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It's at least $100 for a diagnosis. If he is only charge another $100 for what he's done it might be worth it to keep a good mechanic.
Is this one of those 4L V6's? With the timing chain on the back of the motor, where you have to pull the motor to fix? I recall Explorer's having some timing chain issue like this. Might explain why he's not interested--lots of work.
That's not what the post says. I'm sure the mechanic would be willing to go there if the customers was willing to pay for it. It was the customer who wanted a free diagnostic while declining repair that didn't want to go there.
That would've been my response. However here... they need to be upfront about these costs while mentioning they won't necessary result in a fix themselves, or won't (in where additional costs will result in that, if the problem is repairable).
For example, the TPMS (tire press. monitoring system) on my 2005 Toyota Rav4 has came on and stayed on for the past 10 years or so. Even after a shop replaces the tires and presses the reset button, it STILL comes on again. They say in order to get into the part where the sensor may be operating incorrectly, will set me back $100 since it involves "tearing into underneath that area" where it's housed. From there, they know how to go about fixing it, and how much it'll cost.
No thanks. I keep records of my maintenance and repairs. I'll replace the tires when it's about time and/or when I notice the treads or getting worn down, so we have a workaround for that.
He gave you a solution. You said you weren't interested in the repair. His time is valuable.
That's the problem. He did NOT give me a solution. What he suggested was further digging. This time it would have cost me a $1000 and still nothing. I really don't blame him. He just doesn't know. The only solid piece of information he came away with was low engine vacuum but he couldn't pin it down. The valve theory is a little far-fetched. Anyway, I am going to show it to ONE more mechanic before ditching it. At least I know I tried.
Do you think automotive techs work for free? Nowadays especially, they are skilled professionals who are educated & have continuing education requirements. They pay for their own tools, which are specialized & expensive. Most are still paid by the job, they do NOT receive an hourly wage. For some things, they are not paid at all. Most of the hourly shop rate that is posted goes to the business, not the tech. They have families, mortgages & bills to pay, just like you.
If you had exploratory surgery, for say, cancer, and the surgeon had the news, yes, you do have cancer, or no, you don't, would you still not get a bill for their services? In fact, you would have multiple bills.
Quit wasting his time. Learn to fix it yourself, see how far you get.
Last edited by MarciaMarshaMarcia; 04-30-2017 at 06:57 PM..
People throw thousands getting medical diagnoses and that doesn't include curing the problem either. It's only fair to pay a professional for their time.
That's the problem. He did NOT give me a solution. What he suggested was further digging. This time it would have cost me a $1000 and still nothing. I really don't blame him. He just doesn't know. The only solid piece of information he came away with was low engine vacuum but he couldn't pin it down. The valve theory is a little far-fetched. Anyway, I am going to show it to ONE more mechanic before ditching it. At least I know I tried.
Fair enough. I'd still feel obligated to pay for diagnosis, which should be around $100; if he did some other work the other $100 still feels fair. Although I'd be a bit bummed that he couldn't have a good diagnosis afterwards.
Question: is this the trouble-prone 4L V6? I don't follow Fords but I recall there being an engine family haunted with a timing chain problem.
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