should I believe this mechanic?
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should I believe this mechanic?
Hi all, I am new here and even worse, female. 
The check engine light on My 98 Honda Civic LX went on today in the middle of the freeway. I was able to get off onto a side street and putter along until I could park. Got it towed to an unknown mechanic shop who says it's a bad alternator, which also blew out 4 sensors. They want $1300 to fix it. (I'm in Seattle.) I am told that in addition to the alternator, the load detection, speedometer, and 2 oxygen sensors need replacing. All parts: $763, plus $400 labor.
What happened after the check engine light went on: sporadic acceleration capability, and a wildly spinning speedometer regardless of whatever steady speed I was going. (This explains the Speedometer sensor being off.) Also eventual sputtering till I began to smell something. I felt I should not drive it one more block.
Now, I come across a helpful page somebody posted on this very forum, link below. I wonder if this new auto shop knows what they are doing, or is trying to part me with my hard earned cash. I can ask them to check the info in this PDF, which basically says it's a blown Fuse 15 and some burned-thru wires. Or, is it possible that an alternator problem would really render the sensors unworkable? I just don't want to get ripped off.... I called a former mechanic who suggested they replace the alternator first and THEN see how the sensors read. But, maybe I don't even need a new alternator, based on this document? Any thoughts appreciated! Muchas gracias.
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/misc/...%2315_fuse.pdf
The check engine light on My 98 Honda Civic LX went on today in the middle of the freeway. I was able to get off onto a side street and putter along until I could park. Got it towed to an unknown mechanic shop who says it's a bad alternator, which also blew out 4 sensors. They want $1300 to fix it. (I'm in Seattle.) I am told that in addition to the alternator, the load detection, speedometer, and 2 oxygen sensors need replacing. All parts: $763, plus $400 labor.
What happened after the check engine light went on: sporadic acceleration capability, and a wildly spinning speedometer regardless of whatever steady speed I was going. (This explains the Speedometer sensor being off.) Also eventual sputtering till I began to smell something. I felt I should not drive it one more block.
Now, I come across a helpful page somebody posted on this very forum, link below. I wonder if this new auto shop knows what they are doing, or is trying to part me with my hard earned cash. I can ask them to check the info in this PDF, which basically says it's a blown Fuse 15 and some burned-thru wires. Or, is it possible that an alternator problem would really render the sensors unworkable? I just don't want to get ripped off.... I called a former mechanic who suggested they replace the alternator first and THEN see how the sensors read. But, maybe I don't even need a new alternator, based on this document? Any thoughts appreciated! Muchas gracias.
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/misc/...%2315_fuse.pdf
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
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Re: should I believe this mechanic?
Duh, I didn't read! Twice!
You will have to check if the fuse is blown.
Many mekaniks will read codes and throw parts without any thinking. Most will not admit they are wrong, ego and all that.
You will have to check if the fuse is blown.
Many mekaniks will read codes and throw parts without any thinking. Most will not admit they are wrong, ego and all that.
Last edited by ezone; Oct 28, 2014 at 11:14 PM.
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ezone, you were right about that. They found the problem but didn't do any research other than to price replacement parts. So, I suggested they replace fuse 15 first and see how it went. They said "yeah, we were reading up on this too and saw the fuse possibility." (Really? I wonder.) Bottom line: $100 for some wire insulation where it was rubbing, and a new fuse, and that fixed it. Thank goodness for internet forums!!!
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