Okay, the on going saga of the Mustang that was possessed (i.e. shutting off whenever it felt like it) continues.</P>


The mechanic who replaced the alternator is saying it's the wiring harness now, but more specifically the wiring that goes from the fuse box to the lights and battery, etc., so I'm not sure what that's actually called. He says the alternator was giving eradic charges and they had to replace it to continue checking for the problem, which was the wiring. He offered 10% discount towards this new charge. Bastard. </P>


Questions: Can I install thismyself? Do I need a manual and special tools? Can I buy a non-Ford part cheaper from a parts store? The cost from the garage is $295 for the wiring and $390 for labor. </P>


Any suggestions?? I refuse to pay those @ssholes another penny.</P>

Well if you replace it yourself and its not your problem you will be s-o-l, but if they replace it and it doesnt fix the problem I'd tell them your not gonna pay them sh!t

The wiring is melted or corroded according to them. If it's that bad, it has to be replaced anyway. If they replace it and a week later it's still having the same problem, they'll just say it needed replacing anyway. That's their pattern. I just want to know if this is something that really should be done by a mechanic or if I can do it.

390 bucks for labor sounds like it is a 4 hour job per book. The book wouldnt give it a 4 hour time if it were as simple as unplugging the old an plugging in the new. Either that or they are taking advantage of you :(</P>


I have no clue what replacing that wiring would entail, but if it is supposed to take a certified mechanic that has done it before 4 hours, expect it to take twice as long for someone who hasnt done it before.</P>

Very good point. They got me by the perverbial gonads I think. Thanks for the reality check, I appreciate it. </P>


I sure do like this site. You guys have been most helpful. Thanks again to everyone.</P>

sweetsally..please remember and I'm sure you will with your exper. with the dealership....sometimes it not best to take to the dealer....as for the job..theyhave a book on hours to do the job. it's their so the tech can make $$$$ here so you won't feel so bad..if I work 40 hours in a week doesn't mean I get paid for 40 if a job takes to long you lose $$$ there were weeks where I would turn 60 and get paid for 40 then there was weeksI works 35 and got paid 70 but out of my $$ I had to buy 8500 worth of tools..with warrantty work it's less as your being paid about 1/2 to do the same job this is why and it's not right when a warratty comes in there no hurry in working on it, so it's not always the tech..<IMG src=smileys/smiley6.gif border="0">....I was a tech for gm for 10 years. on wiring problem their really no set thing.sorta the sky is the limit..

SweetSally,</P>


Wiring a Mustang. -- Painless Wiring - Sells the complete wiring kit for the Mustang. It's not as complicated as most may think, just takes a little patience, careful reading and MORE than 4 hours for a regular joe (in ur case jane...hahaha). -- They are colour coded, they supply ALL the wires you will EVER need (just remember to specify fuel injected or not - I suggest if you are going to take that route to call them up...they are also pretty good at helping out).</P>


I use to be terrified of wiring until Painless came along. I've done two cars, one Shelby Cobra Replica (with a carbed 351) and one Mustang (EFI). &lt;read twice, do once&gt; --- </P>


As for special tools.....painless provides crimpers.</P>


Have you taken the car elsewhere &lt;not the dealer, but a mustang place&gt; for the problem? -- you may want to do that, probably worth the $$.</P>

Thanks guys. I tried to get the dude at the Ford shop to put the cost of the alternator towards this repair, and he won't. So I said "Screw you guys, I'm going home." I'm picking up Sally tonight.</P>


I called another garage, small town guy whose been around forever, and was told he specializes in electrical problems. So I'm taking her to him for a second opinion. I think this job is over my head, I don't have my tools anymore and don't have the $$ to buy new ones. </P>


*sigh* Cars used to be so easy to work on. Points plugs n condenser, generators and alternators, starters and carbs, batteries and gas...a simple tool box and a pack of matches and you could fix almost anything. Well, at least you could keep it running *S*</P>

SweetSally,</P>


ahhh...the good ole times. Probably why I don't buy new cars anymore. I know what you mean.</P>

Oh yeah, I remember being under the hood on Sat morning, grease up to my elbows, tweaking the carb or setting the gap on the plugs, trying to get a few more milesout of 'em. Now you have to know how to 'talk' to the car, hook her up to a machine to find out what's wrong. </P>


What ever happened to visual inspections and common sense?? </P>

the EPA</P>

LOL!

390 bucks for labor sounds like it is a 4 hour job per book.* The book wouldnt give it a 4 hour time if it were as simple as unplugging the old an plugging in the new.* Either that or they are taking advantage of you :(</p>

HA! Dude, book time at most dealerships to replace a serpentine belt is an hour on a little 4 banger. It takes a mechanic under 20 minutes to do....

Book time only reflects what will make a nice profit for the company.

jeep..most places have a 1 hour min. not saying it's right..but that's theit 'tis

Now you have to know how to 'talk' to the car, hook her up to a machine to find out what's wrong. </p>


What ever happened to visual inspections and common sense?? </p>

BULLs**t!

All you gotta do is threaten to beat the crap outta it, get pissed, curse up a storm, and before ya know it, car's fixed. Always works for us Ohioan hilljacks at least.

jeep..most places have a 1 hour min. not saying it's right..but that's the*it 'tis

Exactly. Book time isn't really how long it takes to do the job in most cases.

Hell no Jeep!!! Ya gotta sweet talk 'em. If you treat your ladies like that they'll leave you high and dry every time!! *LOL*

My car ain't a lady.

It's a diff bustin bitch. Literally.

Well this one is. She gets the best and has never left me without a ride.</P>


Now I've had a few others (20 or so) that were definate bitches, the Kaiser Jeep was one, nasty old thing. I actually did name her The Bitch!! </P>

yeah..it doesn't talk back*L*</P>