Took my 89 in to get a state inspection recently and my third brake light wasn't working. The technician went to replace the bulb(after I showed him how to get to it)and promptly tore the rubber insert around the gas cap. After replacing the bulb the light still didn't work. He then tested the socket and concluded the socket was bad. Naturally the dealership didn't have the socket in stock so he says he will switch it over to a new style socket and bulb. After several tries this doesn't work either. Two and one half hours later I am told they have to order the old style socket. I take the car back two days later and they install the new socket and bulb, but the brake light still does not work. By this time I am ready to cut my losses and go elsewhere. At about that time they say we think it's the brake switch. Turns out the third brake light operates off a separate switch from the other brake lights and that was the problem all along. It took two trips and four and one half hours to get one light working. Not to mention paying for parts I didn't need. They did agree to knock off the labor on the second trip after I complained. Makes me wish I had taken auto mechanics in school so I wouldn't be at their mercy. Oh well, you live and learn.

 

:eek:

A shop manual may have saved you the trouble...........maybe..... :yesnod:

 

See... I would have told the mechanic or whoever the inspection technician. Here in NJ you get a fail sticker and your sol till next time. I would have told him. I will not pay for the 4 sockets you made me order or the labor from the switch install. I will pay only for the switch and you owe me money for the gas boot you ripped. Dont let people :U crap on you... Go and cancel your check or credit card....

 

You don't need to take an auto shop class to be able to fix your car. Get a shop manual and use your head, its cheaper and the job gets done right.

 

I would suggest the shop manual from GM and another that has a lower terminalogy so you can use both and understand what is going on . If you do not have any experience, a shop manual from GM can seem daunting.

 

I always do as much as I can myself, unless it’s too much work like re-building an engine. This reminds me of a time when I was lazy, I got my 84 Corvette inspection done and there was a bad horn. Soooo, being lazy at the time, I told them to replace the horn. Soo, a few days later I’m driving home late from a friend’s house and turn on the lights…. Then I hear CRUNCH %^@@.... Well, it turned out the dam fool when he mounted the new horn, he did not mount it in the same position and it gouged the hell out of the headlight bucket!!! Yes, the red one below!

Get a shop manual and do what ever you can your self, learn and save. Most times, you do a better job your self!!

 

I am sure you are right about doing a better job ourselves. To the technicians at the shop it is just another car. They don't baby them like we do. I actually do have a Chilton's repair manual but this was the first problem to come up since I got it. I guess all I need now is some mechanical aptitude and the nerve to try it myself.

 

ummmmm, chilton's VS. GM manuals.............no comparison

GM wins hands down

we use them in school

lets put it this way: they give so much info that some of the cars are divided into 3 volumes (3 seperate books)

yes, they may seem a little daunting, but they give literally EVERYTHING!!!!!

for example: in school yesterday I had to test some circuits and grounds in my car.........these would have been IMPOSSIBLE to find with any other manual


just my $.02

 

If you have a couple of manuals, you can simply educate yourself about the problem before you take it in. Even if you don't want to (or can't) fix it, you can protect your investment from these dummies and not get taken if they goof up, try to hide it, and then bill you for their extra time. Most good mechanics would be happy to have a look at a manual specifically for the car, after all they can't remember every little detail.

 

Are these the manuals that cost around $150 dollars? Are they really worth it for a novice in this area - novice both to the Corvette and car mechanics?
I have a Haynes manual that is pretty useful but have never seen a GM manual so can make no comparison.
Al.

 

Considering the labor changes most automotive repair places charge ($40 to $60/hr) the service manual will pay for itself if you keep your car long term. No doubt about it. As mentioned earlier it will also keep you from getting ripped off it you do have to take your car in to be repaired.

 

I had the same problem. There is a seperate switch for this brake light located next to the tail light brake switch. Take off the hush panel to get to it. The switch is a dealer item that is relatively inexpensive~ :seeya

 

That's why I do ALL my car servicing....well, maybe not the tranny...or a paint job! :flag