what's included in a standard tune-up from the dealer? i have a 95 dakota 4x4 club cab with a 5.2l v8 and 131k miles on the odometer. i was experiencing stumbling upon acceleration and rough idle at normal operating temperature and was told that a tune-up was in order. i got the bill for $110.00 and the only thing on it except for the price was replaced spark plugs, checked fault codes and road tested vehicle (not very informative). i could have done that myself for a lot less... a whole lot less. the unfortunate part is that the truck runs no better now than it did before.

they were kind enough to note the following in the recommended services section which probably took them longer to type up then it did to perform the actual tune-up:

automatic transmission service - $160.00
differential service - $106.00
blower motor resistor - $150.00
valve cover gaskets - $239.00
intake manifold (leaking) - $546.00
thermostat - $149.00
replace brake fluid - $95.00
replace power steering fluid - $99.95
replace front disc brakes - $596.00
front axle seal - $300.00
headliner - $295.00

they probably could have gone on and on but they ran out of room on the work order.

so what is included in a tune-up anyway?

 

Yup... thats exactly why I do ALL my own work in my driveway. Think about it... that recommended service comes out to be $2735.95. For that kind of money, you could buy every single tool you would ever need to do any job on your vehicle, along with the parts and fluids required to complete that work order and when the job is done, you still have the tools!

Anyway, my idea of am engine tune up consists of plugs, wires, dist. cap, coil, o2 sensor, and oil/filter change.

 

My driveway version of a tuneup includes new plugs, wires, sometimes a dist. cap and rotor, oil and filter, air filter and fuel filter. Did all this back in March and the grand total was about $85, plus my time.
Hell, for $2735 I'll sell you my Dak...93 4WD with 5.2L V8 clubcab LE power locks/windows, rebuilt transfer case, new rear end and U-joints...but the paint could be better.

 

At least you only spent $100 bucks, But yeah... If I were you I wouldn't waste the money and just buy the parts/tools and do it yourself. Those prices are insane! Everything on that list is pretty easy. The leaking intake manifold might be causing the acceleration issues.

BTW I live in San Diego what area are you in? I thought I was the only person in San Diego.

 

its probly the ignition coild cap and rotor causing the problems, i had that issue too and spend the same amout to find out it was the coil. but like everyone said do it yourself

 

This bit caught my eye. That resistor cost me $4.00 and MAYBE five minutes to replace. Two screws right on the passanger side firewall. WOW do they want to take you for a ride.

 

I know right! LOL looking at that list.... mechanics make a KILLING.