I am the original owner of a 97 Z28 A4 with 110k miles. Car is completely stock with the original opti. The other day after work the car suddenly stalled (check gauges light cam on then the dreaded SES). Car will not start and was towed to a chevy dealer I know nothing about. Two days later they call me saying that it needs a new coil and coil wire and then they'll see what else. I'm like WTF how can you not know what it exactly needs? Reading shoebox's web site, I know that the opti needs to signal the PCM to fire the coil. What do you guys think? is the dealer BSing me? Does he know what he's doing? Any help would be appreciated.

 

Coil wire is a pretty common failure on these cars...I'd have them start with that, and replace the coil if necessary. If they've troubleshot it properly then they should know exactly what's wrong with it. Chances are they've already plugged a new one in to confirm the problem...

 

I would ask them before just telling them to do it. It's possible that they are just guessing because of the mileage of the car. I would ask them if the coil and wire are bad and also find out what the code was.

FWIW.I myself am a little leary of trusting anyone with my car.

 

thermwood1, like you I'm very leary about who works on my car. Unfortunately, my dealer is over 100 miles away and I have no choice now. I'll call the dealer in a couple of hours and see where they stand. Thanks to you all for your help. Wish me luck (I'm madly in love with my car and hate when something like this happens).

 

Since you can't do anything now, I would ask as many detailed questions you can. I would just be absolutely positive that they are changing what's wrong and not just guessing or throwing parts into to charge you more. Good Luck.

 

ALWAYS ask them to save the "bad" parts for you. That should, at least, put them on notice not to pull the ole "just keep replacing stuff until we get the right one" trick.JMHO

 

I would let them replace the coil and wire and if that fixes the problem, fine. If the replacement coil does not fix the problem, you should have them put the old coil back on and have the car towed home and replace the opti yourself if you are able. At 110K it is overdue for replacement anyway.

 

If you talk to them, just ask them straight up "Have you diagnosed a faulty coil?" If they say yes, then fine, they will probably stand behind the diagnosis. If not, tell them you will pay for the part that fixes the car. Say something like "You can hang all the parts on it you want, buy I will only pay for the one that fixes it."
Be thankfull they are at least starting with the cheaper stuff, rather than the pricey stuff.
Be a firm, friendly, informed consumer.

 

Thank you all for the help. Dealet tells me that replacing the coil and wire fixed the problem. Haven't picked up the car yet to see for myself, but so far I'm happy Down $240 only.

 

It cost 240 to replace the coil?

 

YOU GOT A 6in. coil wire is cheap and you could have put a MSD Blaster coil, which for the most part is equal or better to the stock coil for a whole $40. BTW, the coil only takes about 10-20min. to replace.

Aaron

 

True, but I couldn't do that while the car sits in the dealer's service area. Towing the car to my house would cost $300, so all considered, 240 is reasonable.

 

WOW.

$240 for a coil.

Sorry to hear that happened.

I paid around $40 or so for my MSD Blaster.

Yikes.

At least it is fixed.

But the code should have told almost exactly what the problem was.

 

That's why my cars never go to the dealer for service. Oh well at least you're back on the road. Now get that opti changed before it strands you. If the dealer charged $240 for a coil replacement I don't want to know how much an opti replacement will run!