I live in Livermore and recently took a 2001 Chev Cavalier Z-24 in to the local Chevy dealership for a water pump replacement, upper and lower radiator hoses and a new thermostat. Water pump replacement is difficult on this engine and cost $803, the hoses and stat are another $550, quite high for this part of the job IMO, but no problem go ahead with the job I said. Then they tell me that there is a high speed miss and its $281 to replace the ignition wires. I said no thank you, I'll do it. Turns out there are no ignition wires on this engine, just short connectors from the coil to the spark plugs. I was given a long explanation about how difficult it is to route the new wires.
It took me $15 in parts and 20 minutes time to replace the high tension connectors myself. While I was doing this simple job I checked the spark plugs, three of the four were very loose. I had looked at them 6 months ago, they went back in tightened to the spec of 13 foot pounds, they don't come loose by themselves! Now this car was running very well when I took it in for a water pump replacement, getting excellent gas mileage, smooth running, no problems other than a water pump leak. When I picked it up, I could hardly drive it home. It just can't run well with 3 of 4 spark plugs loose. There was no reason for the spark plugs to be touched in a water pump replacement.
I feel sorry for the single mom or anyone else on a tight budget that gets this treatment and doesn't have the knowledge or tools to fix it themselves. I won't be doing business with these people again.
0 comments