A while ago I posted some questions regarding things a mechanic told me I had to get fixed and the prices I was quoted. I was told by some ceg members to get second opinions. This is simple advice (when you have a lot of time) but is very wise. Thank you.
First guy told me there's a leak in the muffler had to replace the whole thing. Need new rotors all around and needed front brakes. (wanted $600 total)
I went to another place where they showed me the rotors and brake pads with the tires off. Turns out the front brakes were near new, but the rear ones needed replacing. The rotors were a bit rusty, but didn't need replacing. The muffler hole was just a little dent. (cost me $100)
Also, I had a vibration problem when going 60mph. They checked the balancing, alignment etc. Nothing wrong. Finally, the 3rd person I took it too told me there's a defect with one of the tires I had recently gotten. It had a bump that made it not quite round. Happy to hear it.. the original place I bought it at will swap it out for me. Just wished I didn't have to go through 3 shops to hear it.
Here comes the question: I have a very pesky CEL that comes on quite frequently. In the past, on 3 separate occasions, I've had the O2 censor replaced, new spark plugs, and um... something else replaced with a complicated name I can't remember. I have a 1997 V6 with 63K miles. Over the last 6 months, I've had the light come on and off. Usually, it stays on for a couple weeks and goes off before I've had a chance to take it in. I'm a procrastinator..
Anyway, can you get it checked when the light is off? I've heard people tell me both ways.. yes, they can, or no they can't, the computer won't pick anything up.
Also, any idea what it could be? The ONLY difference I've noticed is that occasionally, when idle, it almost stalls, then the engine kicks in and it revs up just a tiny bit to prevent stalling. Possibly lower gas mileage too.
Thanks for any help.
tnt
