Golden Anniversary Adventure "I had the car back in less than 24 hours!!!! Incredible fast, efficient, and in my opinion, affordable service!"
After 3 day journey down the I-95 corridor from visiting family in New York and New Jersey, we arrived home in Melbourne Florida to find Jane’s 2011 Buick LaCrosse sedan dead as a doornail in our driveway.
I had known the car needed a new battery, and with nearly 90,000 miles on the odometer, and still using the original factory brakes, knew a brake job was soon needed.
I replaced the battery without any difficulty, but LaCrosse would still not turn over and start.
After spending two days getting educated watching You Tube Videos depicting fixes for electrical problems on these computerized post-2010 automobiles, I proceeded to perform diagnostics on the car. I did every trick in the book to start the car to no avail.
The only problem I found was a blown fuse for the ECM (Electronic Control Module). This was very likely the root of the problem, but what was the cause?
I replaced the fuse and it immediately blew out!
How do I further troubleshoot the circuit?
A rather expensive computer diagnostic tool would be necessary.
After researching auto repair shops in my area, one kind of caught my eye, SoloTech Auto Works in West Melbourne, about 7 1/2 miles away. They had very good reviews on Google! After meeting with Russ and Jim and discussing the problem, I decided to have the car towed to their shop and have them attempt to repair it.
Jim went to work on the problem right away. The problem was indeed mysterious. Diagnostic tools revealed several electronic question marks. A blown 20 Amp fuse for the expensive Electronic Control Module was highlighted, but, why did it blow out?
After troubleshooting the vehicles electronics system, Jim discovered that a wire under the fuse box feeding electricity to the suspect circuit with the blown fuse had not been properly installed, likely by the factory, and was no longer making contact. Jim attached the wire properly, replaced the fuse, cleared all the codes that had previously displayed trouble, and voila - the car cranked over and started without hesitation!
Jim is a well versed automotive mechanic originally from Long Island New York. He has a good deal of experience with automotive electrical issues, as well as a qualified all-around auto mechanic. He has been with SoloTech for just over a year and his expertise is quite apparent.
Starting problem resolved for a lot less cost than I had originally feared, I then had SoloTech replace the Rear Brake pads and Rotors that I knew were due to be replaced anyway.
I had the car back in less than 24 hours!!!! Incredible fast, efficient, and in my opinion, affordable service!
I am a retired automotive mechanic and service manager having been in the automotive and truck industry for over 50 years. I highly recommend SoloTech Autoworks
Thank You Jim, Russ, and SoloTech for solving such a frustrating, elusive problem.
5 /5
David Chance Russell took care of our problems. They are polite and friendly. We got a discount for veterans. The work was quick and they made sure we knew what to look for in case other problems came up. We got air conditioner recharged, battery replaced and a turn signal light bulb replaced.
5 /5