Xowey Car Forum: Xowey Car Forum -> know when to do it yourself, know when to pay someone

True Story:





2001 Pontiac Grand Prix

86,000 miles

Service Engine soon lamp illuminated, Poor acceleration, no power.



customer takes to an independant shop, where they quickly sell her a major engine tuneup:

plugs

wires

air filter

fuel filter

pcv valve

after major engine tune up and 400 dollars, vehicle still exibits original concern. shop says it's feeling like internal transmission concern, worn clutches or something or other. customer authorized complete trans overhaul

frictions

steels

gaskets

seals

new fluid and filter

after the transmission overhaul and 800 dollars later, the vehicle still has the original concern. shop gives up on vehicle. total customer pay, $1,200 dollars and the car is still not fixed. this is where i get it.



i take vehicle out for 15 second test drive, no acceleration, no throttle response, and service engine soon lamp is flashing. i know what it is. seen it a million times on this generation W-body. pull it back in to the shop and perform a general motors bulletin search, keyword "no power". number one hit is a catalytic converter issue. there is a special policy offered by general motors that covers this vehicle up to 10 years or 120,000 miles. i replaced the catalytic converter free of charge to the customer and it fixed the concern.



moral of the story:

Dealerships aren't always there to RIP YOU OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



had the customer came to the dealer first, they could have saved 1,200 of their hard earned dollars and had their vehicle diagnosed and repaired for free courtesy of general motors.



Thank you for your time. please spread this to everyone you know. true story that happened to me not more than 2 weeks ago.