Tune-up

What does a normal tune-up consist of if I take my 98 GTP to a Pontiac Dealership besides being ripped off? Plugs, wires, air filter, pcv, fuel filter???

You have covered most items other than they may scan the computer for any hidden codes that may be there and will probably clean the throttle body and IAC. Dealer tune ups are a rip off just like you said. 99% of what the do during a tune up can be done in the driveway of your home at a greatly reduced price, probably somewhere around $500 less. If you are mechanically inclined and have a few hand tools you can do the tune-up yourself.

Dealer anything is a rip off. I had one done on my GP from a reputable local service chain here since it was misfiring and it cost me $273.

I know that some on this board may/may not consider giving repair advice and then learning that it wasn't fixed DIY an insult with good reason with all the research, hard work done for the members here.

However, I do see this as a good consumer advocacy tool also. Most people may have taken it to a dealer when that shouldn't be the way to go. Time is a factor for many and fiddling with an engine with no mechanical know-how to save on labor and marked up parts may be too much and warrants paying a premium to get it done right.

This board helps people recognize on some issues how easy it is to fix and how stupid it would be to take it to GM such as the keyless entry remotes.

I know I may/may not receive backlash on this, but that's my two cents :). I am not trying to be negative or insult any of the main posters on here.

I changed the pcv valve and air filter myself...pretty basic stuff. I am a little nervous about the fuel filter so I might let the shop change that and the plugs and wires.

change the plugs and wires yourself. Have to learn sometime

i talked to my cousin and he said that the fuel pump went out in his Tahoe. The dealership wanted $900 to replace the pump. i know the pump is a pain to get to since its in the tank but come on -$900!

you can do all those things at home. no sense in having some one else do it. half day you can get all those things done on the GP

Tonyr, what everyone is trying to say is that everything is fairly easy to do if you want to give it a try. If, however, you don't feel comfortable take the car to a mechanic, avoid the dealer, and have him change the plugs, wires and filter for you. It is not the intention of this forum to force you to do the repairs yourself but only to point out that if you want to save money and have the time that the easy stuff you can do yourself. Remember once you have done it the next time will be much easier!

The best part of any advice received on the GP forum whether good, bad or indifferent is its free. And what you do with that advice is up to you based on your level of expertise, skill level, experience, and monetary funds.



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I changed the pcv valve and air filter myself...pretty basic stuff. I am a little nervous about the fuel filter so I might let the shop change that and the plugs and wires.

Tony, If I can do it, so can you! trust me, I probably made the most mistakes anyone ever did doing this, and all in all it wasn't that bad.
Here are some good instructions:
http://www.pfyc.com/supportfiles/gasfilter/

hehe i know i know you're all wondering, how can you mess that up? well...
::connects new fuel filter::
few minutes later...
"shit i forgot to put the damn bracket on" ::unhooks filter, puts filter back on::
couple minutes later...
"shit I put the bracket on backwards!!"

lol well i'm only half retarded i guess. :banghead:

I appreciate the advice. I will at least try the fuel filter. My car has 81,000 miles on it so I'm not sure if I really have to change the plugs yet. My mechanic did say a while ago that I had 100,000 mile plugs and they would be good for a while. Thanks guys.

Tony your best bet would be to get a good service manual, like Haynes...Chiltons seem to be a little vauge. I agree w/ GTPDAD have a local shop change the plugs and you can do the wires and filter yourself...Front plugs are very easy on this car but the rear are a little harder...I did mine and when i did the rear i had to use 2 u-joints because of the location. Some people say its easier to rock the motor but i didnt need to...If you strip the threads putting the new plugs in , your screwed...The best way to learn is to get in there and do it...it will be time consuming at first...Years ago it took me 14 hours to put an alternator in a 1980 Cutlass...P.S. ...i also think dealers are a ripoff...They make more money repairing your car ,than selling you a car..But their coffee is usually good and their secretaries are usually better looking than the average local shop..