I have a 1992 Mitsubishi Mighty Max 3.0 4X4 that just died. The coil was not producing spark but the coil tested good. I was unable to test any further then that so it was off to the shop. The shop stated the distributor was bad and replaced it, charging close to $500.00. Got the truck back and I was off and running. The next day I went out to start it and it would not start. I called the shop and they towed it back. Several hours later, they called and said it was fine. They could not explain what was wrong but stated they disassembled the distributor and something must have been loose because when it was reassembled, it ran fine. By the way, no charge this time. The truck ran fine for a day and then died again. Back to the shop I went. This time they tell me the computer is bad and it must have shorted out the distributor. They now want to sell me a new computer. Does this sound feasible or am I being taken? Can the computer short out the distributor? Is there any way to tell? I tend to believe that maybe just the computer was bad and they diagnosed it wrong and want me to pay for their mistake. I appreciated any input.

I would suggest going about it this way:

Ask the owner of the shop to accept a post dated check. I'd tell him right up front that you think he's guessing and would like to protect yourself against his incompetance.

At our shop, if someone gets their car fixed and it comes back the next day, it is considered not fixed.

I would highly recommend taking your truck to the dealer (I know it's expensive, but who knows your truck better?) and get it fixed right, the first time.

It could go either way, I have no idea if the computer can short the dizzy. The way I see it.

1. They are not good at diagnostics and just threw parts at the truck

2. The computer has a intermittent problem and they did the best they could.

I guess it boils down to the reputation of the shop and if the computer can short the dizzy. Where is Conner when you need him <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I've never heard of a computer taking out a distributor. I have seen it go the other way.

Basically, computers don't break sensors.

Before you rush off to the dealer or another shop you might want to look ahead a little in that this might end up in court, if you want. You need to give the shop a reasonable chance to fix what may have been an honest mistake/best try. If you don't then you will not have much of a case in small claims court. (my advice only from experience, not legal advice)
I would do what 52degrees suggests and give them one more try, then attempt to work out who pays what. It appears that they replaced a perfectly good part which you might want back in the truck. If you need to pay a bill you disagree with in order to get your truck back, make a note on the bill that you dispute the charges. Spending time in court is not what the shop wants so that risk may promote a fair resolution, just don't go around threatening them though. Remember flat rate means about 30% more time charged than actually spent on the repair, so there is some room to negotiate. You also should check to see if your state has any laws that do not allow post dated checks. Also be prepared that the PD check will just go through the bank anyway, most don't really pay much attention.

I don't know what's wrong with your truck, but it sounds like the shop is full of BS.

But, they have your money and your truck's not fixed.

Be forwarned: A postdated check gives you NO leverage. Your best option is to talk to the owner of the shop. Remain calm and tell him you don't think the problem with your truck was diagnosed correctly. Ask him what he recommends. Chances are good he'll just sit there or come back with more some silly BS.

Keep your cool and tell him that you don't think his plan is acceptable (unless it is) and you'd like to suggest an alternate plan.

Get him talking, and you guys will probably come up with something.

Make him your enemy and it'll cost you more money to get it fixed elsewhere.

I have a tough time with that. Especially if I think they are BSing on purpose. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> Good advise though. Good luck! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

The computer will not take out the distributor. The ECM supplies 5 volts to the leds for the high and low resolution signals only. I suspect your problem was elsewhere and now they are trying to justify there initial diagnosis. Sounds like alot of guess work on thier part.
Conner

My money is on the power transistor or wiring, not the other components. Ask the shop what codes the ecu is throwing...

Thanks for the responses. I hope that when I talk to them tomorrow they will be honest. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again.