On or about October 17, my 1994 Ford Aerostar Van came to an unexpected stop on I-20 East near Candler Rd. Decatur. Ga. It seemed to be running fine before, but suddenly just died and quit running.
Unable to restart, I called AAA for towing service and I was asked where I wanted it towed. I stated that I was not sure at that time, but would decide while the tow truck was en route. It was then suggested that I have it towed to the Goodyear Service Center in South Dekalb Mall, as it was one of AAAs approved or recommended service locations and was nearby. Based upon that endorsement, I agreed.
I was given an estimate in excess of $900 which I found excessive to say the least. (I could buy a rebuilt engine - exchange for that) On examination of the itemization, I found that over $400 was for simply replacing spark plugs, wires and rotor cap. Since this was something that I could do myself or have someone else do for less than 20% of the estimated cost, I declined to permit that part of the work to be done.
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As I considered their prices to be exorbitant, the only reason I permitted any work to be done was because, as a remodeling contractor, I was in desperate need of the van since my other vehicle was also being repaired at that time.
When I called the next day, I was told that I could come and get the vehicle.
I came into the location the next day and paid the charges of $514.83 on my
Goodyear Credit card for which I had applied the day previous.
At this point, I was told that I had a dead cylinder. I found this shocking as there was no indication of any problems before it stopped; no skip, no rod knock, no rough idle, no smoking or anything of the sort. I asked why this had not been mentioned before the work was done. (I had thought that it was a bad alternator.) and was told it was only determined later.
When I asked if they had checked the timing, I was informed that they did not have a timing light available! A Goodyear Service Center?
At any rate, although I certainly was not comfortable, I took the vehicle and drove away. It appeared to be running about the same as before for about 12 15 minutes, after which it did exactly the same thing it had done before it was taken to the Goodyear Center; it just stopped and could not be started again. I then had to get another tow to another repair facility
It turns out that there was evidence of water in the oil which indicated a blown head gasket or a cracked cylinder head or block. Therefore there was no reason to replace items such as oxygen sensors, etc.
I called the Goodyear Center where the 'work' was done and was then told 'well you wouldn't let us complete the work'. Try as I might, I cannot see how plugs and wires could have changed anything as they had stated that they did indeed change the two plugs they found to be fouled! (Although there was no skip in the engine!)
Needless to say, I am extremely dissatisfied. So much so that I have determined that I am prepared to pursue whatever avenues are available to avoid paying $514.83 for absolutely zero benefit.
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