I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM. Shortly after I bought it used from a mechanic the service engine soon light came on. For about 6 months now the car has been in and out of the shop. Noone has solved the problem yet. Sensors have been changed, catalytic converter has been changed tune ups , oil changes, you name it. I am almost at the end of my rope with this problem. I just want someone to fix my car and be honest with me.
2007-04-10 12:54:04 · 10 answers · asked by ? 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Ok, yes, we do exist. Just because a code comes up, doesn't mean that part that the code is being set off from is bad. You have to diagnose why that code is coming up. When a scan tool gives a code it needs to be diagnosed to all potential problems that could be causing it. A single code may have hundreds of reasons for what is setting it off. If you only replace what the scan tool is telling you to, its like trying to turn a wrench that is a size to large, it may work, but it may not work. I think that your "mechanic" is a "parts changer". A parts changer is a technician who is not good at proper diagnosis, and will change a part out with a new/known good one in hopes it solves the problem. I think that you need a new technician, rather then having them continue with it. It doesn't mean that they are a bad technician, it just means that they are not your technician.
2007-04-10 13:34:54 · answer #1 · answered by gregthomasparke 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without knowing the specifics of your problem and the various transactions with your mechanic(s) I can't say whether or not the people you have been dealing with are honest or not. Some problems though, do defy attempts to remedy them.
Tonight I have a 95 VW Golf back in my shop for the 4th time with the exact same symptoms - stalling under load. Every time it comes in we find and fix a different problem and it runs flawlessly when it leaves and for a few weeks after. Then it dies again in the same way but with a different cause each time. And yet we have done much of the labor and some of the parts for free, even though none of this has been our fault. I'm not superstitious in any way but possibly this car is cursed.
If you have been using the same mechanic and the same problem(s) keep coming back it might be a good idea to try someone else. You may get lucky and run into someone who has dealt with this specific situation before and knows what to do from experience or just someone with better knowledge/resources.
ASE Certified Automotive Service Advisor
2007-04-10 13:38:20 · answer #2 · answered by Naughtums 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the tests could have been free at the autozone they test the cars with the lights on for free and the E-PROM chips set tests are onehundred at a garage they tell the possible causes of problems for the mechanics also all garages givwe free saftey inspections these can detail major problems for you dont get the work done at the first shop have three checks then after they spot the probleems ask for a detailed list and prices for part s and labor when they fix an item ask for the old parts back then take it to auto zone for a check if it still works dont go back
2007-04-10 13:01:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
A mechanic is a person just like any other person, some people are honest some aren't. The mechanic is probably just going by what the scanner is telling him, you probably had multiple codes saying different parts are bad. All they can do is fix one problem at a time.
2007-04-10 13:02:44 · answer #4 · answered by Rottonwieller 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
sure, we do exist. But I agree with other responses that maybe it is time to go to another shop. Just because your mechanic hasn't fixed the problem doesn't mean that he isn't honest. Good luck
2007-04-10 13:43:33 · answer #5 · answered by rat396 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kissy Girl, you must take your car to a Pontiac dealer and let them hook their analyzer to your computer in your vehicle. GM'S diagnostic is very specific to the systems in your car.
I know for a fact some GM on board computers will start the check engine light if a motor mount is broken or faulty. The important thing is your car seems to be operating satisfactorily. Good Luck Kido!
2007-04-10 13:05:30 · answer #6 · answered by Country Boy 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
take it to auto zone and they will run a test on it and tell you what is wrong.do honest mechanics exists?well, i have my doubts sometimes.some of them just guess whats wrong with your car,but they watch they dont make any mistakes,when it comes to your bill.i do most of my own work on my car,and that way i know its fixed.iam sorry,but i just dont trust alot of these so called mechanics.
2007-04-10 15:57:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They do indeed exist. Unfortunately there are mechanics out there that either are out and out crooks, or dont have the skills required and are "parts changers". I'd try a different shop .......
2007-04-10 13:02:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Honest mechanic? Thats an oxymoron!
2007-04-10 13:01:18 · answer #9 · answered by Andy 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes there are many good, honest techs out there.
What codes are you getting and what is your problem?
2007-04-10 13:12:13 · answer #10 · answered by TonynNC 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋