Is a mechanic charging me for labor when nothing was done to my car fair?

Question

My newer model car stalled out on the highway last night and I had it towed to a closed shop, and signed a paper saying I didn't want any work done but to diagnose the problem. They called and said they spent hours trying to check everything and the problem "is the strangest thing only the dealership can fix."

They say it's overloaded with errors code on the computer and needs an update, but everything else is fine, and he told me he would only be charging me for 1/2 hour of labor even though they worked on it and drove it around for over 2 hours.

The total I owe them is $52. I know nothing about this kind of stuff, so everyone's input is highly welcomed and valued!

Answer 1

Just pay it.He looked at it didn't he.

Answer 2

They shouldn't be charging you anything you have signed a paper saying you didn't want any work done just a diagnose.

If they try to make you pay call the cops or take them to small claims.

Answer 3

yes he should charge you and he has asked you for the industry standard half hour minimum shop charge. this is reasonable and admiting that the car would be better serviced by the dealer is a honest  reaction to a car that has so many codes that it probably has a bad computer. wich is covered under the federal emmisions warranty.after all you took the car to him and asked him to check it out. pay the check out charge. the mechanic has no need to work for free.

Answer 4

If they had to reprogram your computer then yes only that manufacture can do that. Usually there is a Diagnosis fee then the cost to fix what is found.  

Answer 5

typical BS from car dealerships. As k them to SHOW you the error log. They should print it out for you. Ask them what exactly the problem is. Don't let them get away with sayign 'oh it's complictaed' or it's difficult to explain.

If they really performed the diagnostics, then they should not have any issue showing you the report. Only then should you pay.

Answer 6

Yes. Ask them for a statement/receipt which you can give to your dealer. It may be covered for reimbursement if your car is still under warranty. The shop ran diagnostics; those machines cost them a great deal, as does the training for its operators. You could have received a much larger bill.  

Answer 7

pay the 52.00 and run like the wind.........the man at the shop could of charged you 95.00 just to put it on the machine to check the codes of course they would of applied that 95.00 to the total bill