Women—best way to speak to mechanic?

[Anonymous]

I don’t want to sound condescending but I also don’t want to be taken for a ride.

I’m 99% sure I know exactly what’s wrong with my car. It’s a minor electrical/harness issue in the shifter that’s pretty common in my model and year, and even has a “service bulletin” from the manufacturer from a prior year. A quick Google search will tell you all about it (my symptoms all match) temporary fixes (that have worked for me) and how to fix it (unfortunately I can’t do this myself and neither can my usual handy helpers.) I’m afraid since it’s nothing that shows up in the system as a fault code (my check engine light isn’t even affected), they will try to find a million other “issues” that will cost a fortune.

How do I articulate this to the mechanic tomorrow without sounding like a know it all? Basically, “I don’t want you to spend hours trying to diagnose this, try this first.”

[Anonymous]

The car mechanic I go to is generally great. I just took my car in for a repair and basically said "yeah this is the sound and this is when it happens. Sounds like it could be X". It was, they fixed it, and all was good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The car mechanic I go to is generally great. I just took my car in for a repair and basically said "yeah this is the sound and this is when it happens. Sounds like it could be X". It was, they fixed it, and all was good.

Maybe I’m overthinking it! I’ve never taken a car to the mechanic for an issue that wasn’t showing up as a code. I’m sure since it’s such a common issue they will want to fix that and have it in and out quickly. I think because it’s an electrical issue I’m panicking.

[Anonymous]

You don't have to agree to any repairs you don't want. I would talk to your mechanic and if he doesn't agree with you, don't let him do the work.

[Anonymous]

First thing:

Do NOT call them a “mechanic”.

They are automotive technicians. Or “techs”.

Then say:

“It’s got an ongoing problem with the shifter wiring harness. There was a TSB a while ago for this, I’m pretty sure ASE did a write up on it, too, but I can’t remember. I did a band-aide fix on it and would work for a while and then fail again, but I’m tired of messing with it and I need it fixed the right way”.



Say that, and you’ll be just fine.

Labor is $100-$125/hr at most shops. No idea what the harness costs or the labor time, so I can’t give you a quote. But the most expensive wiring harness I ever gave a quote for was $14,000 not including labor, for a 2003 BMW 760iL. Water damage from bad weather stripping. Totaled the car.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First thing:

Do NOT call them a “mechanic”.

They are automotive technicians. Or “techs”.

Then say:

“It’s got an ongoing problem with the shifter wiring harness. There was a TSB a while ago for this, I’m pretty sure ASE did a write up on it, too, but I can’t remember. I did a band-aide fix on it and would work for a while and then fail again, but I’m tired of messing with it and I need it fixed the right way”.



Say that, and you’ll be just fine.

Labor is $100-$125/hr at most shops. No idea what the harness costs or the labor time, so I can’t give you a quote. But the most expensive wiring harness I ever gave a quote for was $14,000 not including labor, for a 2003 BMW 760iL. Water damage from bad weather stripping. Totaled the car.

Thanks! And I understand my faux pas in regards to the job title. I’m a flight attendant who inwardly cringes when referred to as “stewardess”, so I promise I’ll do better.

And the part itself is $20, which makes me want to cry!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First thing:

Do NOT call them a “mechanic”.

They are automotive technicians. Or “techs”.

Then say:

“It’s got an ongoing problem with the shifter wiring harness. There was a TSB a while ago for this, I’m pretty sure ASE did a write up on it, too, but I can’t remember. I did a band-aide fix on it and would work for a while and then fail again, but I’m tired of messing with it and I need it fixed the right way”.



Say that, and you’ll be just fine.

Labor is $100-$125/hr at most shops. No idea what the harness costs or the labor time, so I can’t give you a quote. But the most expensive wiring harness I ever gave a quote for was $14,000 not including labor, for a 2003 BMW 760iL. Water damage from bad weather stripping. Totaled the car.

This is a super helpful post.

[Anonymous]

Get multiple opinions.
I actually have an honest mechanic. What town are you near?