Are you experiencing car trouble in Seattle and need a reliable mechanic to come to you? Look no further. At Car Repair Online, we understand the frustration and inconvenience of vehicle breakdowns. That’s why we specialize in bringing expert auto repair services directly to your location in Seattle and the surrounding areas. As a seasoned mobile auto repair specialist, I focus on providing comprehensive diagnostics and efficient repairs, right where you are. While my expertise lies particularly in resolving “no start” issues, my mobile service is equipped to handle a wide range of car problems, completing most repairs within a few hours to get you back on the road quickly.
Below are detailed accounts of recent vehicle symptoms, diagnoses, and repairs I’ve performed across Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma, WA. These case studies demonstrate the breadth of issues a mobile auto repair service can address, from simple fixes to complex troubleshooting, all performed on-site for your convenience. Vehicles are listed alphabetically by make for easy navigation. Could my mobile auto repair service be the solution you need? Explore the following examples to see how I can assist you with your vehicle needs in Seattle.
BMW Mobile Auto Repair in Seattle
1999 BMW 540i – Overheating Engine Diagnosis
Customer Complaint: “My BMW 540i overheated while driving home from work. I’ve been constantly adding water to the coolant reservoir. I even had a local mechanic diagnose it, and he replaced the coolant reservoir, but the overheating problem persists. He suggested he might have installed the hoses incorrectly, but I’m still having the same issue.”
Diagnosis: Heater Control Valve Leak. Despite the previous mechanic’s work, a thorough inspection of the coolant system was conducted. All hoses connected to the coolant reservoir were examined and found to be correctly installed. However, upon inspecting the reservoir, it was found to be completely empty. As water was added, the source of the leak was immediately apparent: the heater control valve was actively leaking coolant.
Repair: None performed. The customer, after receiving the accurate diagnosis of the heater control valve issue, decided to order the replacement part online. He indicated he would contact me again to schedule the installation once the part arrived. A diagnosis fee was charged for the on-site service. This mobile diagnosis was conveniently performed in the customer’s condominium complex parking lot in Seattle.
1994 BMW 740i – No Start Issue and Starter Replacement
Customer Complaint: “My BMW 740i broke down at a car dealership in Bellevue, WA. I’ve already purchased a new starter. Would you be able to come to the dealership and install the starter for me on-site?”
Diagnosis: None performed as per customer request. The customer declined a diagnostic fee, requesting only starter installation.
Repair: Starter Replacement. The customer-supplied starter was installed at the Bellevue dealership parking lot. However, after installation, the vehicle exhibited the same “no start” problem. The new starter produced a grinding noise when the ignition key was held in the crank position. Fortunately, by manually rotating the front crankshaft pulley, the flywheel teeth position was altered, allowing the starter to engage and turn the engine over. This temporary fix enabled the customer to drive the vehicle home. It was advised that a more extensive repair, requiring transmission removal and flywheel ring gear replacement, was necessary. This level of repair was beyond the scope of a mobile service and needed to be performed at a full-service repair shop. The customer was charged for three hours of labor for the starter replacement service.
Cadillac Mobile Mechanic Services in Seattle
1986 Cadillac Fleetwood – Starter Failure and Electrical Issue
Customer Complaint: “My Cadillac Fleetwood is broken down at my condominium complex. Could you come out to diagnose the problem and repair it on-site?”
Diagnosis: Defective Starter and Loose Battery Cable. Upon arrival at the customer’s location, diagnosis began with the starter system. While removing the old starter, the root cause of the failure became evident. The nut securing the battery cable to the starter solenoid was significantly loose – almost halfway off. It appeared that during a previous starter replacement, the mechanic had failed to properly tighten this crucial connection. It was surprising the starter had functioned for as long as it did with such a loose connection.
Repair: Starter and Solenoid Replacement. The customer provided a replacement starter and solenoid, which were installed on-site. The battery cable connection was properly secured. The customer was charged a diagnosis fee plus one and a half hours of labor for the mobile repair service at their Seattle condominium complex parking lot.
Ford Mobile Auto Repair Services in Seattle
1995 Ford Contour – Gear Shifter Problem Diagnosis
Customer Complaint: “Driving home from work last night in my Ford Contour, the gear shifter lever would not stay in the ‘Drive’ position. I had to physically hold the shifter in ‘Drive’ to get my car home.”
Diagnosis: Broken Gear Shifter Assembly. Inspection of the gear shifter assembly, mounted on the floor of the vehicle, revealed it was damaged. The damage was attributed to miscellaneous debris and garbage that had become lodged within the moving parts of the assembly, causing it to malfunction.
Repair: None. This service was for diagnosis only. The customer was informed of the broken gear shifter assembly. It’s unknown if the vehicle was subsequently repaired. A diagnosis fee was charged for the mobile service performed in the customer’s apartment complex parking lot in Seattle.
2001 Ford Escort – No Start, Engine Damage Diagnosis
Customer Complaint: “My Ford Escort engine will not start and is making unusual noises when I try to crank it over.”
Diagnosis: Severe Engine Damage – No Compression in Cylinders 3 & 4. Upon arriving at the customer’s location, it was learned that the customer’s husband had recently installed new spark plugs and added engine oil in an attempt to resolve the starting issue. However, when the engine was cranked, a loud, concerning metal-on-metal noise was immediately apparent, suggesting significant internal engine damage. It was suspected the engine had suffered oil starvation. Spark plug inspection revealed cylinders one and two were dry, while cylinders three and four were fuel-fouled. A compression test confirmed the diagnosis: zero compression in cylinders three and four, indicating irreparable mechanical damage.
Repair: None. The engine damage was too extensive and beyond repair. The customer decided to purchase a new vehicle. A diagnosis fee was charged for the mobile service conducted on the street in front of the customer’s Seattle residence.
1962 Ford F750 – Long-Dormant Truck Revival and Ignition Repair
Customer Complaint: “Could you come out and help start my Ford F750 truck? It’s been sitting for ten years. My assistant installed a new starter but couldn’t tighten the bolts. She can meet you there and assist if needed.”
Diagnosis: Damaged Ignition System Components and Incorrect Battery Cable Installation. Upon arrival, the “assistant” was a petite Korean lady, who had surprisingly managed to install the new starter on the large truck. However, the issue was not loose starter bolts, but rather incorrectly installed battery cables – the positive and negative cables were reversed. After correcting the battery cable polarity, the engine still wouldn’t crank. Spark plugs were removed, and rust inhibitor was sprayed into all eight cylinders. The engine was seized and wouldn’t turn over manually. It was suggested to let the rust inhibitor penetrate for a few days. Returning a few days later, the engine surprisingly began to crank! However, it sprayed a significant amount of water from the spark plug holes on one side. After reinstalling the old spark plugs and priming the carburetor, the truck had a “crank, no start” condition. The reversed battery cables had damaged the primary ignition system, resulting in no spark output from the coil.
Repair: Ignition System Repair and Component Replacement. Repairs included correctly installing the battery cables, tightening starter bolts, and replacing spark plugs, ignition points & condenser, distributor cap & rotor, and ignition coil.
Personal Note: This service call was particularly memorable due to the customer – a nonagenarian commercial diver and salvage company owner, liquidating his equipment in his final days. The truck, a mobile dive shop spanning Alaska to California, was a piece of his history. Sadly, he passed away a few weeks later. RIP Mr. Borton.
Customer Charge: Four hours of labor plus parts. This mobile diagnosis and repair took place in the back parking lot of a warehouse in Seattle.
1995 Ford Ranger – No Start After Fueling, Battery Issue
Customer Complaint: “I pulled into a gas station to get gas, and when I tried to leave, my Ford Ranger engine would crank but wouldn’t start. I had it towed home and tried again, still no start.”
Diagnosis: Dead Battery. Based on the customer’s description, a common scenario was suspected – a potential fuel pump issue triggered by adding cold fuel to a hot pump. However, jump-starting the battery resolved the no-start condition immediately.
Repair: Battery Jump Start and Battery Cable Repair. While jump-starting, a problem with the battery cables was noticed. While the customer was initially concerned about the fuel pump, the immediate issue was battery related. The customer authorized battery cable repair. It was explained that a fuel pump issue remained a possibility for the future.
Customer Charge: Diagnosis fee, half-hour of labor, and parts for battery cable repair. This mobile service was performed on the street in front of the customer’s house in Seattle.
2000 Ford Ranger – Check Engine Light, Rough Running Engine
Customer Complaint: “This morning while driving to work, my ‘Check Engine’ light came on in my Ford Ranger. The engine started running rough, and the vehicle shakes when I stop. It seems to smooth out when accelerating. Is it possible to repair it today while I’m at work?”
Diagnosis: Cylinder 3 Misfire – Spark Plug Fouling. Scanning the engine computer revealed a PO303 code, indicating a cylinder 3 misfire. Visual inspection of the cylinder 3 spark plug and ignition cable revealed a fouled spark plug, likely due to lack of regular maintenance.
Repair: Spark Plug and Ignition Cable Replacement. New spark plugs and ignition cables were installed. The computer memory was cleared, and a test drive confirmed the repair.
Customer Charge: Diagnosis fee, one hour of labor, and parts. This mobile diagnosis and repair were performed at the customer’s workplace in Seattle.
Geo Mobile Car Repair in Seattle
1991 Geo Metro – High Idle, Emissions Failure Diagnosis
Customer Complaint: “My Geo Metro failed its emissions test because the idle was too high. Can you come out and diagnose the problem?”
Diagnosis: Low Compression in Cylinder 3, Advanced Ignition Timing. The high idle was a symptom of intentionally advanced ignition timing. This is a tactic sometimes used to compensate for engine power loss due to low compression. This particular Geo Metro model, with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine, is known for exhaust valve edge burning issues leading to compression loss. Adjusting the timing back to factory specifications resulted in a rough idle. A compression test revealed only 50 PSI in cylinder 3, confirming significant compression loss. The engine would not pass emissions without cylinder head repair (valve work).
Repair: None. Repair was not recommended due to the vehicle’s low value relative to the repair cost. The customer was advised against engine repair. A diagnosis fee was charged for the mobile service performed at the customer’s apartment complex parking lot in Seattle.
GMC Mobile Mechanic Services in Seattle
1998 GMC Jimmy – Engine Stalling, Fuel System Diagnosis
Customer Complaint: “My GMC Jimmy quit running while I was driving home from work. I had it towed home and tried replacing the fuel filter myself, but it still won’t start.”
Diagnosis: Defective Fuel Pump Module. Diagnosis started with checking for spark at a spark plug – a downstream test verifying coil, distributor cap & rotor, and ignition cable function. Spark was present. A fuel pressure gauge connected to the fuel rail test port showed zero pressure during cranking. Voltage to the fuel pump relay was confirmed (12V). Back-probing the fuel pump module connector directly at the fuel tank also showed proper voltage (12V). This pointed to a faulty fuel pump module itself.
Repair: None. The customer decided to consider repairs later or attempt DIY repair. A diagnosis fee was charged for the mobile service at the customer’s driveway in Seattle.
2003 GMC Yukon – Crank No Start, Fuel Gauge Issue
Customer Complaint: “My GMC Yukon will crank over but won’t start. It’s in my garage at home. Can you work on it without moving it out of the garage?”
Diagnosis: Dead Battery and Out of Gas, Defective Fuel Pump Module. The customer had drained the battery attempting to start the engine. Jump-starting the battery allowed for further diagnosis. As suspected, it was a “crank no start” condition. Spark was confirmed. Fuel pressure gauge showed zero pressure. Listening at the fuel tank filler neck with a funnel used as a stethoscope, a gurgling noise was heard when the fuel pump was activated, indicating an empty tank despite the fuel gauge reading nearly a quarter tank. The fuel gauge sender (potentiometer) on the fuel pump module was also defective, causing an inaccurate fuel reading.
Repair: Added Fuel. Five gallons of gasoline were added, and the engine started. The customer was advised about the faulty fuel pump module and inaccurate fuel gauge and decided to keep the fuel level above half a tank until considering a fuel pump module replacement (approx. $800 repair). A diagnosis fee was charged for the mobile service in the customer’s Seattle garage.
Honda Mobile Auto Repair in Seattle
1999 Honda CRV – High RPM, Hissing Noise, Temperature Fluctuation
Customer Complaint: “Yesterday, my Honda CRV’s engine RPMs were higher than normal, and I heard a hissing noise. The temperature gauge was also slightly higher. After driving a bit, the temperature returned to normal, and the hissing stopped. Could you diagnose it at my work and make sure everything is okay?”
Diagnosis: EVAP System Code, Possible Idle Air Control Valve Issue. Upon starting the engine, the “Check Engine” light was illuminated (customer mentioned it had been on for months). Scanning the computer revealed a PO1456 EVAP system code, which typically doesn’t cause driveability issues. The code was cleared for further diagnosis. The engine ran well during inspection, and no symptoms described by the customer were immediately present – idle speed and temperature were normal. With 169,000 miles and no maintenance records available, it was suspected that the throttle plate and idle control valve might need servicing. The likely scenario was intermittent engine misfire, causing the idle air control valve to open (hissing noise) to increase air and enrich the fuel mixture to smooth out the engine, raising the idle RPM and potentially engine temperature temporarily. No vacuum leaks were found.
Repair: None. Preventative maintenance recommendations were made (throttle body and idle control valve service). The customer would schedule this service later at their home. A diagnosis fee was charged for the mobile service at the customer’s workplace parking garage in Seattle.
2005 Honda Pilot – No Dash Lights After Battery Replacement
Customer Complaint: “My Honda Pilot wouldn’t start the other day, so I replaced the battery. Now I have no dash lights. I think I might have blown a fuse.”
Diagnosis: Negative Battery Post Protector Left in Place. The issue was traced to a simple oversight during battery replacement. The customer had neglected to remove the negative battery post protector. This plastic protector prevented a proper electrical connection when the negative battery cable was reattached, resulting in a loss of electrical power to the dashboard. The poorly lit parking garage likely contributed to this error.
Repair: Battery Post Protector Removal and Battery Cable Repair. The negative battery post protector was removed, restoring proper electrical connection and dash lights. The positive battery cable end was also repaired as it was not tightening fully. A diagnosis fee was charged for the mobile service at the customer’s condominium complex parking garage in Seattle.
Jeep Mobile Auto Repair Services in Seattle
1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Steering Issue, Front End Damage
Customer Complaint: “My daughter was driving our Jeep Grand Cherokee last night. This morning, something is hanging down from the front, and the steering wheel won’t turn the front tires.”
Diagnosis: Broken Inner Tie Rod End. Inspection revealed a broken inner tie rod end. Remarkably, this failure occurred while parked in the driveway. Had it happened while driving, it could have resulted in a serious accident.
Repair: Tie Rod End Replacement. Both left-side inner and outer tie rod ends, along with a new sleeve, were replaced on-site. The customer used the money saved on towing towards the repair, knowing a front-end alignment would still be needed at a repair shop.
Customer Charge: Diagnosis fee, one hour of labor, and parts. The mobile diagnosis and repair were performed in the customer’s driveway in Seattle.
1995 Jeep Cherokee – Long-Dormant Vehicle No Start, Alarm Issue
Customer Complaint: “I have a Jeep Cherokee that’s been sitting for a while. It cranks over but won’t start. Can you help?”
Diagnosis: Dead Battery and Armed Alarm System. The customer had been attempting to jump-start the battery with a charger. The security light was flashing rapidly during cranking attempts, indicating an active alarm system. The customer retrieved the original alarm remote from inside the house. After jump-starting the battery and disarming the alarm with the remote, the engine started. However, the engine overheated after running for about 5 minutes due to a leaking and restricted radiator.
Repair: None. The customer would order parts online and schedule a return visit for installation. A diagnosis fee was charged for the mobile service at the customer’s driveway in Seattle.
Lexus Mobile Auto Repair in Seattle
2003 Lexus GS300 – Rodent Damage to Ignition Coil Connector
Customer Complaint: “A mouse chewed through the electrical harness on my Lexus GS300 engine, specifically the connector to my ignition coil. Can you repair the connector? Parts stores don’t have a replacement, and the dealer only sells the entire wire harness.”
Diagnosis: Damaged Ignition Coil Connector. The connector for the number 6 ignition coil was indeed damaged beyond repair due to rodent activity. Using an ACDelco electrical connector catalog, a compatible replacement connector was identified and ordered.
Repair: Connector Replacement. The new connector was installed, and the PO306 (cylinder 6 misfire) code was cleared from the computer memory.
Customer Charge: Diagnosis fee, one hour of labor, and parts. This mobile diagnosis and repair were performed in the customer’s condominium complex parking lot in Seattle.
Mazda Mobile Auto Repair in Seattle
1995 Mazda B3000 – Engine Stalling, Distributor Rotor Failure
Customer Complaint: “My son was driving my Mazda B3000 truck last night, and the engine quit while going uphill. I had it towed to my apartment complex and tried to fix it myself.”
Diagnosis: Broken Distributor Rotor, ECT Sensor Code. The customer mentioned attempting relay replacement in the underhood fuse box and that the “Check Engine” light had been on for months. Scanning the computer revealed codes 116 (ECT sensor out of range) and 543 (open battery circuit to ECA). Spark was confirmed at the spark plug. Spark plugs were gas-fouled, and combustion chambers were flooded, initially suggesting timing chain or distributor gear issues. Compression test was good (150 PSI in all cylinders), ruling out timing chain problems. Checking distributor rotor position relative to cylinder 1 TDC compression stroke revealed a broken distributor rotor – the tab that positions the rotor in time with cylinder 1 was broken off. This explained the spark presence (rotor still spinning) but incorrect timing. Code 543 was likely triggered by the customer removing the ECA relay during DIY diagnosis. Code 116 indicated a defective engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.
Repair: Spark Plug, Distributor Cap & Rotor, and ECT Sensor Replacement. New spark plugs, distributor cap, distributor rotor, and ECT sensor were installed. Computer memory was cleared.
Customer Charge: Diagnosis fee and two hours of labor (customer supplied parts). This mobile diagnosis and repair were performed in the customer’s condominium complex parking lot in Seattle.
1991 Mazda Navajo – No Electrical Power, Battery Cable Issue
Customer Complaint: “I pulled into a 76 gas station in my Mazda Navajo, and when I put it in park, everything went dead. No dash lights, and the engine won’t crank.”
Diagnosis: Broken Battery Cable Eyelet at Starter Relay. Battery voltage was checked and was good (12V). Checking fusible links at the starter relay revealed a broken battery cable eyelet at the starter relay. The main battery cable connects to the starter relay, and fusible links supplying power to the main fuse panel are also connected there. The broken eyelet meant no power to the fuse block and ignition switch.
Repair: Battery Cable Lug Repair. A new brass lug was soldered onto the battery cable and bolted to the relay.
Customer Charge: Diagnosis fee, half-hour of labor, and parts. This mobile diagnosis and repair were performed at the 76 gas station in Seattle.
Mercedes-Benz Mobile Auto Repair in Seattle
2003 Mercedes C240 – No Start, Buzzing Noise, Battery Issue
Customer Complaint: “My Mercedes C240 won’t start. The dash lights are dim, and the engine makes a buzzing noise when I try to start it.”
Diagnosis: Dead Battery. Battery voltage dropped below 9.6V under load. The “buzzing” noise was the starter solenoid attempting to engage with insufficient voltage, causing rapid clicking or buzzing.
Repair: Battery Replacement and Battery Cable Cleaning. A new battery was installed, and battery cable ends were cleaned to ensure good connections.
Customer Charge: One hour of labor and parts. This mobile diagnosis and repair were performed in the customer’s townhome garage in Seattle.
Oldsmobile Mobile Mechanic Services in Seattle
1990 Oldsmobile 88 – No Start After Water Pump/Belt Issue
Customer Complaint: “My neighbor, who is a mechanic, installed a new water pump on my Oldsmobile 88. The next day, the serpentine belt came off. He came back, said he’d left bolts loose, tightened them, and reinstalled the belt. Now, my car cranks but won’t start.”
Diagnosis: No Ignition Spark, Damaged Crankshaft Sensor. A “no start” condition shortly after a belt issue often points to ignition problems. No spark output from the ignition coil was confirmed. The serpentine belt, when it came off, had likely struck and damaged the crankshaft position sensor. This sensor provides the signal to the ignition module, which controls ignition coil firing. No crankshaft sensor signal means no spark.
Repair: None. The customer wanted to consult with the neighbor/mechanic first. It was pointed out that if the neighbor struggled with a simple water pump, trusting them with a crankshaft sensor replacement (requiring crankshaft pulley/balancer removal, torqued to 110 ft-lbs) might not be advisable. A diagnosis fee was charged for the mobile service at the Chevron gas station in Seattle.
Pontiac Mobile Auto Repair in Seattle
1993 Pontiac Grand Am – Rough Running Engine, Ignition Issues
Customer Complaint: “My daughter’s Pontiac Grand Am is running very rough, barely drivable. Can you come to our house and diagnose the problem?”
Diagnosis: Failed Primary and Secondary Ignition Components. This engine uses a distributorless ignition system with crankshaft sensor, ignition module, and three coil packs (two cylinders per coil). Two out of the three coils had no spark output. A friend had attempted repair, installing two new coils and four spark plugs, but gave up. During diagnosis, mismatched ignition components were found: two new coils, one old coil, three different spark plug brands, and two different ignition cable sizes (9.5mm and 7.5mm). The original issue was likely a defective ignition module. Uneven secondary ignition resistance due to mismatched cables contributed to the misfire, particularly affecting the cylinders with lower resistance (7.5mm) cables, which were the ones not firing.
Repair: Ignition System Component Replacement. All six spark plugs, ignition cables, one ignition coil, and the ignition control module were replaced.
Customer Charge: Diagnosis fee, two hours of labor, and parts. This mobile diagnosis and repair were performed on the street in front of the customer’s Seattle residence.
Toyota Mobile Auto Repair in Seattle
1990 Toyota Celica – Brake Lights Stuck On, Battery Drain, Starter Issue
Customer Complaint: “While driving home from work, a taxi driver told me my brake lights were stuck on. The next day, my battery was dead. Another mobile mechanic came out but couldn’t finish the job. The car has been sitting for a while. Can you repair it?”
Diagnosis: Leaking Windshield, Rusted Brake Pedal Assembly, Defective Battery, Shorted Starter. A complex combination of issues. Water leaking from the windshield had caused the brake pedal assembly to rust. This rust prevented the brake pedal from fully returning to its resting position, keeping the brake lights activated. The constantly lit brake lights drained the battery. The first mobile mechanic attempted to jump-start and then replaced the starter, likely misdiagnosing the battery issue. The battery was indeed defective and not holding a charge. The replaced starter was also of poor quality and now tested bad.
Repair: Battery and Starter Replacement. A new battery and starter were installed. The brake light switch was adjusted, and the brake pedal pivot was lubricated. The customer was advised to monitor brake lights and potentially replace the brake pedal assembly if the issue recurred.
Customer Charge: Diagnosis fee, two hours of labor, and parts. This mobile diagnosis and repair were performed in the customer’s apartment complex parking lot in Seattle.
1985 Toyota Corolla – Smoke from Exhaust, Engine Wear
Customer Complaint: “Driving home from work this morning, I noticed a large cloud of smoke behind my Toyota Corolla. I think I have a blown head gasket.”
Diagnosis: Worn Valve Guides and Leaking Valve Seals. Despite the head gasket concern, the cooling system was checked first and found to be functioning normally – coolant level was full, thermostat and fans were operating correctly, and no overheating occurred during extended engine running. The customer mentioned adding a quart of oil just before noticing the smoke. This pointed to worn valve guides and leaking valve seals – common in high-mileage engines (odometer reading over 289,000 miles). Oil seeping past valve seals pools on top of pistons and burns off upon engine start, causing initial smoke, which then diminishes.
Repair: None. Due to the high mileage, repairs were not recommended. The customer would look for a replacement vehicle. A diagnosis fee was charged for the mobile service at the customer’s driveway in Seattle.
1993 Toyota Corolla – No Start, Fuel Pump Failure
Customer Complaint: “My Toyota Corolla quit running. Could you diagnose the problem? I’ve taken the dash apart to access the circuit opening relay and have been trying to diagnose it myself all week. Would you be offended if I want to repair it myself after diagnosis?”
Diagnosis: Defective Fuel Pump. Initial checks: “Check Engine” light illuminated with key on (indicating circuit opening relay was working). Noid light test at fuel injector harness and spark test light at spark plug cable both showed good signals during cranking. This confirmed timing belt integrity and distributor/computer signals. Fuel pressure check at the fuel pump outlet line: 0 PSI. Voltage to the fuel pump was confirmed (12V). This pinpointed a faulty fuel pump.
Repair: None. The customer would replace the fuel pump themselves. A diagnosis fee was charged for the mobile service on the street in front of the customer’s Seattle residence.
1986 Toyota Land Cruiser – Broken Drive Belt, Air Pump Issue
Customer Complaint: “One of my front drive belts broke on my Toyota Land Cruiser while driving. I ordered replacement belts and tried to install them myself, but I can’t install the air pump belt. It seems too short, but the part store says it’s the right size. Can you come out and install it?”
Diagnosis: Frozen Air Pump. The customer couldn’t install the air pump belt because the air pump itself wasn’t moving far enough in its adjustment slot. This is often due to vacuum in the air pump lines. Removing the air pump hoses allowed for belt installation. However, the root cause of the broken belt was discovered: the air pump was seized and wouldn’t turn freely.
Repair: None. The customer would order a new air pump and schedule a return visit for repair. One hour of labor was charged for belt installation attempt and diagnosis. This mobile diagnosis and service were performed in the customer’s driveway in Seattle.
Winnebago Mobile RV Repair in Seattle
2009 Winnebago RV – Fuel Smell, Generator Fuel Line Leak
Customer Complaint: “We’re a national company working at a home improvement store in Seattle. We have two RVs here, and one of our employees noticed a fuel smell. We had another mobile mechanic come out, but the smell is still there. We’d like you to diagnose it, as we don’t trust the first mechanic.”
Diagnosis: Leaking Generator Fuel Lines. The fuel leak was from the generator fuel lines, dripping onto the catalytic converter – a serious fire hazard. The generator fuel lines appeared to have been improperly extended with brake lines and incorrect fittings during installation, resulting in leaks.
Repair: Temporary Fuel Line Tightening and Safety Recommendation. Fuel lines were tightened as much as possible to minimize leaking. The customer was strongly advised to immediately take the RV back to the manufacturer for permanent fuel line repair or replacement and to not operate the generator until properly fixed. The engine fuel lines were unaffected, so driving the RV was deemed safe. The second RV inspected had the exact same fuel line issue.
Customer Charge: One hour of labor per RV. This mobile diagnosis was performed in the Lowe’s parking lot in Seattle.
This compilation of on-site diagnoses and repairs demonstrates the capabilities and convenience of a mobile auto repair service in Seattle. From addressing no-start issues and electrical problems to diagnosing complex mechanical failures, mobile auto repair brings expertise and solutions directly to you, minimizing downtime and getting you back on your way.
