Any DIY auto enthuisasits?

vogeltron · #1 03-26-2014

Was just curious if any other members do their regular maintenance on their automobiles. Couple years ago I knew absolutely nothing about cars. Constant problems with my 02 Volvo and not knowing if I was getting swindled into unnecessary work turned me into an extreme DIYer. Through watching YouTube videos and reading forums. Been able to rebuild the front end and do all the basic regular maintenance (spark plugs, oil and filter changes, etc). Been able to tackle a few electrical problems as well.

I have run into a situation where I have some error codes coming up on my Dashboard Cluster. Thinking about taking the plunge on a code reader to clear up some of these issues. Dealerships want ($100+ just to plug in the code reader). My car has 175k on it so not going that route. Want to make sure I get one that can read SRS and ABS codes. Was also kinda looking for one that I could use for the most part across the board on other vehicles. Found this Autel Maxidiag Elite Md802. Was actually recommended to me.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BHYBPLG/...I263DRP49AM4JZ

Anyways if anyone has advice on my situation would appreciate it. But also I would love to hear what other members work on their own vehicles.

rsot · #2 03-26-2014

Sparked my interest vogeltron but I need cash and time to DIY :(

vogeltron · #3 03-26-2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsot

Sparked my interest vogeltron but I need cash and time to DIY :(

Unfortunately. Some repairs must be done. You get a $300 labor quote from a mechanic and then their parts are sub par and marked up 50% of the better quality ones.

So you end up tackling some of these jobs yourself. Even if it takes you 6 plus hours and you buy 4 or 5 tools and end up breaking even. I would rather give the middle finger to the mechanic. Not to mention the personal satisfaction of doing it yourself.

rsot · #4 03-26-2014

Very true - and those are good skills to have for the road.

gosunsplease · #5 03-26-2014

With my truck and the wifes and three kidos with there own vehicles You got to DIY when it comes down to repairs so with that being said when i get the dashboard codes i just head on over to Autozone they will hook up there scanner for free and give you a print out of what codes are popping up so it might be a start to getting it fixed. Been doing this for years and still have no need for a scanner. Hope that helps you out

Gamefreak · #6 03-26-2014

i sell cars on the side you know to waste money come tax time and make extra untraceable funds aka cash. A year and a half ago i didn't know much about cars. Got myself a scanner and with youtube and reading I'm now changing trans and will do anything but a complete engine swap myself..

kittyamnezia · #7 03-27-2014

You can get a onboard diagnostics kit for your iphone relatively cheaply. It's Bluetooth and then you download an app to read the codes. However, I'm not sure it will read all codes or give you the ability to clear all of them. I also sell cars, not on eBay but they are good income if you can restore cheaply and know your market. Personally, I would invest in something that will save you time and money in the long run. Get a decent diagnosis kit, as you can also take it with you when buying cars and find out what you might have in store..... Also you can use it to knock money off when negotiating

rsot · #8 03-27-2014

iphone app for diagnostics...hopefully for Android too

GreenBean · #9 03-27-2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by vogeltron

Unfortunately. Some repairs must be done. You get a $300 labor quote from a mechanic and then their parts are sub par and marked up 50% of the better quality ones.

So you end up tackling some of these jobs yourself. Even if it takes you 6 plus hours and you buy 4 or 5 tools and end up breaking even. I would rather give the middle finger to the mechanic. Not to mention the personal satisfaction of doing it yourself.

We had a recent Current Affairs program where consumers were taking autos to the 'local shop'. One place in particular was overcharging by mega bucks.

The reporter took an older model Subaru to the place. The auto had been appraised by a local dealer. Their quote for 'work' was $600 including labor.
Mechanic at the local shop charged just under $5000

He was well known to Fair Trading.

vogeltron · #10 03-28-2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gamefreak

i sell cars on the side you know to waste money come tax time and make extra untraceable funds aka cash. A year and a half ago i didn't know much about cars. Got myself a scanner and with youtube and reading I'm now changing trans and will do anything but a complete engine swap myself..

What kind of code scanner did you get? Trying to get one that will clear ABS and SRS codes.

And to GreenBeam's point. Mechanics for the most part are crooks. They do everything they can to prey on the misinformed. I honestly only work on my own car. Will help out my pops too when he needs it.

But it is just so hard to find a trustworthy mechanic. Especially for Women when they take cars in. Most of them here in the states assume this person knows nothing about automobiles. So they will try to upsell or come up with phantom problems. They do it with men too.

About 7 years ago my sister had her radiator replaced. She took it for an oil change and the person tried to tell her that her radiator fluid need to be replace. Literally 1-2 hours after a new one was installed. If you find and honest mechanic make sure you always go back there.

Gamefreak · #11 03-29-2014

i bought an autel maxidas

rsot · #12 03-30-2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gamefreak

i bought an autel maxidas

Did you get a fair deal on the price?

vogeltron · #13 03-30-2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gamefreak

i bought an autel maxidas

Yup, that is exactly what I asked about in the OP. Have been told these were solid by a few other ppl on car forums as well.

kittyamnezia · #14 03-30-2014

I completely agree on the lack of decent honest mechanics out there. Unfortunately, they are in a trade that a lot of people don't bother to research because it's too complicated or are scared of. Therefore, they can say what they like and charge what they like for a lot of the work. I know this because we share our warehouse with a garage who is owned by my dad. I've seen people come in who have claimed that they have had new parts on their car when they are clearly out of a scrappy and have been charged for a new part. As a girl, I am yet to find a garage that hasn't tried to rip me off. I had one garage claim my head gasket was gone without doing a pressure test! Which I demanded and came out fine.

rsot · #15 03-30-2014

Always good to demand the proof

GreenBean · #16 03-30-2014

We have a Fleet mechanic.

That solves all our issues.

If he mucks up he loses a whole heap of money.

Been doing work locally for 20 years so his reputation is sound. In fact, he even advises people about going to auto electricians who did the wrong thing by him.

Gamefreak · #17 03-30-2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsot

Did you get a fair deal on the price?

paid $1100 for it i believe but its well worth it especially when changing trans fluid for audis

GreenBean · #18 03-30-2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gamefreak

paid $1100 for it i believe but its well worth it especially when changing trans fluid for audis

That's not a bad price.

There's one around in OZ at the moment for AU$1100.

They are one of those items where it pays to shop around to get the bargain.

Salvo · #19 03-31-2014

Since your in the US you can always go to Autozone/Pep Boys/Advanced Auto and they will read pull CEL codes for free. I'm not sure as to the depth (SRS and ABS), but I've had no problems with cars 96-2010.

Having one on hand it always useful though, especially for clearing codes and diagnosing parts. If I had a garage, there is a list of project cars I'm interested in acquiring. Next year!

MM78 · #20 03-31-2014

I enjoy working on my 68 Chevy Nova, I don't enjoy working on my newer car! lol. Luckily I have 2 awesome mechanics who charge pretty cheap.

Sandy D · #21 04-03-2014

I DIY myself but taking it to someone who wants to work on things.

Karakolio · #22 04-03-2014

I love pampering my car! Most of us petrol heads do. I am a member of detailing forum with other crazy people like me reviewing compounds and waxes, so no need to mention that my car is always in showroom condition

However, for technical maintenance, such as changing cam belt, pulleys and tensioners, I go to a reputable specialist. With modern cars and all the electronics, it's getting harder to fix some things these days.