So my girlfriend asked me to pop her ... mechanic's cherry!

[theirongiant]

Hello, I am new here. My girlfriend has a 2000 Echo with 153,000 that is overdue for the Level 4 service (30,000 mile interval).

She has never worked on cars before, but we have been talking about getting it serviced. I even offered to help her out.

Today she wrote me a wonderful email, asking me if we could fix it together.

The car desperately needs the service, and it also has a few other issues, like a screechy V-belt, an emissions-related engine code, and a slightly lumpy idle. The V-belt is by far the worst; she has had it replaced several times and in her experience seems to be a chronic problem on this car. I tell her she's crazy and that no car should ever do this.

But what do I know, I drive a BMW. My V-belts never complain at me.

I wrench in my spare time on my own BMW, and I am unfamiliar with the Japanese cars. Could you tell me which kinds of tools I will need to perform some in-depth maintenance on this car, and which repair manual I should get?

Thank you for your help.

[stuts]

a lot of sexual talk their GETTING IT SERVICED easy their buddy COULD FIX IT TOGETHER I WRENCH IN MY SPARE TIME that must hurt at 153,000 and you owning a BMW money is not an issue take the dang thing in and get the job done properly by a certified mechanic because I dont think you know what you are doing

[ECHOKnight2000]

Yeah, I have to agree with Stuts, you probably save time, headaches and money if you go to a certified mechanic...not to say they are the best either but if you don't know...but its up to you! Good luck!

[leaffan]

At 150000+ and never been serviced you have alot more than a little work!!! Sound like you may need a THIRD party involved Anyway good luck and clean the mess when you are done!!!

[Darknights]

What does the level 4 service include? (I'm to lazy to look). As far as the belt, check the easy stuff first. Make sure your pullys are ok, and line up. Check out http://www.echodrivers.comfor more assistance

[stuts]

Originally Posted by leaffan

At 150000+ and never been serviced you have alot more than a little work!!! Sound like you may need a THIRD party involved Anyway good luck and clean the mess when you are done!!!

[theirongiant]

Girlfriend wants me to teach her how to change oil, filters, fluids, etc. So that will come later. For now, she asked me to take the car to a dealership.

Here's what the dealership did: $269 for Level 4 service, changed all fluids and filters, inspected brakes and suspension for wear, check/adjust valve timing.

Here's what the mechanic found:
- Weak start, low battery voltage. Suggested new battery. Cost: $50, we can do that ourselves.
- Serpentine/V-belt belts worn. Suggested dealer replacement ($143 Parts/Labor).
- Idler (v-belt tensioner) Bearings are worn down, May break completely with new, tight belts and require subsequent replacement. Cost unknown.
- Small vacuum leak caused by loose hose fitting (idle bypass valve). Fixed for free.

Other than that, the dealership said the car was in good shape. They told me that they had not seen an Echo in nearly 6 months. Go figure.