I wish it was a joke

[J-Ri]

I had a customer recently who brought their 99 Cavalier in because the windshield washers didn't work. When I got in the car, I noticed the "Low washer fluid" light was on (in addition to the SES and "Change Oil" lights, which they were none too concerned about). I thought there's no way it's empty, surely the customer would have thought there could be some connection between this light and the problem they're having. I drove it inside, filled the tank, pulled the lever, and this blue stuff shot out of these little bumps on the hood. In their defense, the "LOW washer fluid" light was on, not the "Out of washer fluid" light.

Can anyone beat that? Maybe someone who locked their keys out of the car?

[72chevelleOhio]

not beat, maybe match. I work on tractor trailers. the technology is way behind cars. (2003 finally got egr and 2007 finally got our version of the "cat') most 18 wheelers have manual transmissions. I had a service writer tell me for my next one, the guy came back in and added it "wont start now" to the repair order. As I walked up the customer tried cranking it and the truck raised up. I waited for him to take it out of gear. he just sat there, then I asked him to move and pressed in the clutch. It fired right up. After that the "shifter has been messing up too, but it usually has a light on the dash when it does it". I looked ALL OVER that dash and still couldn't find that "take it out of gear, stupid" light. maybe it was burn't out..

[J-Ri]

Wow... that at least matches it. Was that the first time he drove a stick?

With the snow we've gotten here recently, I was reminded of one of my favorite easy money-makers. "It needs a front brake job, the pedal pulsates and there's a grinding noise when I apply the brakes". This only seems to happen on vehicles equiped with ABS, and when the brakes would otherwise lock up. $65 for a brake inspection to look at it and tell them nothing's wrong.

I bet I've made thousands of dollars "fixing" stuff that's explained in the owners manual. Can't complain about that.

[72chevelleOhio]

How about one of a know-it-all newbie? We have a new little brat (20) fresh from a T/A truck stop. (quicky lube for big trucks) He worked there for like two months (got fired probably) So he knows EVERYTHING. (including how to leave a rod loose.. puts nice big holes in an engine block!) He came up to me one day and said "I got this code I can't figure out, its 'EGR leak boost-power'" I said "okay, check it for leaks, you have a leak somewhere" he ROLLS HIS EYES! and says "No, I don't, I checked it" in a smart tone. So I said "then why do you have a code?" then turn around and start working. (because now I'm thinking about slapping him if he don't go away) he walks off, around the shop, talks on his phone to his girlfriend, then comes back and said "could it be the software needs updated in the ecm?" Now I'm mad. I know he won't leave me alone. So I grab my "high tech" soapy water, go over to his truck spray it all down. The turbo was leaking at the actuator, between the case halfs, AND the mount gasket to the manifold. The EGR valve was pukeing exhaust so bad I could hear it as I walked up to the truck!

[2.2 Straight six]

i used to run a tyre shop. one of the guys who worked for me once did something i couldn't beleive. he put the valve in backwards, so the cap and the end you put the air in would've been inside the tyre.

to make it worse he then argued with my boss about it.

[72chevelleOhio]

Originally Posted by 2.2 Straight six

i used to run a tyre shop. one of the guys who worked for me once did something i couldn't beleive. he put the valve in backwards, so the cap and the end you put the air in would've been inside the tyre.

to make it worse he then argued with my boss about it.

I think I would have had to take a break and watch him try to air it up! He should be given a nickname like "valve stem". He wouldn't live it down at least for a month if I seen it!