Well there ya go! Like I said in my post I think $1100 sounds high. I can't see it costing that much by itself unless there was other recommendations made along with it. However, if you think there is any profit left in your estimate of $350 you are mistaken. I do the math & come up with $92/ hr labor rate(which may be fair in some areas as it varies). That's not counting diagnosis-1.0hrs minimum which is more involved than a simple scan of the codes. Direct testing of the solenoid itself would only be prudent. Also what about gasket, fluid, & filter? Fluid alone is $9.00/ qt. X 4 or 5 qts. plus disposal fees(oh yes the EPA is on your *** to make sure everything get disposed of correctly or face fines). So really the estimate falls more in line with the one Mopar to ya posted @ $500-$550. My point is a PROFESSIONAL JOB that comes with a guarantee costs more that what you might spend if you trusted the kid at autozone to scan your car & give you his worthess advice based on 0 experience, then wasted a weekend afternoon lying on your back with **** dripping all over yourself to change that 1 bolt little solenoid. And if it dosen't fix it? Where do you go then? Autozone aint gonna take it back! They sure as hell aint gonna stand behind their eh hmm diagnosis!:pukerigh: So a shop that provides a service in a professional manner needs to make a profit & yes the customer will benefit more because of it. Not all shops are honest, but the vast majority aren't the crooked thieves that people- escpecially the do it yourselfers paint them out to be. Some are much more acurate & thorough in their diagnosis & expertise than others & although it may cost a little more for a given service or repair performed, a good technician & shop will save the customer more money in the long term. And for as many posts here & on other sites bashing shops & crying "rip-off" there are thousands other posters who trusted the wrong advice of a buddy or the guy behind the parts counter or thought they knew what they were doing & screwed the car up or have thrown countless parts at it guessing & are no better off than when they started! All because it was too much to pay a professional.
A lot of guys here want to paint all of us shop owners & technicians with the same broad brush as crooked evil doers & that's simply not true.
