I am pretty sure the mechanic has been screwing around and not being totally honest with us.

The car has an overheating issue, they replaced the headgasket.

2 weeks later, the car is still overheating, coolant is low.

We took it BACK to the same place - now they are saying the rad is cracked. The fan wasn't running which made the seals pop off the rad - they want to replace the fan and the rad - for 1,000

To me this just sounds insane...

When called to ask if there were any diagnostic codes, they said yes and gave me the two codes:

167143
168365

Are those EVEN ECU CODES? Any idea what those numbers mean.

I am so beyond angry right now!

HALP!

 

also, it's at the dealer

 

what is the make and model that would help.. An of coarse the dealer would charge you 1,000 for doing that.

 

it's a civic sedan, I think 2004

 

a grand for a radiator is nucking futs....

 

Seems a bit excessive for a Radiator and Fan replacement, however I guess it depends on where you live. Parts alone are $400 - 500. $500-600 in labor does seem high, even for a dealership.

 

Id def drop an aftermarket radiator in before I paid that for parts...I have a full aluminum radiator and electric slimline I just put in and it was less than 200. And took all of 15 mins to install,

 

$1000 sounds pretty normal for that work at a dealership. Dealerships cost more than independent shops. I'd recommend getting referrals from friends for a good independent shop for a car of that age. Also, sounds odd that the fan is not working NOW. Did they check it before the head gasket was replaced? Always need to check the basics before jumping to more complex possibilities. I really wish shops would show their customers what they found AFTER repairs were done. It helps educate the customers & builds trust.

 

That's highway robbery......If I was you, I would take the car somewhere else for a second opinion. ..it sounds to me the dealer is throwing in parts in hopes of fixing the issue and not really identifying the problem.

First time I hear the radiator and fans failing simultaneous; if is true, buy aftermarket parts like TYC...good luck

 

why not buy the parts and do it yourself its silly easy.

 

when they replaced the head gasket, did they check to make sure the head wasnt warped?
If the head is warped you can replaced the gasket all you want, it wont make a difference unless you get a new head or have the old one machined flat