or severe engine damage would almost certainly occur, including me.

They were obviously fishing for easy money, but no one bit. 

[bikeman564™]

By no means will this tell you how to repair your car, but it'll give you the code. This way you can decide how soon you need to go in. Then download the Torque app which is free, however I paid $4.99n for Torque plus (or something like that). I'm in for $15, and was able to scan when my light was on, and it was not a get-it-in immediately issue.  It'll scan powertrain codes, not chassis codes, and the app gives you cool data...if you're a geek like me.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bluetooth-Mini-ELM327-V1-5-OBD-II-OBD2-Auto-Car-Diagnostic-Interface-Scanner-/191843663334?hash=item2caac5fde6:g:MrQAAOSwgApXBdB6&item=191843663334&vxp=mtr

 

[maddmaxx ★]

I used to own a Pontiac Grand AM GT, one of the most flawed automobiles made.  The proper name is not check engine but rather "please deposit $600 light."  That is the average cost of the light coming on in that vehicle.

For those who don't know, the Grand Am GT had an overstressed 3.2 liter engine rather than the more robust engine used in the Grand Prix.  It was gifted with the concept of organic acid based coolant without bothering to upgrade to engine gaskets capable of resisting the chemistry of that coolant.  It had a flawed electrical system, poor power window regulators and a constantly sticking sun roof among a long list of potential failures that led to one of the largest class action suits in the history of GM.

[bikeman564™]

4 minutes ago, maddmaxx said:

For those who don't know, the Grand Am GT had an overstressed 3.2 liter engine rather than the more robust engine used in the Grand Prix. 

I had a '94 GP like this. I miss it

 

[The_Karen_Cooper_Incident]

2 hours ago, maddmaxx said:

I used to own a Pontiac Grand AM GT, one of the most flawed automobiles made.  The proper name is not check engine but rather "please deposit $600 light."  That is the average cost of the light coming on in that vehicle.

For those who don't know, the Grand Am GT had an overstressed 3.2 liter engine rather than the more robust engine used in the Grand Prix.  It was gifted with the concept of organic acid based coolant without bothering to upgrade to engine gaskets capable of resisting the chemistry of that coolant.  It had a flawed electrical system, poor power window regulators and a constantly sticking sun roof among a long list of potential failures that led to one of the largest class action suits in the history of GM.

And we bailed them out.  

I've looked at a few GM vehicles in my search for a new car next year. I just can't pull the trigger.  

I'm still considering Ford.  I like their cars.

Chrysler sucks.

Shu Fang

[bikeman564™]

1 minute ago, Shu Fang said:

And we bailed them out.  

 

Someone must always bring this up

[Kzoo]

34 minutes ago, Shu Fang said:

I'm still considering Ford.  I like their cars.

Based on your love for Charlie.......

[Kzoo]

3 hours ago, maddmaxx said:

an overstressed 3.2 liter engine rather than the more robust engine

Weren't all of GMs 3.2 L engines overstressed.  I bought my daughter a Chevy with a 3.2.  She replaced it with a Buick with a 3.2, the FIL had an Olds with a 3.2.  All 3 engines were a piece of crap - read money sponges.  Fuel injectors, head gaskets, coolant leaks.........

[The_Karen_Cooper_Incident]

41 minutes ago, Kzoo said:

Based on your love for Charlie.......

Sure, that's why.

Shu Fang

[The_Karen_Cooper_Incident]

1 hour ago, bikeman564™ said:

Someone must always bring this up

It needs to be brought up.  We should have allowed the markets correct the issue.

Shu Fang

[Guest]

14 hours ago, 2Far said:

How in the world does it pass the Cali emissions test with the light in??

Six pack of beer will get you pretty much any favor here in California! 

[bikeman564™]

14 hours ago, 2Far said:

How in the world does it pass the Cali emissions test with the light in??

I'm so glad Michigan did away w/ this scam

[Guest]

7 minutes ago, bikeman564™ said:

I'm so glad Michigan did away w/ this scam

It is a scam imo. Being someone who usually plays by the rules, I have no problem working around this one. I mean the light will stay on even if your stupid thermostat is a bit sticky. You know the mechanic is going to shaft you for $200 on a $15 part. 

[bikeman564™]

3 minutes ago, Mr. Beanz said:

It is a scam imo. Being someone who usually plays by the rules, I have no problem working around this one. I mean the light will stay on even if your stupid thermostat is a bit sticky. You know the mechanic is going to shaft you for $200 on a $15 part. 

It's a scam because MI required emissions testing on cars up til 10 years old. Any car older than 10 years were exempt. So all the oldies bellowing blue smoke didn't need it Since most cars were probably w/in 10 years old, it was nothing more than a monkey making scheme.

[Guest]

1 minute ago, bikeman564™ said:

It's a scam because MI required emissions testing on cars up til 10 years old. Any car older than 10 years were exempt. So all the oldies bellowing blue smoke didn't need it Since most cars were probably w/in 10 years old, it was nothing more than a monkey making scheme.

Yup, going after the people they figure had the money to pay for it!

Reminds me of the owners of the condo Gina and I rented when we first met. We lived there for 3 years then a new tenant asked me how much we paid per month. Turns out he was paying $200 less per month than we were!  WTF!

I asked the owner about it and she said because Gina and I were both teachers and we could afford it. WTF! We are not teachers and the fact that she had us pay more because she thought we could afford it pissed me off. We moved out right after that. Scam me lady, now you have to pay for an empty unit on your own till you find someone to rent it! 

[maddmaxx ★]

34 minutes ago, Mr. Beanz said:

Yup, going after the people they figure had the money to pay for it!

Reminds me of the owners of the condo Gina and I rented when we first met. We lived there for 3 years then a new tenant asked me how much we paid per month. Turns out he was paying $200 less per month than we were!  WTF!

I asked the owner about it and she said because Gina and I were both teachers and we could afford it. WTF! We are not teachers and the fact that she had us pay more because she thought we could afford it pissed me off. We moved out right after that. Scam me lady, now you have to pay for an empty unit on your own till you find someone to rent it! 

That sounds like socialism at it's best.  To those who can afford it the price is higher.

[Page Turner]

 

...as a formerly California certified smog inspector mechanical person, I am shocked at all the stuff in this thread.  And appalled.  Also appalled, believe me.

 

 <---shocked    <---appalled

[maddmaxx ★]

2 hours ago, Page Turner said:

 

...as a formerly California certified smog inspector mechanical person, I am shocked at all the stuff in this thread.  And appalled.  Also appalled, believe me.

 

 <---shocked    <---appalled

well, in California you certainly had enough smog to inspect.

[The_Karen_Cooper_Incident]

3 hours ago, maddmaxx said:

well, in California you certainly had enough smog to inspect.

Snap!

Shu Fang

[Ralphie ★]

8 hours ago, bikeman564™ said:

I'm so glad Michigan did away w/ this scam

Why do you hate the environment? 

 

[Ralphie ★]

19 hours ago, Page Turner said:

...I actually created a small explosion once from the gassed hydrogen that built up in the back of a VW (6 volt, under the back seat) that I had on a charger way too long.  Blew the cell caps right off that thing.

Congrats!

 

[2Far ★]

3 minutes ago, Ralph T. Mooseknuckle said:

Why do you hate the environment? 

 

My God, man, he lives in Michigan. Isn't that enough reason to hate the environment?

[Ralphie ★]

1 minute ago, 2Far said:

My God, man, he lives in Michigan. Isn't that enough reason to hate the environment?

Twue!

[bikeman564™]

58 minutes ago, Ralph T. Mooseknuckle said:

Why do you hate the environment? 

 

I don't, I hate scams.

[bikeman564™]

56 minutes ago, 2Far said:

My God, man, he lives in Michigan. Isn't that enough reason to hate the environment?

 

[Ralphie ★]

I hear Traverse City is nice.

 

[shotgun]

12 hours ago, 2Far said:

My God, man, he lives in Michigan. Isn't that enough reason to hate the environment?

DUDE! That's not nice.

 

[questrider]

16 hours ago, 2Far said:

My God, man, he lives in Michigan. Isn't that enough reason to hate the environment?

Hey, hey, hey! You take that back!

[maddmaxx ★]

I checked the engine two days ago.  It's still there.

[JerrySTL ★]

If that was a real British Mini, as opposed to a BMW / German spy, you'd only need some of this.

[maddmaxx ★]

19 minutes ago, JerrySTL said:

If that was a real British Mini, as opposed to a BMW / German spy, you'd only need some of this.

It is my understanding that Lucas equipped British cars do not have check engine lights because the flame blows out too often.