Auto Mechanic

Are most mechanics also in the business of buying junked cars for parts?

Asked by too many lemons over 13 years ago

Many are. At my dealer, only 2 are. They will by cars that need some work, fix them up and sell them. It is kind of frowned on by the company. They see it as a mechanic competing for customers. I have bought 2 cars like that. 1 was a 1996 VW cabrio. I got it for $450. It needed a top, a battery and an ignition coil. I had the battery and coil, so I was able to drive it home that day. The other I got was a Jetta. I bought it for my sister.

I just took my '05 Expedition in for a tune up because the check engine light was on and it needed to pass emissions testing. It is now running way more rough than it was and the check engine light is now blinking at me. Do I have any options?

Asked by seth_208 over 12 years ago

Sorry for the late reply. I hope that by now you got your Ford fixed. I am guessing a coil was not properly installed, or failed.

If you can, update your question so we all know what fixed your car.

I have a 2003 Ford Focus SE. 4 Cylinder.The battery light has been coming on for a few months, it will come on, and go off. I can hear a difference in the engine when the light comes on.I took it to a auto parts store and had them do a diagnosis on i

Asked by Lindsay over 12 years ago

What did they say was wrong? Battery lights generally come on when the battery or the alternator are failing.

My a/c will not work. 1996 Mazda B2300 I have checked the fuse, it is charged, and the compressor will cycle on and off, but it will still blow hot air. Anybody have any insight on what it could be?

Asked by kelly over 12 years ago

Hiya Kelly,
This is a pretty crappy time to have no a/c isn't it. It was 96 yesterday where I am YUCK!

Okay, back to your question. Can you give me a little more info?

• When you say that the compressor will cycle, do you mean it cycles properly? Or does it turn on the right back off?
• Does the cooling fan on the radiator work properly?

The other thing you need to check, is the vent temp ACTUALLY set to cold. Now, I know that you have turned the knob to cold. There is a door that moves to change the temperature of the air. I have seen the cable come loose on that temp door. You move the knob, but the door doesn't move.

The best way to check that is, with the car off, turn the knob back and forth a few times. You shoud hear a little thud. That is the sound of the door stopping at the end position. You can also look under the dash and have someone else turn the knob. Look for a cable or an arm moving.

Hope that helps. When you get it fixed, please update us with that was wrong.

Cheers
Charles

what would make my 92 Honda accord Lx chug and sputter at 2000rpms and not go over that even when I have pressed the gas harder

Asked by jennifer monness over 12 years ago

Hey Jennifer, it could be a number of things. I always recommend starting with normal maintenance. 

That symptom is also common with a clogged catalytic converter. 

How much has your blog helped your business?

Asked by billbo jackson almost 13 years ago

Good question billbo, The short answer is NO. Now let me explain what I mean. I need to keep what I do somewhat off the main radar. I talk about things that some may consider not okay to talk about. I have to not only deal with VW, I have to deal with the company that owns my dealer. There are still so many companies that don't "get it". They don't want anything exposed, or given away. They don't want low level employees speaking for the company. No matter how you slice it, a mechanic is a low level employee. I have had a few customer come and ask for me at the shop, and that is REALLY awesome. But, I didn't build this blog and community to increase my shop hours. I built it to teach people about their cars, and give them the confidence to avoid being taken advantage of.

Why Does My 2000 Dodge Caravan Alarm comes on by itself when no one is around ?

Asked by Steve over 12 years ago

Generally it is a failing sensor. It could be for any of the door sensors or the hood or trunk.