the car does not need to be running to pull the code. If a mechanic does use a scanner to pull the code, your looking at almost 100 right there. If you are getting oil on the spark plugs, it is possible that the spark plug tube gaskets may need to be replaced. If your around brampton tomorrow during the day I can swing by and pull the code for you.

 

To each their own MPR,

An hours labour for an educated, knowledgeable mechanic to properly diagnose a car isn't much. Now on the flip-side, an hours labour just to check the code is a bit pricey; however most shops (such as mine) do not do this. We provide a proper diagnosis AFTER the code is pulled.

I.E. Code 5 is pulled, MAP sensor. We don't just go and replace the sensor. We will pull the MAP sensor and do a vacuum sweep test. We also check the wiring (5V ref. ground and signal) as well as any vacuum lines if it is firewall mounted.

To some people it may not be worth it, but a certain part just because that circuit is throwing a DTC isn't the best stragety when reparing vehicles.

Just my own 2cents.

 

Fair enough.

I don't have all of the equipment that specialty shops would have. But I do what I can. Labour on your own car is free to yourself so even if it takes a little longer to fix a problem it still doesn't cost you anymore then the part(s) itself. That is, if you can diagnose the problem yourself.

If I had an issue diagnosing a propblem I couldn't figure out, I wouldn't hesitate to ask someone more knowledgable. Before I even look at the car I do my homework so I know what to expect incase it isn't the obvious solution.

I have yet to miss-diagnose an issues with my own vehicles. And I've had a few challenging issues that even the specialists/mechanics at several shops couldn't figure out. My guess is those mechanics simply didn't have the time to spend on the car and the previous owners of those vehicles didn't want to spend the money to have the mechanics spend enough time to figure out what was wrong. It took a lot of research and some off-the-wall home-brew methods, but I did fix them without replacing any part(s) that were unnecessary.

I totally understand what you're saying though, Chris. Not everyone has the time/tools/knowledge to do what's necessary. In that case, it's worth taking it to a knowledgable and trustworthy shop.

Indeed, to each his own.

 

i couldn't be bothered to read all that, but main relay explains the random stalling/hard to start, the valve cover gasket 'splains the oil on the spark plug... i forget, what else was the problem?

 

these are the two greatest truths in the automotive world. DTC is just to point you in the right direction, give you a place to start. or in some cases, give you a troubleshooting flowchart to follow (usually ending with 'replace PCM') lol

caveat: not all (rather not many) mechanics are educated and knowledgable. few are as dedicated + honest as chris_v2 and zeeman.

 

awwww thanks bbarbulo

But chris_v2 is wayyyyy better at this kinda stuff than I am, this is why we teamed up (along with arc_55) and got our own thing going.