Ok. So the shop I took it to said that they don't have the right diagnostic tool and that I need to take it to a dealer. He also said there were no codes in the computer. He got it to start and run "poorly" for like 10 seconds and then the tach went to 0 BEFORE the car stalled so he thinks somethings messed up in the wiring (no, really?). Anyways the electronics in the car went haywire before the motor stalled. He said he got it to start right away with just turning the key, and once it stalled, he tried again, it started then stalled again. He said after it ran for a short period twice, that he couldn't get it to start.

 

sounds like they don't want to take the time to fix it.

the problem with electrical problems. is repair shops don't make any money on them. if it takes the guy 20hrs to figure it out and fix it, customers will cry when they get a bill for $1400 (20hrs x $70/hr). sounds like you'll end up either trying to fix it yourself or dumping the car as is.

 

what is an amp shortened. Well it really help the car that much?

 

I quite agree to Sapporo. That is why we should be careful and cautious enough to look for good mechanic for our car.

 

Good mechanics for car this day is really hard to find. The best way to find one is through asking friends who does their car fixing.

 

Know the capability of the mechanic. This is the only way to avoid the throwing money.

 

Take it to the dealer or dump it? Its got 166k on it, new timing belt, new water pump, new alternator. Tranny shifts smooth, engine is good except for the lash adjuster tick, runs and drives smooth. Minor rust, pretty clean body, dent on hood and broken headlight. How much could I even get for it as is?

 

I just bought a sebing with a bad head gasket 2.5 runs/drives no rust at all for $300 and drove it home.

I know, pull the motor/trans sell them, get a v-8 and convert the car to RWD that would be a blast and no electronics to mess with.

 

The junkyard would pay more than 3 I think. I'm not sure though. I mean the car runs fine, its just a matter of getting it started.

 

well you got your work cut out for you. start with getting some factory service manuals. a real scanner, wiring diagrams, a good DVOM and start figuring it out. if you can fix it, you just might be able to make money as a technician.