Automotive Engineering

I brought in my 06 Trailblazer SS & needed it in capable hands to quickly resolve a transmission installation issue that another shop could not. I specifically asked if they were capable of working on a something swapped with performance mods which they assured me they could, I would have never paid them to tow it there & then again to another shop when they ultimately revealed they could not. My issue is 3 fold, first they told me they could but later revealed they could not program anything but a stock file that matched the VIN, secondarily that they misdiagnosed it as a TCM issue & overlooked the one thing I asked them to do. I did not do the initial swap & so I asked them to check the continuity of the work & wiring done by who did. The next shop I had to take it to found a singular unstripped pin on a harness which wasn’t allowing any thermostat reading output. The biggest issue is that when they called me & I spoke to the tech, he only learned after our phone conversation once he’d “completed” his work that the transmission was not stock, which means he couldn’t have possibly done what I asked him to which was to check the continuity of the swap installation. In his notes, he says the stock TCM “would not work correctly” with my mild modifications, this was not true at all & a basic misunderstanding of simple engineering principles. The next shop was immediately skeptical of their diagnosis that the TCM was bad before even seeing it & had to involve another shop themselves to program a new one which changed nothing & was a waste of all our time. If he had done what I asked they would’ve found the unstripped pin, they could’ve saved me weeks of time & thousands of dollars. I paid over $650 for nothing. I even made a point to show up in person to describe in as much detail as possible, all context that would be helpful to them after it was towed in & they instead didn’t even consult those notes. Unacceptable & do not recommend.

I thought the price was just a little high but I totally understand for all they had to do to get my car back on the road. They are honest and easy to work with I wouldn't go anywhere else. Great repair shop thank you guys.

I have been coming to Automotive Engineering off and on for a long time. Haven't been in since Matt sold the shop, but came today for an oil change and inspection for my new to me Cobalt (helps that I won a free oil change too). Keith and Blake were fantastic, as was Aaron. The addition to the shop is fantastic, and now they have a proper waiting area. The number of service that they offer is also increasing but their prices are still staying stable. My original review stated that Automotive Engineering was the best shop in Des Moines, and I stand by that. If I can't do it or don't feel like doing it, I'm coming here.

Sure miss Matt and Annette! But the new crew is great too. Friendly, professional, knew what they were doing. Blake treated me like a queen. My car is in good hands again!

If you’re looking for a trustworthy company Automotive Engineering is the one!!! The staff is courteous and professional. They take the time and explain your repairs throughly. I felt very comfortable and welcomed. I trust my vehicle with Automotive Engineering and you should as well. Give them a call you and see for yourself , experience excellence at its finest!!