Pale Horse
Veteran CEG'er
Just read all this post from start to finish and found it very informative. I would definitely go for the MLPS on this deal as it is only a 40-60 dollar part depending on where you get it. Think of it this way:
Drive to the shop AND TAKE THE RISK OF SOME OTHER PART FAILING ON THE WAY AND THEN PAY THE SHOP AT LEAST 1 HOUR OF DIAGNOSTIC TIME PLUS THE PARTS WHICH WILL BE MARKED UP A BIT.
Or...Buy the part and replace it yourself for the nominal fee and if you still need to take it to the shop, then you have much needed information for the tech who will be working on it. This is obviously an elecronic/sensor issue. There are only so many things that cause this common problem on our cars. If I were you I'd do it myself.
Drive to the shop AND TAKE THE RISK OF SOME OTHER PART FAILING ON THE WAY AND THEN PAY THE SHOP AT LEAST 1 HOUR OF DIAGNOSTIC TIME PLUS THE PARTS WHICH WILL BE MARKED UP A BIT.
Or...Buy the part and replace it yourself for the nominal fee and if you still need to take it to the shop, then you have much needed information for the tech who will be working on it. This is obviously an elecronic/sensor issue. There are only so many things that cause this common problem on our cars. If I were you I'd do it myself.