First off, This is my first automobile ever so I'm pretty much mechanically declined when it comes to trucks.

It's a 96 Dodge 1500 5.9ltr 4x4 and is close to 120k miles. Just recently my truck wouldn't start. I had it towed to a local mechanic where they ran the computer and found the following codes, 1762, 1282 and 141. I'll also note, when they received my truck, it started first try for them. From there they replaced my Downstream 02 sensor and fuel pump relay. Cost for parts was $120 and Labor was $113. So i go to pick up my truck, Starts just fine. I get about half way home and my truck brakes down. Oil light came on, power steering shut off, the whole deal.

I call the shop and they offered to have it towed back for free. Today I receive a call saying that my Fuel pump is completely shot and I'm looking at almost $500 to replace (parts and Labor). Now, this doesnt make sense to me. Did they not even bother to test drive after the first time? Also, with there computers and what not, why werent they able to find out the first time it was my fuel pump and not all that other crap. Now one of the mechanic's is a riding friend of mine but not the shop owner So i'm not 100% if i'm about to get worked over or not. I've heard horror stories similar to mine where you take your vehicle in for one thing, and end up fixing 20 other things. What's your guy's thoughts or opinions on the situation. I'm already a broke *** college student so $500 is a lot of money to me. Any advise is much appreciated.

 

yes the fuel pump would cause this.

and 500 bucks is reasonable considering a garage is doing it. the pump brand new is like 200-250 bucks i think.

i worked in a garage, and i remember my boss charging 800 for a fuel pump, fuel relay and labor on a 2500 5.9 gas 5 speed.

even if your not mechanically inclined its an easy job to do yourself believe it or not. (if bolts arent compltely rusted)

 

you are getting worked over.

that relay costs 10$ on the high side.
the o2 sensor cost 60ish$
checking codes takes 5 minutes at most.
changing a relay takes 30 seconds at most.
changing an o2 sensor takes 5 minutes also.
and changing the downstream o2 sensor will not affect how the truck runs, it will just turn off the check engine light for that code.

so you got a sensor changed that won't fix your problem and a relay, then got charged for much longer than it actually took to work on.

go up there and swap your horn relay for the fuel system relay in the power distribution center (fuse box behind the battery). then turn the key to the on position to see if you hear the fuel pump.
if you don't hear the fuel pump then there is a good chance that it is shot and they aren't trying to get one over on you, but i still wouldn't deal with that shop again.

 

a fuel pump is like $150 from advance auto parts i used to work there and lije another 100-200 to put it in its not 500 haha

 

I'm pretty much mechanically declined

I like that !!!!!

 

atleast thats where i come from..i get things cheap and put them on myself (even more cheaper)

 

its a little high, but not unreasonable. they're charging full list price on the parts (might be mopar parts, might not), plus labor to install them. mopar 02 sensors are probably 80-100 each, fuel pump is probably 250-300. labor is probably 90-100/hour.

on your first go around the fuel pump was probably on its way out, but passed test. since it passed, they gave you the benefit of the doubt cost wise and replaced the relay only. the 02 sensor was probably throwing a code, but unrelated to your no start problem.

if you're going to own a dodge you'll either have to pay out the nose for someone else to maintain it or find a cheaper shop or use this forum to learn about it. the bottom line is you're going to end up paying about $730 for a 200-250 fuel pump thats a bitch to install.

 

Back in 2003 I paid $275 for a FP at sadvance.I put it in myself.The Dealer wanted $800 for the pump and install.I told them they were crazy.

 

I wouldn't say they are trying to screw you. That is how they make their living they have a specialty, they can do something you can't and they charge you for that. Back when I was young and didn't know better I paid a guy $80 to change my thermostat knowing what I know now I have never forgotten how dumb I felt. You have 3 options, A. Pay someone with knowhow to do it, B. Find someone with know how that is cheaper or C. Do it yourself. It will be 10x cheaper to do it yourself that is they way it works. You could probably shop around and find someone with a cheaper hourly rate and your labor would be less. I even knew a guy that would only charge labor and you bring him the parts.

But whatever you decide I always remember this from a sign I saw:
$80 hr labor.........$200 hr labor if you work on it first,

If you don't know what you are doing be careful trying to fix it because you can mess something else up and then they have to go fix what you messed up and fix the problem and then the bill goes UP!!!