Service Tips please..

[HeavyMetal]

Hi guys!

I just bought this used 2003-Grand Am, almost a month ago. I'm planning to take the car to a service. This is my first "almost-new" car. And I don't know how this service stuff works. It is still under warranty. So:

-Where do I take the car? (Assume Pontiac Dealership?)
-How much do I pay?
-What do I tell them to check?
-Will they honestly tell me if there is something wrong under the warranty coverage?

I took my old Mitsubishi to a Mitsubishi Service, once. Car had so many problems that I knew, but the dealership guys pointed just the most expensive couple things.

So what is the process? Is there a such thing as "general check-up" like we can do in the hospitals? Sounds funny, but I'd appreciate if you guys can have an advice for me.

Thanks in advance.

[30thAnnGAGT]

Absolutely they can. Best idea is to have them run a Tech II check up on it. Think of a Tech II as a physician that preforms a physical but on your car. It runs a series of tests on the PCM and BCM to see if there have been any trouble codes thrown. Charges for that usually begin a $78 dollars here in Michigan... not sure about Florida.

They also have general saftey inspections and routine matinence. I would check your cars manual for that, as I really never have adheared to those.

P.S. The Tech II will not ask your car to turn it's head and cough! :D

[rixGAphx]

1. I would NOT go to Pontiac/GM for 'regular' service.
They charge outrageous amounts for the basic services.
Your warranty covers NOTHING in terms of 'regular' service.

2. Look in your Owner's Manual for the recommended procedures for 'regular' service.

3. If you can't do the procedures yourself, then take the Owner's Manual to a reputable chain of auto service centers and ask for the respective procedures.
Look in the newspapers and circulars. Every other month or so each service center will run specials that will really save some $$
NOT:
* Jiffy/ScruLube.
* Wal-mart/Kmart/Sears, other department store.

USE Somebody like:
* Firestone.
If the service center notices something broken/non-operational, have them write it down and tell them you'll check into having it done under warranty. Do NOT agree to have it done then and there by them.
Have them re-set the 'service engine soon' light that the car computer flashes (if it does so). This is usually just a reminder to have the oil changed and doesn't mean something is wrong.

4. Keep the receipts for the service performed. In case you do have a warranty issue, the receipts will prove to GM that you had the recommended services performed at the recommended intervals.

WARRANTY:
Covers various stuff that breaks, rattles, fails to operate properly, but excludes the stuff that is expected to wear out (generally rubber stuff, + brake pads/shoes + battery).
Does NOT include oil changes, chassis lube (ball joints), fluids, bulbs.
Caution:
Everytime you go to the GM/Pontiac dealership for something electrical or engine related, they are going to plug the computer in and read the 'stored codes'.
If they don't find anything wrong, or if the problem is something you should have done (like a bad bulb), then they will likely try to charge you $79.99 for the reading of the codes.
Checker/PepBoys/AutoZone all have code readers that the will plug-in and read codes for free.

For no charge, I'm going to give you the best possible advice about a GA ( :D :D) :
CHECK THE BATTERY AND ALL ITS CONNECTIONS!!!

1. The GA's electrical system is VERY susceptible to minor variations of voltage and load/amperage. This applies especially to the ABS which has it's own little computer.
2. Disconnect the negative terminal first, then the positive; when done, reconnect pos first, then neg (this avoids accidental sparking if the wrench slips and hits a metal body/engine part while turning the pos screw).
3. Clean all terminals to shiny metal; remove deposits with a water/baking soda solution, and sand/scrape/polish the metal with sandpaper and knife.
4. The molded red rubber boot on the positive battery terminal allows massive corrosion to develop unseen within the boot.
IMO, cut off this crappy GM rubber boot, and replace with an aftermarket protective cover that can be inspected.

I firmly believe that at least 50% of all GA electrical-related problems will be solved by proper and MONTHLY attention to the battery as stated above.

Just passing on my experience.
-Rick