My Car is in the Shop

[mission008]

I brought my 2001 Aurora 4.0 into the local GM dealer this morning to have my air conditioning checked out and my oil changed. I just got a call saying that I need my front rotors, front pads, rear pads, PCV, fuel filter, and cabin filter replaced, as well as a tranny flush. As for the A/C, they told me that it needed to be filled up and that there were no visible leaks and that the A/C was working and had good pressure, but they are going to let it run to make sure it doesnt leak anywhere. I told them that if the A/C checked out to be ok after the refill, to change out my coolant, because I have been receiving a message on my DIC that says "Low Engine Coolant," so I figure that will take care of that. I can do the brakes, cabin filter, and pcv myself, but I might have them do my fuel filter while they're at it so I dont have to get messy. As for the pcv though, i realize its probably one of the easiest things to do, but i have never done it...can anyone tell me where it is and how?

[Wacko]

The PCV valve is on the rear camshaft cover I believe. It is a 30 second task to replace it. And much of that time is spent opening the hood.

I recall you said you topped off the refrigerant yourself and that didn't do the trick? Yet the dealer says the same thing?

You going to South Carolina on business or pleasure?

[mission008]

where is it located in the engine bay? i put in a couple 32oz cans of that refridgerant and it blew cold for about an hour....they completely filled it up with the 2lbs and they said its blowing cold but they are going to let it run for an hour or so to make sure. im going to Myrtle Beach on vacation....so yes, definetly pleasure!

[Wacko]

Just beyond the intake manifold cover on the rear bank of cylinders. Right on top of the camshaft/valve cover, maybe just to the passenger side of the center line.

It's maybe an inch in diameter and slips into a rubber grommet in the cover. A rubber hose comes out the top of it. Someone suggested you buy the $6 part first and then you know what to look for under the hood (once in the right vicinity). It's about the size of a half of a roll of Lifesaver candies.

You driving to SC? You'll definitely want A/C while making the trip. Have fun.

[Wacko]

mission008 said:

i put in a couple 32oz cans of that refridgerant and it blew cold for about an hour....

(2) 32 oz cans! Whoa! That's twice the maximum. Two pounds or 32 oz. is the max assuming there is none in the system already.

Well, now it's their responsibility. At least you now have recourse should it blow warm after they worked on it.

[mission008]

thanks alot wacko....i know exactly where and what it is now.....just needed some clarification! thanks again!

yeah i drive down there every year...been doing it for the past 18 years! i love it down there

[kcin96]

dude how many miles on that 2001

[mission008]

47k on my car.....just got the call....my coolant is all fixed, my A/C is working, fuel filter replaced, oil changed, and i just had them do my pcv while they were working on it. all in all i am pretty happy with the price....i paid $255 for everything. Now I'm going to get my brakes at the parts store and everything will be taken care of for the trip! Im in love with my car again!

[95mushroom]

For $255 with A/C work??? They just must have had to replace a fuse or something to get the A/C working lol. It's about that much for a flush and fill (a/c).

[mission008]

it was $140 for the A/C work, $70 for the Coolant, and $25 for the oil change, and the others they just put in at cost. they will definetly be getting repeat business from me!

[Wacko]

Great prices for a dealer. Does that include a courtesy scratch, er wash?

[mission008]

haha...no none of that...i inspected the heck out of the car to make sure nothing was wrong before i got into it