They showed my friend the transmission dipstick, and told her it needed a transmission fluid flush and fresh transmission fluid. I wonder where they pulled that dip stick from? Her car was a 2007 HHR 2.4l 2LT, automatic.
at least they got that part right , on the invoice they listed flush and fill 9 quarts , Fordomatic transmission fluid.
It must have been David Copperfield or Chris Angel that did the work, the pan was still dirty, they bolts untouched, the fill plug not wiped clean. But $125.00 was the price!
I’ll never go into one of those places, ever.

 

just got back from having the coolant changed. Owner was a good guy and seemed to know what he was doing. We shall see...

 

Hopefully with DexCool.
Remember when the dealerships were actually getting away with "flushing the power steering fluid"? They wanted to charge me $105. Got a thousand mile stare when I asked "how you gonna do that". To try to be fair they were relying in the BG Products sales recommendation sheet based on mileage only.

Actually, Mercon is interchangeable with Dexron, though not recommended; some are even labelled for both applications. The difference is Dexron has a 7 degree higher flash point (177F) Ford Type F is a definite NO. Ford-O-Matic transmissions could use Dexron, both are equivalent to Type A.

 

I specifically asked for Dex-Cool. It seems to be working OK now, Been driving for a few days and it has not gone above 197 while driving down the road at 60 mph. Usually stays right around 190-194 with outside temps in the single digits (which is where it acted up before) I would still have liked to change the thermostat, but I guess it will wait until summer for now.

I will admit I love driving this thing around! The snow tires made a huge difference and it still gets an occasional CEL which I am guessing is related to needing new spark plugs ( error code 1174) I just keep pecking away at the issues I can.

 

If you mean CEL code P1174 , look to the fuel injectors not the spark plugs.

https://www.engine-codes.com/p1174_chevrolet.html

 

Been a bit since I have driven this guy! too many cars around and I have to move them every day or so due to the city parking restrictions. yesterday I added some Lucas Injector Cleaner to the tank and again checked the brake fluid, Been seeing a "Brake Fluid" warning when I first start up and it is cold. Reservoir is full so maybe a confused sensor..Temps in the lower 30's on the way to work, so coolant temps are 193-196 until I pulled into the parking lot and it went up to 199. driving at about 15 mph and pretty much what I have been seeing. Still need to check out the cooling fan.

 

last 3 days, after adding the Lucas injector cleaner. I have been still getting the p01174 code, but last night on the way home, where it usually came on, it didn't. I call that a win but it will need more testing. only at a little less than 1/2 tank so I'll bur this tank and do another tank with the cleaner in it. hopefully it will do the trick, or it will warm up outside and I can replace the injectors. Latest report says 3-5 inches of snow Monday...

 

I don’t think you will need to change injectors, maybe clean them , out of the head.

 

They aren't that expensive, and with 181,000 miles on them, might be a good idea.

 

Up to you, make sure you change all orings and isolators