The Bad: Due to recent move to FoCo, I did not have time to find a reputable mechanic. In haste, I went to the closest service (Pep Boys on south 287). I believe they properly fixed the coolant leak; however, they insisted I needed to replace many other parts/etc, which drove the bill up to $1970. I dropped my car off at 9a, and on the same day, they called at 5p, stating it would be ready for pick up at 6p. At 6p, PB called stating the car was not ready (they stated an employee left early). IMHO, on the 5p call, they knew the car was not going to be ready -- I believe they lied to me, and also broke their service agreement (they said it would be done by mid afternoon). The following day they called at 12p, stating the car was finished (I had to cancel work appointments, etc -- loss of $). Post PB service, and just before pulling my car into the garage, I applied absorbent dust to the garage floor (to absorb coolant fluid). The next day, as I pulled out of the garage, I see fresh/dark fluid. I do a finger dab, and quickly determine it's ATF fluid. Full/honest disclosure: since 2006, I have never visible seen ATF leaks of any kind. Before bringing car back to PB, I took photos/video. I brought my car back to PB and employee immediately, before any inspection, denied any wrong doing, and explained they do not fix transmission issues. In the same sentence, the employee explained to me that they could call the local AAMCO service manager to set up an appointment, and also get me a great discount for AAMCO service. My reply -- before we jump to transmissions issues/conclusions, aren't you going to put the car on the rack and look at it? They did a quick inspection on the rack, and when finished, repeated the AAMCO offer -- suggesting a potential severe transmission issue. My reply -- Why did you not see the ATF leak during your initial inspection/diagnosis? PB had no reply. I turned down the AAMCO offer, and went home. I did some research and guess what -- Pep Boys and AAMCO are owned by same entity. Could this be an unethical or illegal business practice?
The Good: Per the advice of a new FoCo friend, and to seek a 2nd opinion, I went to BG Automotive. I explained my entire PB experience. They diagnosed the ATF issue and physically showed me, while the car was on the rack. They explained to me 1) you have a micro ATF gasket leak, that is so small that you would never see fluid marks on garage floor or other, 2) they showed me the ATF receptacle -- it was caked in ATF fluid, which suggests/confirms the following -- the only way your car could have leaked that much ATF fluid overnight (as seen in photo), if it was over filled -- it's called a burp or expulsion of excessive fluid, and gravity would have led fluid down ATF tube, and eventually onto the floor.
Based on my entire experience with PB, I am now convinced there is a high chance that they knowingly over filled my ATF fluid (so it would burp, and then they could send me to AAMCO to potentially fleece me for more $). Fishy, scam or other, and don't forget horrible people skills, I am glad to be done with PB and will never return.
BTW, my customer experience with BG was 5 star superb! Brandon Pursley provided excellent, client-centric listening/communication skills/service. All employees greet you with a smile, hand shake and positive professional attitude. They keep you in the loop, from start to finish, and advise you of what is a critical 'must fix' vs. a non-critical 'fix it later'. Shuttle service with Katie, and heated seats, was great!
BG has earned my trust, and I highly recommend them. read more