Choosing a repair shop is not easy. You have to depend on the expertise the shop has available. In the old days cars were relatively simple. The technology was mechanical, not electronic. As a tech, mechanical repairs are relatively easy because they are logical. It makes sense. The tech could feel or see what needed to be repaired. The same technology was used on most of the cars he serviced. Fewer models were offered to the public. Remember the big three owned the market. Today we service hundreds of different models from several different countries. Electronics operate today's cars. You can't see a voltage drop or feel computer command. The concept of repairing is the same, the language and tools have changed. We use the Internet to widen our peer group. Need a good mechanic? Start with a shop that has invested in the technology and the information required to fix it right the first time.

Dear Dave,
For the past few months I have been having problems with my van (2000 Pontiac Montana). After driving the van on the highway for about 30 minutes at the speed of about 110 km/h I lose power and the vans speed will automatically reduce to about 80 km/h. I can floor the gas pedal and the speed does not increase. I usually have to pull over, turn off the ignition, count to 10, then start the van again and off I go for about 30-60 minutes on a good day, sometimes it acts up every 15-30 minutes on a bad day. I have had the transmission replaced, EGR valve checked, oxygen sensors replaced, coil pack checked, mass airflow sensor checked, and a few other things replaced like wires and plugs. None of these has corrected the problem.

I'm sorry to say, but, you're working with the wrong mechanic. The symptoms you describe are related to the fuel supply. Plugged filter or failing pump. A simple check on the Internet would reveal a recurring issue on these vehicles. My suggestion, switch shops to one that is better equipped to repair your vehicle and stop the costly guessing.