Mechanic Charges Woman $1K for $100 Fix, Auto Tech Reveals
What was the cost difference between the replacement part and service initially quoted by the other shop and the actual service performed by Menjicar?
The cost difference between the replacement part and service initially quoted by the other shop and the actual service performed by Menjicar was significant. The other shop was going to charge the customer $1,052.99 for a new part and service that she didn't need. Menjicar, on the other hand, cleaned the existing throttle body and only charged the customer $100 for the labor. This means that Menjicar saved the customer approximately $952.99.
How did Menjicar determine that the throttle body of the Chevy Malibu only needed cleaning instead of replacement?
Menjicar determined that the throttle body of the Chevy Malibu only needed cleaning instead of replacement by first assessing the issue based on the error message from the diagnostic. He identified that the problem was likely related to the vehicle's throttle body. Instead of immediately ordering a new part and telling the customer it needed to be replaced, he decided to take a look at the throttle body to see what the issue was. Upon inspection, he found that the throttle body was dirty and decided to clean it. After cleaning the part and reassembling it, he reset the throttle body and the check engine light turned off, with the car idling smoothly. This confirmed that the issue was resolved by cleaning the throttle body rather than replacing it.
What process did Menjicar follow to reset the throttle body after cleaning it, and why was this step necessary?
Menjicar followed a specific process to reset the throttle body after cleaning it in order to ensure the car would idle properly. The steps involved in the process were as follows:
- After cleaning and reassembling the throttle body, he placed it back in the woman's Chevy Malibu.
- He then performed a throttle body reset, which is necessary because it allows the car's computer to relearn the proper idle speed and throttle response.
- By resetting the throttle body, the car's engine control unit (ECU) can adjust to the newly cleaned component, ensuring optimal performance.
This step was necessary because, without resetting the throttle body, the car may not idle properly, potentially causing issues such as rough idling, stalling, or poor engine performance. By performing the reset, Menjicar was able to provide a smoother and more efficient driving experience for the customer.