LOMBARD store # 843
851 E. ROOSEVELT ROAD
(630) 792-1601
Store Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30-9:00 Sat: 8:00-7:00 Sun: 9:00-6:00
Service Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00-9:00 Sat: 8:00-7:00 Sun: 9:00-6:00
General Manager - Ken Dieden
Service Manager - Joe Lambert
Service Advisor - Ike Ahmad
Http://www.pepboys.com/company/contact/custserv. Shtm
Saturday June 16
We brought our car (1992 Chevy Z34) to Pep Boys (above) for an oil and spark plug change, check the brakes and rotate tires. They (Ike Ahmad?) suggested the $69.99 5/6 Plug Tune-up special. So we said sure and left the vehicle with them.
(please note the customer comments area of work order that states "No running Problems/Maint.")
We weren't kidding, this car has been mostly dealer maintained and ran beautifully. No problems, no leaks or spotting.
It was just time for 3000 mile service.
Ike calls us to let us know that the car needs trans service which includes free oil change $79.99. Ok. Do this.
(please note the "Specs" area that states Auto Trans capacity of 4 qts..)
Ike calls again to let us know that the car needs a new timing belt and serpentine belt. Ok... Do this too.
After looking through old paperwork, we call Ike back and cancel the serpentine belt as this was just replaced March by dealer...
Sunday June 17
Ike called, car is done. Ready for pickup, but closing soon. Total due $676.98.
(please note charge for Auto Trans service/3qts atf.
And the "other labor" area of final work order: r&r A/C, cruise control and power steering interference)
Well on the way home, car is BAD. Very rough idle, missing, dies out, black wet exhaust (un-burnt fuel) & noisy trans, leaking oil from around timing belt cover.
Called Pep Boys, closing now bring back on Monday.
Monday June 18
We return car, Ike explains that there "many many things" that could be causing this that they didn't fix as it was not part of the package we chose. Possibly the belt has slipped. He will call when done with diagnosis.
Ike calls back, says belt is fine, can find NO other problem codes. Says fixed oil leak. Tells us the catalytic converter is bad and needs replacing, then needs to be re-tuned/adjusted after that.
We go get car, absolutely no change in performance problems... We go straight to Merlin Muffler for new cat converter.
Merlin says converter is fine. Engine only running on 3 cylinders (1,2, 3 not firing).
We go straight back to Pep Boys and talk to IKE.insist that timing belt is not right, explain Merlin findings. Leave car again. He will call when done with diagnosis.
Ike calls, they changed the fouled plugs, car runs better now, but NO other problem codes. Still insists it is the exhaust or converter blockage and says can't help any further until that is fixed.
Car sits in driveway un-usable and still leaking oil for a week, while we figure out what to do next...
Monday July 2
Go back to Merlin again and have entire exhaust system replaced for $887.72.
They insist engine is not working properly and the exhaust system is not the problem.
Go back to Pep Boys and see service manager Joe (Lambert?). Explain whole mess to him. He will check out and let us know what he finds.
Tuesday July 3
We call to check on as we have not heard anything yet... Ike says it is ready, they put in another (3rd) set of spark plugs as they are fouled again, a new set of plug wires and also did fuel injector service. Again, they can find NO other problem codes or leaks.insists that timing belt is OK. We go for a ride with IKE to test drive car, runs slightly better but still not right. Ike says to try it for a few days and let it break-in the new stuff... And insists that exhaust blockage causing problem and needs repair..!!???
Struggle with car for a few days... Still not right, very rough idle, still missing on cyl 1,2, 3, dies out, black wet exhaust (un-burnt fuel), noisy trans, leaking oil from around timing belt cover.
Tuesday July 10
Call Pep Boys and speak to service manager Joe. I re-explain the entire mess to him... He vaguely remembers the car or problems, but says to bring it in and he'll check it out. I explain that He did already and at this point I have zero faith in them. Joe says that if I am not happy with his shop, I can take it to any Pep Boys for fix within the 30 days of original ticket. I ask him about other alternatives, like dealer or other service. Nope, only Pep Boys. I tell Joe that's not acceptable as I have already spent a lot of time and money to resolve with NO results whatsoever...
Wednesday July 18
Bring car to Haggerty Pontiac for diagnosis at OUR expense. $190.00
They find:
1. MAP sensor fail code. Map sensor not functioning, "recently" broken and siliconed back together...??!!
2. Transmission 2.5 quarts low...??!! But NO leaks.
Can't diagnose further until MAP sensor replaced. Parts on order.
Saturday July 28
MAP sensor replaced, finish original diagnosis $419.27.
Further diagnosis reveals:
Timing belt off by 2 teeth on front camshaft. (Cyl 1,2, 3).
Timing belt tensioner and pin forced/hammered on backwards.
Timing belt cover cracked, leaking from being forced on over backwards tensioner
Power Steering reservoir cracked, leaking
A/C compressor, evaporator and condenser also leaking.
All the above attributed to Pep Boys work/methods.
Possibly related (?) other problems:
various vacuum lines leaking or broken
rear main seal leaking slightly
oil pan gasket leaking
oil pump 'o' ring leaking
Thursday August 2 (ish)
Call Pep Boys and talk with store manager Ken Dieden. He is not avail to meet until the next week.
We schedule meeting with Ken & Joe Friday August 17,10-11am
call weds prior to re-confirm bring all paperwork and receipts etc.
Friday August 17
Called Ken Dieden to re-schedule meeting as I don't have car or paperwork back from dealer yet
Saturday August 18 (A full 2 months later)
Get car back from dealer, all good, runs normal again. Total due $3519.52
Tuesday August 21
Call Ken Dieden to re-schedule meeting for monday 8/27 4pm.
Monday August 27
Ken Dieden "OFF" today.
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