190e mechanics hours to replace OVP relay

Tiny
REA17
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I suspect my mother was heavily overcharged to replace this relay on her MB 190E, which is a very common malfunction in this car. I know the cost of the relay, new is around $65-75, and is located behind the battery. Her mechanic 'rewelded' the contacts on the old relay rather than replace it, and charged her not only to make the repair, but the hours it took to 'test drive' the car. Give me a brake! Total bill was around $275. I think this is outrageous. Please comment, and if you agree, suggest a way to remedy the situation.
Thursday, March 29th, 2007 AT 11:22 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KIN CHAN
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Do u have the work order? ...scan and email me a copy..i'll look up both alldata and mitchell for labor rate and parts....but i can tell u 1 thing ..mechanic and shops are not equal in performance..and diagnostic is mechanic ,verification of repair including test drive is mechanic .... that has nothing to do with installing the parts ...if the shop can justify the need...customer should pay...anything that they do and reasonable to perform customer should pay just like any other job as doctors,lawyers,accountant ...the price for what should and what shouldn't is not draft by customers but as a standard of auto repair industry ..can u argue and draft the items and service in a hospital?or what test ur doctor should be doing ? untill they explain and teach u result ur understanding then u approve?..think about it..fair is fair..and a lot of complaints over here on this website that i agree those shops are rip off becuz they don't even know what they were doing..


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Thursday, March 29th, 2007 AT 2:14 PM
Tiny
REA17
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I am a contract worker who doesn't get paid unless I perform, therefore, I expect the same of any alleged professional--and expect to pay them when they perform. The problem is that they chose to repair a part that cost less than their hourly rate. The fact that the part was obviously broken and the cause of the stalling-dieing problem should have indicated that 'test driving' would be just an added expense. In a small town, where return to the shop is no problem, that was simply an add-on expense for no real value, in both repairing (repair a part over 10 years old for more than the price of a new one--please!) And test driving. The definition of 'professional' is someone who PROTECTS his client's best interest.
It's particularly stupid of this shop to make such choices when they are in a small town and word spreads of how they took advantage of a woman who needed her car.
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Friday, March 30th, 2007 AT 8:07 AM
Tiny
KIN CHAN
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Test drive purpose is either verify a problem w/wo testing equipments or verify a repair. If a customer is capable of evaluating the differences. Then whats the purpose for taking it to a shop?. As u mention it cause a vehicle to stall. Let say a relay. Any typical relay. Just as simple as a late model GM car. Ignition coil relay can damage coils and modules. Without the test drive or whatever the presume condition with the knowledge and equipments of a mechanic. The shop have to bear the consequesences of ' they never chk it'. Now in ur case. Until u email a work order. So far can only conclude he say and she say. Professional definition is ambigous too. Customers interest on the average is save money not knowing the consequences or want to know the consequences.I believe a professional shop should be up front and make sure customers know what they are buying. For instances. Our oil change prices is $24.99 compare to chain franchise store usually until $20.00. Then again we chk most area thats critical and aware the customers. Like this moment we are on a bad alternator for a 99' miata. Average shop will bolt another 1 on there and send it home. Now. Is it necessary to have a snap on D-tac $ 4000 machine to verify repair and chk 13 points of pwr and grd. Scan data make sure ECM & modules are all okay from a blown alternator diodes. Is up to the mechanic to decide and the frt office to inform the customers. Hind sight 20/20 could save money and also save another trip with more repairs too. Which 1 to chose? Depends on what customers wanna buy. Hurry up send me the work order.I'm anxious to see this alledge rip off.
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Friday, March 30th, 2007 AT 11:36 AM

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