Posted: 4/30/2004 8:25:11 PM EDT
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Vehical: 1991 Mercury Sable GS 3.8 LV6 AXOD tranny 134,500 miles Background- Getting ready for trip this weekend, I did the usual vitals stuff. Changed the fuel filter, serpentine belt. Also put new cap and rotor. While doing belt, found out water pump was going. So that was done today (friday) at a dealer. At same time, had them put in new plugs and plug wires. Okay, when I get leave shop, drive maybe 15-20 miles, about 35-40 min after picking it up (in town driving), the check engine light turned on and stayed on! At this point, the last time the check engine light turned on was back in 1998 when I was in college. A tune up solved it then. Now, this time, I just HAD a tune up (granted, it wasn't put on the computer). At a stop light, I turned the car off, and restarted. The light stayed off. Now, about 30 min ago, after changing the motor oil and going for a test dirve, the light comes on after about 3 miles and 5 minutes after driving. I drive a little more, get off the main roads and do the same thing, turn it off and restart. Light goes off...... To the do it yourselfers and mechanics that know Fords, Mercury, etc, what is going on? Is it just dumb luck that the thing is coming on? Or something the shop did..... it was "just" a tune up.... it runs better. Is it the computer adjusting???? I might check for replies tomorrow morning before leaving for trip, but not sure if I'll be able to 'find' the post... Thanks. |
I hope not. Or maybe the Oxygen sensor. I changed that back in 1997/8 too. Just because. It has more power because of the tune up (naturally, it should run better after all that). I have a code reader, but can't recall if I have it or my buddy....will have to see. |
Ah.... So, you are sort of thinking like I am, they must have done something that caused it to go on.... even though it was a simple "change the plugs and ignition wires". Those are the only electrical that were touched. The water pump would not have caused it.... (or just dumb luck......) I'll see. I have to make this trip this weekend, so I'll watch it. |
I wouldn't do that. If there is anything wrong with the vehicle and you continue to drive it that may harm your chance of them fixing it. Here is what you do.( I have 8 years in the auto repair management service) Go down to the shop first thing in the morning. Be nice. Tell them the problem. Tell them about your trip. Chances are, they can fix it right away, I doubt it is anything major. If it is a minor thing tell them you want it fixed right away due to your trip. If they can't request that they give you a rental car for the weekend while you leave the car there for them to fix. This will probably motivate them to get the car fixed. It might also help if you mention that this was the way the Better Business Bureau or the Bureau of Automotive Repair suggested you handle the situation.  Those are the agencies that license them...and autoshops are ofetn deadly afraid of the Bureau of Auto Repair.Good Luck SGtar15 |