[sabatine]

Yesterday I had the front and rear brake pads and rotors replaced. I was charged 3 hours of labour plus the cost of the parts. In addition to that, my CEL had been on for a few weeks, (not blinking). The engine was scanned and came up with code P1116 O2 Sensor , Bank 1 Side 1. The order shows, "open circuit, clear code" 1 hour of labour.

While test driving the car after the brake job the CEL came on again. I was informed that the option was a new O2 sensor for $450+ as well as labour, (hoping that they could get it done in an hour or less).

My questions are:

Is 3 hours of labour reasonable for total replacement of pads and rotors?
Is the 1 hour for the scan also reasonable?
How important is this sensor?

I used to trust this garage, but a few events in the past have led me to reconsider where I place my trust. To give some context to my concerns, here is a bit of history:

Last summer I felt the brakes were getting a little soft. Concerned I took the car in, and they had it for a few hours. (I don't know if they ever looked under the car) but they did test drive it and said it was fine, just keep an eye on it. (no charge to me)

This January I was driving and totally lost my brakes! hnoes: I managed to navigate home safely and had the Bug towed in. It turned out to be a corroded caliper and the brake fluid had leaked out. They removed and repaired the the rear brake calipers, replaced fluid and oh btw, the rear shocks and mounts needed replacing. I live a climate where the winter snow ruts can be hard on a car, and have been through many of them, so I figured they probably had to be changed.

I've been told, that they should have suggested replacing the brakes when they were replacing the calipers to save on the labour cost, but I don't know if that is true or not.

I do want to keep the maintenance up on my Bug as we have been going for a while, (16 years and 79,000 kms) but rather than "bit by bit" would prefer if they would give it a thorough check up and let me know what to anticipate down the road. I asked for this once before, and just got " yeah they checked it and everything is fine", (no documents, or check list provided).

I guess my last question is, know any good garages in Calgary, AB Canada?

 

[billymade]

17524/P1116/004374 - Ross-Tech Wiki

I can't help you on a good shop but the oxygen sensor replacement cost @ $450 for the 02 sensor is WAY out of line.

You can look up the parts in the Bosch Auto Parts Finder here: (be sure to find your engine code):

https://www.boschautoparts.com/auto

Places online; have the best prices, on things like 02 sensors and can save you a ton of money!

The parts finder lists this as the correct 02 sensor for your car: (bank 1; sensor 1: 02 sensor before the catalytic convertor)

Premium Wideband A/F Oxygen Sensor Wideband/Air-Fuel sensors measure the precise amount of oxygen in a vehicle's exhaust.
Submodel: GL,GLX,GLS, Position: Upstream

Installation Restrictions: Bosch is the OE equivalent supplier

Part Number:
17353

amazon; has a good price with free shipping! A good price; seems about $100 USA dollars.

https://www.google.com/search?q=173...&es_sm=1&ie=UTF-8#q=bosch oxygen sensor 17353

I cannot vouch for any of these but here is a list of German auto specialists; in your area, maybe read the yelp reviews for more info:

https://www.google.com/search?q=Cal...=UTF-8#q=Calgary,+AB+Canada+volkswagen+repair

 

[sabatine]

Thanks for the quick response!

Wow, wish I was handy with the mechanical side of things, sounds like a great way to save some $$$. But I don't think a garage would take kindly to me bringing the parts to install, (or would they?? :dunno: )

I appreciate the feedback, nonetheless, and I will start looking for another shop here in YYC.

Cheers,
S.

 

[sb_beetle]

One hour labor to scan for a code is crazy.

 

[Smileybug]

^ That's what the dealer charges AFAIK. Its ridiculous.

 

[jfoj]

One hour labor to scan for a code is crazy.

This is typically the the going rate, it is outrageous because most shops do not know how to properly read and interpret codes anyway.

IMHO this 1 hour should be give back in credit toward repairs anyway.

This is why for less than $30 you can buy your own OBDII scan tool. Keep the interface in the car and you will ALWAYS have an OBDII tool on hand.

Get an OBDII smart phone/tablet App and interface, typically $30 or less. These Apps are usually best for drivability issues and they support Emission Readiness Monitor Status, Freeze Frame and Live/Realtime data. They are also great for Logging data for review after the car has been driven and can really help find usual problems.

Android - Touch Scan for $3.95 and ELM327 OBDII to Bluetooth interface.

iProduct - OBD Fusion for $9.95 and ELM327 OBDII to Wifi interface.

I usually suggest getting the OBDII interfaces from Amazon if you are located in the US/North America. Make sure you choose an interface that indicates that the order will be "Fulfilled by Amazon" otherwise you may be waiting for WEEKS for an interface to arrive from Asia. Ebay is another option, but pay attention where the interface will be shipped from, again weeks for an interface from Asia, so if you can wait and want to try to save some money, go for it, but if you need an interface soon, choose wisely.