| Subject: | 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse gs |
| Question: | First the car was purchased
used 6 months ago. The car had 75,000 miles and was checked by are mechanic.All checked out fine.After the purchase only 2,000 miles later the check engine light goes on. We took the car in to the dealer and was told it needed spark plugs. They changed them and for 1,000 miles we were fine. This happen 3 times and they said the wires were bad $300.00 later.the problem is ongoing. thank you for your time Jeff |
| Answer: | Jeff, Well, typical of what dealerships like to do (especially for cars that well behind warranty) is to fix one thing at a time so they can charge more and more every visit. If the dealership you brought your car to was playing by the book, they would have used a code reader on your car to determine exactly what the problem is. I would avoid using the dealership (at least the one you've been to) as much as possible for your repairs. The Check Engine Light typically does not come on for bad spark plugs or worn plug wires. Most likely there is a problem with your air intake system. You may have a clogged air filter, bad thottle position sensor, or a number of other sensors. You didn't specify any problems your car is showing; other than the check engine light is on. Ask your friends, family or co-workers that may know of some
good local mechanics garages in your area. Take your car
to a local garage and ask the mechanic if they have code
readers that will work with your car before you have him
do any work on the car. This way, you'll be sure that they
will pin-point the problem and not give you the run-around
and overcharge you like the dealership did. |