Re: Car Trouble, Need Advice
 

[quote=firstdown;764971]That's probably why your scared to buy a used car. Its like me buying electronics and why I ask dumb questions here.[/quote]


That and the fact that the used car my brother bought for 5K fell apart after 2 years. He even had a mechanic take a look at the car before he bought and he still ended up dropped another 2500 repairing it.

Re: Car Trouble, Need Advice
 

[quote=firstdown;764969]No its all Va but its not very much of an inspection. Here was a prior post of mine.

OK I'm wrong after checking Va does have an emission test. From what I read they mainly just go by the inspection to make sure you have a catalytic converter and the fuel tank filler pipe. Larger veh. like work trucks get hit with the actual emission test but not your everyday car.[/quote]

I can agree with this, because before i had the money for my flowmaster exhaust i have now, for a time i just had a catalitic converter and a straight pipe...no muffler, and my truck passed inspection last july with no problem.

Re: Car Trouble, Need Advice
 

[quote=SolidSnake84;764999]I can agree with this, because before i had the money for my flowmaster exhaust i have now, for a time i just had a catalitic converter and a straight pipe...no muffler, and my truck passed inspection last july with no problem.[/quote]

not 100% sure but as long as you have a working cat and your check engine light isn't on in va then you pretty much pass emission, espescially if you car is a 2000 or newer. i had a 89 f150 that was jacked up and running straight of the headers for a while and i had to have a buddy hook my up so my truck would pass. i've never had a car inspected in md but from what i hear they are a lot stricter than va.

Re: Car Trouble, Need Advice
 

[quote=saden1;764946]BTW, the dealer told me that the Valve Cover Breather Hose (VCBH) disconnected that's why the service engine light was on and the car was choking.[/quote]


The car once again started exhibiting the same problems (choking and engine light is on) and I took it back to the dealer. They said the #3 Engine Coil needs to be replaced. WTF does that mean and is that normal for an 8 yo car with 100K miles. They also told me that if they fix this coil and it happens again I might as well replace all the coils at $150 per coil (i think there are 5 coils).

Are these SOBs gasing me?

Re: Car Trouble, Need Advice
 

[quote=saden1;769281]The car once again started exhibiting the same problems (choking and engine light is on) and I took it back to the dealer. They said [B]the #3 Engine Coil needs to be replaced[/B]. WTF does that mean and is that normal for an 8 yo car with 100K miles. [B]They also told me that if they fix this coil and it happens again I might as well replace all the coils at $150 per coil (i think there are 5 coils).[/B]

Are these SOBs gasing me?[/quote]

I thought it sounded like a coil pack. AND yes there is a certain merit to replacing them all at this time as bad as that sounds. Frequently the labor to get to them is most of the bill. You may want to inquire as to the amount of labor to have one done now or all done now (with the additional parts cost)and see if it merits waiting and replacing them one at a time? It is not unusual to have another pack go south shortly after the first does.
AND I would encourage you to seek out a big "maufacturer specific" car forum for your car and post this stuff. You will get advice from owners having the same problems and usually get some good advice(and some BS as well).

Re: Car Trouble, Need Advice
 

There's no reason to replace them all at the same time, unless it makes you feel good, I guess. What model and engine? It probably has either 4 or 6 coil packs, depending on the engine.

It shouldn't take any more than 20 minutes (less for most cars) to replace a single coil pack. Add 2 minutes for each additional coil pack . In the aftermarket, you can pick up a coil pack for ~$50-75 for this era Nissan. A good, independent shop should be able to replace a single coil pack for under $100. If you have a 10mm wrench, you can replace it yourself.

Re: Car Trouble, Need Advice
 

[quote=saden1;769281]The car once again started exhibiting the same problems (choking and engine light is on) and I took it back to the dealer. They said the #3 Engine Coil needs to be replaced. WTF does that mean and is that normal for an 8 yo car with 100K miles. They also told me that if they fix this coil and it happens again I might as well replace all the coils at $150 per coil (i think there are 5 coils).

Are these SOBs gasing me?[/quote]

They're right on the coil packs needing replaced around that mileage, but they're bending you over on that price.


Go to [URL="http://www.rockauto.com"]RockAuto Auto Parts[/URL] and get the parts there. They beat ANYONE'S prices and service is great.

Coil packs are very easy to change on most cars, you should be able to handle it yourself. Usually accessible right on top of the engine. Follow the spark plug wires to the end not connected to the engine block...the part they connect to on the other end are the coil packs.

Disconnect the batter and the plug wires. The coil packs are usually only held on with a couple of screws or bolts. Just make sure you put the plug wires back on in the same locations, it makes a huge difference. Use some masking tape and mark them 1-4 or 1-6 if you're not completely confident in your memory.

Just change the faulty one...sometimes they last a long time, sometimes they don't. No reason to replace a functioning one.

Re: Car Trouble, Need Advice
 

[quote=Buster;769468]They're right on the coil packs needing replaced around that mileage, but they're bending you over on that price.


Go to [URL="http://www.rockauto.com"]RockAuto Auto Parts[/URL] and get the parts there. They beat ANYONE'S prices and service is great.

Coil packs are very easy to change on most cars, you should be able to handle it yourself. Usually accessible right on top of the engine. Follow the spark plug wires to the end not connected to the engine block...the part they connect to on the other end are the coil packs.

Disconnect the batter and the plug wires. The coil packs are usually only held on with a couple of screws or bolts. Just make sure you put the plug wires back on in the same locations, it makes a huge difference. Use some masking tape and mark them 1-4 or 1-6 if you're not completely confident in your memory.

Just change the faulty one...sometimes they last a long time, sometimes they don't. No reason to replace a functioning one.[/quote]

Thanks. I know the dealer gouges you but charing $150 for something that costs $50 is pure theft.

Re: Car Trouble, Need Advice
 

[quote=Buster;769468]They're right on the coil packs needing replaced around that mileage, but they're bending you over on that price.


Go to [URL="http://www.rockauto.com"]RockAuto Auto Parts[/URL] and get the parts there. They beat ANYONE'S prices and service is great.

Coil packs are very easy to change on most cars, you should be able to handle it yourself. Usually accessible right on top of the engine. Follow the spark plug wires to the end not connected to the engine block...the part they connect to on the other end are the coil packs.

Disconnect the batter and the plug wires. The coil packs are usually only held on with a couple of screws or bolts. Just make sure you put the plug wires back on in the same locations, it makes a huge difference. Use some masking tape and mark them 1-4 or 1-6 if you're not completely confident in your memory.

Just change the faulty one...sometimes they last a long time, sometimes they don't. No reason to replace a functioning one.[/quote]

I'm fairly certain the car in question has coil-on-plug coil packs. No plug wires here.

Re: Car Trouble, Need Advice
 

[quote=saden1;769496]Thanks. I know the dealer gouges you but charing $150 for something that costs $50 is pure theft.[/quote]

They may be charging you $50 for the part and $100 for labor (20 minutes rounded up to an hour).

Re: Car Trouble, Need Advice
 

[quote=cpayne5;769522]I'm fairly certain the car in question has coil-on-plug coil packs. No plug wires here.[/quote]

I looked for a mention of the model...did not see one.

Regardless, Rock Auto will hook him up. :food-smil

Re: Car Trouble, Need Advice
 

[quote=Buster;769541]I looked for a mention of the model...did not see one.

Regardless, Rock Auto will hook him up. :food-smil[/quote]

Yeah, RA is good. I wish shipping was cheaper, though. I love their catalog.

Check out these coupon codes if you have an Advance Auto nearby...
[url=http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/content_Winter-2010___?cm_mmc=ET-_-Promotions-_-Dec5HK-_-Champion_]Winter Deals - Advance Auto Parts[/url]

You have to order on the website, but you can pick-up the order in store. I grabbed a $100 battery for $60 yesterday using the coupon.

Re: Car Trouble, Need Advice
 

[quote=cpayne5;769524]They may be charging you $50 for the part and $100 for labor (20 minutes rounded up to an hour).[/quote]


No, he said 150 part, 90 labor. It's a racket!

Re: Car Trouble, Need Advice
 

:benched:[quote=Buster;769541]I looked for a mention of the model...did not see one.

Regardless, Rock Auto will hook him up. :food-smil[/quote]
I do not believe that S-1 is a DIY.......
AND Saden, if this is a dealership? They are notoriously...........HIGH!! It would be a great boon for you to try and locate an honest shop that is competent on your machine.

Re: Car Trouble, Need Advice
 

[quote=Hog1;769583]:benched:
I do not believe that S-1 is a DIY.......
AND Saden, if this is a dealership? They are notoriously...........HIGH!! It would be a great boon for you to try and locate an honest shop that is competent on your machine.[/quote]

I'm no grease monkey but I can follow instructions well. I work on my bike all the time but unfortunately I've never gotten into tinkering with cars. If another coil goes out I'm definitely going to try to do it myself. If I fail miserably you lot will have to pay my toeing fee.

I've tried to locate an honest mechanic that charges reasonable prices in my area but I've had a tough time because this is a rich area with Microsoft millionaires live and work. They are all overpriced!

Re: Car Trouble, Need Advice
 

[quote=saden1;769773]I'm no grease monkey but I can follow instructions well. I work on my bike all the time but unfortunately I've never gotten into tinkering with cars. If another coil goes out I'm definitely going to try to do it myself. If I fail miserably you lot will have to pay my toeing fee.

I've tried to locate an honest mechanic that charges reasonable prices in my area but I've had a tough time because this is a rich area with Microsoft millionaires live and work. They are all overpriced![/quote]

If that is the case, you can find on Youtube almost ANY mechanical procedure on any car. You can also find a TON of valuable info through the forum network. Can't stress that enough!
Best places to buy OEM parts (original manufacturer will last longer but are more expensive).
Procedural and diagnostic info, etc.
Most of repair cost is in the labor AND you can do most things yourself.
AND, AND I did not mean to offend with the "DIY" thing.
Good luck

Re: Car Trouble, Need Advice
 

Sounds like you need to call Click and Clack

[url=http://www.cartalk.com/index.html]Car Talk. Car tips, advice, and troubleshooting.[/url]

Re: Car Trouble, Need Advice
 

[quote=saden1;769773]I'm no grease monkey but I can follow instructions well. I work on my bike all the time but unfortunately I've never gotten into tinkering with cars. If another coil goes out I'm definitely going to try to do it myself. If I fail miserably you lot will have to pay my toeing fee.

I've tried to locate an honest mechanic that charges reasonable prices in my area but I've had a tough time because this is a rich area with Microsoft millionaires live and work. They are all overpriced![/quote]

If you take a picture of the top of your engine, we can probably show you exactly what to do.

What model car do you have? 4 cylinder, 6 cylinder?

Re: Car Trouble, Need Advice
 

[quote=cpayne5;769837]If you take a picture of the top of your engine, we can probably show you exactly what to do.

What model car do you have? 4 cylinder, 6 cylinder?[/quote]

4 cylinder. I was going to try the manual and see what it tells me. If I have trouble I'll be sure to post pics.

Re: Car Trouble, Need Advice
 

[quote=saden1;769840]4 cylinder. I was going to try the manual and see what it tells me. If I have trouble I'll be sure to post pics.[/quote]

Go to your local library and check out the Chilton's manual for the car. Some libraries even have them on line so you can pull them up from your home computer. On most cars they are pretty easy to change and it sounds like you have a coil for each cylinder. If you know anyone who knows how to use a meter they can check the coil to see if they are good.