Kamerokid

So, I just got a Tune up on my 1992 Camaro 305 V8 automatic (173K miles) and later that day, after driving it to my friend's house 16 miles away and hanging out for a few hours, my car wouldn't start. It just kept turning over without starting. The next day I took it back to my mechanic. The day after that he said, after checking all the tune up parts and running a full diagnostics, my car's original ignition module went out and my bill is $140 after fixing it (a less than $20 part). I feel that i might or might not have gotten screwed by my mechanic. I'm here to ask for your opinion. Did I get screwed out of $140? If I had to guess, could the upgraded tune up parts cause this to happen to my original stock (from 92) ignition module? Is this just bad luck?
Here's what I used to tune up my car:

I brought 8 E3 Spark Plugs, Duralast Gold spark plug wires, Duralast Gold cap & rotor, a new fuel filter and PCV valve with a new rubber grommet.

I've always trusted my mechanic and maybe I'm just being paranoid. I'd appreciate any of your opinions. Thanks!

vinny R

Coincidence. Those modules just take a crap when and where they want. You said you drove to your friends so if it ran fine on the way there just chalk it up to SH, it happens! What I would be worried about is if he did use one of those cheapo replacements. I made that mistake and used a cheapo and it only lasted a little over 2 yrs. before crapping out. Took me awhile to figure out that problem as I never thought that part would fail so quickly. I spent the extra $$ and put in a A/C delco replacement which was about $60.

Kamerokid

I was just curious since it happened right after the tune-up. But I understand what you mean since I was able to drive it to my friend's house right after with no problems. Also, I just checked the receipt. He put an AC Delco one in it as well.
I've always trusted my mechanic because they always put the original part in a bag so if I think I'm getting screwed over I could always reinstall it to prove that was what was wrong.

gw082008

Had to replace my ICM a few months ago - had intermittent starting issues and occasional stalling, I made the mistake of using a "cheapie" which only lasted a few years.They are not that hard to change. I do remember taking a spare I had to an auto parts store which I suspected was bad. Their tester indicated it was good.. Brought it home and did my own bench test - with a coil and a spark plug - the supposedly good ICM would not fire the spark plug!

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Ditch the E3 plugs and cheap plug wires. Stick with delco plugs/wires.

Tootie Pang

iTrader: (2)

Something to watch out for it making sure it has thermal grease on the bottom and it sits solidly on the bottom aluminum plate of the distributor. It uses that plate as a heat sink. If it cannot dissipate heat, it fails quickly.

Kamerokid

Those are not cheap plugs or wires. The wires were $55 with lifetime free replacement and the plugs are $7 each. The only reason I bought those plugs is due to everybody blasting about how good they are on this forum, and damn does my Camaro run grate! It even idles better!