To have the diagnostic test is about 15 minutes in labor. So, if you go somewhere that charges $80/Hr, it is $20. It is an Onboard Diagnostic Tester, (OBD). Your car is the newer OBD2. They will hook up a handheld computer that plugs into the OBD port and it will give them any trouble and diagnostic codes that the cars computer senses when it is tested.
I could not find the actuator in the estimator that I use, so I had to go with my instincts and experience.
The actuator gives a Technician 5 hours to Remove and Replace. At a labor rate of $80/Hr, that is $400.0 in labor. The part is about $300 or $400, with a total of.$800.00. Now I round everything up and the repair shop you go to may only charge $40/Hr and get a used part. The PCU could be replaced under the same labor time as it is, "Overlap" because it is essentially no extra time to R&R. If you need a PCU they can run $200 or so.
I really don't think you are looking at this much, but use the labor hours so you have an idea of how long and I really just don't have a price for an actuator. The fact that I could not even find a used one on the web or a new or remanufactured is a good sign as they probably rarely fail.
Once you have the repair shop run the OBD test, your car will tell you:) what is the most likely source is for the problem.
I hope this information gives you some well being as you take it to a repair facility to repair it. If a facility does not want to run the diagnostic while you watch, liability insurance is to blame. Ask them to test it outside as you are, "Interested to see the OBD tester." If they refuse then, you might have a suspicious repair man. Always use your first instinct when finding a repair shop. If you feel intimidated, go elsewhere. They should make you feel at ease. That is part of there job.
I hope this information helps.
Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011 AT 12:20 AM
