I recently installed an aftermarket cruise control and backup camera on my 1991 Ford Econoline 250 Van. Soon afterwards my engine light came on intermittently. I thought I may have miss wired something. The van would slowly come to a halt and stop engine, dim lights etc etc. Would run fine for a while no CHeck Engine light. I decided to go right to a Ford Dealer to get a computer diagnostic done. After signing the truck into to these guys for $125.00, they later called, said its not charging and I need an alternator (add $400.00) to the bill. Then he said we can't give you a diagnostics report because we no longer have the equipment to check the error codes on this year of car. What do you folks think of them charging me $125.00 to diagnose it when they can't diagnose it with equipment? Is it right to charge me $125.00 on top of the repair costs? Couldn't any bozo tell me the battery is good but it's not charging? It doesn't seem right to me. Any opinions on that? Plus the $400.00 + $125.00 seems pretty steep.
Thanks

 

Make a real long detour around the dealer!
I would take the alternator and the battery out and have them checked at O'Reilly's. They do that for free. Also, their spare parts are reasonably priced, often with a better warranty than old Henry would give you.

 

Here, Here ! Do you realize hanky is short for Henry !

 

No, I did not know! Give me a gun and I will shoot myself in the foot!

 

You might have to find a place in the line since that is one place where I made it to the head of the line !

 

You know, since about the turn of the last century, there have been battery testers. It seems odd that no one started with the simplest thing. On something of this vintage, I'd check the cable connections, too.

 

You are way too logic, man!

But, since the dealer already found the alternator faulty I assume that the battery has had it as well. And if the owner goes to the parts store he can have both pieces tested at once, without looking for a battery tester.