GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

My 2008 Vibe developed a very minor oil leak a while back. It now has 23,000 miles and I took it to my local Pontiac dealership service department for it's second warranty repair. They resealed the timing chain housing.I checked the oil as a precaution when I picked up the Vibe on Friday, 9/25. I wish I had taken a look at the coolant recovery tank. Anyhow, after driving the Vibe today, 9/26, I raised the hood and noticed that the coolant recovery tank was empty. I let the Vibe cool down and removed the radiator cap to notice no coolant in the neck. The Vibe ran fine today and there is no evidence of a coolant leak, therefore I have to assume that a fair amount of coolant was lost when they had things apart and they simply did not replace the coolant, nor did they check the level afterward.So, back to the dealership I go on Monday to express my disappointment. I'm also debating on whether I want them to top it off with Dex-Cool or go purchase some Toyota coolant and do it myself. I'm not real jazzed about mixing Dex-Cool in with the OEM Toyota pink coolant.Weigh in with your opinion on that dilemma here ---> http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=38844Anyhow, thanks for letting me vent and feel free to share your opinions. And BTW, they did a fine job on the first warranty repair and I had no complaints. They replaced the A/C compressor that locked up at 400 miles.PlatinumVibe08

YOU put the correct coolant in the car ASAP. You may also be assuming that they will add the wrong coolant, you may be surprised! Why not ask them what they put in on a routine basis?It is far more important that you prevent any engine damage than it is to make a point with the dealership. Sure mention it to them and express great dissatisfaction with the dealer owner, maybe write a letter to GM but don't ruin your engine to prove them wrong.I've expressed often my high level of distrust in mechanics. I was in the industry for years and I know what goes on where you don't see. There are some great wrench monkeys out there, there are a huge number of incompetents with a tool box also.Choose wisely, even request a certain mechanic at a given shop. It's your car and your $$$.Dave

Thanks Dave,I'm planning on calling the dealer first thing tomorrow (Mon.) morning to see what they want to do. I plan on asking them what coolant they will use to top off my Vibe. I suspect they will tell me Dex-Cool, especially since the owner's manual recommends it.Quote from 2008 Vibe Owner's Manual: "Your vehicle was factory-filled with a coolant developed to last for five years or 150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs first. When coolant is added or changed, use DEX-COOL® coolant."While there may be no adverse effects from this strategy, I still don't like the idea of mixing different coolants. To me, the correct coolant to add would be the exact same stuff that's in the system, i.e. the pink coolant from Toyota.I don't plan on starting the Vibe again until coolant has been added to the radiator and coolant recovery tank. I suppose they could send a mechanic to my house to do this, but I would simply prefer to do it myself and all I would ask is that the dealership reimburse me for the cost of the coolant.Regarding the mechanic issue, I realize there are many good folks out here and some bad and then there's the good old human error factor on top of that. I've just always been a firm believer that if you want something done right, you do it yourself. Still, I don't mind entrusting my vehicles to competent mechanics since I can't do it all myself. I'll let you know how it all works out.Greg

Everything worked out fine and ultimately I'm happy. I picked up a gallon of the Toyota coolant at the Toyota dealer this morning on my motorcycle. Topped off the Vibe, drove it, checked it, everything's cool. Stopped by Pontiac dealer and collected the cash reimbursement for the Toyota coolant. PlatinumVibe08