Repair Rip-Off?

[d.loehrke]

I have a 2001 GLS. Recently the service engine soon light came on, and the owner's manual says this is an emissions issue. My local shop said I needed new plugs ($23), wires ($79), fuel injector cleaning ($89) and fuel filter ($39). Also told I needed the computer codes updated (at a cost of $138). Labor was $118 and diagnosis was $38. With a $15 oil change this all came to $520. Was this the likely problem or was I ripped off? The plugs are supposed to last 100K and I've never had a computer updated on any car.

[BNaylor]

What is the mileage on your Alero?

Sounds like they were getting misfire odb-ii DTC error codes after scanning the PCM. Unless they tell you what the specific codes are it is hard to say.

Reflash of the PCM is common by dealers to help alleviate certain problems such as misfire and other odb-ii emissions failure codes. It updates the programming of the PCM with the most current version. Whether that was really needed is questionable.

Either way that was an expensive tune-up. Ask the servcie manager to explain why the work was needed since it appears you have under 100K miles.

[d.loehrke]

I have only 48,800 miles. They did say they got misfire codes. Thanks for the reply.

[GTP Dad]

Misfire codes are common and usually lead to worn plugs or bad wires. These are the easiest and most expensive to change. The fuel filter can also cause problems and is a normal maintnenace item that should be changed at regular intervals. If the filter plug up it can cause a decrease in fuel pressure and thus misfires. Dirty injectors can cause the same issues. Based on your description of what was done I don't think you got ripped off by the garage.

These are all things that I would have done to try to eliminate a misfire. Although I would have done them myself and saved the labor charges and would have bought OEM parts from someone other than the dealer which would have been cheaper too. But overall the prices were inline with what can be expected from dealers. As for the plugs, I really don't take much stock in 100K mile plugs as they can fail for many reasons.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

Misfire codes are common and usually lead to worn plugs or bad wires. These are the easiest and most expensive to change. The fuel filter can also cause problems and is a normal maintnenace item that should be changed at regular intervals. If the filter plug up it can cause a decrease in fuel pressure and thus misfires. Dirty injectors can cause the same issues. Based on your description of what was done I don't think you got ripped off by the garage.

These are all things that I would have done to try to eliminate a misfire. Although I would have done them myself and saved the labor charges and would have bought OEM parts from someone other than the dealer which would have been cheaper too. But overall the prices were inline with what can be expected from dealers. As for the plugs, I really don't take much stock in 100K mile plugs as they can fail for many reasons.

The beauty of the GM 3.4L V6 is it is so easy to work on when it comes to replacing spark plugs, wires, fuel filter, air filter, etc. Tune up items.

No need to waste money if you are capabale of DIY.