Online Auto Repair | Diy Car Repairs | Automobile Information

Hello Mark I started reading your free auto repair book because I don't know what to make of the car repairs that are being suggested to me.

I think I'm learning a lot about how the auto repair business is run in some places, but I'm not sure how to apply it to my current repair as I've already approved several.

I took my rebuilt car in to the closest auto service shop I could find because the car had an engine light on for a few months. The car then started stalling in the last two weeks.

But the first day not only did they suggest that the camshaft sensor be replaced to fix the stalling problem but they said the right outer tie rod end should be replaced for safety reasons.

They also said that the battery is too weak, and that part of the reason for engine light coming on is a catalytic converter going bad. The repair shop said it isn't an immediate problem but should be addressed when it feels like the car is losing power.

I agreed to all but replacement of the catalytic converter. Then the second day they called back to state that the fire damage that the car sustained to make it a salvage vehicle has now caused the new camshaft sensor they put in to fry.

They think it's bad wiring or that the fire damage reached the computer. They offered to diagnose the auto repair problem for a flat fee and apply their part/labor warranty for the broken camshaft sensor.

But they would not give me a ballpark estimate or how much it would cost in a worst case scenario of what they could find.

Does what they say make sense? I'm not sure if I'm worrying for no reason or if they'll keep finding more things to fix. Thank you so much for making your auto repair book available and for any advice you can give me.

-Mike

Hi Mike: Its hard to judge on your unique situation with this salvage car. The scenario of the cam sensor burning up would be rare but is possible.

I usually recommend to approve diagnosis in chunks. But with a Gray area like this your shop does seem to be working with you.

Some times these type of repairs can snowball into something ugly. Sometimes you get lucky and find the answer quickly.

So its hard to pass judgment on your shop since I have not seen the salvaged fire damaged car myself. But I am glad you enjoyed the auto repair book.

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