[Magen]

I was driving home from work yesterday, and the "Check Engine Soon" light came on. I made it home, and called my mechanic this morning. He old me that I needed to get a computer diagnostic on the car, and to go to a place that specializes in that. $50 later, it turns out that I need to replace my Vacuum Control Valve Hose, on my car. Supposedly oxygen isnt reaching the engine, and it could bust at any second. Tomorrow I will pay the $150 dollars to fix it. My question is....what is this? Was this preventable?

Im so mad, I know these thigs happen, but to me its seems so random, a vacuum hose? I take my car religiously for maintenance, its a 2003 and it only has 27,600 miles.
Im never buying a Ford again. :(

[TxGreaseMonkey]

I own a Ford and a Honda--they both are well-made cars. The reality is that the quality and reliability of most cars today is excellent. It really comes down to personal preferences.

If this is the vacuum hose that goes to the EGR valve, it's a minor problem and should cost much less than $150. Call around and get a second estimate. Does this answer your question? You come across as very judgmental.

[Fr_Chuck]

Actually you are rude and he not only answered your question but gave you better advice,

No these things go out, and yes it could be prevented by having it changed on a regular basis,

But the real issue is that you are paying too much for what they are doing

You should have thanked the expert, for giving you GOOD advice,

[Vandy-1]

Who can say for sure what it is and was it preventable with out standing in front of your
Car. All you have to go on is what the mechanic told you, if what he said doesn't sound
Right go to another shop and get an opinion. Also regular maintenance normally deals
With fluid and filter changes, belts and hoses, things such as vacuum leaks are not normally looked for. Why would you judge a perfectly good car that's barely broke in the
Engine on a minor vacuum issue.

[Lmrproduction]

I know what you mean when something bad happens to the car despite the regular maintenance. That is why I do my own maintenance (DIY). You will be surprise how Much information you can find on the Internet when diagnosing your problem as well as a Haynes manual. I recently had a vacuum problem which I was able to fix based on instructions and researched I did through threads like this and YouTube (ericthecarguy). I suggest you buy a carburetor spray and get a vac hose diagram and start spraying the connections while listening to the pitch of the engine. If the pitch goes up (or even stalls sometimes) while spraying, that's a point of leak. DIY is a sure way of saving hundreds of dollars.

[Lmrproduction]

To directly answer your question, that is not preventable. I have not seen a mechanic service list that includes checking potential vacuum leaks on their maintenance guide. Carwash is included to make you feel good for paying top dollar. In short, There's a lot of BS when it comes to 5k, 10k, 15k service. Half are legit such as fluid changes but half are stuff that don't make sense except To make the list look more complete. They do make you feel good inside when you see 52 point inspection in there. Anyway, vacuum leaks require investigation and labor and usually happens when the car is over 100K mileage. And when it does happen, that's when your local mechanic says cha chin g. Btw. I only dislike dishonest mechanics like jiffylube and ezlubes and purrfect auto and pep boys, etc. I respect honest mechanics. I hope this helps and refrain from making insensitive remarks please. Written words are worst for impact. I'm 2 yr. DIY novice (timing belt, water pump, cv boot/axle, all fluids, breaks, arm bushings, vac leaks, valve gasket) With no formal training. You can do it.

[xrrmanjeffrey]

Ford Sucks Period I Will Only Buy Chevys

[lukescort]

I drive 1994 Ford Escort Wagon. My first car. Now I am 22, I replaced a lot myself, and I know that any car breaks. Check engine light was on for about 2 months last year. I checked everything, did my own diagnostics - using voltometer as it is the older type. Replaced the right sensors, and now I just rolled over 200 000 miles. Original engine, original transmission, clutch will probably go bad in the next 20K miles, just as it will go bad in 2012 Chevy with a manual transmission.