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fustrated with car problems... ugh... need help?

I have a dodge stratus v2 2004. I've never ran into problems with this car, only now. When the car stops I notice that there was a leak, dont know from where? So I continue to put water in the car and it was leaking, not that bad though. So I drove it like 3 miles and it started smoking I already knew it was overheating and it was a hose or something. So I took it in to have a mechanic look at it, he came out with a rap sheet telling me it was my water pump, radiator, radiator cap and timing belt. I was like o.m.g are u serious... So I told him fix it, I sure don't want to deal with it. He claims that he replaced everything I needed to, so I took the car home. Next day I told my husband to test drive it and now the temperture goes so high like all the way to hot... I've never seen a car temperture go that high... So I put coolant/antifreeze... Drove it again it was fine and the next day same thing and I pop open the hood and again the area I put the antifreeze it really empty.... What is wrong with it? Im going to call hime tomorrow... But I want to know what is wrong? Im already fustrated so im going to let him have it tomorrow....

Update:

lol... Its true it was a good rip off, like i really want to go back to him and just punch his face.... But I didnt have time to stop at the shop today... Due to work... I really dont know how he checked my car.. I was outside in the waiting room, he just came out with a sheet and told me that I needed to replace all what I mensioned earlier. I just dont really want to deal with cars... I just want to be able to turn on the car and go... I shouldve took it to another shop before saying okay. It cost me over a grand... Blah... But I wanted to thank you guys sooo much for taking the time to answer it was really helpful now when I go midas I know what to tell them to look for... Thanks a bunch....

9 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    your mechanic disnt dionose the problem he diognosed the car. whats the difference right? well you car has an on board computer and he can pull up codes and known problems with the car. this is a car diognosis where a problem diognosis you follow the root of the problem both with and without the computer info. now the radiator is a good possability but a heat scanner would have told him if this was the issue and I suspect he didnt do this test. the hoses were just a good desission based on removal for the radiator. the water pump again should have been tested for flow while running and /or for leaking from the weep hole.I want to know was it smoking from the rail pipe or was it from the engine block etc and by the way so should he have.a head gasket or damaged head causes this issue often. steam or coolant enters the cylinder and causes this to occur. over heating is far more complicated to determine than just the radiator system alone. the timing belt should be changed every 50 to 70 thousand miles minimum and people who do them slightly earlier enjoy better milage as well some times.

    Source(s): 32 years of being an honest mechanic ( not rich but have my self respect well in place)
  • 5 years ago

    It's simply the legislation of averages, although the vehicle is new no longer each and every one coming off the road can be one hundred%. You must have got a loaner vehicle even as your is being constant, in case you did not call for one immediately when you consider that you gave the dealership your enterprise. Most states have "Lemon Laws" that dictate what your rights are in circumstances similar to those. Generally, the brand new vehicle has to move in for maintenance 3x (for the equal fix). If after the third time the situation persists you've gotten the correct for both money back or a brand new vehicle. Google the Lemon Laws for you state to look what the specifics are. As for the executive, you'll be able to whinge (after you have your vehicle again from them) to Ford, the mother or father organization, and dossier a grievance with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Write a stern letter to Ford first, and cc: the trader, approximately your stories there and his quote approximately how the fault together with your modern vehicle isn't his situation. Make a stink approximately it, you should not be dealt with this manner after purchasing a vehicle from them. Many buyers are rated by means of the organization and that impacts the # of vehicles (prime call for and prime benefit ones certainly) that they get. This ranking is by means of income quantity, sevice calls, and buyer pride scores amongst others. A dangerous ranking will simply kick the dealership within the balls down the road. They would attempt to make it as much as you come what may. If no longer, discover yet another trader for provider however make certain to inform them what a terrible enjoy you had on the different location. That will lead them to desire to do a bigger process for you. BTW, I have a overseas make. I are not able to consider the extent of provider that I get from the buyers. They valet your vehicle whilst you arrive for provider, have a ready room with espresso, pastries, television, web, and workplaces, wash your vehicle once they go back it to you, and simply make the entire enjoy anything unforeseen and distinct. Too dangerous your dealership did not do the equal, they would hold consumers longer and dependable to the company longer as good.

  • 1 decade ago

    The mechanic that fix your car did not fix everything for sure. After he replace everything he said causes the leaks ( we didint know if he is telling the truth), he didnt try to look if your cylinder head gasket might be blown. Your leak might be internal now due to blown gasket. The water goes to your engine and mixes with oil. This is very dangerous and might cause a very big damage in your car if not given attention. I suggest to bring it again to a good mechanic ( different) and ask to check for blown head gaskets. Hope this helps!

    Source(s): Car enthusiast
  • 1 decade ago

    Something is missing here. Did you get a bill? What did the shop replace? How much was the charge? How far did you drive the car on the overheat? Need lots more info or the truth to give you a correct answer.

    Source(s): common sense
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  • 1 decade ago

    definitely a blown head gasket which in this case it sounds Pretty bad so bars leak wouldn't work.take it in and have them replace the head gaskets.the smoking is coolant spilling on the exhaust manifold from the head just to Let you know.

  • 1 decade ago

    they may have installed a new thermostat.some times a recommended temperature thermostat is not right for you region.a lower one may be used and save your car from heating up . if you have no leaks then it may not have been filled properly.air pockets develop while filling these have to be purged.

  • 1 decade ago

    next time have them check for a blown head gasket. if it is not leaking anywhere it could be blown and going back into the motor block and getting into your oil. so check your dipstick for the oil and see if it smells like antifreeze. if it is blown it could cause you major problems.

  • 1 decade ago

    Its sounds like your Water Pump and it could be your Carburetor.

    And a mechanic will tell you that your radiator timing belt needs to be fixed every time even if its new.

    And next time you go and see a mechanic go to a Dodge mechanic.

  • 1 decade ago

    well good bet was a rip off shop

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