I paid a shop to replace the PCM on my 95 LeSabre. When I saw the part cost $370.46, I asked if it came from the dealer and sure enough it did. Is the PCM something I could have gotten away with using an aftermarket part? If not, was the dealer price reasonable? What is a typical markup for a shop to go to a dealer and bring back a part? In general, is there anything you should definitely not use an aftermarket part for?
It is all about how you feel about electronics. Over the years, electronic components are known to produce their own "gremlins", meaning intermittent faults. Because of this, it is usually better to go with new over old. With that being said, there is nothing wrong with a used PCM, BCM, MAF, etc, if you feel it is a good value for its age and condition. Only thing I know of (for me) that would be a must have dealer item would be air bags, and seat belt pre-tensioners.
Pcm Depending on the labor rates of a dealer vs. independent in your total out the door pricing, yes the part was a little excessive, GM list $240.38. Its been said that independent shops will take wholesale X 2 for their retail price.
I priced 2 different dealers in the area and got $240-ish to $260-ish. But the shop I went to said I can't go by list since their warranty is longer than GM's. Still, it bites.
We never worked with electronics like that, but one garage I worked at generally charged about 3x cost for a part, then added labor.
