Auto Repair FAQs
Answers about visiting our Pasadena shop and arranging vehicle service.
General Questions
Where is your shop?
Spence & Frye GM Specialist is at 1847 E Walnut St in Pasadena, CA 91107. Use our directions link or call (626) 792-2351 if you need help finding the entrance.
What are your business hours?
Spence & Frye GM Specialist is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and closed on Saturday and Sunday. Contact us before arranging a visit around a holiday.
How do I request an appointment?
Call (626) 792-2351 or use our service inquiry form. Share your vehicle and concerns; the team at Spence & Frye GM Specialist will confirm availability and your service arrangements.
Which GM vehicles do you work on?
Spence & Frye GM Specialist specializes in GM vehicles, including Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Saturn and Hummer. Tell us the year and model so we can discuss the work needed.
Do you work on other makes and models?
Yes. Alongside our GM specialty, Spence & Frye GM Specialist offers service for other makes and models, including import-vehicle maintenance. Call with your vehicle and requested service to confirm the right arrangements.
Are you an independent repair shop?
Yes. Spence & Frye GM Specialist is an independent automotive service center in Pasadena. We offer an alternative to dealership service with a long background in GM repair.
What should I bring to my service visit?
Bring your vehicle details, mileage, relevant service records and a description of the concern. If warranty coverage may apply, bring the original repair receipt or warranty documents for Spence & Frye GM Specialist to review.
Can I ask about a repair before booking?
Yes. Call (626) 792-2351 to describe your concern to Spence & Frye GM Specialist. An inspection may be needed before the cause, repair scope or price can be established.
What payment cards do you accept?
Spence & Frye GM Specialist accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. Contact the shop if you have a question about another payment method.
Do you accept extended warranties?
Spence & Frye GM Specialist accepts extended warranties, including the General Motors Protection Plan. Bring your plan details so coverage and authorization can be checked before covered work proceeds.
What is the ACDelco Consumer Assurance Program?
The program describes limited coverage for qualifying ACDelco products installed by a participating service center, within 24 months or 24,000 miles from the original repair. Keep your receipt and contact Spence & Frye GM Specialist to discuss eligibility and applicable terms.
Is there an offer for first-time customers?
Yes. Spence & Frye GM Specialist offers free trouble code retrieval and consultation for first-time customers. Check the Specials page for the current maintenance coupon and its restrictions; code retrieval is not the same as a complete diagnosis.
Can I leave my keys outside business hours?
Please call (626) 792-2351 before planning an after-hours drop-off. The team at Spence & Frye GM Specialist can confirm current arrangements and how to leave your vehicle and keys securely.
Do you provide a towing service or loaner car?
Contact Spence & Frye GM Specialist before making plans for towing, alternate transportation or a loaner. Availability and arrangements need to be confirmed with the shop.
How long has the business been in Pasadena?
Spence & Frye dates to the mid-1940s. Art joined in 1977 and purchased the business in 1979, expanding its Cadillac background to other General Motors vehicles. Read our About page for the history of Spence & Frye GM Specialist.
Service Questions
Do you offer oil changes and scheduled maintenance?
Yes. Spence & Frye GM Specialist provides oil changes and routine maintenance. We review mileage and service history against the vehicle manufacturer's schedule.
Which oil should I use in my GM vehicle?
The required viscosity and specification depend on the engine and model year. Bring your vehicle details to Spence & Frye GM Specialist; do not select oil solely by brand or a generic mileage interval.
Can you inspect and repair my brakes?
Yes. Spence & Frye GM Specialist offers brake inspection, service and repair. Describe any noise, vibration or change in pedal feel when requesting a visit.
Can you quote a brake repair from a noise description?
A noise alone does not establish which parts need attention. Spence & Frye GM Specialist can discuss an inspection before recommending repairs and estimating the work.
Do you offer engine diagnostics?
Yes. Spence & Frye GM Specialist provides engine diagnostics and repair. Trouble codes, symptoms and inspection findings help determine the next steps rather than assuming a code identifies a failed part.
Should I clear a warning code before my appointment?
Avoid clearing codes solely to switch off a warning light. Stored information can help Spence & Frye GM Specialist investigate the concern; tell us if codes have already been cleared.
Do you provide transmission service?
Yes. Contact Spence & Frye GM Specialist for transmission service and shifting concerns. Tell us your model, mileage and service history so we can discuss an appropriate assessment.
Do all transmissions use the same fluid or interval?
No. Fluid specifications and service procedures vary by vehicle. Spence & Frye GM Specialist can review your vehicle's requirements; a universal interval or fluid is not appropriate for every GM transmission.
Can you repair an A/C system that is not cooling?
Yes. Spence & Frye GM Specialist offers automotive A/C service and repair. Testing is needed to distinguish refrigerant loss from airflow, electrical or mechanical concerns.
Should I add refrigerant before bringing in my car?
Contact Spence & Frye GM Specialist first. An incorrect refrigerant or charge can complicate service, and adding refrigerant does not repair a leak.
Do you diagnose starting and electrical problems?
Yes. Spence & Frye GM Specialist provides automotive electrical diagnostics. Share whether the engine cranks, clicks or does nothing, and mention recent battery or accessory work.
Can you investigate an intermittent electrical problem?
Yes. Give Spence & Frye GM Specialist the circumstances when it happens, including temperature, driving time and affected systems. A safe photograph of a warning message can help describe an intermittent fault.
Do you offer front-end repair?
Yes. Spence & Frye GM Specialist provides front-end work. Describe steering changes, noises or uneven wear so the shop can discuss the inspection and service your vehicle needs.
What information helps with a steering concern?
Tell Spence & Frye GM Specialist when the issue occurs, whether it changes with speed or turning, and whether the vehicle recently hit a pothole or curb. Do not keep driving if steering control is affected.
Do you service rear ends and driveline concerns?
Yes. Spence & Frye GM Specialist offers rear-end service and repairs. Contact us about noises, leaks or vibration and identify whether your vehicle is front-, rear- or four-wheel drive if known.
Can you identify a rear-end problem from fluid color?
Color alone is not enough to identify a fluid or failed component. Spence & Frye GM Specialist needs the leak location, vehicle details and inspection findings before recommending a repair.
Do you repair trucks?
Yes. Spence & Frye GM Specialist provides truck repair and maintenance. Share the truck's year, model, engine and how it is used so we can confirm the requested work.
Should I mention towing or heavy loads when booking truck service?
Yes. Towing and payload use can affect maintenance needs. Tell Spence & Frye GM Specialist how your truck is used and bring its service records; follow the manufacturer's towing and loading limits.
Let’s talk about your vehicle.
Tell our Pasadena team what you’ve noticed and the service you need.
Call (626) 792-2351