I took my 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee to a dealer because it has been cutting off and/or losing power. My regular mechanic couldn't seem to find the problem, so I took it back to the dealer who recently replaced a recalled PCM.
They found a problem w/a wire that goes to a distributor. Of course they were a little vague, saying they needed to order the part and it will cost me about $345 w/labor. The distributor is new.
Question -- how long would a diagnostic like that take? I got the impression that they saw a code by way of the PCM. Does that take a full hour at $120/hour? I thought everything was digital to get to the problem by computer and a lot faster. Of course I do not want to be charged for an hour of diagnostic if it only took 15 minutes for them to find the problem.
2007-12-03 13:38:42 · 5 answers · asked by T C 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
ETA: I have recently replaced the crankshaft sensor, distributor, o2 sensors, fueld filter, ignition oil, transfer case, muffer, trans cooling lines and had a top end valve job. I realize I could have paid for 1/3 of a brand new Honda Fit & gotten better gas mileage than this 96 Jeep but once you're in so far...sometimes you keep going.
2007-12-03 14:54:51 · update #1
I will be happy to answer your question about diagnostic time. First of all, there is a min charge, usually at least an hours labor, that being if it takes 5 mins or 3 hours. If they spent 3 hours diagnosing it would you be willing to pay 360? Most likely the answer is no. Flat rate pay systems for technicians work that way. Lets say it calls for 1.2 hours to replace your alternator, and it really takes them 4 hours, would you be willing to pay them for their additional time? Sometimes a tech can do it in twenty minutes, if he can beat the clock (book time) then so be it, technicians dont get pay raises, they make their raises by working faster and more efficient.
Oh yeah I forgot change the crankshaft position sensor, that sounds to me like the culprit of the problem, and these vehicles are known for this problem.
2007-12-03 13:48:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Trouble codes, contrary to popular myth don't tell you what is broken or what to fix. Many times they don't really even tell you what the real problem is. They only provide a place to start looking. There could for example, be a dozen things that could cause a "Lean Condition Bank 1". There could be 7 or 8 pages of test procedures to go through to check each one. Other problems are not so difficult or if you have someone with the right knowledge and experience difficult problems become easier. Part of what you are paying for in a good diagnostic is not the mechanics time but his/her knowledge.
2007-12-03 16:37:47 · answer #2 · answered by Naughtums 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Trying to locate and diagnose an intermittent problem is difficult at best. There is often a flat rate for diagnostics done by the OBD readings. Not all problems show up there though. Then it's 'old school' time. Checking each wire and connection until you find the issue.
If it is the PCM itself, it is an easy fix, if the problem is BEFORE the PCM, then it is more involved in trying to find the problem.
If you are really curious, call them back and have them explain it to you in detail.
And Will is dead on the money (again) in regards to the TPS, Chrysler is notorious for them giving issues.
2007-12-03 14:37:28 · answer #3 · answered by Michael H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well to give you an idea of there charges at the dealer. They charge by the book. If the book says 1 hr. then they will charge for that hour. Even if it takes them 15 min. or 1hr. and a half. (book rate is a flat rate)
2007-12-03 13:45:52 · answer #4 · answered by Big Deal Maker 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
unless ive been lost at work for the past year im pretty sure a bad pcm wouldnt cause a car to lose power and them taking a full hour at 120 bucks is insane, labor per hour where i work is 59 and we do a good job
2007-12-03 13:43:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋