2001 Pontiac Grand Am Jiffy Lube changed the fuel filter--

2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM
100,346 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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BONESMP5
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This is for my Mom, she went to Jiffy Lube to get her oil changed. In the process, they told her she needed to changed the fuel filter. She let them, and when they tried to start it afterwards-- it would turn over but not fire. She has also informed me that they tried to start the car twice before adding in the new oil-- it did not start but I fill that is wierd and negligent..
They did tow it to a place to have it looked at, and got her a rental car-- but they would not put into writing they would cover all of it--

So, what do ya think? loss of pressure when they changed it? or?

Thanks,
Billy
Mar 16, 2008 at 9:48 AM
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This can be a sticky thing.

First I will say that many times things like this have happened in our shop. That is a problem happens while at our shop, but would have happened if it was in Burger King's parking lot. Mechanical things break down at at given point and there are thousands of things that mechanically are part of automobilies.

Having said that, I would be curious the last time the fuel filter was changed.

When did they recommend that the filter be changed? before the problem or after it didn't start?

Weird, yes...negligent, maybe. Hopefully the repair shop she took it to it a decent one that is capable of troubleshooting and is honest. That is the first thing that needs to determined before any fault can be assumed or established.

A court would likley rule in your favor if it came down to it based on past cases I have seen regardless if it is their fault.

I would recommend in the future to use a decent reair shop to do all work versus the quick lube places that are typically less skilled and more interested in the extras that may or may not be needed.
Mar 16, 2008 at 2:38 PM
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BONESMP5
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Thanks,
I have heard that there needs to be a certaint pressure in the system. Im hoping that when they changed the filter, that it just needs tobe pressurized and nothing else like the pump. But i will keep you informed Monday when they diagnose it. If you think of anything I can look for so my mom dont get scammed, it wasn't her choice of shop, but theirs.

Thanks,
Billy
Mar 16, 2008 at 2:44 PM
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Changing a filter should have no bearing on the starting of the engine with the exeption of the few extra second to re-enrgize the fuel line from the drained fuel during the filter change.

IF they deny covering it, post the results. IF she is insistent with them and makes a big deal out of it, they may cover it regardless. However if they deny it, the car can be towed to another shop for a second opinion at her cost.

They have made good on the situation thus far by providing a rental car. Keep in mind that a 6 year old car with 100,000 miles can break down. The service record has hopefully been maintained.
Mar 16, 2008 at 5:41 PM