Thread: Mechanics - A Rant

Mechanics, we all need them, some more than others.

I was raised to work on your own car. I taught myself how to do it. I change my oil, replace brakes, fuel pumps, fuel filters, gaskets, oil pans, manifolds, you get the idea.

I have a 2003 Ford with the battery light flicking when ever it rains and the air bag light is blinking on. My wife, not trusting my decision that it is nothing serious takes the Truck to her mechanic.

I get home last night and she tells me that her mechanic tells her, $70 later that the alternator is going bad. He further tells her that this is the reason that the radio is fritzing and that without fixing the alternator the radio will never work right, furthermore fixing the alternator will correct the flashing lights.

I told her that:
A: The alternator's only job is to recharge the battery. It serves no other purpose.
B: I am unaware of any radio that does not run on standard car voltage.
C: The airbag system is completely independent of the alternator.

I called her today and told her that if she did not believe Autozone where I had the alternator checked 2 months ago then take it to your favorite tire dealer and have them test it for free. They are always trying to sell us something we don't need. Sure as shootin', alternator is fine.

Now I am in trouble for being right?! How does that work?

Then I hear that I also need to change the oil, change the ATF, and the brake fluid. Hold the phone, Brake fluid, didn't this change MY brakes when all I needed was the new rotors. Along with changing brakes comes changing the brake fluid!! Right, Right. At least I changed my fluid when I installed a new camel hump and pads.

So now along with replacing the oil pan, changing the oil, changing the ATF, I have to add bleeding the brakes to this job!!! I need to replace the sensor for the air bags. $40 bucks and removal of the two front seats and replace the battery cables cause there is a crack in the insulation that is causing condensation to get in which causes the battery light to come on when it rains.

I know there are reputable mechanics out there, hell there may be some here, but for my money, unless I need a lift, or to remove the block. I am doing it myself. My wife is just to trusting of people that have given her marginal service before.

Ha, try hiring a plumber to do a job. he'll takes the teeth right out of your mouth.

I know what you mean... Fortunately I happen to be one of those people that a) have old trust-worthy cars (a 1992 Peugeot 205 Diesel) that are cheap and easy to keep running and b) have a mechanic that you can trust... I have two, by the way! But I wish I could take care of my beloved little srcappy-doo! Change its oil, the spark plugs, the filters, the brakes, you name it. But, for the moment, I can check the water and the oil level, change the air filter and add some oil if needed. No more than that... My thought on the matter is: if you can do it well, why spend money to have someone else do it for you? And sometimes these people are professionals that happen to be far less competent than yourself.
You should make your wife watch you fix the car... that should teach her!
Good luck...

A lot of things I'll do myself. I've done brakes and quite a few repairs. It's often a lot of fun, and I've been happy to save the money. But changing the oil has always been a waste of my time. I'd rather pay the $30 and have the guys at Jiffy-Lube do it in 15 minutes. Then I don't have to clean up the mess myself.

But as far as having the spouse on board with the home auto clinic, you could always get her involved in the repair. Have her sit out in the driveway with you. Have her hold the Chiltons manual and read along as you perform the repair. She'll learn something about the car as you fix it, and get some understanding of how and why things are done.

I haven't the time to work on my car any more - plus it's more modern than really allows for good tinkering (my old car was....old....). But there is a lot to be said for DIY. Failing that, I have a very good mechanic. He also races cars, so I know he knows what the hey he's doing.

The nickeling and dime-ing to death is a big bad sign.

Editing to add - I say you should show your wife what it is you're doing to the car - explain in clear terms - she sounds like she would appreciate knowing. It's easier to speak up when the mechanic starts in on hooey of you have a good idea of what's really going on. I know reading a fair number of repair manuals has helped me. A GOOD mechanic will appreciate talking to someone who has taken an interest in the machines.

I don't trust mechanics

over the years I've become one hell of a good mechanic
it isn't for everyone though (like some of those idiots in the shops)

I just changed brake fluid !!!!

no really !

I also rebuild everything

I don't know what's wrong with your radio, but the alternator can produce a high pitched whine that will be present if it's not filtered when the diodes go out. The alternator will still work fine, though. I am sorry to hear that you are having electrical problems. Especially so soon with a 2003 model.

Sometimes when my truck needs something fixed and I'm feeling kinda lazy, I will stop by a random mechanic and ask how much they charge to fix whatever it is. Usually by the time I leave I have a reason to laugh and I am provided with the financial motivation to do it myself as I always have.

Originally Posted by singlewedge

A: The alternator's only job is to recharge the battery. It serves no other purpose.
B: I am unaware of any radio that does not run on standard car voltage.
C: The airbag system is completely independent of the alternator.

A small amount of knowledge is a dangerous thing. All the Electronic control units (ABS, airbag, engine etc) on modern vehicles are voltage sensitive. If the regulated voltage of the alternator goes outside of a preset level (high or low) ECUs shut down and put on a warning lamp.This is A) to prevent damage B) to alert the driver to the fact the ABS, airbag or whatever, won't function as it should in an emergency. Thats on the simple vehicles. On the newest vehicles with smart charging systems and Controller Area Network (CAN bus) the alternator control is just one of the digital control units on the network( think of it as a mini internet in your vehicle) If the signal isn't correct all kinds of strange things will happen to the vehicle systems. Alternator problems have a knock on effect on everything electronic installed on the vehilcle. By the way, on later cars the Radio is on the CAN system as well.
Apologies for European nomenclature, I believe in the USA the main ECU is called a Powertrain Control Module or PCM.


Believe me, mechanics can be at least as exasperted by customers with very out of date knowledge as vice-versa.

Originally Posted by fpessanha

I know what you mean... Fortunately I happen to be one of those people that a) have old trust-worthy cars (a 1992 Peugeot 205 Diesel) that are cheap and easy to keep running
But I wish I could take care of my beloved little srcappy-doo! Change its oil, the spark plugs, the filters, the brakes, you name it.

Stand away from that Pug! Best take it to a mechanic to change the spark plugs on a diesel! No offence meant. Just amused me!

You can't go wrong with the old Peugeot/Citroen diesel engines. Been driving them myself for 20 years and they are bomb proof.

I'm on the opposite end of the scale. I was a salesman for 25 years and I never wanted to miss a sale because of car problems. For this reason, I lease new cars and keep them until the warranty expires. I have a reliable car, service is performed by the dealer under the warranty and my costs are fixed, i.e., no expensive surprises. The monthly payment is usually less than financing the purchase of a car. The only downside is that I never own a car and always have a car payment.