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Complete Tire & Auto Repair Improper Diagnosis and resulting repair ripoff Catoosa Oklahoma
On 10-16 my daughter was having car trouble and stopped at Complete Tire and Auto Repair in Catoosa, OK. (918) 266-6088) After their diagnosis they determined the exhaust was not flowing. To make a repair they cut a 1" square hole in the catalytic converter and removed the inner material.
They then did a sloppy job of welding up the hole they created, leaving an exhaust leak. There was nothing wrong with the converter and the car was experiencing the same problems a few miles down the road.
After getting the vehicle back to my place of employment (I manage the technical training center for DaimlerChrysler in Lenexa, KS) I found the true cause of the problem which was a worn out fuel pump. At the time of the repair they told my daughter what they were doing was illegal but they were trying to get her on the road.
A simple check of manifold vacuum would have told them the exhaust was not restricted. A check of Fuel volume and current draw would have led them to the correct part.
The bottom line this repair shop intentionally destroyed a perfectly good catalytic converter knowing full well they were violating emission laws. I contacted EPA but received a less than satisfactory response. While they agreed to turn it over to their enforcement group I was told it was doubtful anything would come of the complaint due to their limited resources.
As an automotive instructor with over 30 years experience I have always promoted the value of clean air and the proper aintenance of emission devised in order to assure this. I find it appalling that this repair shop intentionally violated one of the most basic emission laws and may get away with it.
J.c.
Lenexa, Kansas
U.S.A.
5 Updates & Rebuttals
Robert
Jacksonville,Florida,
U.S.A.
$2500 Fine. The EPA is useless.
#6Consumer Suggestion
Sat, October 30, 2004
As you know, there is a $2500 fine for "tampering" with the catalytic converter. Get in touch with the owner of the facilty and explain to him/her that if the converter is not replaced at their cost, you will be notifying the authorities. The EPA is useless. You need to find the State agency. In most states, it will be within the department of agriculture. Good luck.
Robert
Jacksonville,Florida,
U.S.A.
$2500 Fine. The EPA is useless.
#6Consumer Suggestion
Sat, October 30, 2004
As you know, there is a $2500 fine for "tampering" with the catalytic converter. Get in touch with the owner of the facilty and explain to him/her that if the converter is not replaced at their cost, you will be notifying the authorities. The EPA is useless. You need to find the State agency. In most states, it will be within the department of agriculture. Good luck.
Robert
Jacksonville,Florida,
U.S.A.
$2500 Fine. The EPA is useless.
#6Consumer Suggestion
Sat, October 30, 2004
As you know, there is a $2500 fine for "tampering" with the catalytic converter. Get in touch with the owner of the facilty and explain to him/her that if the converter is not replaced at their cost, you will be notifying the authorities. The EPA is useless. You need to find the State agency. In most states, it will be within the department of agriculture. Good luck.
Robert
Jacksonville,Florida,
U.S.A.
$2500 Fine. The EPA is useless.
#6Consumer Suggestion
Sat, October 30, 2004
As you know, there is a $2500 fine for "tampering" with the catalytic converter. Get in touch with the owner of the facilty and explain to him/her that if the converter is not replaced at their cost, you will be notifying the authorities. The EPA is useless. You need to find the State agency. In most states, it will be within the department of agriculture. Good luck.
Rob
Lexington,Kentucky,
U.S.A.
Very nice report - competant auto repair technicians are out here succeeding in a sea of distrust and generalizations
#6Consumer Comment
Sat, October 30, 2004
J.C. I just wanted to say that your report is one of the few I have seen on this site that I can completely respect! It was brief, intelligent and very informed.
I too (having 10 years experience as a tech) am disgusted at such an un-professional move made by anyone who would claim to represent my profession.
I only hope that as an instructor you have the satisfaction of realizing many truly competant auto repair technicians are out here succeeding in a sea of distrust and generalizations created by the kind of stupidity your daughter was unfortunately exposed to by this repair shop.