Thread: avoiding extra repairwork

OBD2 information only tells you what the likely involved system is. It doesn't tell you what the fix is. There is still hard core diagnosis to be done. Think of the OBD2 codes as just another symptom (but usually a symptom that should be highly weighted in diagnosis). So, one should use caution when saying that the OBD2 code condemmed a technician of "overcharging". Just because a code says "02 sensor voltage low" doesn't mean that there is a problem with the O2 sensor. Could be the connector, the wiring, the ECU, a ground problem, a voltage supply or many other things.

Kinda like a doctor saying your blood pressure was high and therefore you need a heart transplant. If he charged you for additional diagnosis - would that be overcharging?

i got that, but i figured that among the people using obdII on this board, there might be someone who knew about car stuff (i don't), examined the flagged system, found the problem, and then maybe took it to a technician just to see what they had to say...i also understand that such a person, knowing that much about cars, probably wouldn't need a repairman anyway

but that's what i'd do if i knew anything at all about car mechanics and i wanted to see if anyone had any such experience

Originally Posted by skippuff54

i also understand that such a person, knowing that much about cars, probably wouldn't need a repairman anyway

Exactly. Nobody but me touches my car unless a $1000+ tool is needed, for exactly the reasons you alluded to: honest mechanics are rare.

BTW, if anyone in SLC, UT has a VW or Audi, I recommend Alpine Foreign Service on 900 south - they are that rare breed, and fast and cheap, too. (There are a few $1000+ tools needed on Audis. )

Originally Posted by gospeed.racer

As a mechanic... customer.

Yes the best mechanics almost always work for the dealer, and you pay for that quality. If you have a warranty, that is the way to go.