Automotive detective game

[jmvar]

I recently purchased a 2014 Chevrolet Express van from a GMC dealership with 135,000 miles

I paid right in the middle of dealer retail price for the van that is generally in decent shape.

During the negotiations, the dealership and I agreed that there would be several services done to the van:

1. Driver side exhaust manifold gasket
2. Transmission, drain and fill
3. Coolant, drain and fill
4. Transfer case drain and fill

Here's where the game begins. Looking at these pictures and videos, please let me know what you think and if these services were actually done.

 

[KrisZ]

Of course not. Let me guess, you signed the contract and payed them some money on this vehicle before they said they would service it?

Were the service items listed in the sales contract?

 

[jmvar]

Transfer case:

Tranny pan:

 

[Chris142]

Why are we seeing pics of transmission lines when they would have removed the pan? Same with the rear end. They don't take the cover off they suck the old fluid out.

 

[jmvar]

Of course not. Let me guess, you signed the contract and payed them some money on this vehicle before they said they would service it?

Were the service items listed in the sales contract?

I took delivery of the vehicle and asked for the work order for all of the work done. I have the work order with the used car dept managers signature authorizing the work.

The only thing that they actually did was the exhaust manifold.....I know because I can see the new gasket....and the front most bolt they cross threaded. You can see the bolt not sitting straight on the flange, and the gasket not compressed.

 

[KrisZ]

Ok, if you have the work order saying they did these things, then they need to be done. They clearly weren’t.

 

[AZjeff]

I'd get them to fix cross threaded bolt and do the rest myself, how can you trust them? You know what to look for so probably can handle it. Compromise and get them to give you the fluids.

 

[zzyzzx]

Yet still another reason to DIY.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Come get your money back, there is no fixing that exhaust bolt

 

[wavinwayne]

They owe you a refund for work not performed. I have zero trust for dealerships. I assume if a dealership sales person is speaking, they are lying. I only deal with dealerships for purchasing a vehicle and anything warranty related. Nothing else, ever.

 

[jmvar]

Why are we seeing pics of transmission lines when they would have removed the pan? Same with the rear end. They don't take the cover off they suck the old fluid out.

I asked them why the tranny pan bolts look like they have never been touched and dealer said they do the fluid exchange via tranny cooler lines.
As far as diff, the rear could have possibly been sucked out, but in my opinion the transfer case and front diff haven't been touched, so that leads me to believe that the rear wasn't done either.

But I am too close to all this so I look for your objective assessments.

 

[jmvar]

I'd get them to fix cross threaded bolt and do the rest myself, how can you trust them? You know what to look for so probably can handle it. Compromise and get them to give you the fluids.

The cross threaded bolt is the most technically difficult item on the list. I don't trust them to fix it.

I would rather pull the bolt out myself and use a bracket to pin the manifold down on that end.of the manifold.

 

[jmvar]

I think it is pretty unanimous that nothing was done.

I will be requesting a refund of what they say they paid for all the services plus a couple more things that were issues with the van.

This is what I sent them:

In order to resolve this, here is my list of requirements:

1. Refund for transmission, 4x4, and manifold service. This is a total of $2,252.64 as stated in the service form you provided (also attached).

2. Ship me a new radiator, front differential bushings (4x), front differential seals (2x), and enough 75w-90 diff fluid for the front diff in order to service it.

I am sure you are familiar with the PA unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. This situation is in violation of my consumer rights under this law and that entitles me to recover up to 3x actual damages and attorney fees.

 

[jmvar]

Yet still another reason to DIY.

100% agree. I am a DIYer to a fault except for aligments, full AC evac and charge, and tire work.

In this case I wanted them to justify the full retail price and this is what I got. Lesson learned.

 

[D60]

I'm too much in the camp of "If you want it done right......"

I never require service like this because I don't trust them to 1)do it at all 2) do it right and 3) do it timely. I'd rather have a slightly reduced price and DIY

That said, I have no idea if the work was performed here. Sorry for your headache. The EM bolt does look problematic.....

 

[jeepman3071]

Do it yourself, it isn't worth the time trying to fight with them. Do you really think they will do a better job this time around? I'd leave a bad review and lesson learned.

 

[D60]

Do it yourself, it isn't worth the time trying to fight with them. Do you really think they will do a better job this time around? I'd leave a bad review and lesson learned.

Agreed. And they're not going to give him what he's asking for. Not worth the frustration and lost kidney cells.

I'd also publicly shame them for not being able to install an EM and move on.

THAT SAID, everyone has different thresholds for frustration and chooses how to manage their time. If OP wants to continue the fight, that's his choice and I support that.

 

[D60]

Also, was the EM cracked, or leaking at the head? I ask because I service a '13 with 5.3 and wondering if this is common?

 

[jmvar]

Also, was the EM cracked, or leaking at the head? I ask because I service a '13 with 5.3 and wondering if this is common?

It is pretty common for the manifold bolts to shear off the head.

I have another 5.3 that is missing the same bolt that is currently cross threaded on the van in question.

It is so common that there are brackets to fix the issue if you don't want to address the broken bolt.

https://kralautoparts.com/