Cooling system help, am I overreacting?

[PIR4TE]

Check the return ports in the radiator cap, they should look open like this:

This is what they look like when the silicone rubber seal fails and blocks the return of coolant from the expansion tank:

 

[davey g-force]

They have asked if I would like to purchase extended warranty, maybe I should do that.

No... no don't do that...

 

[missSS]

Ok I'm back and would like to update everyone. Holden have had the ss three times to try and fix the coolant loss issue. I have also taken it a reputable mechanic who test drove it and gave me some crazy reason why I smell coolant all the time.

Tuesday night before I leave work I check the overflow. Empty. Check the radiator. Coolant sitting just on top of the fins inside. Ring Holden Wednesday and they book it in for Thursday for the coolant issue and for it to get serviced. I stop in there and pick up a bottle of dexcool and it takes 2 litres.

Take it to Holden on Thursday, they need to order a heater hose and it stays there overnight. Pick the car up on Friday, noticed they have washed it and go straight to work.

Saturday morning I walk outside and lose my ****. It would appear they have taken it through an automatic car wash. The car that only I wash, by hand, that takes me forever, with paint that still looked brand new now has buff/swirls all over it. Every single panel. It has a dint on the upper passenger side quard and a deep scratch around the same area.

I pop the bonnet. The radiator has no coolant and the bottom hose is flat, has sucked in. I cannot find a brand new hose and one looks like it has been rolled in orange dirt. To top it off I just went outside and it won't unlock, not even with the spare key

 

[davey g-force]

****, another dealer horror story. I feel your pain, especially re the swirl-o-matic car wash. Every time my car goes for a service at the dealer (it's been ages now), I put a sign up on the dash which says in large letters: PLEASE DO NOT WASH. I keep that bit of paper in my glove box at all times. It has worked a treat. Just a tip....

 

[commodore665]

Strange , my Holden dealer is , and has been good to deal with , they had a bad patch a while back sorting out a dodgy service manager and technicians , depends on the staff and management ,

 

[VR38]

Opening the cap to check the coolant lets air in.
System checks should be done at the bottle with the hi low mark and adjusted accordingly.

 

[S.D.M.F]

Time to find a competent independent mechanic.
Most dealerships are useless and don't care if they keep you coming back, it keeps the pimply apprentices busy guessing whats wrong.

 

[missSS]

Opening the cap to check the coolant lets air in.

Yeah thats why I check the overflow first.

 

[SanchezCBR]

I think in this situation you should take your car to a cooling system specialist and have them diagnose the problem. Get them to write it out and then take it to Holden and demand they fix it AND show you all the parts.

I hate dealers with a passion. They have a bad reputation for a reason. I also know what most good workshops will avoid employing any mechanics that have done their apprenticeship with a dealer.

 

[missSS]

Update:

Dropped the car to them today, so far they have replaced radiator cap and bottom hose. They are also going to replace the harmonic balancer tomorrow due to it being more wobbly than usual. I told them to order it but don't pull it apart, still undecided if I want them to be doing it.

They said they will repair the paint, scratch and dent they did, I said they can pay for wherever I take it to and they agreed.