Chabill’s Tire & Automotive

On our way from Houston to Bayou Vista this past Saturday (08÷15÷15), a «check engine» light came on in our 2008 Honda Odyssey. As I was driving, my wife looked up the light description in the Owner’s Manual which said it had to do with the emissions. Upon reaching our destination, I drove to Chabill’s around 10:40 am. The sign on the door said they close at 12pm on Saturdays. I asked the gentleman who appeared the be the manager, if they had time to look at our van. He asked one of the technician’s if he could evaluate what was going on with the vehicle. I went inside the lobby area to have a seat.
After approximately 10 – 15 minutes maybe (wasn’t a long wait at all), the manager called me to the desk. I was informed that they had reset the warning indicator, and he read me what my next steps should be. We had to take it to the dealer and have them upgrade the software on the onboard engine computer. He did tell me should the light return, that the car was still drivable and no «immediate» action would be needed.
He then said «your total is $ 45.65.» Wait a minute… there was no communication before looking at the vehicle that there would be a charge. We reside in Houston, TX where I have taken vehicles in to ALL kinds of vehicle repair shops, and rarely am I charged for any type of diagnostics. I’m not saying it did not, does not, or would not happen. Based on my experience when someone looks at my vehicle, they’ll tell me what is wrong and what next steps should be taken. I would say on a very rare occasion (so rare that I do not remember when the last time it happened) would I be charged for someone to tell me what was wrong or what was needed. Perhaps a brake repair place would charge for such diagnostics, but I am not promising that would happen. I will say that the manager was very nice and personable.
As stated earlier, they reset the light, I paid the charge, and was on my way. Well, on our drive back to Houston on Sunday (8÷16÷15), the engine light returned. One part of me thought that he did tell me it may not happen. But the other part of me thought to myself, what did I pay $ 45 for in the first place!