Jiffy Lube killed my engine Oxnard , California
I went to Jiffy Lube in Oxnard for an oil change for my 2006 Acura MDX. 15 minutes later, my car completely shuts off and I lost power/control of the steering wheel and brakes while I was driving home on the 101 freeway. Luckily I was able to pull over to the right shoulder without getting into an accident.
After that, I immediately called Jiffy Lube. A technician came to the scene and verified that my car had absolutely no oil. Apparently, Jiffy Lube had drained the used oil from my car but forgot to add new one. The technician then added 4 qts of oil but it was too late: My engine was already completely fried. I then called AAA who towed my car to a mechanic
Jiffy Lube took responsibility and is willing to pay for an used engine to replace mine. The problem is, my mechanic has not yet been able to find a compatible used engine. The alternative would be to replace it with a new one. Jiffy Lube refuses to pay for a new one. Instead, they want to tow my car to Orange County and install an used engine from Japan which according to my mechanic does not meet US standards and has no car facts. Unacceptable!
It has been extremely frustrating dealing with Jiffy Lube. Meanwhile, my car sits at the mechanic waiting for an engine.
I will never let Jiffy Lube service my car again.
By the way: They also wrote the incorrect mileage when they service (or not) my car.
6 Updates & Rebuttals
Billwilliam
Corpus Christi,Texas,
U.S.A.
Sue for restitution?
#7General Comment
Sun, December 05, 2010
Going the legal route is the best way at the point you are at. Small claims court may be the best route if your claims are below their maximum amount. Do not accept a used engine a remanufactured engine with a warranty is the minimum you should accept. Calling the national headquaters of Jiffy Lube may get results the locals did not provide. Jiffy Lube International, Inc. P.O. Box 4427 Houston, TX 77210-4458 (713) 546-4100
Good luck.
Ronny g
North hollywood,California,
USA
Fuel pump cutoffs..
#7Consumer Comment
Sun, December 05, 2010
It just depends on the vehicle manufactures. Ford for some time now has a fuel pump cutoff which uses inertia to break the circuit and shut off the fuel pump in the event of a collision.
As far as any that are used to shut off the pump in event of low oil pressure..not very common as a standard feature. The aftermarket does sell fuel pump cutoffs that will shut the engine down due to low oil pressure. This is something that is good insurance but is generally sold to those who have very expensive engines that are built for racing/high performance use.
For the average vehicle, it is up to the operator to shut down the engine manually when the pressure drops which is indicated by a gauge and/or light, commonly referred to as an "idiot light". I think it is called an idiot light to imply that if someone is not aware of the oil pressure via a gauge, they would have to be an idiot not to notice the light.
skeptic
Bardstown,Kentucky,
USA
Fuel pump shutdown
#7Consumer Comment
Sat, December 04, 2010
In the interest of safety fuel pumps are required to shut down in certain circumstances. In the event of a collision where there might be ruptured fuel lines the pump must shut down in order to prevent fuel from spilling and creating a fire hazard.
Modern computerized cars use sensors to determine engine rotation. When the engine stops as in the event of a head on collision, the power to the fuel pump is disconnected. Older cars sometimes used oil pressure to determine a stalled engine. As to creating a driving hazard, we are all at the mercy of computers in our cars today. Witness the many recalls by Toyota. So I cannot see any further hazards by letting low oil pressure stop the fuel pump. It should be a rare event. But that is a moot point. I agree that the low oil pressure light on the dash is there for a purpose.
Josh
Rolla,Missouri,
U.S.A.
15 minutes?
#7Consumer Suggestion
Sat, December 04, 2010
I am amazed that you drove with the oil pressure light on for 15 minutes and did not think that something might be wrong. If that light ever comes on while driving (the one that looks like an oil can), you should turn off the engine IMMEDIATELY. It takes less than 30 seconds without oil pressure to damage the bearings. I am amazed that the car ran for 15 minutes. While Jiffy Lube is certainly responsible for not refilling the oil, you are equally at fault for ignoring the oil pressure light. This situation could have been avoided if you looked at the dashboard after starting the car.
There is no interlock switch because it would reduce safety. If the oil pressure sender fails and the engine automatically shuts down, that could cause a dangerous situation. Most new cars do not have this interlock, since it's not really necessary.
skeptic
Bardstown,Kentucky,
USA
Just a comment
#7Consumer Comment
Fri, December 03, 2010
It amazes me that the manufacturer allows a modern car engine to run without oil for 15 minutes. My crappy old 1998 Cavalier has interlock contacts on the oil pressure switch that cuts power to the fuel pump in the event of oil pressure failure.
Steve
Bradenton,Florida,
U.S.A.
Bypass Jiffy Lube management, file a lawsuit
#7Consumer Suggestion
Thu, December 02, 2010
Bypass the idiots you are dealing with. The local management and local "adjusters" are just company flunkies.
File a lawsuit right away. Pay for the lawyer as they will have to pay for it in the end.
Be sure to get at very least a reman engine with a warranty.
DO NOT accept a used engine.
Be sure to itemize all of your expenses due to this negligence, such as loss of use of your vehicle including taxicabs, rental cars, etc., lost time from work, mailing costs and phone calls, EVERY NICKEL NEEDS TO BE ACCOUNTED FOR.
FYI..At Jiffy lube, they normally do not record the mileage at time of service, but rather the "due back" mileage which is how they scam you into a 3,000 mile oil change interval which is total crap nowadays. It's a sales gimmick. With todays premium oils you can easily go 5,000-7,500 miles and not violate manufacturers specs on service.
Nail those morons to the wall.
File that lawsuit QUICK, and you will see how fast they order a NEW engine for your car and want to settle.