Anyone else irritated with dumb questions

[PKRWUD]

Posted in forums by Newbies who need to be slapped:

My car makes a funny noise. What's causing it?

or

My car feels funny. What's wrong?

Granted, these may be valid starting point questions for those who still imagine we mechanics as being telepathic know-it-alls, but c'mon. I often feel like replying with: I don't know. By the way, do you like this shirt better or this shirt?", with of course, no pictures.

People need to understand that the more info they provide, the better help they will receive. I belong to a network of ASE certified technicians, in which you can fill out a report asking for assistance from the other members. It is then forwarded to thousands of techs worldwide. The form has a few mandatory fields that have to be filled out, which help alot. I have always wished that Dan the Great would figure out a way of adding something like this to any posts that are started in these forums that are requesting help. Below is an example of what I'm talking about:

1992 Ford Pickup F350

Engine: 5.8 L / 351 CID
Fuel: Fuel Injection / EFI
Ignition: Distributor-Breakerless / TFI
Trans: 4-speed Automatic (Electronic)
Mileage: 99,000 mi
Emissions: CA EMISSION
VIN: 2FDJF37H8NCA46204

Symptoms: No Start
Occurs: Intermittently

______ TEST AND REPAIR DATA ______

Checked for codes and none were found.

TESTING AND RESULTS

Fuel Pressure - Normal after replace pump

RELATED REPAIR HISTORY

Replaced:
Fuel pump, Ignition Coil, ECM, Pickup Coil,Ign.Module.
Plugs,wires and cap.

I think this would not only help out those of us who primarily try and help with fixing problems, but would also help the newbies to understand the kind of information that is needed just to start an attempt to solve their problem.

Take care
~Chris

------------------
Retired Moderator
MustangNet

My site: JimPorterRacing

RACECAR spelled backwards is RACECAR

HEY !!! Are you ASE Certified ??? If you are, ask me about iATN. The best tool you'll ever have, and it's free !!!

[This message has been edited by PKRWUD (edited 09-21-2001).]