Community Forums

BigRedLancer · 02-20-2008, 10:02 AM

I have my oil changed at the Saturn dealer where I bought the car new. The service writer said they get a couple of new engine repair jobs a year as a result of customers using Jiffy lube. Apparently Jiffy lube uses the wrong oil filter that completely blocks oil flow in the engine. Jiffy lube gets to pay for the new engine.

Several years ago, my son took his car to a local JL and the JL employee offered to use the higher-priced synthetic oil if my son would accept the oil change with NO receipt and cash only. In that case, I wonder who gets the money?

jfb · 02-20-2008, 06:36 PM

Have used JL, for LOF only, for years for the toad. Never a problem. In all fairness, however, never accept their sales pitch on anything else...

historyljc · 02-21-2008, 12:09 PM

Keep an eye on your dealer also. Some of them are not the most scrupulous people on this earth. I have a tendency to mistrust anyone who doesn't want you to watch while they service your vehicle, "insurance reasons" or otherwise.

RedneckExpress · 02-21-2008, 03:48 PM

Never use the lube shops, its just engine damage waiting to happen.

If I'm on a long enough trip, I carry a self-contained oil pan (The kind that has its own pour spout), set of filters, and enough oil to do my own changes, as well as my grease gun and a roll of shop paper towels.

Hillbilly2 · 02-21-2008, 05:23 PM

I do all of my own mechanic work for this very reason, but on my company truck the company has an fleet maintaince account. I mark the oil filter with a sharpie with the date it was changed so they know they can't get away with not changing it. Though mine is easy to get to from the top side front of the engine.

chasfm11 · 02-22-2008, 02:22 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">My experience has been high pay does not always equate to quality work. And, some of my best workers were the least educated and most dedicated. Tom N </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm not sure what has happened to American industry that this can be the case. While some people skate through more advanced education than high school, most of us had to work hard (i.e. have some level of dedication) to complete advanced studies, both technical and academic. I've been with my company for almost 35 years and believe that I'm as dedicated now as I was when I joined and was very glad to have the job. I can tell you that my efforts are no where near as much appreciated as they were just 10 years ago. I can hardly believe the "what have you done for me lately?" attitude that several of my recent managers have had. No matter how much I overachieved yesterday, I get to try to do it again today.

I suspect that at the base of the JL problems is a management system the ignores or condones employee behaviors. The problem would never be so widespread otherwise. This is not a few lazy or unskilled employees - it is company that is out to hussle you instead of providing the service they advertise. I'm really surprised that Billy Mays isn't their spokesman.

lucas874 · 02-22-2008, 01:59 PM

WOW! They have really opened themselves up to lawsuits huh? Just one more reason why I do any maintenance that I can myself.

codgerbill · 02-24-2008, 05:24 AM

I had a 2002 Lincoln Contenintal. The last time I took it Jiffy Lube was the last time I went to a "quick oil change" franchise. They changed the oil, the filter, and did the Lube. They showed me the air filter and did the standard "it should be changed" as well as suggesting the wiper blades be changed. I declined the replacements. When the service was completed I drove out and immediatly experienced a "Check Engine" light. I drove back to the Jiffy Lube and confronted them. They were completly clueless and denied any knowledge. I took the car to the dealer and the problem was found to be an improperly installed air filter. That was the last time (about 4 years ago) that I have ever used a quick change oil place. If I cant or dont want to do the maint myself, I will go to the Dealer. Peace of mind is worth something

Jestme13 · 02-26-2008, 05:23 AM

HEY GUY'S, don't think it's just the franchises. I just had a complete service preformed at a very large Freightliner dealership in Orlando FL. Let me tell you, it was a nightmare. Along with them trying to overcharge me ( not knowing how much fluid the rear took, or, how much they even put in it ) they in my opinion botched up the entire service. I was on the phone with FCCC in S Carolina, and the service manager in Orlando. It seems in America these days it's Buyer Beware where ever you go.

FrontRangeRVer · 04-25-2008, 04:39 AM

That video is several years old, and Jiffy Lube has responded to that a couple of years ago and has "taken measures" to assure that would not happen again.

I have my 4 cars oil changed at Grease Monkey locally with much success....Those of us that work full time appreciate the convenience. I have NEVER had a problem.

I change my motorhome oil myself as it is easy to get underneath.

Grumpy9 · 04-25-2008, 07:54 AM

Last summer, JiffLube told my wife that she should have them change the automatic transmission fluid, in her STICK SHIFT pick up. It is sill going on!

NeilV · 04-25-2008, 03:44 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Grumpy9:
Last summer, JiffLube told my wife that she should have them change the automatic transmission fluid, in her STICK SHIFT pick up. It is sill going on! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Grumpy,

The past three standards I have owned, one which I have driven for the past 22 years, all took Dexron ATF as the factory recommended transmission fluid. So there is a chance they were right on this one. If you pull the fill plug and the fluid is off color then it is time to drain and refill with fresh ATF.

I had one idiot who put gear lube instead and when it got below 50 degrees out it was almost impossible to shift. Had to flush it out with ATF, draining and refilling it several times along with a short drive, to get it right again.

RedneckExpress · 04-25-2008, 04:07 PM

Stick Shifts use ATF too, but its only used to cool the transmission vs doing the actual moving of the vehicle.

NeilV · 04-26-2008, 01:19 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Joseph C. McKenzie:
Stick Shifts use ATF too, but its only used to cool the transmission vs doing the actual moving of the vehicle. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Joe,

Actually New Process Standard Transmissions since the late sixties have been totally filled with ATF in the gear box in many applications not just in an auxiallary cooler. That includes some of the D100 pickups (I owned a 72), the 1971 Plymouth Duster Twister Demon (one of mine also) and the Chrysler front wheel drives of the 80's both the 4 speed manuals an the 5 speed manuals (I still have an 85 with the 5 speed). It gives better fuel economy and provide easier cold weather shifting.

My 69 Power Wagon had gear lube in the tranny but that was a W200 E20 special order 4 wheel drive pickup truck with a 3 ton payload, limited slip front, posi rear, full locking transfer case, 440 under the hood, 4000+ lb 12 inch clutch and 4.78 gearing among many other items out of the norm. No quite what you would consider run of the mill.

Believe me I did a double take when I saw this for the first time almost 40 years ago but yes here was a brand new standard transmission car with ATF as the factory fill in the gear box as specified in the owners manual. I have not checked out the specs on the newer ones however I would see no reason for them to discontinue what has worked so well over the past 40 years especially with gas prices going the way they have.