# 2002 Hyundai Elantra Diagnostic fees

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-hyundai-elantra-diagnostic-fees/71131>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [February 24, 2012, 11:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-hyundai-elantra-diagnostic-fees/71131 "2012-02-24T23:20:47Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Bananarama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9de053/32.png) [@Bananarama](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Bananarama)\
**Post date:** [February 24, 2012, 11:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-hyundai-elantra-diagnostic-fees/71131/1 "2012-02-24T23:20:47Z")

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Hello,

I am a long time listener first time poster.

I have a 2002 Hyundai Elantra. The check engine light came on, we took it to our trusted mechanic. They replaced the catalytic converter. A week later the light came back on, different code. Says it is o2 sensor. He said the price, and I asked if it is something I can do myself. He said it should be ok for me to replace it. I paid a second diagnostic fee, and replaced the o2 sensor myself.

Now another week later, the check engine light is back. It has the same code, for upper o2 sensor, that I replaced with Bosch o2 sensor.

My question is if we take it back to the same mechanic is it fair for us to pay another diagnostic fee? I feel like they should have caught this the first time, or it is at least related to the first diagnostic and second fee we paid.

Thank You

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**Author:** ![cigroller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c68b51/32.png) [@cigroller](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cigroller)\
**Post date:** [February 24, 2012, 11:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-hyundai-elantra-diagnostic-fees/71131/2 "2012-02-24T23:25:25Z")

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If you don’t specify the codes each time and what kinds of things count as the “diagnostics” you paid for then no one can say much about it.

Sometimes a “diagnostic” literally just means reading the codes. As long as you’re not in California you can have your codes read for free at many auto parts stores.

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**Author:** ![SteveF](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/stevef/32/2_2.png) [@SteveF](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SteveF)\
**Post date:** [February 24, 2012, 11:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-hyundai-elantra-diagnostic-fees/71131/3 "2012-02-24T23:56:43Z")

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You asked if it was “fair.” All business set up their own standards for fairness, and these standards apply unless a customer negotiates in advance. If I ever specify a repair to a mechanic (e.g., replace the veeblefetzer) I will insist he may not charge me for the diagnostic fee that is his normal shop standard.

Note that by reading your code and advising you on a self-repair, the mechanic lost your repair business on this transaction.

In this case the mechanic performed a service for you and thereby earned his fee, fair and square. He ought not be held responsible for whatever happens thereafter.