General vehicle thread

[TFOGGER]

Usually, tire failures are down to overloading or improper inflation (insufficient pressure for load). 4 on the same vehicle would tend to indicate an issue with the tires themselves, as the fronts are not usually as heavily loaded.

Also: Technicians read codes, interpret flow charts, and replace parts until the idiot light stays off. Mechanics find root causes and solve problems.

[sroz]

Also: Technicians read codes, interpret flow charts, and replace parts until the idiot light stays off. Mechanics find root causes and solve problems.

A couple decades ago, we had a Dodge Caravan that occasionally kicked off the cruise control on long trips. Would also cut off the engine and lock the steering. Took it into the Elway dealership several times where the techs ran their diagnostics, took my money and never could fix the problem. On one trip to the northern sticks of Maine I pulled into a Dodge dealership figuring I would take a chance that they might be able to figure it out. The entire crew was out for lunch. Waited about 20 minutes for them to return. Explained the problem to the head mechanic. About 10 minutes later he came out with a solenoid in hand pressing down on it with his ear right up against it. Showed me he could feel and hear a slight hitch in the function. He couldn't guarantee it was the fix, but I was willing to take the chance. Cost me a little over $80 parts and labor. Throughout our 2400 mile trip back not a single problem. So yeah, I'll put my trust in the old mechanic sitting in the corner with the dirty rag hanging out his back pocket every time. The guy they call over whenever the tech savvy guys can't figure it out.

[brutal]

Also: Technicians read codes, interpret flow charts, and replace parts until the idiot light stays off. Mechanics find root causes and solve problems.