For the last two weeks, I have been having troubles with my 98 Rodeo (S, V6, 2WD at 92K). Some mornings -or some evenings after work- when turning the key, all I hear is just a "click" and engine does not start. Then I turn off the key and try again. This repeats around 3-5 times and then engine starts. It runs fine and the battery was replaced about 2 months ago. Besides, there is no sign of loss of power... I searched the forum to confirm my suspicions about the starter, and it looks like the symptoms point to a "starter" problem. I assume it will get worse over time...

I took the truck to a local shop today. In the morning it started at the 3rd try; however, everytime they tried at the shop, it started at the first time.... They performed the battery and electrical tests and everything showed as "normal". They dont want to replace the starter, unless they see the "click", but I could not leave the car without arranging some alternate transportation. I was quoted $220 for the part + $83 for labor. Does this sound reasonable? Unfortunately, based on what I read so far on the replacement of the starter, I dont think I would be able to do it myself. I live in Southern California. I would appreciate if anybody could recommend a local mechanic shop around here (Los Angeles, Long Beach, Irvine area), where I can take my Rodeo for the starter replacement, as well as some other work (the big 100K maintenance is approaching).

Thanks in advance for the help!

You can pick up a new starter on Ebay for aroung $80, labor sounds about right.

Thanks very much! After reading your post, I tried eBay (completely forgot about it for some reason) and purchased a brand new starter for $79.99 (+$12 shipping). Now I just need to find a shop to install it and provide some warranty on the workmanship, since the part is covered for 1 year.
Thanks again!

Good luck getting any legitimate shop to provide labor warrantee in a situation where customer parts have been provided.

You might see this in a situation where a cosmetic gadget is being installed, but not common everyday items like a starter.

Parts markup pays the labor in real shops.

You mean the already overpriced (~$100/hour, even the job takes 12 minutes) labor charges are not enough for the "real" shops?!?!?

I found a "legitimate" shop today that will provide 90 days labor warranty once the part arrives here...

Thanks.

Might be splitting hairs but I think any decent shop would guarantee their labor on your part. However they are only guaranteeing just that - THEIR LABOR. So, if they put it in wrong they will make it right. If your part fails they are not going to redo their labor because you bought a defective part. Same thing if the part you chose to replace doesn't cure your problem. They are not guaranteeing your diagnosis of what needed to be done.

Central is correct - they'll guarantee their labor, but which is more likely to fail, their labor or a "new" starter purchased off ebay.

If there is a problem, the shop is going to point at the part as being the problem since they did not turn key the whole thing...parts & labor.

Good luck with the "new" $80 starter.

Doing it yourself is not as bad as it sounds. Just remember PB Blaster is your friend <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. After you get the exhaust off (which is the toughest part) you'll be well on your way to completion. Of course if you get stuck just post here and you'll have plenty of help I'm sure. Good Luck <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />