I own a 99 Camry LE, 2.2 L engine with approximately 116k miles. In
early June, my check engine light came on and I took it to a
mechanic(one man operation) I had been using for approx six months
based on a referral. He had replaced the timing belt/water pump in
February, did a good job, and charged a reasonable price. So, I took
my Camry to him for the "check engine" light, was charged
$184.96($96.79 for the part, $81.64 for the labor) to replace a
defective Vacuum Switch Valve. I drove twenty minutes down the road
and the "check engine" light came on again. Took the car back for the
second time and he said the problem was two hoses he had crossed
mistakenly(no charge). Drove the car twenty minutes down the road and
the "check engine" light came on again. Took it to the mechanic a
third time and paid $123.99($77.45 part, $41.31 labor) to diagnose and
replace a Vacuum Valve. I asked him the obvious question, that is,
did the first part really need to be replaced? He said it was part of
a process, whatever that meant and I agree, part of process that's
going to put me in the poor house and cause me to pull the last few
hairs I have on my balding head. Got in the car, got twenty minutes
down the road, the "check engine" light has come on for the "fourth"
time. I've left a message on his answering machine to notify him we
needed to talk about this thing. So, here I am, $300 plus poorer,
with a "check engine" light that won't go out and a mechanic who has
made three failed attempts to repair the problem. What is the
likelihood that the parts he replaced actually needed replacement?
And do I take another chance with this mechanic and throw more money
into the black hole? Any words of wisdom?