Need some help with a nightmare. Had oil leak and mechanic said it was oil pan seal. They fixed it and got it home and was still leaking just as much so I took it back. This time they said it was balance shaft seal. Fixed it, no oil leak, but it sounded like a small airplane was fixing to take off under my hood. Was told, by someone else, that either the timing belt was off a notch or it was adjusted too tight. Took it back and when I got it back it sounded alot better and was ok for 1 day. Then yesterday, it took 3 times before it would start, almost died on me a few minutes later and then the instrument panel started going crazy and it died then my car stalled and wont start up again. Oh my god, what have they done to my car? Is this an alternator problem now or is it still related to the timing belt/balance shaft belt problem? Yea, I know I got screwed but can anyone tell me what they may have done or not done so I can figure out what to do?

 

Well, my suggestion is that before you get too worked up just go ahead and do some regular things. Get the alternator tested first. Like you said, the dash going crazy points to that. Also, go ahead and check oil and tranny fluid levels, coolant levels etc. Check your spark plugs and stuff too. Then go screw the shop if necessary.

 

Thanks, but I'm afraid its too late not to get worked up. We've been out over $300 we really don't have to fix an oil leak and now my car won't run. But I'll check out what you said, thanks.