Auto Electrical
Heinz Gietz Autohaus provides the best electrical auto service in San Marcos, hands down.
Heating & Air Conditioner Repair
For the best cooling and heating auto repair service in San Marcos, trust Heinz Gietz Autohaus.
Engine Auto Service
When that check engine light comes on, it’s hard not to feel annoyed or even worried.
Maintenance & Auto Service
It’s a fact: regular, quality maintenance extends the life of your vehicle. It also gives you the peace of mind you need.
Exhaust Service
If you’re concerned about passing emissions or you already know your exhaust system isn’t what it should be, visit Heinz Gietz Autohaus in San Marcos.
The Absolute Best Car Service in San Marcos, CA
Heinz Gietz Autohaus
What sets Heinz Gietz Autohaus apart from all of the others in San Marcos, CA?
Quality Service
We use the latest diagnostic equipment and high-quality parts to ensure your vehicle is repaired to the highest standards.
Experienced and Certified Technicians
Our technicians are highly skilled and certified professionals with years of experience in the auto repair industry. They have the expertise to diagnose and repair any problem your vehicle may have.
Customer Satisfaction
Our goal is to exceed your expectations and ensure your complete satisfaction with every visit.
Our Customer Reviews
Recently Serviced Vehicles
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2015 Alfa Romeo 4C
Mileage7,283Service Date3/26/2026Services Performed- Top offfluid reservoir for brake fluid. Level was slightly lower then full mark.
- Tire Pressures: Front: 26psi Rear: 29 psi Wheel Torque (If wheels were removed): NA ft lbs
Guy M. gave our service a 5 star review on 3/31/2026 -
2024 Cadillac CT4
Mileage19,191Service Date3/19/2026Services Performed- DOT Numbers Front Left: 14mk601mx3225 Front Right: 14mk601mx3225 Rear Left: 14mdl015x1524 Rear Right: 14mdl015x0526
- Road test vehicle. Check all suspension and steering parts for wear. Check tire pressure and condition. Check alignment of all four wheels. Adjust caster, camber, toe-in, and thrust angle as needed on all four wheels. Center steering wheel.
- Tire Pressures: Front: 35 psi Rear: 35 psi Wheel Torque (If wheels were removed): 103 ft lbs
Nicholas K. gave our service a 5 star review on 3/26/2026 -
2014 Nissan GT-R
Mileage100,547Service Date3/23/2026Services Performed- – Performed a visual inspection of the engine bay to find the source of the fuel leak. The fuel was not actively leaking when the vehicle was cold. Found residual fuel wash out underneath the fuel pressure regulator coming from the feed line to the fuel rail. // Removed and replaced the seals on the fuel feed (x2) and return line. Replaced the seals with viton seals. *****Performed a vehicle test drive to check for any fuel leaks after the repairs, no fuel leaks were detected at this time.
- – Removed and Replaced the spark plugs. Gapped the spark plugs down to .025, as requested.
- – Removed and replaced the valve cover gaskets. Cleaned up the area affected by the oil leak. Checks for leaks post test drive, no leaks detected at this time. TECHNICIAN NOTE: There is gel build up inside of the intake plenum right underneath the fuel injectors. \ Recommend running a few tanks of 91 octane to help clean up the fuel system. Recommend throwing a fuel system cleaner in the tank as well.
- Tire Pressures: Front: 33 psi Rear: 33 psi Wheel Torque (If wheels were removed): NA ft lbs
Carter S. gave our service a 5 star review on 3/24/2026 -
2024 Volkswagen Jetta
Mileage44,640Service Date3/10/2026Services Performed- – Performed SFD unlock. Performed ECU and TCU software update. Performed Stage 1 high output ECU software update and 3400 RPM with auto upshift enabled TCU update. TECHNICIAN NOTE: SFD unlock is only good for 1.5 hours. The vehicle will re-lock itself after that time frame.
- – During tire pressure check it was noted that the front left tire was at 25 psi.
Albert S. gave our service a 5 star review on 3/10/2026 -
2015 BMW M4
Mileage91,999Service Date3/6/2026Services Performed- – Performed full system vehicle module update. These modules included the ACSM, the GHAS, DSC, ASD and EDC modules. Also performed a manual DME update as the software ID on the server had the latest version. *** All modules aside from the DME successfully completed. Due to the software that was on the DME it will need a full write that is not possible with our scan tool. \ Need to sublet the DME full write update to eliminate the tampering fault code that is now populating after updating the DME software.
- DME Programming
- AA Notes – 20260226: After performing the software update on the vehicle, a test drive was performed. During a test drive it was noted that there was an audible diverter valve sound coming from the engine bay that is not normal for a stock vehicle. Performed a visual inspection of the engine bay and found that the coupling between the engines intercooler to the throttle body elbow popped off causing a massive air leak between the turbo and the intake manifold. Reattached the coupling to the throttle body and the car is now performing at peak performance. ***** During the vehicles long test drive it was noted that the vehicle developed a cylinder number 5 misfire. \ Due to the mileage of a vehicle it is recommended to replace the coil packs and the spark plugs to mitigate the misfire and hesitation at boost. ***** During the vehicle's long test drive it was also noted that the vehicle has a fault code for the diagnostics module for tank leaks fuel tank ventilation system leak larger than 0.5 mm. \ Recommend performing diagnosis. JC Notes – 20260227: using approved leak detection equipment performed smoke test on intake system found induction air leaks at intake manifold from charge air cooler, intake ducting from left hand air cleaner to turbo charger has small hole on corrugated section near hose clamp, right side air cleaner to turbocharger has air leak at turbocharger. \ recommend replacing charge air cooler seals, replacing corrugated section on intake. Seal to turbocharger on right hand side. Retest after repairs.
- JC- performed smoke test on intake side of purge valve pump lines found connection at air cleaner ducting broken damaged \ recommend replacing. Leak at charge pipe to charge air cooler. Found air leaking at or around fuel tank. Lowered heat shielding and exhaust for access. Smoke leaking down from left side of fuel tank and seen at back of tank. Possible fuel tank leak or lines to nvld module. \ will require further diagnosis to pinpoint. -Dylan- removed exhaust and heat sheilds, lowered drivers side of gas tank slightly, plugged evap pump and tested system from evap hose going to front of vehicle. Isolated evap line to confirm line isn't split on top of tank, confirmed. Found signs of fuel running down from passenger side sof tank and top of tank all wet. Found non serviceable cap for sender has lifted and is leaking from gasket.
- Vehicle Smog
- Removed bracing, exhaust , heat sheilds, driveshaft, and parking brake cables. Drained gas tank and removed. Transferred pump to new tank and installed. Installed driveshaft with new hardware and nut to differential. Installed exhaust with new gaskets.
- 2.0 Replace Engine Oil & Filter, Full Vehicle Inspection
- Replaced spark plugs and coil packs. Spark plugs replaced prior, gap was OK. #5 coil pack had debris (harness tape) inside the boot.
- Expansion Tank Breather Hose [Includes time to top off coolant]
- Replace charge pipe seal and Intake inlet seal on turbo.
- Replaced evap hose.
- Tire Pressures: Front: 32 psi Rear: 32 psi Wheel Torque (If wheels were removed): na ft lbs
Michael D. gave our service a 5 star review on 3/10/2026 -
2022 Audi S5
Mileage45,798Service Date2/3/2026Services Performed- – Removed and replaced the vehicle's water pump. Performed a cooling system test to check for leaks, no leaks detected at this time. Performed the vacuum fill procedure to evacuate all air pockets from the vehicle while filling. Performed vehicle test drive to get up to operating temperature and checked for leaks post test drive, no leaks detected at this time.
- – Performed coolant system fill using the vacuum filler. Set the coolant level after filling and after a heat cycle. Checked for coolant leaks, no coolant leaks detected at this time.
- – Removed and replaced the vehicles solenoids and vacuum line assembly. Checked operation with a vehicle test drive, operation okay.
- Tire Pressures: Front: 44 psi Rear: 44 psi Wheel Torque (If wheels were removed): 90 ft lbs
Damian E. gave our service a 5 star review on 3/2/2026 -
2017 Subaru WRX
Mileage115,703Service Date2/26/2026Services Performed- Pre/Post Purchase Inspection
- Tire Pressures: Front: 33 psi Rear: 32 psi Wheel Torque (If wheels were removed): na ft lbs
Preston H. gave our service a 5 star review on 2/27/2026 -
2021 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG
Mileage49,746Service Date2/20/2026Services Performed- Performed Mercedes Benz b service, full vehicle inspection. See inspection for further information.
- Tire Pressures: Front: 39 psi Rear: 36 psi Wheel Torque (If wheels were removed): NA ft lbs
Juan L. gave our service a 5 star review on 2/20/2026 -
2022 Mazda CX-5
Mileage33,807Service Date2/17/2026Services Performed- Performed removal and installation of front and rear brake pads and rotors. Performed brake bed in procedure. Vehicle operating as designed.
- Tire Pressures: Front: 35 psi Rear: 35 psi Wheel Torque (If wheels were removed): 100 ft lbs
Peter P. gave our service a 5 star review on 2/19/2026 -
2012 Volkswagen GTI
Mileage169,147Service Date2/12/2026Services Performed- – Performed engine oil service and full vehicle inspection. Refer to the inspection notes for more information.
- – Performed brake fluid flush. Siphoned out the old brake fluid reservoir prior to performing flush and cleaned out the yellow pre filter as well.
- Tire Pressures: Front: 38 psi Rear: 38 psi Wheel Torque (If wheels were removed): NA ft lbs
Mason R. gave our service a 5 star review on 2/13/2026 -
2017 BMW M2
Mileage64,022Service Date2/9/2026Services Performed- Verified oil level sensor not operational. Performed complete system scan no DME oil level sensor faults. But multiple intermittent communication faults where logged in Flexray network ZGM,ICM,EPS,DSC. These modules share the same network as oil level sensor data. Installed new battery for testing purposes scanned and cleared faults only one historical intermittent communication code stored in ICM. Let vehicle reach operating temperature all preliminary conditions met for oil level sensor to produce a measurement. Oil level inactive displayed on IPC. Verified power, ground, and signal integrity at the oil level sensor. Pin 1 12-14v pin 2 voltage drop of 0.015v, pin 3 signal produced a clean PWM waveform with duty cycle at 33%. Confirmed power, ground, and signal at DME connector x6002. observed signal value for oil level sensor during vehicle warm up from ambient to operating temperature. Observed no response in signal.. All power ground and network circuits are functioning correctly the DME is receiving signal but does not complete a usable oil level measurement. \ recommend proceeding with confirmed OEM oil level sensor. If fault persists Perform DME variant coding verification. Performed removal and installation of oil level sensor. Performed BMW Oil level check procedure with no results through vehicles infotainment system. Using autel successfully ran oil level check procedure. No DME fault suspected. Problem lies in the KOMBI(instrument cluster) using autel performed selective coding on KOMBI routine successful, with no result in ability to check oil level through I drive menu. using autologic checked software versions found
- Diagnoses Continued
- Left brake malfunction displayed on IPC. Tested wiring. All wiring satisfactory. Found brake lamp bulb faulty. Recommend replacing left rear tail amp bulb.
- Vehicles camber plates making noise, left front shock starting to leak. \ recommend replacement front struts, and camber plates vehicle has ohlin road and track coilovers.
- Charge air pressure sensor wiring damaged, performed wiring repair. Tested functionality. Cleared DTCs. No DTCs present. Vehicle operating properly, at this time.
- Removed tune and installed tune multiple times adjusting running perimeters to try and get the oil level to read. After flashing back a stock tune an error message was displayed with DTC 1F2108. Bootmod3 Advise there was a problem with the DME software.
- Replaced the Kombi Software with a new Factory Softare.
- Drained 1qt oil and car still said 6.5qts. added 1qt back in.
- DME was software was coded. DME was Found to not be original. Date Code was from 2018 and the VIN number was different. Was able to get oil level reading and FLashed a Stage 1 tune.
- Performed oil and filter service, full vehicle inspection. See inspection for further information.
- Performed brake fluid exchange with Castrol SRF brake fluid. Test drove, checked for leaks no leaks present at this time.
- Performed removal and installation of all six spark plugs. Checked plug gap before installation. Torqed to specification, Assembled accordingly. Vehicle operating as designed.
- Performed differential fluid service. Torqued hardware to specification. Test drove vehicle. Checked for leaks. Vehicle operating as designed.
- Performed DTC transmission service. Torqued hardware to specification. Performed fluid fill procedure. Test drove checked for leaks. Vehicle operating as designed.
- Performed removal and installation of transmission pressure filter.
- OIL LEVEL SENSOR – Remove & Replace – [Includes: Drain and refill Engine Oil.]
- B pillar molding – install
- Bulb And FOB Battery – Remove and Replace
- Installed coilovers to same height as previous coilovers. Could not find prior alignment specs. Maxed out rear camber.
- Tire Pressures: Front: 35 psi Rear: 35 psi Wheel Torque (If wheels were removed): 103 ft lbs
Darren C. gave our service a 5 star review on 2/10/2026 -
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63
Mileage70,850Service Date2/5/2026Services Performed- Performed b service. Changed oil and filter. Performed inspection.
- Tire Pressures: Front: 36 psi Rear: 36 psi Wheel Torque (If wheels were removed): na ft lbs
Christopher A. gave our service a 5 star review on 2/6/2026
Contact Us Today for an Auto Repair Estimate
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is always happy to answer any questions you may have and will keep you informed throughout the entire repair process. So why pick us for all your San Marcos auto repair needs? The answer is simple: expertise, customer service, affordability, convenience, and quality. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and experience the difference for yourself.
Hours
Mon-Fri : 8am-5pmSat-Sun : Closed
Address
Heinz Gietz Autohaus
182 Pawnee St
San Marcos, CA 92078
