Meh. I'm not a fan of "fading" the paint. Call me crazy, but I like the color you have! I tried finding a good running Neon in that color, as well as e-blue, when I was looking for one.

 

So, I got my car back from the mechanic today. Sad thing is, I pulled up to the inspection lanes at the DMV and they were closed for "Good Friday"... FML

Here is a detailed list of what was done (and cost):

1 Exhaust Valve ($14)
8 Exhaust Guides ($28)
Install Guides ($70)
Valve Job ($160)
Machine Shop Expense ($13)
Freight on Valve & Guides ($6)
Water Pump ($113)
WordIcantRead (Looks like Guilot) ($5)
Tensioner ($114)
Timing Belt ($118)
Head Bolts ($50)
Gasket Set ($120)
Spark Plugs ($12)
Exhaust Gasket ($9)
Antifreeze ($20)
Oil ($15.75)
Filter ($11)
W.W. Silent (Another barely readable word) ($2.75)
11 Hours Labor ($748)

Total Cost: $1,629

So, now... Here comes the hard part that just broke my heart. The check engine light came on again while I was on my way into work. I had driven the car for about 45 miles after leaving the shop at this point. I immediately pulled over to see if it was the original P0301 code that started the problem, but it was not. It was P0441. I did a bit of research and found that this is what is associated with the code: "P0441 Evaporative Emission Control System Incorrect Purge Flow". So, what to do? I have to get my car inspected so I believe I will just reset the code and get the inspection done... But how costly is the repair for this code? I just wrote the highest amount on a check ever in my life (granted, I'm 22 years old) so I'm wondering if its something I can fix myself if its simple enough or if I should take it straight to my mechanic if its something he may have done or not done during the repairs for the P0301 code.

I'm so disheartened by this.

 

That's an interesting bill. I'm curious about a few things. $70 to install the valve guides. Is that not labor (double charging like I was talking about earlier)? $114 for a tensioner? I'm not sure the going rate on that, but I know from a parts store, that is the going rate for a belt and water pump. That oil filter better be a Royal Purple, Mobil1 or something similar for $11.

Anyways, onto your new code. I've gotten that on and off two times recently. The most likely and most common cause is the leak detection pump. I reset mine and it stays off for a bit, then came back a few weeks ago. I reset it again and it's been off since. Word of caution, if they hook anything up to the computer for this inspection (I've never had to smog a car or go through these "inspections," so forgive me), if you reset the code by pulling the battery cables off, not all of the systems on the car will be good to go. You will need to drive it several times for everything to be..."kosher" with the computer.

As for replacing that pump. It isn't anything hard to do. You just need some basic tools and some time, providing I am picturing the correct part ATM.

 

The NVLD (natural vacuum leak detector) is a very common problem with Neons I had the light on and off and I just reset it and it hasn't come on recently.

 

In the state of Delaware all they do at the inspection is check all exterior lights, check your emissions reading from your tail pipe, check to see if the CEL is on, then make you drive forward and slam on brakes. They send you on your way after that, so nothing is actually hooked up to the computer. After disconnecting the battery & reconnecting it, I drove exactly 40 miles before it came back on so it seems to come on every 40 miles. I'm bringing her through inspection tomorrow morning so I will let all of you know how that goes. I'm going to save up some more money over the next month or so just in case this turns out to be another $$ "issue". Heh.

 

[EDIT: Correction about the part price. I had the incorrect part. MSRP is $45.05.] Even if you took it to a shop, it should only take about 10 minutes to change. However, some shops will charge you for a 1 hour mininum. If they do, have them go over all kinds of stuff on the car for the other 50 minutes. It can be done yourself pretty easily, but you'll need some basic tools. Maybe find a friend who can help you out.