After becoming extremely frustrated with the wiring issue of my XJ, I finally dropped it off on Monday at 11 am.

The guy said he'd call me back in an hour for a quote and time frame - he didn't call until 5 pm and said it'd cost $300 and take 2.5 hours.

We're going on Thursday and they still haven't completed it or given notice on when it will be done or final cost.

It just feels like I'm getting screwed on this deal and this guy is full of balonie. How much hell should I raise on him and what's the best way to just get my jeep back?

 

Well what was the wiring issue?

 

My tail lights were out. I replaced the bulbs, fuses, switch. Brake, reverse, blinker lights work fine.

They say they are still looking for the short in the wiring. But, I have a feeling it shouldn't be taking this long.

 

You ever work in a shop? Doubt it.

Shops are busy. And just because they are "professional" mechanics, doesn't mean they are going to find the problem right away. Alot of shops around here have up to a 2 week wait for mechanical work.

 

Yeah, you're absolutely correct that I've never worked in a shop. I'm just wondering what the time frame is before I start to get worried about being over charged. I feel sorry for the dude who has to deal with my 89 xj.

 

I had the same issue with my 94 having no taillights it ended up being my lightswich

 

Really, I would ask them when they are going to get it into the shop to actually work on it. If they still havn't gotten it in after they told you they would, I would start asking WTF? See what kind of BS they feed you, then you could get pissed.

 

Ive called 3 times and asked everytime when it will be ready, the response has always been "he's working on it now. He has the dash pulled apart and chasing wires".
Never have I gotten a straight or definitive answer. I'm smelling something funny on their end.

 

call and tell them to check the wire harness that runs down your steering column. i had the same issue, and was searching for it for a week before i found it.......the entire harness had rubbed thru and was shorted out. after a little research, i found this is a common problem on xjs. replaced that harness and all is good! its worth having them check it so you get your jeep back sooner.

im an electrician by trade and used to be a mechanic. i will tell you now, you need to be patient with eletrical problems. they can be a nightmare to find!! at least the guy isnt just slapping in a bigger fuse and calling it good.

if you think they are up to something, then just pop down there unexpected and ask to see your jeep.......then you will know whats up instead of just assuming that you have a crooked mechanic.

 

Have you installed a new stereo in this Jeep recently?

 

I have but the issue occurred before the stereo was installed.

I walked into the shop today and my xj was being worked on..so I got that going for me, which is nice.

 

there ya go.....