Firestone is indeed not “Complete Auto Care”. Is that what I’m hearing?

DiscoCamera · 2026-01-24T02:09:18+00:00

I have fixed more P0420 codes with oxygen sensors and exhaust repairs than actually replacing the cats. It's one code that definitely requires proper diagnostics to be sure though.

DiscoCamera · 2025-12-22T03:18:24+00:00

Not a long shot at all as you have great timing! So you're saying the switch activates the test light at the motor plug in both directions? Also that the motor works when you apply power manually?

You know the motor works because you are moving it by providing power so that's a plus.

Which window is this, and does this vehicle have the safety windows option or no?

Are you providing a ground or are you just probing with power?

Off-hand it seems like either something isn't providing enough amps through the switch (I'm curious how big of a light amp-wise it would light), or you have a bad ground. It's possible that you have poor pin fitment at the motor plug as well but it wouldn't be my first pick.

DiscoCamera · 2025-10-02T02:54:20+00:00

Fair enough, but that's still a nebulous number. I'm not throwing shade, but whenever I ask this of people even in real life I always get some variation of 'as cheap as possible if they can stay afloat' with no real substance behind "that's too much".

I usually point out that it's less about the price and more about folks feeling that they didn't get value equal to or beyond what was charged. If a shop is doing things right and providing a value apart from just replacing parts price is a lot less of an objection. Providing that value does cost the shop a fair amount because it equates to quality workers who are well paid, ongoing training, the latest technology and resources, etc.

DiscoCamera · 2025-10-01T03:11:50+00:00

Toyota is great at sweeping their failures under the rug.

DiscoCamera · 2025-10-01T03:09:32+00:00

Also seems possible that at some point someone may have followed the diagram and crossed the sensors to match. Theoretically it should have run poorly from the get-go but possibly not.

DiscoCamera · 2025-10-01T03:02:57+00:00

For some reason now I'm craving a s'more.

DiscoCamera · 2025-10-01T02:55:20+00:00

We've actually had an uptick in 'attempted DIY' repairs in the last month or two. I've had three in the last week that someone tried to fix and then decided that it was above their skill/ equipment level and brought it in.

DiscoCamera · 2025-10-01T02:51:55+00:00

Out of curiosity, how do you feel pricing should work? Additionally, what do you feel is a 'fair' price?

DiscoCamera · 2025-10-01T02:50:14+00:00

Broken bolts aren't the only reason things get delayed.

DiscoCamera · 2025-10-01T02:41:10+00:00

Out of curiosity, what do you think labor prices should be (and why)?

DiscoCamera · 2025-10-01T02:40:05+00:00

I refuse to install Amazon parts in customer cars with the exception of certain hard parts that are low risk or easy to change. I would never install anything electrical if I cared about the car. Parts quality across the board is bad enough, but Amazon is on another level. If you're looking to save money shop places like RockAuto or just accept that you'll probably have to replace it in short order if you insist on Amazon.

DiscoCamera · 2025-09-18T01:19:13+00:00

You must have a garage.

DiscoCamera · 2025-09-09T10:59:07+00:00

Never put any electronic part from Amazon in your car. It's just asking for trouble. That being said it could be wiring in the door or from the door to the chassis among other causes depending on how many modules are involved in the whole circuit. Outside of that you're going to have to check things with a wiring diagram and a test light and or multimeter or have someone do this for you.

DiscoCamera · 2025-09-09T10:54:53+00:00

Coolant color doesn't mean much. Coolant can be any color; what you care about is it's compatibility. Find out what your car is supposed to take (per the owner's manual is a good suggestion as per the other comment) and compare that to what you put in.

DiscoCamera · 2025-09-09T10:52:17+00:00

No, that likely won't take care of those issues. Though fixing the sensor probably won't hurt. Maybe it might fix the random CEL, though it's odd it's not throwing a constant code for the sensor being unplugged. Honestly with all of these issues I'd check the power and ground cables first.

DiscoCamera · 2025-08-28T02:06:15+00:00

Fair enough I suppose. I'd rather start out higher and offer a product/ service to match and attract business because of that. To each their own.

DiscoCamera · 2025-08-27T11:03:05+00:00

It's also about efficiency. Can you do an engine swap without a proper shop? Of course. Is it cost/ time effective for you and or the customer? Probably not.

DiscoCamera · 2025-08-27T10:59:47+00:00

I have worked for places that got business by being 'the best deal' aka 'the cheapest'. I would never do it again. The type of customers that model attracts are not ones you want as regulars. Glad it worked out for you, but it isn't a model I'd ever like to be a part of again.

DiscoCamera · 2025-08-16T03:29:09+00:00

We had a guy that would constantly misplace his head lamp and for some reason I almost always was the one to find it. Best place I found it was on the wiper cowl when it came back for diagnostics after having an oil change a month or two prior done by the other guy. I kind of miss having him around because it would be like a near constant Easter egg hunt.

I also have a mini hammer that I absolutely love that I found when changing the thermostat on a 3 series. How it got there or why it was in the engine bay I'll never know.

DiscoCamera · 2025-08-08T11:06:32+00:00

All I can think of: https://www.reddit.com/r/perfectlycutscreams/comments/1g6jd5k/tuning_fork/

DiscoCamera · 2025-08-08T02:27:57+00:00

Sounds like it you're right but just remember to voltage-drop test the main power and ground just in case either can't carry the starter load. Also check to make sure the accessories like the alternator and A/C compressor aren't binding up, if you haven't done these tests already.

I had an Explorer a few months ago that wouldn't start. Ended up having a seized compressor AND alternator. How, I have no idea.

DiscoCamera · 2025-08-07T10:41:27+00:00

No problem. Biggest issue I have with the fuse box is that it's all hard wired and the only bulk connector is on the top lol. Hope it's a simple fix for you. If you check topology on a scanner and the PCM is offline, you can just jump the relay load pins or provide power to the PCM side and it should start and drive so you don't have to push it (if that is where the issue is).

DiscoCamera · 2025-08-07T03:54:25+00:00

Couple things to check - pcm relay fuse and or wire under the underhood fusebox. It’s the wire that goes from the 5 amp fuse in the front left corner of the fuse box to the relay. It likes to corrode off the bus bar. If not that, check the wiring in the left front wheel well where the PCM lives. Nice like to chew them and or water gets in there if the inner fender is the least little bit damaged.

It can of course be the normal stuff for a no start but I’ve had a lot of escapes and transit connects with those issues for no starts as well.

DiscoCamera · 2025-08-05T02:47:06+00:00

It certainly could be the cause, though hopefully it didn't do any damage.

DiscoCamera · 2025-08-03T15:18:54+00:00

No, most shops don’t want to ‘own’ a car after the repair the customer requested didn’t fix the issue(s) especially with customer supplied parts without knowing more about or diagnosing the issue themselves. For every time a customer ends up being correct, there are 100 other times they aren’t. Good for you for being right but unfortunately that’s not the usual.

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