Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us
Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network
HomeAnnouncements
Discussion Groups
By Brand
BMWChevroletDodgeFordGMHondaLexusMercedes-BenzNissanPeugeotToyotaVolkswagenOther Brands
By Topic
4x4 CarsRVsDrivingMaintenance & RepairCar AudioCollectible Cars
Country Specific
Australian ForumsUK Forums
ArticlesAuto InsuranceBuyingCars & TechnologyMaintenanceMiscellaneousSafety
DMV Resources
Related Topics
MotorcyclesBoatsMore Topics ...

Car Forum / Dodge / Dodge Trucks / October 2006

Tip: Looking for answers? Try searching our database.

Complaint about car mechanics?

Thread view: 
Enable EMail Alerts  Start New Thread
Thread rating: 
Ignoramus4299 - 05 Oct 2006 14:48 GMT
So, a mechanic did some work on my Dodge rear diff.

After that, a speed sensor on the rear diff failed on the same day.

They are now telling me that it is a purely random coincidence that it
failed on the sale day as they did work there. Asking me $156 to fix
it (it is a $30 part and a 5 minute job).

They do not agree to just fix it for me for free. So, I would like to
know if there is anything I can do to make their life a little more
difficult, such as bringing some complaint somewhere that they would
have to answer to etc.

I could sue in small claims court, and probably will win, but that
means taking time off work.

i
DonStaples - 05 Oct 2006 15:35 GMT
You could probably make their lives a living hell, but why? For $156? And it
probably really was a conincidence,speed sensor on my truck has gone out a
couple of times in 8 years and nobody touched them. Small claims court isn't
free,filing fees, time off from work, but you have to decide what is
worthwhile to you.

> So, a mechanic did some work on my Dodge rear diff.
>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> i
Ignoramus4299 - 05 Oct 2006 15:45 GMT
> You could probably make their lives a living hell, but why? For $156? And it
> probably really was a conincidence,speed sensor on my truck has gone out a
> couple of times in 8 years and nobody touched them. Small claims court isn't
> free,filing fees, time off from work, but you have to decide what is
> worthwhile to you.

I would get the filing fee back if I prevail.

i

>> So, a mechanic did some work on my Dodge rear diff.
>>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>>
>> i
Roy - 05 Oct 2006 15:40 GMT
> So, a mechanic did some work on my Dodge rear diff.
>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> i
If they won't make good on it see the service manager or owner. If no joy,
well you learned something about the dealer for short money
Anyway you are dumping it for a chevy anyway so trade it and move on.

Roy
Ignoramus4299 - 05 Oct 2006 15:44 GMT
>> So, a mechanic did some work on my Dodge rear diff.
>>
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> well you learned something about the dealer for short money
> Anyway you are dumping it for a chevy anyway so trade it and move on.

I did talk to the manager already. As for what I learned about them,
that's not that valuable, I have yet to find an honest mechanic anyway.

I will just fix it up with another speed sensor, but I would like to
write somewhere about them.

i
Jon - 05 Oct 2006 16:55 GMT
You know, I hate to be the devil's advocate, but with an attitude like
that I bet there's nothing they can do to make you happy short of
making service free.  Having been on both sides of the counter, it's
real freaking simple and reasonable:  you have to accept the fact that
electrical components often do fail without warning and at odd times,
and they have to accept that if there is any sign of damage to the
wiring or the sensor resulting from the work done, then you need to get
a far better deal than list price + book hours....if not on the house.

If you're talking about a dealer's service shop, and they've failed
exonerate themselves, then perhaps you need to lodge a complaint with
your local BBB.  In my opinion, that shows you're far more serious than
a small claims suit where you've got a 50/50 shot with the judge.

> >> So, a mechanic did some work on my Dodge rear diff.
> >>
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
>
> i
Ignoramus4299 - 05 Oct 2006 16:58 GMT
> You know, I hate to be the devil's advocate, but with an attitude like
> that I bet there's nothing they can do to make you happy short of
> making service free.

Well, if they did the work and fixed the problem, I would be happy.

As it stands, they did the work (replaced all bearings and, according
to them, made proper adjustments) and the noise did not go away. Well,
okay, sometimes it happens that they fix one thing and it does not
help.

Now when they do this work, and also break the speed sensor (come on,
what are the chances of it failing randomly on the same day), and say
it is not their fault, it goes a little too far.

> Having been on both sides of the counter, it's real freaking simple
> and reasonable: you have to accept the fact that electrical
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> your local BBB.  In my opinion, that shows you're far more serious than
> a small claims suit where you've got a 50/50 shot with the judge.

OK. I will do just that. Seems easy enough.

i
Larry Crites - 05 Oct 2006 20:19 GMT
What proof do you have that they made the sensor fail? No proof? You won't
win in court. You pay. As far as the noise not going away, did they say that
what they would do would solve that problem, or did they do what you told
them to do?

Larry
Behold Beware Believe

>> You know, I hate to be the devil's advocate, but with an attitude like
>> that I bet there's nothing they can do to make you happy short of
[quoted text clipped - 26 lines]
>
> i

Signature

Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Ignoramus4299 - 05 Oct 2006 20:24 GMT
> What proof do you have that they made the sensor fail? No proof? You won't
> win in court. You pay. As far as the noise not going away, did they say that
> what they would do would solve that problem, or did they do what you told
> them to do?

My complaint is not about noise that did not go away, it is about the
failed speed sensor.

As for proof, I will check the sensor to see if it bears any signs of
damage. Winning in civil court requires preponderance of evidence.

i

> Larry
> Behold Beware Believe
[quoted text clipped - 29 lines]
>>
>> i
DonStaples - 05 Oct 2006 21:42 GMT
Even if the sensor shows visible damage that doesn't mean the damage caused
it to fail, nor does it mean the service person caused the damage. There is
no way after the fact you will be able to prove any damage you may possibly
find was caused by the service person. This is NOT CSI and this isn't a
murder case. But if it will make you feel better to take them to court, by
all means go for it, that is your right. I'll look forward to your postings
about that adventure.

>> What proof do you have that they made the sensor fail? No proof? You
>> won't
[quoted text clipped - 44 lines]
>>>
>>> i
Ignoramus4299 - 05 Oct 2006 21:47 GMT
> Even if the sensor shows visible damage that doesn't mean the damage caused
> it to fail, nor does it mean the service person caused the damage. There is
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> all means go for it, that is your right. I'll look forward to your postings
> about that adventure.

I want to see what happened to the speed sensor, by removing it. If
there is any visible damage, I will take photographs of it.

If it is visibly damaged, then it is one story. Mechanics would see it
when they removed the carrier gears, which means that they would let
me know if they saw it. They did not tell me that. So, then, they
damaged it due to reinstallation.

If that so, I will take pictures of it.

If the speed sensor does not work, but shows no signs of damage, then,
I think, it is likely still due to what they did, but harder to prove.

i

>>> What proof do you have that they made the sensor fail? No proof? You
>>> won't
[quoted text clipped - 44 lines]
>>>>
>>>> i
aarcuda69062 - 06 Oct 2006 04:52 GMT
> I want to see what happened to the speed sensor, by removing it. If
> there is any visible damage, I will take photographs of it.

And once you remove it, you've tampered with it.
How is the dealership, the judge, the jury or the executioner
supposed to know you didn't damage it when you removed it?

> If it is visibly damaged, then it is one story. Mechanics would see it
> when they removed the carrier gears, which means that they would let
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> If the speed sensor does not work, but shows no signs of damage, then,
> I think, it is likely still due to what they did, but harder to prove.

Suppose there is no physical damage apparent, then you check it
with an ohm meter, the resistance measures above or below spec.
(open or shorted)
Explain to me how the mechanic could have caused that?
mac davis - 06 Oct 2006 17:42 GMT
>> Even if the sensor shows visible damage that doesn't mean the damage caused
>> it to fail, nor does it mean the service person caused the damage. There is
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
>i

I do NOT want to play lawyer here, but logic would indicate that a picture taken
after the truck was back in your 'possession" would seem useless as
"evidence"...
I'm not saying that you would do this, but the damage could have been done to it
after it got home for the purpose of furthering the "cause"..

When I was a kid, I was riding with a friend that bumped a car at a stop sign...
just a little bumper damage... the guy put in a claim for several hundred
dollars (lots of money for rep[airs in the 60's) and showed pictures of his
trunk and fender all bashed in...

The guy ended up on trial for insurance fraud.. lol

Mac

https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis
https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis/wood_stuff.htm
aarcuda69062 - 06 Oct 2006 04:54 GMT
> Now when they do this work, and also break the speed sensor (come on,
> what are the chances of it failing randomly on the same day),

I think the chances of failure that day are/were the same as any
other day since the truck left the factory.
mac davis - 05 Oct 2006 17:38 GMT
>So, a mechanic did some work on my Dodge rear diff.
>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
>i

I'd try for compromise first... like maybe you buying the part and the labor
being free...

Don't know what state you're in, but in Calif., writing to the State consumer
affairs, Automotive Division is very effective... make sure that you document
charges, payments made, etc...

A few years ago, they kicked Pep Boys a.s for me....
Mac

https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis
https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis/wood_stuff.htm
Ignoramus4299 - 05 Oct 2006 17:41 GMT
>>So, a mechanic did some work on my Dodge rear diff.
>>
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
> affairs, Automotive Division is very effective... make sure that you document
> charges, payments made, etc...

I am in Illinois. Mine is a very simple story actually. I will
definitely research if the state AG office has a department like that.

i

> A few years ago, they kicked Pep Boys a.s for me....
> Mac
>
> https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis
> https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis/wood_stuff.htm
beekeep - 05 Oct 2006 21:35 GMT
>So, a mechanic did some work on my Dodge rear diff.
>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
>i
It's a part that fails all the time.  I have to replace mine about every two
years.  'Usually buy two at time so I have a spare on hand.

beekeep
Ignoramus4299 - 05 Oct 2006 21:39 GMT
>>So, a mechanic did some work on my Dodge rear diff.
>>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> It's a part that fails all the time.  I have to replace mine about every two
> years.  'Usually buy two at time so I have a spare on hand.

Well, sure, mine failed also, two years ago, but how likely is it that
it failed due to their repair, on the day of their repair, vs. failing
due to random bad luck, on the day of repair?

I think that they hit it when they were reinstalling gears. If I
recall correctly from my previous replacement, it sticks into the
inside of the gear case.

What worries me more is whether pieces from it could damage the gears.

I will remove and inspect the speed sensor ASAP to see if pieces from
it are missing.

Anyway, I did file a complaint with the better business bureau, that
was easy.

i
.boB - 06 Oct 2006 23:29 GMT
> So, a mechanic did some work on my Dodge rear diff.
>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> i
     It's a $30 part and a 5 minute job.  Go to Autozone and buy
the part.  Crawl under there and do the repair.
     If you can't do that, pay the money and move on.  Often
times we don't pay people for what they do, we pay them for what
they know.

Signature

.boB
Arrived:  2006 FXDI, Red.
1997 HD FXDWG - Turbocharged   Stolen 11/26/05 in Denver
    1HD1GEL10VY3200010    CO License J5822Z
2001 Dodge Dakota QC 5.9/4x4/3.92
1966 Mustang Coupe - Daily Driver
1965 FFR Cobra -  427W EFI, Damn Fast.

Ignoramus7272 - 07 Oct 2006 01:22 GMT
>> So, a mechanic did some work on my Dodge rear diff.
>>
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> times we don't pay people for what they do, we pay them for what
> they know.

yep. Bought the part foor $27 today and will do it, it is more like a
15 minute job, I did it once before.

i
Peter Grey - 07 Oct 2006 23:47 GMT
> So, a mechanic did some work on my Dodge rear diff.
>
> After that, a speed sensor on the rear diff failed on the same day.

So did it work when you brought the truck to them and not work when you
left, or did it fail later the same day?  If it's the former you might have
a logical leg to stand on, if the latter, I don't see how you can prove it
was the mechanic's fault, nor do I think you'll do well in court.  Assuming
the scenario where the sensor failed later in the day, and given the fact
that these things fail with regularity, I don't see how you can say with any
certainty that your mechanic caused the problem.

If it's thirty bucks and five minutes, just fix the thing and get on with
your life.  Why waste time on something as trivial as this?  If you're
uncomfortable with these folks, just don't use them again.

Peter
Ignoramus23806 - 09 Oct 2006 05:37 GMT
Looks like the speed sensor I have, does not match what Autozone says
it should be. Mine has an "ear" for a bolt to hold it, and a gasket
around the body that goes into the hole. Autozone part has thread and
no "ear" for the bolt.

Anyone has a good suggestion for a reputable website selling those
replacement rear speed sensors? Perhaps one that would take my VIN number?

I took mine out briefly yesterday, and to my further upset, saw
relatively large (1-2mm) metal shavings stuck on it.

i

>> So, a mechanic did some work on my Dodge rear diff.
>>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> Peter
Chris Thompson - 09 Oct 2006 06:52 GMT
> Looks like the speed sensor I have, does not match what Autozone says
> it should be. Mine has an "ear" for a bolt to hold it, and a gasket
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> I took mine out briefly yesterday, and to my further upset, saw
> relatively large (1-2mm) metal shavings stuck on it.

they gave you the output speed senor in the trans. your looking for the rear
axle speed sensor.

Signature

----------------------------
-Chris
05 CTD
06 Liberty CRD

Real Trucks don't NEED spark plugs.

Ignoramus24560 - 09 Oct 2006 14:49 GMT
>> Looks like the speed sensor I have, does not match what Autozone says
>> it should be. Mine has an "ear" for a bolt to hold it, and a gasket
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> they gave you the output speed senor in the trans. your looking for the rear
> axle speed sensor.

Autozone does not have them, but I called a Dodge dealer, they have
them for $45 apiece. I will pick on tonight, hopefully.

i
 
Sign In
Join
My Latest Posts
My Monitored Threads
My Blog
My Photo Gallery
My Profile
My Homepage

Start New Thread
Enable EMail Alerts
Rate this Thread



©2008 Advenet LLC   Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.