06/05/2026
Not only is this the age of information, but it's also the age of online part availability. 20 years ago, especially with older things, you had no choice but to go to an authorized dealer for certain parts. Consequently, many things became unfixable or to expensive to bother with.
We are in different times and the online market knows no bounds. We have access to micro switches, wiring components, bolts, clips, springs, mother boards, gaskets, grommets, clips, linkages, ect. From dealer direct, foreign access, upgrades, aftermarket and simply make shift it's all available.
Most people do not realize those intricate parts are not item specific.
10 years ago a customer had a shifting issue with there SUV. It wouldn't shift out of park without using the service port and a screw driver. They were told they would have to replace the entire unit and 20 years ago that would of been their only option. Over 400$ for the assembly not counting labor and lost time.
It took me an hour to diagnose the issue. A bad micro switch. I pulled the part number. Found the exact micro switch at an online appliance store.
What they thought was going to cost almost 1000$, and 3-5 days without a car cost them 25$, 4 days using a screw driver to shift, and 2 hours without a car.
Don't assume it's to old to fix. Don't assume the parts aren't available. Don't assume you have to buy a whole assembly for 1 small broken part.
Manufacturers, be it cars or appliances do not want you to know...we are in the age of online availability.
Give me a shout. At worst you'll waste a few minutes on the phone. At best I'll help you fix your problem for little to nothing.
