JasonA Posted August 26, 2005 Report Share Posted August 26, 2005 I've heard tons and tons of Jiffy Lube stories, but none that involved anyone I actually know...until now. This is an email from a family friend of my wife's family in Virginia. Their daughter's Mazda 3 was serviced by Jiffy Lube and they apparently didn't put a filter on, or put the wrong one on, or forgot to tighten it, or SOMETHING. Because her engine pumped the sump dry and now it's up to Jiffy Lube to provide her with a new engine. Somehow, not surprising given their infamous history. The email, verbatim: Hi Everyone I wanted to share our story with lots of people, so I'm using the address book to mail this out. Delete at your will. As most of you know, my daughter Kayla is living in Vermont, attending law school. In March of this year, we helped her buy a 2004 Mazda3. On Tuesday of this week (Aug. 23) she took her car to JiffyLube for an oil change--in Vermont. Somehow, the filter came off or was never put on, but in a short amount of time, all the oil was pumped out of her engine. JiffyLube got her towed in, provided her with a rental car and looked at her car. The engine will have to be replaced, as it has seized completely. JiffyLube and Mazda are trying to find a used motor to put in the car (original had 30,000 miles on it). The one they have suggested is in California, which we are declining for a variety of reasons. I just wanted to let people know that this can happen, and that even when you stop immediately when the oil light comes on in your car, the damage has probably already occurred. I doubt this is a problem specific to JiffyLube, but I would be very careful when choosing the company to take care of my vehicle. I know I'll never trust a JiffyLube because of this. Hope your week is going well. Mine could be better! Jason(2001 STS, White Diamond) "When you turn your car on...does it return the favor?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted tcb Posted August 26, 2005 Report Share Posted August 26, 2005 Jason, this story could have happened anywhere, as it did with me. I picked up a 3yr old Corolla with 65k in 2003. The car had just been certified and had an oil service at one of Orillia's oldest, most respected garages ... its not a cheap place to get service done, and its an independant. I've always had good dealings with them on brakes, tires, alignments, etc. I drove my car for about 3 days, checking the fluids daily on my new used car. As I was 2 blocks away from the garage (coincidence), my oil light lit up. I pulled over, and the filter was missing, with oil all over the engine. I coasted to the garage, and they were embarassed ... the filter had literally fallen off. The engine was cleaned up, I had another oil change, and apparently, no damage to motor ... at least, it ran well for me until I traded it. I turned my car off immediately .... perhaps the young lady in Virginia drove for a little while, because the appearance of the oil light means you should still have enough lubrication to prevent seizure if you catch it right away. I guess the only way to be certain of competance is to turn the wrench yourself ... a mechanic did my oil change, not a lube jockey, and he screwed it up. 1989 FWD Fleetwood, Silver 1995 STS Crimson Pearl on Black leather 1997 STS Diamond White 1999 STS Crimson Pearl 2001 STS Silver 2003 STS, Crimson Pearl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willie Hank Posted August 27, 2005 Report Share Posted August 27, 2005 That is WHY I change the oil in all my cars....., not because I might save $ 4-5, but I know it'll being done right. That is, I don't have to worry about: 1) Having to take the oil filter off with a phillips head screwdriver punched through it (it happend to me twice, once at a gas station, and last year right out of the Dodge Durango assembly factory with my first oil change...) 2) whether they actually used the oil type I specified 3) what kind of piece-of-crap brand oil filter was put on 4) whether they acrually changed the oil filter 5) whether they overtorqued/undertorqued/cross-threaded/rounded the drain plug 6) whether they dumped about 1/4 quart of oil down the side of the engine case I worked in a gas station in Virginia in high school, and a gas station in Arkansas during college summers. I remember over-torqueing and snapping the 'iddy-biddy' Volkswagon nuts that held the permanent oil filter cover on. No big deal, just tighten the other ones a little more..... I remember bust'in a tranny pan bolt now and then with my youthful strength and ignorance,...no big deal, just tighten the other ones a little more..... I remember the night manager taking an acetylene torch to the main electrical junction box, and setting it on fire, and calling the owner about a 'short', so he could close early and go to a high school party that night. No big deal.... I remember another night manager that had me put tires on the cars of the employees of a mexican restaurant across the street for free, so he could get free food,...no big deal... I remember a day manager that 'pocketed' cash from the cash register and blame it on other peole (until he got caught) I remember a mechanic that would drink two pints of Canadian Mist a day while repairing cars (he would get louder and louder as the day went on, and also died in his fourties) For all these reasons, I change my own oil.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadian95sts Posted August 27, 2005 Report Share Posted August 27, 2005 Well reading all these posts i though id add my story. It didnt happen to me, but a close friend: My friend had just bought a new Dodge Ram short box P/U from a dealer in hamilton Ont. When his first oil change was due, back to the dealer he went, dropped the car off and went to work. When he returned, he did not see his truck anywhere. He asked the service advisor where to pick his truck up and he told him it was in the body shop and wasnt ready yet , Confused he asked WHY??, i brought it in for an oil change, why is it in the body shop. Well, to make a long story short, when they had finished the oil change, the mechanic, and i use that term loosley, was backing the truck out of the service bay, hit the gas and backed the truck right into the corner of the building, caving in the entire driverside of the box, bumper lights everything was gone. Apparently they tried to fix it before he came to pick it up, but it didnt work. They apologised and he now gets free oil changes for the rest of his life, Dodge or not. I think im gonna stick to changing my own oil, seems to be easier that way. Matt A good friend will come and bail you out of jail...BUT, a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "darn...that was fun!" www.madd.ca Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
556393 Posted August 27, 2005 Report Share Posted August 27, 2005 I HAVE A FRIEND WHO, BACK IN THE LATE 60`S WORKED AT A GAS STATION DURING HIGH SCHOOL. HE WAS ONE OF THE YOUTHS OF THE TIME THAT DID EVERY DRUG KNOWN TO MAN, `CAUSE THATS WHAT YOU DID IN THE 60`S. ONE TIME HE WAS ASKED TO ADD OIL TO A CUSTOMER`S CAR AND BECAUSE HE WAS A LITTLE HIGH, HE ADDED THE OIL TO THE RADIATOR. CLOSE THE HOOD AND AWAY HE WENT. HE STILL`S NOT TOO GOOD WITH CARS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadian95sts Posted August 27, 2005 Report Share Posted August 27, 2005 I HAVE A FRIEND WHO, BACK IN THE LATE 60`S WORKED AT A GAS STATION DURING HIGH SCHOOL. HE WAS ONE OF THE YOUTHS OF THE TIME THAT DID EVERY DRUG KNOWN TO MAN, Does he work at a Dodge dealership in Hamilton??? lol Matt A good friend will come and bail you out of jail...BUT, a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "darn...that was fun!" www.madd.ca Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caddyman Posted August 27, 2005 Report Share Posted August 27, 2005 I change my own oil in the caddy, but I take my dad's cars up to the local mobile oil shop, after they have filled the car with oil the guy in the 'pit' shows the old oil filter as the car is running, and the attendant on top will check the oil 3 times, and show you each time how much oil i in there. My dad has been goign to this place for 15+ years, and they have alwyas been very good at not making a mistake. On the flip side, my grandfather took his brand new 2004 deville to 'jiffy lube' and they did not properly tourue the drain plug, and it leraked oil all over the driveway, i tightented it for him and re-filled with oil, he doesn't go there anymore.. Alos, I got offerted to work at one of the lube places for 5.50 / hr, no thanks.. but that goes to show the type of ppl that work there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommyjack Posted August 27, 2005 Report Share Posted August 27, 2005 My Dad just paid out $6300.00 for a new engine for his Ford work van. The old one statred knocking and the old light came on. It only had 63000 miles on it. Serviced regularly at the local "Jiffy Lube" with synthetic blend oil. His mechanic took the oli pan off and found the pick up was crusted up. Looked like it hadn't been changed in who knows how long. Bottom line: If you want a job done right, do it your self! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike5514 Posted August 28, 2005 Report Share Posted August 28, 2005 The first oil change I did on my 97 3yrs. ago when I just bought it, I had to remove the drain plug with a half inch breaker bar using both hands, I was amazed the pan threads did not break. Once i walked around the corner of a shop while having my tires serviced and saw the mechanic breaking off the lug nut on my truck tire it was the third one, he claimed they were frozen, this shop had just put these new tires on the truck 2wks. earlier. Boy was I mad These things happen enough to me to reaffirm my commitment to do my own work. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marika Posted August 29, 2005 Report Share Posted August 29, 2005 I took my old '83 Chevy to the Franchini Chevy dealership in town where I went for an oil change and had I not been watching the oil change monkey through the glass windows on the shop door, he would have destroyed my engine. He drained all the oil, lowered the car from the lift, refilled the oil, didn't put on a filter and started the car. The oil was pumping out of the bottom of the engine a quart at a time. I burst through the doors into the shop area and started screaming at the shop manager who was busy talking to the breasts of one of the girls in the cashier area ( @ )( @ ). He rushed over and turned off the engine just in time. Needless to say, I never took any car back there ever again. Dump. <_> If you really want to make people safe drivers again then simply remove all the safety features from cars. No more seat belts, ABS brakes, traction control, air bags or stability control. No more anything. You'll see how quickly people will slow down and once again learn to drive like "normal" humans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimD Posted August 29, 2005 Report Share Posted August 29, 2005 To the credit of the quickie oil change outfits, one of them is the reason I started changing engine oil myself (again) more than 15 years ago. One of the franchise shops told me they would not / could not change my oil because the drain plug was too tight. What?? If you want any work done properly, there is but one person you can count on to do it. Breasts not withstanding. Jim Drive your car. Use your cell phone. CHOOSE ONE ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
an01sts Posted August 30, 2005 Report Share Posted August 30, 2005 Willy: With a track record like that, you might be better off taking it to Jiffy Lube. I have worked on cars since I was 14, and I never did any of the things you mention. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarrenJ Posted August 30, 2005 Report Share Posted August 30, 2005 Once i walked around the corner of a shop while having my tires serviced and saw the mechanic breaking off the lug nut on my truck tire it was the third one, he claimed they were frozen, this shop had just put these new tires on the truck 2wks. earlier. Boy was I mad I hear ya. Christmas of '83 I replaced the left front Michelin on my Mark III just before driving up to my brother's place in Wappingers Falls. On the way home to Long Island, in a blizzard, with little sister riding shotgun, I ran over a steel rod in the roadway. No need for you to guess WHICH tire the rod attacked. It damned near tore my wheel well apart. I couldn't change the tire because the lug nuts had been tightened with an impact gun. Hours later, when the tow truck driver finally arrived, even he couldn't loosen the lug nuts. Lord knows he tried. Fortunately, as I mentioned, he had a hook-em-up truck with him. Towed it back to where the tire had been installed in Mineola. For years afterwoods I NEVER left my car there without reminding them to only hand tighten the lug nuts. I even left a lug wrench on the front seat to drive home the point. I like to think I saved someone an awful experience. Regards, Warren There is no means of avoiding the final collapse of a boom brought about by credit expansion. The alternative is only whether the crisis should come sooner as the result of a voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or later as a final and total catastrophe of the currency system involved. - Ludwig von Mises Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarrenJ Posted August 30, 2005 Report Share Posted August 30, 2005 I worked in a gas station in Virginia in high school, and a gas station in Arkansas during college summers. I remember over-torqueing and snapping the 'iddy-biddy' Volkswagon nuts that held the permanent oil filter cover on. No big deal, just tighten the other ones a little more..... I remember bust'in a tranny pan bolt now and then with my youthful strength and ignorance,...no big deal, just tighten the other ones a little more.....For all these reasons, I change my own oil.... Nuthin' personal Willie, but I wouldn't trust you to change YOUR oil, much less mine. Regards, Warren There is no means of avoiding the final collapse of a boom brought about by credit expansion. The alternative is only whether the crisis should come sooner as the result of a voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or later as a final and total catastrophe of the currency system involved. - Ludwig von Mises Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAUL T Posted August 30, 2005 Report Share Posted August 30, 2005 Speaking about tight lug nuts, I recently had to change a tire on my father-in-laws endloader/backhoe. He said he had really tightened them up when he changed it last. He tried to do it himself but after standing on a 6' cheater bar, with no luck he called me. With a 1-1/2" socket, 3/4" extension, 3/4 breaker bar, and 6' pipe cheater bar I proceeded to try to break the lug nuts loose. I put all my weight (258 lbs.) on the first one and bounced. It broke loose and sent me to the ground twisting my left ankle. Same thing for #2 but when it broke loose the 6' cheater bar cracked the side of my right knee, causing alot of pain. On #3 I sprained my right hand from the shock of the cheater bar while breaking the nut loose.( sort of like hiting a baseball with a metal bat while not griping the bat very hard only modified 100 times). After getting all 8 nuts off, I had enough. I limped into the house, then went to the Local Quick Care for some X-rays of my hand and ended up with a brace for about a week, the swelling in my ankle went down in about 3 days, and my knee was touchy for about 2 days. When the lug nuts broke smoke came from them. It will be a while before I change anymore of those lug nuts if ever again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willie Hank Posted August 30, 2005 Report Share Posted August 30, 2005 Willy: With a track record like that, you might be better off taking it to Jiffy Lube. I have worked on cars since I was 14, and I never did any of the things you mention. Yippie.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willie Hank Posted August 30, 2005 Report Share Posted August 30, 2005 I worked in a gas station in Virginia in high school, and a gas station in Arkansas during college summers. I remember over-torqueing and snapping the 'iddy-biddy' Volkswagon nuts that held the permanent oil filter cover on. No big deal, just tighten the other ones a little more..... I remember bust'in a tranny pan bolt now and then with my youthful strength and ignorance,...no big deal, just tighten the other ones a little more.....For all these reasons, I change my own oil.... Nuthin' personal Willie, but I wouldn't trust you to change YOUR oil, much less mine. Regards, Warren I think my point was, these places have 'youngsters' work'in on cars, that, is some cases, don't have enough sense to get out of the rain... Of course there is AN01STS, and I guess yourself, who were 'super kids'... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted August 30, 2005 Report Share Posted August 30, 2005 I have been reluctant to post to this thread, as I always come across as a grouch or pompous. However, since Willie has done that for me I feel comfortable posting now (kiddin you Willie I feel the exact same way!) , I have said it before and I will say it again, these places hire high school through college level kids that are very sure of themselves to the point of cocky and have a little knowledge (thats how they get the job in the first place). They think you are an IDIOT when you walk throught the door, because who the heck goes to these places to get their oil changed but idiots and they do work on your car NOT knowing what they DON'T know. Combine that with a free for all environment, big egos, a short handed staff, blasting music, cheap oil all combining nicely for the potential for a major catastrophy. Want to see how bright they are ask them if they use K&N! (low blow I know, sorry I couldn't help that). How about his one, the further the brim of the baseball cap is moved to the side of the head, the further you move away from shop? Or....ask to see the mechanics car, if it has a coffee can for an exhaust, politely have some of their free coffee and leave.... If I have said it once I have said it 50 times on this site, you get what you pay for, PERIOD. For my taste, Jiffy Lube, Pep Boys, Firestone and Good Year shops are for the sheep out there that don't have a clue. Is that pompous enough? My wife criticises me BADLY for changing oil saying its a LOW LIFE thing to do, and I continually try to tell her 1) its the only way to make sure its done right. 2) it gets me under the hood to "look around", 3) its a NO BRAINER except if you have to TRUST someone else, 4) I can grease my tie-rods and ball joints and make sure I did it right!, 5) I wouldn't even trust the DEALER to do it.... and 6) ITS NOT ABOUT SAVING MONEY! OK, OK 7) I'm a LOW LIFE what can I say! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zr1sls1996 Posted August 31, 2005 Report Share Posted August 31, 2005 I know in my case It seem's like everything there at that Co' is $100 , and they're alway's trying to sale you stuff that you can get at wally-world for half .. I just had a trans flush and refill there Which was $90 + and that's without the filters & gasket's ,Took the guy only a few minutes which in my opinon was a rip............. SO I think it's back to the back yard with my own tools the next time .... SS 96 Seville SLS 00 XJ Cherokee 69 Camaro 96 Corrolla dx and the 2003 Honda fourtrax 4x4 This is the only thing close to a web page I got is My old 88 Astro w/small Block dyno'd near 350hp. Sold on ebay a year or so ago ! http://www.cardomain.com/ride/392747 Have'nt put the rest of my ride's up yet...Maybe someday ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted tcb Posted August 31, 2005 Report Share Posted August 31, 2005 I know in my case It seem's like everything there at that Co' is $100 , and they're alway's trying to sale you stuff that you can get at wally-world for half .. I just had a trans flush and refill there Which was $90 + and that's without the filters & gasket's ,Took the guy only a few minutes which in my opinon was a rip............. SO I think it's back to the back yard with my own tools the next time .... I hope that was a tranny drain and fill, not a flush! 1989 FWD Fleetwood, Silver 1995 STS Crimson Pearl on Black leather 1997 STS Diamond White 1999 STS Crimson Pearl 2001 STS Silver 2003 STS, Crimson Pearl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAUL T Posted August 31, 2005 Report Share Posted August 31, 2005 I know in my case It seem's like everything there at that Co' is $100 , and they're alway's trying to sale you stuff that you can get at wally-world for half .. I just had a trans flush and refill there Which was $90 + and that's without the filters & gasket's ,Took the guy only a few minutes which in my opinon was a rip............. SO I think it's back to the back yard with my own tools the next time .... You might need your tools sooner than you think if you flushed the tranny. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted August 31, 2005 Report Share Posted August 31, 2005 I know in my case It seem's like everything there at that Co' is $100 , and they're alway's trying to sale you stuff that you can get at wally-world for half .. I just had a trans flush and refill there Which was $90 + and that's without the filters & gasket's ,Took the guy only a few minutes which in my opinon was a rip............. SO I think it's back to the back yard with my own tools the next time .... I hope that was a tranny drain and fill, not a flush! Me too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted September 1, 2005 Report Share Posted September 1, 2005 I just had a trans flush and refill Oh Oh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adallak Posted September 1, 2005 Report Share Posted September 1, 2005 I know in my case It seem's like everything there at that Co' is $100 , and they're alway's trying to sale you stuff that you can get at wally-world for half .. I just had a trans flush and refill there Which was $90 + and that's without the filters & gasket's ,Took the guy only a few minutes which in my opinon was a rip............. SO I think it's back to the back yard with my own tools the next time .... poor tranny... The saddest thing in life is wasted talent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarrenJ Posted September 1, 2005 Report Share Posted September 1, 2005 I think my point was, these places have 'youngsters' work'in on cars, that, is some cases, don't have enough sense to get out of the rain... Of course there is AN01STS, and I guess yourself, who were 'super kids'... Willie Hank, Looking back, my comment, intended to be humorous, was a bit too snarky. It wasn't meant that way and, obviously, the smilies weren't enough to take the edge off. I was referring to the "young" you changing oil. My apologies. I should have read twice, posted once. Actually, I was the kid on the block who knew how to use Dad's "Easy Outs." The big kids on the block came to me after they snapped the heads off their valve cover bolts etc. Maybe that's why I never snapped one. Didn't make me a "super kid," but it did make me some walkin' around money. I probably used some of it to buy my first torque wrench. Regards, Warren There is no means of avoiding the final collapse of a boom brought about by credit expansion. The alternative is only whether the crisis should come sooner as the result of a voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or later as a final and total catastrophe of the currency system involved. - Ludwig von Mises Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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