I've been reading about the trouble you have had regarding engine temperature and overheating. I have a related problem.
I took the new 06 GTO to the dealer at approximately 3000 miles for an oil change. The service department did not know what they were doing and replaced only 5 quarts of oil when the car takes 6.5. They also forgot to reset the computer so the car did not know it had had maintenance performed. I did not know this, I assumed that they knew what they were doing. (!!!) The paperwork says they checked this and that, including the engine coolant.
I took the vehicle in again for another oil change and 6000 mile service -- this time they put only 6 quarts of oil in when it takes 6.5. Again the paperwork says they checked the coolant.
This past weekend I took the car to Valvoline because I did not have the time to take the car into the dealer and sit there and wait for the oil change, or get a ride and then come back.
The guy at Valvoline pulls out the coolant dip stick -- it's covered with caked, muddy, clay -- the coolant had turned to clay. The car has 10,800 miles on it. The guy at Valvoline told me to immediately take it into the service department and get the entire cooling system replaced -- that something like this does not happen on a healthy new car.
So I call the dealer and they say, hey, just bring it on in . . . needless to say, I seriously doubt the ability, credibility and intentions of the service department. Either they are liars or fraudulent or both. Either they said they checked the coolant and didnt; or checked it and noticed the clay forming and didn't want to fess up.
Now GM is on strike and I can't take time off -- but I want to have either a brand new identical car; the entire cooling system if not more replaced; or have a reputable honest mechanice perform the service and bill Pontiac.
The engine takes 6 quarts of oil not 6.5. The manual warns about over filling the engine oil.
My dealer has forgotten to reset the oil change indicator once, it's no big deal. The oil change indicator goes by engine revolutions and not mileage. If you are changing oil at 3K you can make sure the oil change reset is done at next change.
As far as "sludge" in the coolant: The coolant didn't turn to sludge. GM puts a rust inhibitor in with the coolant and it settles at the bottom of the radiator. It is supposed to be there. You can have the coolant flushed out and this will get rid of the "sludge." Valvoline techs would not know this. Some guys chose to flush the coolant out because of the "sludge." This is not necessary. Change it out at the recommended intervals.
Your dealer most probably checked the coolant level and either added some or it was still full. As far as the dealer only adding 5 quarts, all they did was short change you a quart. It did no damage.
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Last edited by GTO JUDGE : 09-26-2007 at 03:11 PM.
I completely aggree with Judge, and think you are overreacting and placing way too much faith in the Valvoline monkeys. Something you said raised a red flag though, and that was when you mentioned a coolant dipstick. There is no such thing, so what in the world were they talking about? Any idea Judge?
I completely aggree with Judge, and think you are overreacting and placing way too much faith in the Valvoline monkeys. Something you said raised a red flag though, and that was when you mentioned a coolant dipstick. There is no such thing, so what in the world were they talking about? Any idea Judge?
The yellow coolant cap has a long dipstick attached to it. There are a series of holes in it with an up arrow (low) and down arrow (full). The coolant level should be between the arrows to the full mark. Mine has a little bit of rust inhibitor mid way on the dipstick but not caked on.
You can open the cap while the engine is hot without fear of scalding.
The rust inhibitor is there for a reason, and after flushing I would want it replaced. I do agree Rene over reacted, and although some don't trust their dealer (I do) I would let them dictate what's best in accordance to warranty not a place that has little to no experience with these engines.
you'll be fine. there's nothing much wrong. i don't trust anybody with my car. that's why i change my own oil (easy job with some ramps). they usually don't use the best and that's what i want and because it's your car not theirs they seem to find a way to screw it up somehow from cross threading drain plugs to getting their greasy hand prints on stuff. over filling isn't too big of a deal. as a matter of fact the book tells you that you can put in up to one quart extra if you are going to be doing extended high speed (revs) running.
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Thanks all for the comments. As for overreacting, I bought a new car so I would not have mechanical problems for a very long time. Being told by the Valvoline guy that something was very wrong with the cooling system really startled me, particularly with the issues I experienced with the pontiac service crew. And, when I called to get the car serviced, the service manager was very rude and suggested I go elsewhere. When you are a single female any car problem may be a big problem because service people like to take advantage or don't really care. But again, thanks all for your help.
Thanks all for the comments. As for overreacting, I bought a new car so I would not have mechanical problems for a very long time. Being told by the Valvoline guy that something was very wrong with the cooling system really startled me, particularly with the issues I experienced with the pontiac service crew. And, when I called to get the car serviced, the service manager was very rude and suggested I go elsewhere. When you are a single female any car problem may be a big problem because service people like to take advantage or don't really care. But again, thanks all for your help.
I can understand your apprehensiveness. I don't want to degrade all service techs at places like Valvoline I am sure there are some decent techs employed there, but many are kids ignorant of the mechanics with cars like this. I would highly suggest NOT taking your car to a place like that. Many of kids that work there would die to be able to tinker around on a car like this. It just isn't worth the worry. If you are getting shoddy service at your dealer I would suggest taking the issue up with the president, or owner of that dealership and try and find another one. Your car is under warranty and Pontiac is obligated to honor it. Be animate about this.
There are a lot of guys on here very knowledgeable on many different issues so if you need help there is help on here to help guide you.
Kudos to to you Rene Ostro, for being on top of your car's maintenance and your attention to detail. I don't know that I've ever heard a woman that in-tune to the mechanics of an automobile.
The engine takes 6 quarts of oil not 6.5. The manual warns about over filling the engine oil.
My dealer has forgotten to reset the oil change indicator once, it's no big deal. The oil change indicator goes by engine revolutions and not mileage. If you are changing oil at 3K you can make sure the oil change reset is done at next change.
As far as "sludge" in the coolant: The coolant didn't turn to sludge. GM puts a rust inhibitor in with the coolant and it settles at the bottom of the radiator. It is supposed to be there. You can have the coolant flushed out and this will get rid of the "sludge." Valvoline techs would not know this. Some guys chose to flush the coolant out because of the "sludge." This is not necessary. Change it out at the recommended intervals.
Your dealer most probably checked the coolant level and either added some or it was still full. As far as the dealer only adding 5 quarts, all they did was short change you a quart. It did no damage.
GTOJudge,
Your inisights here are good, but allow me to raise a question.
You said:
"Your dealer most probably checked the coolant level and either added some or it was still full. As far as the dealer only adding 5 quarts, all they did was short change you a quart. It did no damage."
Really, it did no damage? How are you so sure of this. It may not have done damage noticeable to the naked eye or ear, but I have spent my career working in a mechanical related field. I am inclined to think opposite for the following reasons:
1. Less oil equals more friction, which induces greater heat.
2. Proper oil levels are vital in terms of engine longetivity.
3. Also most engine wear occurs within the first few minutes of turning it over, if this is a city car, that could be a frequent event, maybe every mile for three thousand miles, equaling 3000 times!
This is just a small sample of points which allow me to object to your rapid conclusion posted at an earlier date.
Your inisights here are good, but allow me to raise a question.
You said:
"Your dealer most probably checked the coolant level and either added some or it was still full. As far as the dealer only adding 5 quarts, all they did was short change you a quart. It did no damage."
Really, it did no damage? How are you so sure of this. It may not have done damage noticeable to the naked eye or ear, but I have spent my career working in a mechanical related field. I am inclined to think opposite for the following reasons:
1. Less oil equals more friction, which induces greater heat.
2. Proper oil levels are vital in terms of engine longetivity.
3. Also most engine wear occurs within the first few minutes of turning it over, if this is a city car, that could be a frequent event, maybe every mile for three thousand miles, equaling 3000 times!
This is just a small sample of points which allow me to object to your rapid conclusion posted at an earlier date.
If a quart low on oil is not sufficient to trigger the low oil warning, then I wouldn't think that it would be that big a deal. If the oil level was that critical, then the low oil warning trigger would be set to a higher point.
Russ
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