Help...2000 Mazda Miata? Did They simply reset the computer? They told me to pay additional $286 or go home!?

[dagostino09]

Never had a problem with this car...I love it.  Regular maintainence done all along.  3 weeks ago, the engine light went on.  (car was running great.)  Last week we had tremendous amounts of rain and I noticed it was "hesitent".  I took it to Auto Zone and the code came up 1135.  I took it to another garage and the code came up 1135.  I took it to the

dealership to get repaired.  When I picked it up 2 1/2 hrs later the bill was $267 (for 4 plugs and 4 wires).  I thought that to be a lot...but went home....as it was running like a swiss watch  By the time I got home the engine light came back on!!!  I went to the same 2 places and had them read the diagnostics and both places again came up with 1135!!!!!  I took it back to the dealer and they told me the code came up 1135 and that I needed an O2 sensor for the tune of an ADDITIONAL $286!!!

I told them about me checking the diagnostics Before and After their work and they said they said it was a coincidence? Am I being ripped? Help

[hest_c]

It could be coincidence but highly unlikely. When you originally took it to the dealership, does it show on your receipt that they ran a diagnostic check? If they did then the O2 sensor should have come up to begin with and they should have done that as well as the plugs/ wires. I, personally, would take it to the service managers attention that you feel like you are being taken for a ride (no pun intended) and that you find this unsatisfactory, especially if you paid for the diagnostic check in the beginning. If the service manager is unable to help then schedule a meeting with the dealership manager. I have found in the past that they tend to be more responsive and can override the service manager. The last thing they want is negative publicity for their dealership, it costs them big bucks.



Good luck!

[zil28ennov]

I think so.  Plugs and wires shouldn't have cost that much anyways.  They obviously didn't fix what was wrong in the first place.  I'd find a new mechanic.

[MichaelB]

If you went to that dealer for a specific code, and all they did was change plugs and wires, without investigating the reason for the code, es they are trying to rip you off...I don't usually like saying that, but facts are facts...



If the dealer won't correct the problem you took it to them for, specifically an engine code, then complain to the better business bureau, and any news paper/radio station/tv station...make it very public

[MarkF]

I'm not sure why they replaced the plugs and wires for a P1135 Front O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Low code.



The test procedure is to check the upstream sensor, sensor connector and PCM.  Plugs and wires don't really factor in.  They are do for replacement every 30k miles so perhaps you were due anyway, but there should have been no expectation it would fix your O2 sensor problem.



ASE Certified Automotive Service Advisor