On 7 Sep 2003 19:14:26 -0700, jp_1872@yahoo.com (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

At that point you should have asked for the code.

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

BBB is on their side IME.

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

I think you should probably find someone else. Refund - no.

>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?

That's for negotiation between you and them.

>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

Get the code and post it here... as well as any possible glitches you've
noticed in behavior.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??