John Pifer wrote:>>

> Hello Folks
> I drive a Honda civic 1998 LX - Few days back my check engine light
> turned on

> I took it to the dealer. He supposedly did some checks and said that
> the code maps to a top dead center (tdc) sensor problem (probably
> related to the distributor). He was not sure about this and said that
> he didnt have sufficient data to suggest doing anything. He reset the
> light and I had my car back.He charged 90+ bucks for the entire
> process which took less than an hour
> Next day I see the light go on again. This is kind of frustrating
> ,given that I had paid fair amount of money for diagnostics and had
> spend ample time commuting to the dealer in the midst of a busy day

I bought a used van. Took it to the shop and their computer told me the
reason my battery went dead is because I needed a new carburator.



> Question
> 1. What are my options? Better Business Bureau? This is not my first
> experience (mis-diagnosis that is) with this guy.

What do you expect the BBS to do? All they do is keep track of complaints.

> 2. Under these circumstances can i ask for a refund for this and take
> it to another mechanic? Am i "eligible" for a refund?

You can ask, but you won't get it. Were you not told the price up front? $90
is a bit high. $60 is the going average hourly charge. Take it to an
independent place like Midas and let them check it.

> 3. Is it OK to the dealer to charge me yet again saying that initially
> he was unable to detect the problem based on the code?

Yes. You're paying for his time.

> 4.As far as I am concerned the mechanical problem in as much is an
> orthogonal issue - but any inputs will be useful regrding the problem
> per se

Disconnect the light and forget it.

> Background:

> I have been going to the same honda dealer for all my car service
> needs;In fact I had serviced last month - 60K. I have been doing my
> service @ regular intervals-as per the manual.

You can always try out other dealers.

> Thanks much - in advance
> John