Being charged too much?

[Whaleboy]

So I've had to put the VX in the shop due to a check TOD light flashing (the first time I've seen it).

This went to Clay Cooley, which technically is not an Isuzu dealer any longer. After spending a number of days on my vehicle they finally get back to me explaining to me it's the front & rear speed sensors. Not the wheel sensors I'm told, but the speed sensors for the transfer case. (I'm not a mechanic). I was quoted a price of about $300 something each, with labor, amounting to over 1k. (There with also a mention of "we're also having electrical issues")

Between him playing up how unfamiliar with the VX they were, and insisting parts for the vehicle are sooooo unique I'm a little concerned about the pricing on these parts. Doesn't this engine/transmission/TOD share between the trooper or rodeo?

It would be fantastic if someone could shed a little light on the situation.

[crotchrocket]

it is shared with the trooper and sounds like he's seen dollar signs! Im in the UK so cant comment on the $300 but it seams damn expensive for a sensor!!

[VX crazy]

Dont you have a 4x4 shop you can take it to? I would get another opinion.....you checked your fluid level before you took it in?

[nfpgasmask]

I would find out what parts you need and find out what they are charging. Then, call Merlin and find out what he will charge you.

There's no 2 ways about it, OEM parts for the VX are not cheap. But, chances are, the mechanic is charging too much.

Bart

[JoFotoz]

Just a thought....

Did you check your tire pressures are all equal first , and make sure you have even tire wear.

Unequal pressure/tire wear can trigger TOD light issues.


jo

[Axelivan]

One day when I was doing some "garage repairs", I took off the TPS for some cleaning, but not installed right and....Light ON!!!! Fixed with a $25 TPS from Adavance Auto Parts.

[Gussie2000]

One day when I was doing some "garage repairs", I took off the TPS for some cleaning, but not installed right and....Light ON!!!! Fixed with a $25 TPS from Adavance Auto Parts.

No axel,it's not the engine light they talking about.

Is the TOD light buddy !

[deermagnet]

Gussie, Axe is talking about the TOD light. Bad TPS info will throw a TOD code and turn on the TOD check light. TOD needs to know the correct TP to know if more torque is needed to the front. I took my TPS off to see if it needs cleaning and it didn't after nine years. No dirt issues at all there. It is a little tricky getting it back on in the right position. You'll know right away if it's not on right.

Whale, I checked and there are two sensors on the t-case for over $300 each. With $70-80 an hour labor I don't think they're hitting you too bad on the cost. However, how can they or you be sure that's the problem? It's seems odd that both would fail at the same time. A lot of these issues are caused by loose or dirty connections. A real Isuzu repair shop with an Isuzu trained tech and a Tech 2 scan tool is where you wanna take a VX. Then they would know exactly what the problem is.

I went to http://www.isuzu.com/home.jsp and put in a Dallas zip and Clay Cooley comes up as an authorized Isuzu shop! They should know what they're doing. It's the same TOD as on other Isuzu's, so they can't claim VX ignorance. Tell them to get their act together and talk to Isuzu tech assistance and find out what the heck is wrong and fix it right the first time! They should have a VX repair manual and an Isuzu Tech 2 scan tool. If they don't have that stuff then get it to the next nearest Isuzu shop with the right tools. Our last known number for Isuzu Owner Relations is 800-255-6727. Isuzu Technical Assistance for dealers is 800-533-0244. Isuzu America National Office is 562-229-5000.

That's too much money to be guessing. It's a tough call. I wish you woulda asked here before taking it in. You can get the TOD code for the problem yourself pretty easy and do some fiddling on your own, even change a part or two yourself. The shop repair manual has some good info on how to clean and inspect those sensors.

Mark