Menu

diagnose vs assume

Home Forums Stay Dirty Lounge General Automotive Discussion diagnose vs assume

  • Creator
    Topic
  • #626023
    michael bringloemichael bringloe
    Participant

      A couple of months ago I changed the oil, plugs and filters on the wife’s car – which was the first time i’d ever done it to any car.

      The whole process went as it should – no problems, but since doing all that it had an intermittent starting problem. Sometimes it would take 2-3 attempts to start, sometimes more, sometimes not at all.
      At first I assumed it was something to do with what I had done, but couldn’t understand how as all i’d done is a basic service. I used the correct products and installed them correctly, but as it was my first time, I must have gone wrong somewhere.

      The first thing I tried was gapping the plugs – made no difference, then I put the old plugs back in – no difference.
      After a few days of being annoyed with myself and earache off the wife I decided check things that I didn’t interfere with.
      I found that there was an intermittent spark issue which I assumed was the coilpack, so I decided to replace.
      Just before I ordered it my stepdad asked me if i’d checked the TDC sensor. It took some thinking but then realised that could be the problem. I took it out and sure enough it was dirty and covered in metal filings.
      Since cleaning the sensor the car has run fine, like it did before the service.

      So I guess the moral of the story is – never assume.

      At the time it was difficult not to assume and usually I wouldn’t, but it was running fine before so what ever I did, especially with it being my first time, must have caused the problem, right?

      Never assume

    Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
    • Author
      Replies
    • #630023
      Lorrin BarthLorrin Barth
      Participant

        I know the mantra here is never assume. However, as a DIYer, one often doesn’t have the necessary diagnostic equipment. Then you are left with buying expensive diagnostic equipment you may only use once, paying to have it diagnosed elsewhere or throwing parts at it. Sometimes throwing parts at it is the cheapest way to go especially if you have enough knowledge or experience to make reasonable guesses.

        #630873
        ErinErin
        Participant

          [quote=”mikeyb5753″ post=114762]…but it was running fine before so what ever I did, especially with it being my first time, must have caused the problem, right?[/quote]

          That is the reason I don’t mess with anyone’s car but my own. People say the same thing.
          Say you repair someone’s brakes and later on the fuel pump goes out. Well you must have done something to it…

          With assuming though – it is easy to do because when something goes wrong, you tend to think the worst. Plus aside car repair, this “you must have done something” stems from being a kid and people saying, “You were there, obviously you did it!”

        Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
        • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
        Loading…