Where is the best place for diagnostics?

[stevemya76!yaho]

I have 1997 Explorer and live in Brooklyn, NY.
I would like to find the best place to do diagnostics. Should I go to a dealership or just a regular diagnosits expert center.
The problem with car is that one or morre sensors do not work properly.
Thanks.

 

[Alec]

if it's just throwing codes (check engine light) you can get the codes scanned for free at Autozone. Be sure to get the actual code numbers, not just the definition they give you. Good luck!

 

[stevemya76!yaho]

thanks.

 

[Robert]

I agree with Alec, go to Autozone and get the code numbers read. Post them here and then go from there (assuming it still seems to run properly). If it isn't running then you don't have much choice other than taking it to a shop. Dealerships are hit and miss with about 1 good one for every 5 bad ones although they all charge a premium price for their service (or lack thereof). My experience is that you can get better service from and independant shop than you can from the dealer. I have read several Ford Technical Service Bulletins where their standard policy is to replace entire units rather than take them apart to try and fix the $5 part inside. The transmission and transfer case are examples. Unless a part is bolted on the outside or right under the transmission pan cover, Ford will replace the transmission or transfer case instead of taking it apart and finding out what failed. An independant shop tends to look a little harder to try and find the source of the problem. Just be sure and choose one that you get several referrences from and check them out. There are a lot of bad independant shops also.

 

[stevemya76!yaho]

When I go there (Autozone) what should I ask for?
Because I did ask them if they do a free sensor check and they said no. They check the battery, alternator and something else for free. But not sensors.

Thanks.

 

[Alec]

you have to ask them for an OBD II code check. again, your check engine light has to be on for there to be any codes most of the time.

 

[stevemya76!yaho]

Alec, Thanks.
The check engine is on and also check gage light is on.

 

[Robert]

Autozone has been pushing their free code scan on the radio for the last several months. The commercial starts off like "Engine light got you down? Your check engine light on? Come to Autozone ...". Go to http://www2.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/in_our_stores/check_engine.jsp and print out the page and take it with you so there is no confusion.

 

[stevemya76!yaho]

Thanks alot.

 

[410Fortune]

Also the best place to at least start diagnosis is your own house.
If you get in over your head that is the only time you should take it to somebody else, because at least you are taking it somewhere with an idea of what the problem is, and what needs to be fixed. Otherwise they can tell you anything they want, and they do it all the time.

Dont trust anybody unless you already know the people you are taking it to.

The best customer is a involved customer, just dropping it off and saying "here's the keys, call me when you have the total" is leaving yourself open to well, you mine as well just bend over.........

 

[stevemya76!yaho]

Hi,
I went to Autozone did an OBD check. The prblem was with Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High Input.
I've replced that sensor, reset PCM and nothing changed. The car still runs the same it did before I replaced air intake sensor and the check engine light is on. What should I do next.


THANKS.

 

[Alec]

throttle position sensor. mine keeps throwing IAT codes and it was actually the TPS. Due to my supercharger and nitrous installs, I've tapped into the TPS circuits a few times and sometimes the splices come a bit loose. That's what my problem is, so I assume yours is a loose IAT or TPS wire, or a failing TPS. It is not uncommon.

When you get a new TPS, make sure it is OBDII applicable for your year. Good luck!