Pep Boys of North Little Rock
Repair Becomes Serious Coolant Leak

My windshield wiper motor on my 99 Jeep Wrangler went out after a recent rash of storms, and I went to Pep Boy's in North Little Rock to get it repaired. There were no other problems with my vehicle when I brought it in.

I was called by Pep Boy's approximately an hour later, and told that along with my wiper motor, a coolant leak was discovered. I was asked if I wanted the leak source found and a diagnostic check run for $35.00. Due to an upcoming long distance road trip, I authorized the check for the leak. I was called an hour and a half later, and told that there was a problem with my water pump, and that they recommended a new pump and hoses. Since I had not seen a leak at anytime before, and I had a new water pump put into my Jeep 9 months earlier, I declined, and went to go pick up my vehicle with my new wiper motor.

Upon arriving at the facility, I paid for the parts and labor (an unbelievable $275.00!) and walked out to my Jeep. I looked under the jeep with my friend, and saw a huge amount of coolant on the ground. I opened my hood and found that the radiator cap was missing! I also discovered that 2 of the screws that hold the cowling panel where the wiper motor is located were missing, and the rubber seal around the hood was not back in place. I notified the manager, and after looking around the shop for the missing cap, he came outside and AMAZINGLY found the cap just to the side of the radiator in plain view. The funny thing is that it was not there until he came outside! I left the shop and proceeded to tell my friend who is a certified mechanic what had happened.

We returned to Pep Boys and my friend questioned the mechanic who worked on the Jeep several questions about pressurizing the radiator to locate a leak, and that a leak could be caused by over-pressurization of the radiator. The mechanic was dumbfounded and related that there was a distinct possibility this could have happened. Pep Boys got paid $35.00 to damage my car. The mechanic replaced the screws and rubber seal, but I was not compensated further.

These guys were attempting to pull a scam and were caught red handed. Do not go to this Pep Boys!

Company: Pep Boys of North Little Rock
Country: USA

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