Our engine light was on, then a message “monitor tire service” (that’s paraphrased). One tire was a little soft. The technician who filled it said the problem might be in the sensor, and even if not, it might take a while to clear the message. Well, the message did not clear, and on the way home the car was running uneven and a little jerky at times. We went to our mechanic who (using a hand-held computer) told us we need a new sensor for the accelerator, BUT that he didn’t have the equipment so we had to go to a dealer.
Now, looking for a dealer, and info, my husband stumbled on several Youtube videos showing how to replace the part yourself. The pedal and remote sensor are a unit, and they unplug and unbolt in <5 minutes. These people all went to AutoZone and bought the part for $72. And they say it self-programs when you plug it in. (The dealers want between $300 and $600 for the part, labor and programming.)
So the question: Is the programming necessary? Is it safe to just put the part in yourself? AND, if safe, how about getting a used one? (There’s a great pick-your-own place near here.)
The other thing I wonder about, one of the service mechanics at a dealership said they should do an analysis to make sure what the problem really is. So, are they saying the code our mechanic got was not enough? Do they make a better analysis, or is this just to scare people?