Gonzo

There's nothing worse than a bunch of old, bent, and discarded car parts laying around a shop. I think it just looks junkie and un-kept. I have one spot I put all my metal scrap (in a barrel if possible) and let the "junk lady" pick them up. She comes by every week and hauls it off. Yea, sure... she's making a buck on it, but that's OK with me. Everybody has to make a living and that's how she does it. Besides, once in a great while she'll have something on her truck that I might be able to use. Such as a piece of 1/4 steel plate one time, came in handy too. Stuff like that.

Here's an email I received the other day. "Gonzo, it sounds like you're a little jaded. Why not take a few days off, go buy a big steak, take it to your favorite restaurant, bring a cook book for the chef to read, and open it to the appropriate page, then relax in the dining area while someone brings you a cold drink and a clean napkin." I think the reader got the idea behind the story. I'm so glad some people get it. LOL

We've still got a long way to go for the "mechanic" to have any clout. It's still one of the few trades that is absolutely essential to daily life, but is still regarded as something that can be done in the home garage by good old dad. Times are changing, and it's only going to get worse when the novice tries it on the next generation of cars.

LOL Joe. Yep, been there, done that. I don't know why these people don't find it insulting (I do) when you have to print out the procedures for me. It already tells me you don't trust what I'm doing. And they wonder why I have an attitude at times. Geez... I've been so ticked at some of them that I've taken the book and tossed it in the backseat. When they ask if the book was any help I tell them, "Yes it was. I used it to hold the backseat in place." They look at me as if I was a complete idiot. Well, I must be... I didn't read the manual they brought... must be obvious to them. LOL

Self-helper A well-worn Chevy pickup is left at the side of the shop one day. The keys were slipped into the drop slot with a detailed note. The note said, “I put a new starter on a few days ago, and now it doesn’t start at all, so I know it’s not the starter. It’s got to be an electrical problem.” Oh, those famous last words of every weekend wrench bender/self-helper that I’ve ever had to deal with when their Saturday afternoon efforts fall short of their expectations. It’s never what they have just done, it’s always something else. The story can be different, but they all have the same line to describe the problem with few details changed. You can pick yours from the list and fill in the blank. As the story begins with: ”I changed the part that……………… (Choose the appropriate response from the list below.) A. My buddy said it was. B. The parts guy told me it would fix it. C. I read about it on the internet. D. The last shop told me to change. Or, all the above. (Insert your choice of answers here) _______ ,so I know it’s not that.” I doubt there will ever be a time that I’ll take their word that everything is OK. I’m going to recheck it anyway, if for nothing more than my own peace of mind. Most of these “self-helpers” will read their manual and follow directions to a point. But, when it gets confusing, or into a spot where they don’t have the right tool, or don’t understand the procedures they skim over that section and blindly go onto the next page. Books are great for information, but it still takes a bit of the artistry (if I dare call it that) to work with hand tools and the limited access on some of these problems. Call it my “OCD of automotive repair”, but I always figure it’s best to check things out when you’ve got somebody “helping” you with the repairs. The next little tidbit of information left on the note is simply priceless. It said, “I left the manual open to the page you’ll need. It explains exactly what you’ll need to do to fix it.” Well, well… ain’t that just thoughtful of him, leaving the page marked for me. I’m grateful, dumbfounded, and perplexed as to why this is necessary. You’ve helped yourself to a manual, given up on the project, and feel it necessary to have the mechanic read the instructions! I’ve lost count how many times I’ve found an open service manual on the passenger seat with a note telling me where to find the proper information. I often wonder why they didn’t bother to look themselves. They had the page marked? Obviously they read the manual. So why not do a little more research and put those old, rusty tools to good use? Wait a minute… I got it; you’re only trying to help, must be that self-help concept coming through again. (Note to self: The next time I go to the dentist I’ll bring a copy of the instructions for him too. I’ll just lay them on my chest as he tilts the chair back. Of course the page will be marked so he can read up on how to do his job. I’m sure he won’t find it insulting either.) The scenario continues. As of now the job of finding out what is wrong with this truck has been elevated from the household garage or apartment complex parking lot to an actual automotive repair shop. One with professional level tools, scanners, and diagnostic manuals. Exactly what kind of miracles will be performed in those catacombs of the service bay? It’s a mystery to all those weekend home garage groupies. I’m sure they’re all saying to their fellow backyard ratchet buddies, “Those guys charge too much, it ain’t that hard to fix cars these days. Why we could have fixed it if he would’ve left it here.” Yes, in some respects, it really isn’t that hard. All it takes is a few years of training, a couple of modern tools (Definitely not some swap meet-imported toolset that came in blister pack.), and the ability to think and reason through all the technical information (mechanical ability), and yes… a little less help from the rusty wrenchers with no experience from the house on the corner lot. Other than that… it ain’t hard at all. There are generally two things that happen when the novice self-helper helps out. Either they are way off base on the problem/solution, or they’ve caused even more of a problem than they originally started with. It never fails. This little episode of “self-help” was no different. After checking things out (properly) the end result was a text book novice disaster. Number one: he used a cheap remanufactured starter that he over tightened the connectors on and stripped the nut to the solenoid. Number two: the starter signal lead on the solenoid was grounding out against the engine block from his failed attempt at reinstalling the starter. (Luckily this model had a fuse protecting the circuit.) Hey, he was right that it was an electrical problem. Although brought on by a little self-help. After writing up an estimate (with a decent starter), I was surprised that he decided to have me make the repairs. Of course we had to have the usual conversation on parts prices vs. quality, and how you always get what ya paid for, and how the life time warranty offered for some of the discount brands usually means you’ll be changing it for a lifetime and not that it is better quality. And, how some weekenders will change the same part over and over until they get tired of doing it, and then step up to a better built component, or end up taking it to a repair shop. (That’s been my past experiences with them, although your results may vary.) It was only after talking to him for a while longer on the phone that it all made sense as to why he was so eager to have a shop do the work. Apparently, there wasn’t enough “Band-aids” and beer for him to try and stuff the starter back in the hole a second time. He’s had enough of that “mechanic” stuff. Well, at least for now. I’m sure after his memory fades a bit, and his wallet is running a little thin, he’ll tackle another problem on his own. Why not, he still has the book! When it he tries and fails he’ll park it next to the shop just like last time, with the same book on the passenger seat (opened to the appropriate page, of course), and another note telling me all about it. And then, we can start this whole scenario all over again. View full article

You think our tools are expensive.... guess how much that Janome sewing machine cost....

My wife and I ran a quilting store several years ago... (total money pit BTW) so many slow days at the repair shop were divided up between the repair shop and the quilt store. The guys in the shop use to say, "Gonzo in the morning and Gonzetta in the afternoon." Still don't know jack about quilting even after owning a store all those years. LOL

An Average Day My average day begins with the usual commute to work, the obligatory coffee, and the turn of the key to the front door of the shop. Unlock the overheads, do any morning paper work I have waiting, and get the day started. Monday through Friday it’s the same routine. Occasionally I’ll come in early or stay later than normal, but for the most part every working day has the same general routine, one day to the next, each month, and each year it all seems to roll on and on. Same front door key, same route to work, and usually the same brand of coffee. When there is a chance to change things up it’s a welcome relief from the usual pace of things. For me, being under the dash or under the hood of the modern car is my comfort zone, and it sure doesn’t hurt for me to get out of my comfort zone from time to time. And, like a lot of people on the go day in and day out, that daily grind can turn into a snapping attitude to whomever comes near. I know I could use a little reminder now and then, that what I do for a living ain’t all that bad, and I owe my customers a great deal of gratitude for their patronage and for putting up with this snarly old mechanic. I guess in a way you take those average days in your own little comfort zone and forget there is more to what makes the world go around besides the next car you’re working on. Sometimes it might take a little nudge from an outside source to get you to realize it. Recently I took a few days off and ventured out on a road trip with my wife to one of her “comfort zones”. Ok, I was “volun-told” by the wife, but I didn’t complain too much. (If you’re married…you know what I mean. She insisted that I go; said I needed a break.) It was three days of little old ladies, sewing machines, and quilts. Yes, quilts. My wife is a very accomplished quilter, and I know about as much about quilting as she does cars. I didn’t have any tools, scanners, or hoods to hide under with me. This adventure is definitely out of my comfort zone. My wife was the guest speaker for this quilting retreat. Me… I was the “mule” for the weekend. Well over a hundred ladies with scissors, big fancy (expensive) sewing machines, and colorful fabric were on hand. They kept me busy carrying their machines from the parking lot to their respective class rooms. There weren’t that many husbands at the retreat, and the hotel staff had their hands full with all the ladies, so it was a logical choice that whoever was available became the next bell boy, minus the quirky little cap of course. (And no, I didn’t accept any tips.) If you ask the wife she’ll tell ya, “Oh, he fusses but he loves every minute of it.” (Sure, sure honey, whatever ya think is fine with me.) I wasn’t concerned about what she was telling them anyway, I just pulled my ball cap down a bit tighter, and ask the next little lady with a sewing machine, “Where do ya want this one moved to, ma’am?” This led me to think of how it is when a non-car person makes their way to the automotive repair shop. The actual interaction with the service writer or mechanic can be intimidating for them. For me, a weekend with the wife surrounded by thread and quilts is just about as intimidating. Ok, maybe not nearly as bad, but those little ladies sure know just how to make a grown man blush. Especially when one of them asks me something about their sewing machine, or dare I say… ask me something about quilting. Look… I know what a PCM and a ball joint are, but I haven’t a clue what flying geese or half-square triangles are. And, these ladies loved to rub it in. Uncomfortable, yes, intimidating…well, that gets rather interesting to answer that one. Let’s put it this way, when these ladies stuck me in front of a sewing machine, and clued me in on which buttons to push to make this thing sew… yea…that was intimidating. They got quite a chuckle out of watching some big burly guy fumble around with a sharp needle trying to hold a thin piece of fabric with his big nubby fingers. Sooner or later one of them would push me aside and say, “Here, let me show ya how to do this.” I’d like to think that I can learn how operate any sort of machinery, even one of these ultra-expensive sewing machines…but these ladies…well, they’re in a league of their own. It’s going to take me a lot of practice to get up to their level. It’s pretty intimidating to say the least when they make it look so easy, and I can’t even figure out how to sew a straight line. I’ve got to keep this in mind when I’m back at the shop. I should try harder not to be so intimidating, work on keeping things on common ground, and not so overwhelming for the customer, especially one who is feeling uncomfortable about having some stranger they just met work on their car. I certainly can take some lessons from those little ladies at the quilting retreat. They did their best to make me feel comfortable, even if I did have to endure a little ribbing from them, but it was all in fun. The real heart of the intimidation was trying to hold a conversation with them and not having a clue what they were talking about, or what they were doing. (Sounds like talking to some mechanics aye?) I got it ladies…thank you. Now the big thing is… can I turn this experience of what it’s like to be out of my comfort zone, and turn it into my average day? I’m sure going to try. View full article

The reason for this article is exactly what you stated Joe. I've been running across a huge number of aftermarket crappy parts in the last 6 months... more than I ever have before. They (my editors at the magazines) wanted something about aftermarket parts from the mechanics point of view. Can't stand cheap parts and can't stand cheap cigars. Goes hand in hand. LOL

Can't seem to say it enough... bad, cheap, or low quality parts cause more problems than a bad diagnosis ever will.

Cheap Cigars Ok, I’ll admit it, I indulge in a cigar now and then, usually on the golf course, mowing the lawn, or on one of those slow days at the shop. All the cigars come in some form of a wrapper, box, or tube, but for the most part, at first glance, you can’t tell them apart. They all look the same. Some are like fine wine, while others could be compared to a well done steak; then there are those skanky-worthless-should’ve never spent money on type that smell something like moldy grass clippings rolled in rotted onions. Ask my wife, she’ll tell you they all smell like old gym socks that caught fire. (Out of respect for my dear wife I’ll keep from lighting any of them when she’s around… good or bad ones.) One thing I tend to do with everything that I’m involved with is to compare it to the trade that I’m in, cigars are no exception. And, in a way, choosing a good cigar is like choosing good automotive parts. As with stogies and car parts, there are cheap ones, good ones, super expensive ones, and some that are moderately priced. Cheap parts and quality parts look entirely the same in their box or wrapper. From the average consumer’s vantage point the cheaper components most certainly will do the job vs. the better brands. Why? Price obviously. Although asking a pro which one you should purchase might make all the difference in the world. Those discount brands might come in a nice neat package, but it’s what’s in the package that counts. An expert would know right off hand which is a good discount brand, and which isn’t. Obviously, we all don’t want to over pay for anything, but we want to get the best value for our dollar. Hey, I’m the same way. Just as the old saying implies, “You get what ya paid for” it’s as true as ever…and always will be. I’ve spent decades explaining the virtues of quality parts and service vs. subpar parts and service to clients and prospective customers. And, a lot of what I know is from experience. Some understand it, or have already been down the cheap road and ended up with that second trip back to the service center. Others, even with the best explanations given to them, still have to make that journey before the results and their wallet notice the real issues at hand. Of course the other side of the repair business is when I’m asked to look at a car with a problem, and I find the problem is related back to one of those cheap parts someone else installed. One particular part that is extremely common is the ICP on the Ford Taurus (Integrated Control Panel). Since the radio and the HVAC are combined into one unit, it’s not uncommon to find an aftermarket ICP with an aftermarket radio in it. The plastic is brittle, thin, and breaks with just a twitch. Then there are the starters, alternators, blower motors, brake pads, and suspension parts that all have their discount brand versions. And, from first glance…in or out of the box…they look the same. After a few decades and quite a few failed attempts with some of these off brands (not to mention a few new offshore brands just now coming in), I can tell the difference either by brand name, where it was purchased, or just the condition of it. (Needless to say, I’m learning the same with the cigars too…slowly of course.) Now, if after giving my little disclaimer to the customer about a cheaper part, and they still insist on the lower quality part, I emphasize a written disclaimer to go along with the repair. (Better safe than sorry…Mainly because I don’t want to be the recipient of the butt end of the cigar when the ashes start to fall.) So the next time you’re confronted with the decision of whether to purchase a brand name component or a discount brand, ask the expert… your mechanic, before you lay out your hard earned cash. They’ll know whether or not you’re buying a decent part at a decent price, and not just getting a whole lot of nasty smoke in your face from a cheap cigar. View full article

The guy never did bring the truck in to get the brakes bled. LOL Or maybe I'm still waiting for him to fix them first. LOL

I would never drive a vehicle that had expired tags or no plate at all. With the exception of just in front of the shop. (I'm on a side street) But no further than in front of the shop. One thing to add to the "out of gas" deal... it's a car that is not safe for the road. I may be diagnosing a transmission shift problem but the tires are showing metal, or the tie rods are so loose they look like they could fall out anytime. I won't work on them. Usually I'll call the customer and have them remove the car. A typical issue is somebody worried about a wiring problem under the hood and the motor mounts are so bad the main harness looks more like a tow rope than a harness. And, of course, they don't want the mounts replaced they want the wiring fixed...ah, ain't happenin' Over the past 30 years I've had to customers cars get hit while on test drives... both were resolved. It ain't fun though.

Rude or Incompetent There's a point when all the communication skills and diagnostic theory just go straight out the window. Nothing you do will change or affect the outcome of the situation, no matter what you do. You’re at the mercy of the situation. I always go back to the quote by Will Rogers, “I never met a man I didn’t like.” I agree… except I don’t think Mr. Rogers was referring to the happenings at the service counter. It's not that I don't try to get along with everyone who comes in the door, but there are times that no matter what I do, we aren’t going to see eye to eye. Could be a communication problem, could be one of us is not comfortable with the surroundings, could be my turn for a bad day…or theirs… who knows? To be honest, I'm not one to sit and listen to a long winded story of how they bought the car on a rainy Tuesday, or how the right rear seat belt hasn't worked, and the transmission sometimes doesn't shift, then this morning the battery went dead so they had to jump start...but… that’s not what they brought it in for… however… they thought I should know “everything”. How about we just get to the point and go from there. For some… that’s not at all possible. And, if you ask, “So, what you want me to find out is why the transmission doesn't shift sometimes?” you probably just started a string of improbable conversations that will inevitably end with me being either called “rude” or “incompetent”. As with the following example. They'll answer, “No, I need you to find out why the engine stalls. What ever gave you the idea that I wanted you to look at the transmission?” “Cause you mentioned it right before telling me about jump starting it.” “What are you talking about?” “I'm talking about what you’re talking about.” “I said the car died when I was driving it, and now the battery is dead. That's why the engine is missing. Apparently you're not as good a mechanic as my friend said you were.” (See… I reached incompetent pretty quick this time.) Then there are the times someone will come into the shop and tell me somebody said to them that I give some sort of discount if they are a member of some car club. Or I have a “no charge” policy to check out their car for special customers. Huh? Really? Who? What the? How does this get started? Oh, and of course.... this leads to the “rude” side of things and another potential customer out the door. Even if I try to offer them some condolences for their misinformation their mind is made up, and since whatever it was they were told isn't happening, it’s OK for them to raise their voice and be demanding… because, well… I’m rude. The biggest laugh I get is the typical type of “A” personality person who comes in the door and wants their car looked at “NOW”. Are ya serious? How, what, when, or where did ya ever get the idea that you could walk into a shop, doctor’s office, restaurant...etc... And demand something like that? I'm afraid to say it but, it happens a lot. I suppose it's this rush rush world we live in these days that some people think the world revolves only because they allow it to. I guess I missed the fairy’s dancing in front of you while they were lofting rose petals for you to walk on… sorry about that… please forgive me. A typical situation happened just the other day. An elderly gentlemen came into the office asking about a brake problem he was having on a truck he kept alongside of his house. He uses it to pull a camper trailer, but he hasn’t used it in years. He wanted an estimate on bleeding his brakes, but before I could give him any kind of estimate he had to tell me all about the brake system on his truck. (Here we go…) I asked him what kind of truck it was. That led to him waving his hand at me as if I wasn't supposed to worry about things like that. He explained it to me, “This is a truck brake system that I’m talking about, and you don't know anything about those.” (Gee, I'm glad to know... that I don't know...so I guess without knowing...ya know, I probably can't fix it either.) He went on to tell me, “I saw a leak around that little thing that you bleed the brakes from, so I tightened it up. I've also switched it over to DOT 4 brake fluid and added a brake aide to it.” I said to him, “You've modified the brake system I take it? Dot 4 and some sort of brake aide? I'm wondering if the leak has been taken care of correctly. That could be the reason you need the brakes bled.” “I didn't put Dot 4 in it, and I don't have any brake aide on it... those are for big trucks. Mine is a ¾ ton truck,” he stammers. “You just told me you did,” I badgered back. “No, I didn't. Are you having trouble understanding me young man? All I need is an estimate for bleeding the brakes.” “What kind of truck is it?” “It's a Dodge... and it has a small camper trailer that I've had for a while. Oh it’s a real nice one, and I use it all the time.” “You told me you hardly use it, and that’s why it’s sitting alongside of your house.” “No, I use it a lot when I need to. So how much to bleed the brakes?” “If you're seeing brake fluid leaking odds are you probably need a lot more than just the brakes bled, sir. Chances are it could be a wheel cylinder leaking, and of course I'll have to check the fluid for any contamination. Which could lead to even more issues.” “Oh, I see, Ok then, I don't have the truck with me. Can't drive it right now... brakes ain't working, I just need a price for bleeding them.” “I could give you an estimate on the average time it takes to bleed a brake system that is fully functional and doesn't have any other problems, if that's what you'd like?” “I'll bring the truck in so you can look at it and give me an estimate, as soon as I get the brakes fixed.” (Ah dah, isn’t that what you wanted me to fix?) This is like the guy who drives his car to the shop because it won't start. I'm really laughing inside you know, even though I’m being as professional on the outside as I can be. I mean seriously… the car that you drove to the shop starts and runs fine… what am I supposed to do now? A few hours later the brake bleeder guy is back. “What can I do for you now?” I asked. “None of the other shops would talk to me. They told me to get out. You're the only one who would even tell me what’s going on. So can you give me that price on bleeding the brakes now?” he asked. I guess I wasn’t rude or incompetent enough… it never ends. View full article

I do it a little different. Since I do mainly electrical it does make it a bit easier. People already know they are here for some sort of diagnostics that their regular mechanic couldn't handle. I break it down by years, based on the diagnostics usually associated with them. 99 and older is the cheapest --- If they are driving this old of a car it's either because of their income, kids car, or they just like the old relic. This way they can get their car diagnosed at a cheaper rate that more or less fits their budget (if they had any) 00 to 05 is the next level --- scanner costs and reflashing is the main reason 05 to 13 the most expensive --- After 05 almost all the manufacturers have gone to an on-line system. Which requires the yearly or monthly (of 3 days in some cases) subscription to the manufacturers site. The only exceptions to diagnostics is when somebody comes in with a power window that is down, grinding away, and it's pretty easy to tell it's the drive assembly faulty. Stuff like that I won't charge a diag. fee for. It may not be the best policy... but it works for my little shop.

Related? Must be. They breed like weeds in a corn field. You know, I've been called expensive, a chump, arsehole, jackass, uncaring, etc... the works. But one thing they have never said was that I didn't know what I was doing. I don't feel it's my job to put up with rude, stupid, and obnoxious people just so I can fix their car. For 30 years I've listened to this BS... and quite frankly... it hasn't changed from day one. Just the other day I got into it with a gal over HID headlamps. Trying to save her some cash since it was just before Christmas I told her how expensive repairing these can be. "Some of these can run over a thousand dollars," I said. I also told her when I tell people that most of them walk out of here in a huff ... never to be seen again. Well, she walked out and several minutes later the boyfriend came through the door. He starts right off with "So it's going to cost a thousand dollars?" (in a threating tone mind you) I stood there and laughed... why??? Because I know the scenario... you know... boy friend/girl friend routine... wrote about that before. SO to me... it was funny... to him, he was pissed. And, of course he stormed out the door just like they all do threating me with the cops, BBB, and the like. In a way, after writing these stories for all these years I sort of already have an idea how it's going to turn out. I guess that's why I can laugh at all these situations anymore. So the next time a lady comes in and tells you to inspect the car without shutting it off I'll bet you'll think of the last one that tried that. Predictable...yes....annoying...yes...laughable...absolutely. :) :)

An appropriate article for this up coming holiday If you follow my column in the trade magazines you've probably seen this story already in it's edited version for publication. The phone calls and emails after this story was published was unbelievable. Some mechanics defending the drunk driver of the world or showed sympathy for the people in this story who obviously had a problem with alcohol. I'd like to hear some feed back from you guys and gals as well. Just for the record... I like a cold beer, a glass of red wine (merlot) and I probably over indulge more than I care to admit.... BUT... not behind the wheel. That's just plain stupid. AND, for all those calls that I got defending the drunks of the road... sober up! ! (just a bit pissed... sorry)

Drivin’- Drinkin’ and Grandpa One of many slow days at the shop I had a small job come in from one of the local tire shops. This rather young girl brought the car to me from the tire shops just a few blocks away. She told me she was the owner and that the tire shop was rude and wouldn’t help her. I told her I’ve never knew them to be that way, but I occasional get like that depending on the reaction at the front desk. (Trying to lighten up the tension at the counter). She wasn’t much for my kind of humor, so I called the tire shop to find out what the deal was. Her problem was that it would occasionally not start, nothing new, just another typical job. The tire shop didn’t want to get involved with this because it had a breath analyzer attached to the starting system. For anyone out there that hasn’t a clue what this is…, I’ll explain… drinking and driving should NEVER EVER mix, get caught, you’re probably going to have to blow into this ridicules thing to start your car. My opinion, if you get behind the wheel in a condition that would require having to blowing into a plastic tube to start your car, you are without a doubt the most STUPID, inconsiderate person of all times. Don’t drink and drive! Personally, I would rather see the driver’s license revoked and give ya a bus ticket instead. (Mandatory taxi/bus or signed sealed delivered notice that has to be approved by the court system from another driver any time you get into a car. Make ya prove you’re not the person behind the wheel.) Beyond that, I need to find out why this car won’t start. First thing I did was disconnect the breath machine to verify if the problem was “factory” or the analyzer. Once the unit is disconnected from the car I have to call the 800 number on the device to let them know that it is an authorized disconnect and not the driver trying to bypass the system. It’s quite an ordeal to go thru… not the physical disconnect of the unit… that’s easy…but, the information you have to know to prove that you are actually a repair shop when it comes to properly disconnecting the unit. With that over with, I can get back to diagnosing the problem at hand. It turned out to be a bad starter motor. I called the parts warehouse and got prices on a replacement starter for the owner. Later that day the owner called back and said they had just put a starter on so I must be mistaken. …..yea, they did, but it was one of those “discount” brands…..the type that offer a life time warranty…..life time warranty, right a lifetime of changing it. (Note: cheap parts = cheap results) Instead of getting a name brand part they wanted to replace the starter with another “cheap” brand. Ah yes, the cheapo repair part syndrome, repairing your car with your wallet not with wrenches... She came for the old starter and sometime later showed up with the replacement starter. I informed the owner that since you have decided on the quality of the part but the quality of my diagnostics hasn’t changed, however if it fails to start for any reason beyond the bolts falling out of the starter do to the fact that I forgot to tighten them up… it’s an all new diagnostic charge to rework the test… which I have no doubt it will end up back to this cheap starter. It’s your choice, just warning you that I can’t trust these cheap parts to perform like good quality parts… “You get what you pay for,” I told her. It went in one ear and out the other. She answer me, “Ok, can ya have it done today?” Whatever, fine, I’ll put it on…. To my surprise……it worked. The next thing was to rewire the breath machine back into the system. No problems there, everything is in working order. Enough said about the repair….the next thing was….. Close out the ticket in the front office. That’s when old Grandpa showed up with one hell of a chip on his shoulder. (I think old Grandpa threw back a few before he showed up too.) “You’re charges are higher than the tire shop,” he said angrily, “I don’t think I should have to pay that much for it if the other shop could have done it for less.” I informed him that my prices were discussed before the job was even done and the price was OK’d before we even started. Besides, the tire shop may have a lower labor cost but, they also said they didn’t have the necessary skills to actually make the proper diagnosis and or the repair. He rambled on about how he had fixed cars when he was younger and knew a lot about them He would have fixed it himself if he knew what was wrong with it. Aha! The old “if I knew what was wrong with it” scheme. Now we are on to something. So it’s not so much…what I did or how I did it…. It was “knowing” how and what I did . Seems I’m not doing my job right, maybe I should just start guessing at the repairs…. Maybe then I could lower the cost of the repairs then I could be like the tire shop…. Or maybe I should just throw a dart at a bulletin board full of pictures of parts and where ever it hits that’s the part I change… or better yet, I’ll send it to someone else who knows how fix it. Oh, wait a minute ….that’s how I ended up with it. Oh that’s right…..I’m the guy who is supposed to be the guy that supposed to fix it for the guy. Guess that’s why I get paid the big bucks. Sorry Grandpa, maybe I’m doing you a big favor… you spend a few bucks with me, that way you’ll be a few bucks shy of that next 6 pack. That might keep you or your tube blowin’ granddaughter from getting behind the wheel drunk and I might actually be preventing a future fatal accident. So do me a favor…. Save some of that hot air for the breath machine Mr., you’ll need it to start the car…. View full article