GM Dealerships

[nick99163]

I was wondering if any members of this forum are current/former technicians, mechanics, etc., at a GM dealership. I'm convinced I need my ignition switch replaced on my 1997 Regal GS (for ex, it shuts off when I use the turn signal, the air bag light comes on and off intermittenly). But, I'm afraid the Service Writer is going to try to sell me an ECM or PCM, presumably because this is a more costly job and he can make a larger commission.

I worked briefly as a service writer as a kid at a Buick dealership, but I am no mechanic. I would watch customers come in during the summer with air conditioning problems. The "default" solution was to replace the evaporator core. The book said it was a 6-hour job, but an experienced mechanic would do it in 3, and thus, make a great deal of money off of the job. Sometimes the customers would return shortly after paying $650 for an evap core (parts and labor) because their AC still wasn't working. The mechanic would tweak something, and the customer would be on their way with a nicely working air conditioner.

Does anyone know of instances where GM Dealers will replace things in their customers' cars that don't need replacing, simply so they can make a profit? If so, what "jobs" (for ex, an ECM or PCM replacement, evap core replacement) are they likely to sell customers for these purposes? I'm afriad of spending hundreds of dollars or more for an ECM or PCM, only to come back a day or two later and have them replace the ignition switch. I'd greatly appreciate any advice or stories you might be able to share.

Thanks!

[maxwedge]

I was a GM service mgr for 20 years and never saw any sign of this, a writer tells a tech what to do based on his commissions?, I don't think so and when the car is not repaired then what, question has no merit! If they diagnose/ recommend a repair and it is inneffective they eat it for misdiagnosis or a comeback .

[nick99163]

I wasn't suggesting that ALL GM service departments are like this. I appreciate the reply. My overall experience with GM service departments has been great. I just get skeptical of people sometimes, and wonder if once in a while mechanics and service writers sell customers stuff they don't really need.

[maxwedge]

Based on that statement you may be correct, some dealerships do push services that are really not necessary or premature based on time and mileage, I would never let that occur during my reign, just the way I am.