Recently I took my 1999 Chevrolet S-10 Pick up to the local Pep Boys after noticing a small puddle and a leak under the middle back of the truck bottom.
Feeling that something needed to be done right away, and being rather upset by this as well, I naively took the vehicle to the local Pep Boys, knowing that it was the only option I had on a late Friday evening.
I went in to the shop and talked with a man named Paul (who actually is very nice, just working for the wrong company) who told me they would take a look and diagnosis the problem that night for no charge.
AFter 15 minutes I was told the transmission pan gasket needed replaced as well as the filter. He said they could not take me that evening, and that I could come back on Saturday. He said they are very busy on Saturday and to expect the vehicle to be there for several hours. I told him (truthfully) I did not mind as long as the problem was fixed. I asked how much could I expect to spend and he said it would be around 80-85.00.
I took the truck back in the next day and was asked by the gentleman behind the counter (I do not remember his name) if I wanted them to flush the transmission as well. I asked him how much this would run and it was told 119.00. I told him to go ahead, thinking this would be better for my vehicle.By the way, when the work order was printed up it was for 133.75. I didn't complain, however, thinking maybe this included the labor.
I got a couple of calls throughout the day about the vehicle, one from Paul telling me they noticed my serpentine belt needed replaced (which it does, but it's not a crucial issue right now) and the other to tell me the vehicle was ready.
After I paid for the truck I went out and noticed there was still a small puddle under the truck. I wasn't sure, however, if it was from my truck or another vehicle that might have been parked there.
I drove the vehicle home, not noticing any problems. When I got home I checked under the vehicle and noticed it was still dripping. There was also a slight burning smell coming from under the vehicle.
I called Pep Boys back and talked to Paul again. I explained what I saw and he told me that the transmission fluid had backed up into the engine and the dripping would go on for probably a week until it dried up completely. He said if I was worried I could bring it back in for them to look at. I wasn't totally convinced, but I thought maybe he's right.
The next day I drove the truck approximately two miles. After coming back I looked again and the drip was worse. Rather than take it back to Pep Boys, this time I had a mechanic I defer to in situations I'm not sure of.
He looked at the work order, then looked under the truck with a small make up mirror. He saw that the work Pep Boys had said they did was done, but they had completely overlooked the real problem which was the lower transmission line which is leaking.in the five days since I had the vehicle, no less than 12 bottles of transmission fluid have had to be added to this vehicle, the last trip being 8 bottles for my mechanic to drive it five miles to his shop!
I am not smart when it comes to vehicles, and because of this, I take information from so-called "mechanics" in these chain shops on faith that they are telling me what's going on and more importantly are trying to help me LEARN about my vehicle and how to take care of it. The truck I was given back to drive was unsafe, as the fluid was leaking on my exhaust system and BURNING. The vehicle could have caught on fire and been a danger to me and (worse) someone else.
If the problem had been properly diagnosed and taken care of, I would not be posting this complaint. As it is I paid 133 dollars for work that probably did not need done.
I caution anyone who may decide that Pep Boys is your only option. Don't take your vehicle there. There is a chance your vehicle wlll still have the problem.
Connie
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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