Car Maintenance [Archive] - Lounge of Tomorrow

BarTopDancer

07-02-2008, 12:39 PM

ShinyCar hit 30k miles a few weeks ago, and needs her 30k maintenance.

I called the Mazda dealer, they want close to $450 for this thing. I do feel like their package is a scam of stuff I don't need, and I do need to check the book to see what I really need, vs what they say I need.

I'm hoping our LoT car people can tell me what really should be done at 30k. My oil gets changed every 5k miles. I have new tires on (they need to be rotated when I get my oil done next time).

I have no problem buying cars alone, buying electronics alone - it's fun freaking out the sales guys as a chick who knows what she is talking about but maintenance is out of my realm of knowledge.

cirquelover

07-02-2008, 01:02 PM

They want the same amount for my 60k check up. I've had to put it off!

Anyway, 30 k is when they change out all the fluids like transmission, power steering or brakes or whatever you have. They check all hoses, axles, engine mounts,exhaust. Pretty much a thorough check is supposed to take place.

I'm sure it's necessary to make sure everything is where it's supposed to be but damn does it have to be so expensive!

I can list it all if you like but it will be long!

MouseWife

07-02-2008, 01:07 PM

I don't know if a non-auto dealership would have a better price {I forget the name of the place where they change your oil...I think they do more, too} but with the dealer you should get a car rental.

And, my major service was $399. from the Ford dealer. I hope they did all they were supposed to....how can you be sure?????

BarTopDancer

07-02-2008, 01:11 PM

Kevy Baby

07-02-2008, 01:27 PM

Check with NM

Myself - I am an "avoid the dealership repair people unless it is a warranty item" kind of guy. I have a great mechanic whom I trust explicitly, but he is all the way up in Montclair. If you wanna make the trek, I can give you his number.

katiesue

07-02-2008, 01:37 PM

I use Firestone. I've never had any problems with them. They are way way cheaper than going to the dealer - and open all weekend.

Capt Jack

07-02-2008, 01:50 PM

buy old cars, do it yourself
besides, it gives you a good reason to go buy more shiney new tools

:D

BarTopDancer

07-02-2008, 01:53 PM

Thanks everyone.

I asked NM a few things already.

The dealership I bought my car from charges $12 for an oil change as a loyality discount. While I normally wait for an oil change, I don't want to wait while they do a huge maintenance on it.

I'll call Firestone too. Thanks!

Kevy Baby

07-02-2008, 03:24 PM

I asked NM a few things already.There's a part of me that says his $0.02 on the subject is really the only one opinion that matters here. The rest of us are just blowing smoke out our tailpipes
:D

cirquelover

07-03-2008, 03:07 PM

I would agree that NM is the man to talk to about cars.

In my defense though I went out to my car and got the service menu that came with it and read it off there. I always found the service menu handy so I know what they are supposed to be doing.

NirvanaMan

07-03-2008, 05:25 PM

Here's the deal:

This falls under a category known as preventative maintenance. Spending a little here ensures your car will have a good long life and will not leave you stranded on the side of the road. It makes proper sense to check things that wear like hoses, belts and the like. Flushes are sensible at a certain mileage as well to prevent build up of contaminants that erode or clog different components. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It's as true for cars as it is for herpes.

That said, the dealers do operate these units as a profit center. However, the recommendations on service come directly from the engineers that designed the car, and they are a pretty damn good source.

..............................................

Ok just spoke with my golf buddy who also happens to be the head of Approved Automotive Repair (AAR) for AAA. He agrees with me that you should do the service. We chatted about going to a dealer versus an independant repair shop. Here's the deal, if you are a AAA member, they have a pretty good service called AAR. What that means basically is that AAA backs you and will arbitrate on your behalf if you run into issues with the shop if they are one we have approved. They also have to go through a rather extensive process for AAA to approve them. Pretty good deal and it's nice to have the backing of a big corporation who is the only one out there that really offers this type of service.

That said, there is one shop close to you that he recommended. I will PM it to you.

BarTopDancer

07-03-2008, 05:36 PM

Thank you so much!

As much as I love being a chick buying cars and electronics cause it messes with them when I know what I'm talking about, this is one thing I have no idea on. I really appreciate having a place I can take her and know I won't get screwed around.

LashStoat

07-04-2008, 12:36 AM

Dear BTD,

I take my Hilux Ute to the local K-Mart Tyre service guys, and a decent service costs $120 to $160 here in OZ.

If ever you are in doubt about what should/shouldn't be done, most car manufacturers actually specify items in the Owner's Manual (which I imagine would be downloadable in PDF format from the Web).

In Oz, we have to get a "pink slip" inspection once a year to re-register the vehicle. So I kill two birds with one stone, safe in the knowledge that they can't knock back a car that they have just serviced...

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX.

MouseWife

07-04-2008, 06:58 AM

Well, talk about irony.

So, I've done all of the maintenance. I had that major service done probably in March of this year. The major miles we put on it were going to Yosemite twice. Other than that, it mostly sits when I am not working.

Yesterday I am running to the bank for my mom and the motor/engine light comes on. I call the Roadside Assistance and they say it is emissions and I can drive it to the dealer. Well, actually, no, because I have a car full of people I need to drop off at their house. With a load of perishable groceries. So, I call from there to have the car towed. They said I could drive it, I don't think so. It sounded pretty bad by this time.

Now, I am pretty p'od because, according to this wonderful check up, everything should have been clean and clear. Another time my car broke down not too long after I'd had an inspection, a major hose broke. Luckily we weren't on a road trip. Which if we had the money we'd have been yesterday.......

Having service done by Firestone is acceptable to the warranty? I think I will find the closest one. A friends husband works there. Oh, wait, probably not covered by my extended warranty for repairs?

Ya know, I am pretty disappointed with these problems. Sure, I've been towed and safe but I've been lucky.

Anyone else have problems with an Escape? I love it but I am not happy with these issues. It seems to have these issues when I don't drive it, but, only for a couple of weeks, how can a car get that messed up that quickly?

{sorry BTD for hijacking your thread...}

Kevy Baby

07-04-2008, 09:07 AM

Having service done by Firestone is acceptable to the warranty? I think I will find the closest one. A friends husband works there. Oh, wait, probably not covered by my extended warranty for repairs?Firestone can probably do the extended warranty repairs. It is a usually a third party that covers the warranty. Check with Firestone.

NirvanaMan

07-04-2008, 10:48 AM

The Hilux is the most indestructable vehicle on earth!

NirvanaMan

07-04-2008, 10:55 AM

MW, how many miles are you at? Who performed the service? The Escape is a very solid car, but things like hoses, belts and the like are wear and tear parts and they do break over time. If it was just after if was supposed to be inspected however, and the dealer performed the service, then you need to give them hell. If the car is still under warranty, you could even call Ford Motor Company directly and tell them about the poor service you received from the dealer (if they are not able to resolve your concern).

Basically, $hit happens. Even to the best. My friend went through 3 transmissions in as many years in his Toyota. Ironically (and this is pretty common) when someone asks him how his Toyota was he tells them that it was great and problem-free. :)

MouseWife

07-04-2008, 01:54 PM

What a positive friend you have!! Well, I too, actually love my Escape. It is our vacation mobile, we picked it out exactly for our needs.

But...yes, I think, may be, the dealer we go to may not be so great. Dang, I am trying to remember how close it was to the servicing when the hose broke {but yes, hoses do break but they were supposed to check and if this was a big hose shouldn't they have noticed something?}.

It has 33,111 miles on it. Every complaint we've ever had they've swept away. This thing, with the emission, it was acting like it was low on power and then after about, I don't know, ten miles? it started to make a sound almost like it was missing, or that, yes, something was clogged somewhere.

Ya know, something they never could explain to us: {ours is a 4wd all of the time} one time, on a trip, we had driven from San Diego to just over the Grapevine. We stopped at a rest area and as we pulled in, slowing down, we heard a very loud noise like we were running over cobblestone. Even a man walking seemed to turn and see what was up {it was about 2 o'clock in the morning}. It was loud. So, the next morning we get up and check the road, no cobblestone.

The dealer said they couldn't find anything out, I talked with the service manager {or the dealer manager, someone high up} and explained it all and he said they checked it by computer. I think they thought we said it made a funny noise when we drove over cobblestone {yeah, I am going to the dealer every time I drive over a new surface....:rolleyes: }.

Anyway, what do you think about that? Oh, and after your response, I'll forget you are a mechanic. :D

Oh, and the service department is closed as well as the car rental place.

KevyBaby, thanks for that tip. I will check into it. A friends' husband left the Ford dealer to work there because he was not happy with their business tactics. {not sure which dealer, though}.

lashbear

07-04-2008, 07:34 PM

LashStoat

07-04-2008, 07:44 PM

Bear...Bear!!!

At least one of us has to worry about the metal roundy-roundy thing under the big metal lid. If I didn't then lumps would drop off and the car wouldn't go along when we pressed the pedals down anymore, unless we were on a down-hill slope - and some of the places we go are uphill, which would be a problem.

So give me my freakin' card back or you'll be doing a lot of hard yards, buster !!!

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX.

MouseWife

07-05-2008, 05:23 PM

I need to google that type of vehicle, never heard of it.

Okay, so, today they call and say that the right side is losing compression?
Could be the head or valves? It might be covered??? I would think that even the deductable would be.

Seriously, what could I have done to cause this damage? We've followed all of the guidelines.

I just can't believe it. In my experience, once you've had problems with your head {don't go there, too easy:p } you always will.

Okay, comments,advice, please!!

But, I am going off to enjoy the loaner car. No kids, off of work, I'm outta here! :D

alphabassettgrrl

07-05-2008, 05:59 PM

That's awful. What's the point of having a warranty if it doesn't cover things that actually go wrong? Oy. I hope you get it sorted out.

MouseWife

07-05-2008, 09:09 PM

Thanks, alphabassettgrrl. We have the weekend to fret over it. :(

I think if they don't cover it, I am going to go back over our files. I know we've complained about a flat spot for some time. I think that may have some connection. They always say the 'computer' says all is fine.

Maybe we need a new 'computer'? :rolleyes:

The only upside? We've been cruising around in a cool Mustang. Sure the gas is going to cost a lot but it's fun to drive something different.

alphabassettgrrl

07-05-2008, 10:56 PM

Gn2Dlnd

07-06-2008, 07:47 AM

Ok just spoke with my golf buddy who also happens to be the head of Approved Automotive Repair (AAR) for AAA.

Daaaamn! You ARE the car guy! :snap:

MouseWife

07-11-2008, 09:25 PM

Enjoy the Mustang! My friend rented one when she was visiting me one summer. She and her hubby got a convertible rental car, cuz it's the thing that they fit most comfortably in. Both of them are tall and regular cars just aren't comfy.

I still have it!! It is okay. I am glad I did not get one, though. It has a lot of power, it feels wonderful to drive but I only run around town so that really sucks. If I could take it out on an open road.....muahaahaa.....

My very tall friend had one and she hated it. But, it was mostly for her daughter. A convertible....that is what I'd love to rent and take up Hwy 1.

Anyways, they had to send the head out for service. I don't get it. I am tempted to take it to another mechanic when this is all said and done and make sure they did it right.

Bummer because I am supposed to pick up a friend, her tall son, and her baby w/carseat and I don't know how the heck we'll fit in that car. Oh well. Life could be worse, right?

alphabassettgrrl

07-13-2008, 06:28 PM

Yeah, drive right up Hwy 1 and stop when you get to Camarillo. :) We'll have some fun.

MouseWife

07-13-2008, 06:39 PM

Really? I'll make note of that and you just might be hearing from us whenever we get to do that drive!!

{which, I am bummed about because of the fires, I hope everyone is safe. It only makes me more determined to head up there to help their economy and spend some of my wee little cash there}

alphabassettgrrl

07-13-2008, 06:45 PM

It'd be fun to have you come up! Santa Barbara has good shopping, Camarillo even has an outlet mall which can be entertaining, and then there are museums. :) SB is a fun place to spend an evening people-watching. :)

MouseWife

07-13-2008, 07:04 PM

You know, those are areas I've always wanted to explore....so...to cross thread...you live close enough that you'll probably go to the LashPair Hearst Castle extraveganza? :D

I'm curious, how is your area with the current fires? I heard that large animals were being drawn out of the forrest areas, heading towards the beach. Have you heard of this?

alphabassettgrrl

07-13-2008, 09:46 PM

We have no problems with the fires. Some hazy skies, but that's about it. I haven't been up to SB recently, though.

I wonder how far Hearst castle is from here. I've never been there. Hopefully I can join in once it gets closer to the time. I'd love to hang with the Lashes - I only got to meet them once at Disneyland and I feel deprived.

NirvanaMan

07-14-2008, 09:49 AM

Ok if you are losing compression that is particularly bad and totally bizzarre at that low mileage. It is definitely covered by warrenty. If you aren't satisfied with the dealer, take it to a different one. Each dealer is totally independant. There are good ones and bad ones.

Those motors are put through severe tests for hundreds of thousands of miles of durability with proper use. Failure at 30k is beyond odd. But it could be as simple as a bad piston ring from a suplier. These things do happen, but it is odd and you ARE covered by warrenty. Don't take any crap from the dealer if they tell you otherwise.

MouseWife

07-14-2008, 11:31 AM

Thanks, NM! Yep, they did cover it but, like you say, this is particularly odd at this mileage. I mean, at all, actually. I know we've had vehicles that have overheated and that caused problems with the head. But, that hasn't happened here. When the water hose broke, I actually had been parked and so I didn't lose water while driving, the car didn't overheat. And, this time, I was on 'E' so I'd been watching the gauges so I saw it the moment it came on. Pulled over.

I am pretty upset, even though they have covered the repairs. When we bought this car, it was a big expense for us but we put out the $$ for it so we could have a nice vehicle to travel in and I could use it to get the Boy back and forth to school. I don't cruise around myself much. So, yeah, this really makes us look at this vehicle as a possible problem. And, I worry that for the life of it, I will have problems.

I am thinking, thinking, what to do. I have all of the complaints documented but what will that do for me? Even the promise of always having this problem covered sucks because what if we are on a road trip? I mean, I've been lucky to have broken down just ten miles from home each time.

Sorry, I'm rambling. I've just been thinking and thinking what to do. I loved the thought that it was a pretty new car {bought brand new} and a pleasure to drive on vacations~we've bought a yakima, bike rack, snow chains, things to make it the perfect trip vehicle. Dah!

They said it is ready but we are going to keep the Mustang for our errands today. I don't want to drive the Escape and have it not be 100% while we are up in the mountains {going to visit Gramps}.

Thank you so much for your info, I never thought of going over the general managers head at this dealer, I've had problems before. And, I need to follow up on what BTD said about the warranty work being covered by a different place, like Firestone. Like this work I just had done, if I could do it elsewhere I'd be happy.

MouseWife

07-30-2008, 10:12 PM

NirvanaMan~I had said I would forget you were a mechanic after you helped me out but....

Who do I contact within the Ford Company? I would rather have some direction instead of just getting something off of their website because I really trust no one!!!

Like I said, it was covered. I was pissed that my manufacturers warranty expired...on July 1st and I had it towed in on the 3rd. I do want to request they rethink that fairness of that, I had to pay only $100 but still, two freakin' days?

I told the the {crap, forget the real term they use...} guy who handled our car that it wasn't fair and what did the company have to say about that? It is a defect from the factory, at this low mileage. He said a car had less miles, sometimes it happens. I said from what I know, once a car has a problem like this, it always has problems. He said no that it was fine.

So...I have barely driven it. A tank of gas, really. And with the not to great gas mileage, not a lot of miles. I only have driven it to work and taken the boy to school, maybe once. So, no more than about 300 miles. In those miles, I felt the car was idling roughly. I had the Hubster drive it, he said 'Eh, don't really think that is anything but if you want to take it in, let's.'

Dropped it off this morning, the guy, to me, was a bit rude. Like, back again? And for what? No one listens to women!!!!!!! He barely spoke to us, and, didn't give us an estimate paper, just said he'd call. He did. Nothing wrong with it, come pick it up.

When I did, I felt a bit foolish but reassured that my car had been looked over and it was safe.....They had driven it 15 miles and put it on the computer, right? So, we are good to go....into the driveway where the freakin' light is already coming on!!!!! WTF???? I call and am pissed. I ask how many times does my car have to have a problem for the company have to say 'it is a problem'? He said 6 or 7.

Anyways, I took it back {I live 3/4 of a mile from the dealer...I know the light did not come on for them because it would have stayed on, but, WTF}. He asks me to leave the car on, I show him it is the same motor light. I ask him if they put it on the computer? Yes, he said. Would that detect a problem?
Then he tried to put it back on me 'That is why I asked you when you dropped it off.....' and I shot back 'I told you when I dropped it off it was idling roughly. Did you put it on the computer????'

ARGH!!! I am soooo disappointed. :( I do love my car. You know, if we had ignored the idling and driven it up to L.A. the other day, we'd have never made it to San Juan Capistrano. I am so upset that I have to deal with this. I did not buy a new car to have to listen to every sound, figure out every smell.

I'm sorry. But, can you advise me? Who do I contact?

Thanks if you can help me, and thanks also, if you can't. :)

Morrigoon

07-30-2008, 10:16 PM

Takes quite a few issues before you can lemon law it

MouseWife

07-30-2008, 10:24 PM

A few issues or one issue with a lot of reoccurances? I have had other problems, made other complaints, but, they always say 'put it on the computer, it didn't find anything/couldn't recreate that situation'.

We have all of the paperwork, all of our complaints.

Thanks for that info, Morri. :0)

MouseWife

07-31-2008, 12:08 PM

Upon research, I have found a link to a site about the Lemon Law. It states that:

"that the defects complained of substantially impair the car's use, value or safety to the consumer.

Generally, under the California lemon law the more severe the problem with the car, the fewer repairs that may be needed to satisfy the reasonable number of attempts requirement. This requirement may also be satisfied if the car was out of service due to warranty repairs for an excessive number of days.

The California lemon law assesses whether the car’s defects substantially impair its use or value or compromises its safety from the view of the consumer who owns and operates the car.

As stated above, the California lemon law provides an extremely effective remedy for consumers who have experienced warranty repairs with their car. Please do not hesitate to contact our office to speak to one of our California lemon law attorneys with any question that you may have regarding your specific situation. Any advice or actual representation that we provide is done at no cost to you."

Really, the problems we've had have always made us feel insecure in this vehicle and I've always felt it wasn't worth crap because of them {I wouldn't sale it to anyone I know}.

Does anyone have any experience with this Lemon Law? Is that last paragraph true, if I go through the attorneys on the website that they will help me and the Ford Co has to pay? Should I contact the Ford Customer Service first or go through the Lemon Law people?

Today they told me a whole bunch of other things that are wrong....

NirvanaMan

07-31-2008, 06:07 PM

It doesn't sound like a lemon to me, just some bad service from the dealer. Contact FoMoCo's customer service. Explain the issue. If that doesn't work, ask to see the field service manager for your area. He should be able to help straighten things out.

BTW, I am not a mechanic. I am a digital marketing exec. ;)

alphabassettgrrl

07-31-2008, 06:12 PM

MW- that stinks. I hope they straighten everything out for you.

madmonkeygirl

07-31-2008, 06:30 PM

My mom had a problem with a Ford dealer when she bought her Ford Explorer. It had problems from the moment she drove it off the lot (it wasn't even brand new but used) so it was in the shop every single day or thereabouts with something else wrong. She made sure she brought it back to the dealership and demanded to trade it in for something more reliable which she ended up with a newer sport model (think Jurrasic Park) vehicle lol... FORD stands for Fix Or Repair Daily but i think you have might have a lemon.

MouseWife

07-31-2008, 07:56 PM

I will contact the FoMoCo {:D } and see what they can do. But, yes, crappy service. LOL I thought you were a mechanic!!! Do you like to work on cars?

Thanks, alphabassettgrrl!! It is quite stressful! I have been without a car before and I have had crappy cars before, but, we put out the $$ to have a good reliable fun car. *sigh*

madmonkeygirl~LOL I had heard 'Found On Road Dead'. :eek: Yeah, I had to think about how many days I have been without my car. What is a headache is trying to make sure where the Ford dealers are along our travel routes in case anything happens.

Oh, but, I've learned in this thread that with the warranty I should be covered if I break down away from one, eh? Sort of like a doctor, if in an emergency, you can go to any hospital?

They called and said the work was done but I said I'd get it tomorrow. I like the truck I am using. :D

I am going to have them explain what exactly they did, again. Carbon build up on the top, he said where the carburator {sp} used to be or something like that. Okay, something that I don't want to complain about but it doesn't help matters, most everyone has thick Spanish accents. So, you have to decipher what the heck they are saying. They even type up the reports with an accent. We were getting concerned reading it, the 'cober' and a bunch of other words that didn't make sense, what other work had they done??? Oh, 'cover'. They spelled it like they said it. :rolleyes:

Again, thanks to you guys for your help and support!!

alphabassettgrrl

07-31-2008, 08:02 PM

Definitely make them explain what they did. Show you on the car. Is there a different dealer you can go to next time? It's hard when you can't understand the guy's accent. Maybe a manager can talk to you?

BarTopDancer

07-31-2008, 08:05 PM

Ford has some sort of secondary insurance plan where it's only $50 or $100 to fix, but you can only use it twice. Or the dealer was messing with me. I had big issues with my Exploder. Got rid of it when the check engine light came on and it was barely 2 years old.

I still haven't taken my car in. Bad BTD, Bad! I will do it next week, when my co-worker gets back from her business trip so I can get a ride to my office and back to my car.

MouseWife

07-31-2008, 08:37 PM

abg~ LOL Well, I guess it is where I live....accents everywhere.....

Yeah, my car barely had 33, 000 miles when that happened with the pistons. I don't know about that $50/$100 deductible being only twice. That would make me want to explode myself!!!

But, how did you get rid of it? I am considering going to that CarMax place {I think that is it} and seeing what they would give me for it as well as having them do a thorough inspection.

NM~ Hubster said he is going to get all of the paperwork organized and start with talking with customer service. Then the field manager. Then if that doesn't work, the LL people.

BTD~I hear you about taking the car in, but definitely needing a ride is a top reason!

blueerica

07-31-2008, 09:10 PM

So, I'll add my own comments... once I get a quote on HOW MUCH MY CAR WILL COST ME NOW.

/cry

NirvanaMan

07-31-2008, 10:47 PM

Umm, Escapes have never been carbureted (they are too modern a vehicle), so either they are just making things up or perhaps you mixed up what they said. :)

DreadPirateRoberts

07-31-2008, 11:10 PM

I've got a cracked block, beat that. :)

LashStoat

08-01-2008, 12:33 AM

Bear...Bear!!!

Our new 'Red' Bug Orion Scooter will be ready for pickup tomorrow...no more huge motoring costs (though we've still got the truck to piggy-back the scooter if need be). Yay !!!

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX.

blueerica

08-01-2008, 09:30 AM

Financial damage stands at around $650, which includes a LOT of stuff getting done, and the knowledge that I will be getting more work done in the very near future.

BarTopDancer

08-01-2008, 09:46 AM

new car!

blueerica

08-01-2008, 10:34 AM

No, I already agreed, so next step: aside from oil changes, run this baby into the ground. Oh, but only after I get new shocks, struts, whatever I need to make it a smoother running into the ground.

MouseWife

08-01-2008, 12:36 PM

Umm, Escapes have never been carbureted (they are too modern a vehicle), so either they are just making things up or perhaps you mixed up what they said. :)

He said it was where the carburator used to be. I remember that.

This is what the thing says

'Performed TBDY and MAF Service. 88.

Replaced plug #4 .

This damn thing doesn't make any sense. It is pure labor, the cost for parts is 8.51. Bill is 185.17.

Hubster said they called it 'Carbon build up on the air intake'. Doesn't say shiet about that on this paper. They also charged us for the deductable when they said they wouldn't, waiting for a response on that. I was at work, lucky for them {and me, cause jail would not do well for me :mad: }

So, on top of that, they tell me my car is ready yesterday. I was so pissed I said I'd pick it up today {let the hubster go with me, I ended up having to work}. He goes, pays the inflated amount and then gets into the car and the f'in light is still on. So he has to take it back and get another rental.

I called and asked the service person, I told him I know he doesn't do the repairs but how can the mechanics bring the car up when the light is still on? How can they say the work is done???

I seriously wish I had taken the car elsewhere. I just didn't want to drive it in its' condition. But, look, after the major service, in just over 300 miles, it was back in the shop with the light on. So, how did they say it was fine? Then, they said it was fine and not even driven out of the parking lot and the light is back on.

I have so many issues, I don't know who to call first.

DPR~ that is why I won't drive it. With the problems it had, I know that if I drive it, that could happen. Right?

blueerica~ that sounds like the cars we had prior to this. We thought we'd have many many years without any of that crap. We bought our son a '99 Ranger. It is beat up looking but runs well. They gave us a list of $750 worth of things to fix, we told them to just change the oil.

One thing wrong with it, the indicator is off. {the drive, park, etc. indicator}. They wanted $175 to fix it. I did see on line that you can fix it at home, I just want to make sure to do it right. :eek:

blueerica

08-01-2008, 12:41 PM

Wow, MW... Wow.

Sounds like you've had some Grade A crap to go through... yeesh... If I'm reading this right, they just made up stuff on your invoice? Wow.. just wow.

MouseWife

08-01-2008, 12:49 PM

It totally looks like it. I am waiting a bit, trying to calm down, before I go down there. I am going to call the place NM told me to, first, before I go down there.

What BS is that to not even explain what they did? I swear I am going to graffitti that damn place with a giant 'FVCKERS!!!' :evil:

I am thisclose to taking money for this vehicle and then buying a kicker car and going back to renting a car for road trips. Out of 33,000 miles, probably half are from road trips. So, a kicker car could work to get the Boy to school and me to work.

Hubbys' Saturn? Wonderful. And, it is 6 months older than my car and it has 42,000. Geesh, thinking about that, he'd better slow down on the miles or he'll use up his 75,000/7 extended warranty too soon! The Boy should get it, and the Hubster wants a Sky.

Any news on those, NM?

DreadPirateRoberts

08-01-2008, 01:04 PM

'Performed TBDY and MAF Service. 88.

TBDY is probably an acronym for Throttle Body
MAF is probably a Mass Air Flow sensor

Both of those can get carboned up, so they probably did clean them. You would be charged for labor, no parts to speak of.

DPR~ that is why I won't drive it. With the problems it had, I know that if I drive it, that could happen. Right?

No, a block gets cracked when the previous owner drives the car without coolant and lets the engine overheat.

MouseWife

08-01-2008, 01:10 PM

LOL Yeah, that is how our previous cars started out, being overheated. The head/pistons were resurfaced {?} which I thought was also related to being overheated/cracking a block?

DreadPirateRoberts

08-01-2008, 01:22 PM

LOL Yeah, that is how our previous cars started out, being overheated. The head/pistons were resurfaced {?} which I thought was also related to being overheated/cracking a block?

yes

MouseWife

08-01-2008, 01:31 PM

Are these new cars super sensitive or what? A major hose broke some time back {maybe Feb? March?} but it broke when I parked, that is when all of the water came out. I did not drive it. BUT thinking to when it is dropped off at the dealer and when they get it to the work bay, THEY probably drove it. They kept turning my car on this time and when it was towed in for the major problem beginning of July, they were driving it here and there. I figure it is too much to ask to have some type of system where they don't drive cars but have the team push it to the work bay?

I am currently on hold with FoMoCuService.

The idiot who said he'd call me back by 2:00 must be waiting until 2:00.

MouseWife

08-01-2008, 07:36 PM

Okay.....they are working on getting the deductable refunded. The FoMoCuService was surprised at all that I told them happened with my car, but other than offering up an address for new vehicles, they didn't do much. But at least, I hope, that call went on record. They took all of my info.

So what did they figure out what was wrong with it? The computer. They will replace it at no cost to us but now I wonder if the work they just did was even necessary. I am going to bring that up when I go back. Almost $200 of work, if unnecessary, that money should be in my pocket, not theirs.

Thanks you guys for all of your sympathy, your tips, etc. We are still going to see what we can do, some of the things could be serious. Once the vehicle is fixed, and, they've run it on the computer again, I am taking it to another Ford dealer and have them check it out.

Oh, well, on that note, the Customer Service said to take it to a Ford dealer because their computers would read more accurately than one at say, Auto Zone. Is this true? And, I was a bit surprised that she put me on hold and called the dealer. Well, at least they know I know they know. :D {Oh yeah, they love to talk to me, running around in circles!}

Well, I do like to drive this pick up. Wish I had money to go somewhere while I can put some miles on it.....

DreadPirateRoberts

08-02-2008, 03:41 AM

Oh, well, on that note, the Customer Service said to take it to a Ford dealer because their computers would read more accurately than one at say, Auto Zone. Is this true?

Each manufacturer has many company specific custom error codes, so it's quite possible that their diagnostic computer would know more about them than the generic Auto Zone one. Both would tell you that the computer threw a code, but the Ford one might tell you a little more about it.

MouseWife

08-02-2008, 05:07 PM

Each manufacturer has many company specific custom error codes, so it's quite possible that their diagnostic computer would know more about them than the generic Auto Zone one. Both would tell you that the computer threw a code, but the Ford one might tell you a little more about it.

Thank you, that is a very important thing to know. :snap:

MouseWife

08-05-2008, 05:44 PM

You aren't going to believe this....went to pick it up after they put in a new 'computer'....it was making some odd noise. Something about the exhaust again. The service managers heard it and took it back to the mechanic who said it was normal. Of course, the SM knew I wasn't going to take that. He let me decide and I said that it wasn't making that noise before and it wasn't making that noise when I bought it new. So, it isn't acceptable. He got me another rental.

I wasn't even cursing this time. I think my mind is blown. I told him I had no more money to give them. I told him I expect them to fix it but I have no more money for them. And I am not kidding. :(

MouseWife

08-07-2008, 04:23 PM

I really wish I could let this thread die. Really.

So, what, was that Tuesday when I went to pick it up and it was making a noise? That the mechanic said was normal? Well.....they never called me {were supposed to check it yesterday and let me know....} so I called today. I was told the timing chain has a broken link....that the noise was from that.

All I know is this time, if when I go to pick it up and it isn't right, I am calling the Ford Roadside assistance and having them tow it to a different place. Don't know if they'll do it but I won't drive it if it is running poorly to not make the problem worse nor to break down.

So, now I also want to report them to the BBB. Their mechanics must be monkeys.

alphabassettgrrl

08-07-2008, 10:05 PM

30,000 miles and your *timing chain* is broken??? Wow. Got to wonder.

Hopefully they'll fix it right this time.

DreadPirateRoberts

08-07-2008, 10:45 PM

It must not have been totally broken, the engine won't run if the timing chain is broken, loose maybe. If the timing chain stretches (depending on the material), eventually it can jump a tooth, and then the engine really runs funny (if at all).

What year is your Ford?

You might check the TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) and Recalls see if there is anything there that matches your issues:

http://www.fordforum.com/ford/browse.htm

CoasterMatt

08-07-2008, 11:01 PM

Lemme know when you wanna discuss rollercoaster maintenance...

MouseWife

08-08-2008, 09:17 AM

abg~ no kidding! At first I was like 'Did he say chain or belt 'cause I know this vehicle doesn't have a belt...' but he said chain. Then, I was like WTF this shouldn't be happening until *maybe* 100,000 miles!!! If I get back in the vehicle and it isn't right, I am having it towed right then and there to another place.

DPR~ See, this is what I don't get. The initial problem way back July 3, the piston/head whatever issue, Hubster and I were thinking if maybe this timing chain thing was connected? But, why didn't they find it then? If they fixed everything, like they say they do {but it never is} how could they not see that? And, if they are test driving it, how can they miss what is so obvious to me? And, I still can't believe when I turned around and brought it back with that noise they said it was 'normal'. If it were the timing chain and I went home, I wonder what would have happened to it? I have expressed to them over and over, I want my car safe, I do not want to break down anywhere any more!! I've been lucky to have been just 10 or so miles from my home.

LOL CM~ hey, if you have anything to add....

Thanks for the link to recalls. Of course, when I've asked them they say there are none. I'm so stressed over this. {she must be, you say, she keeps bringing this thread back to life!} This is the first new car we've ever owned. I swear, we never had problems like this with any old car we've purchased.

Betty

08-08-2008, 09:22 AM

MouseWife

08-08-2008, 09:33 AM

Oooooh! That site was so confusing!! Do you have to be a mechanic to understand what that stuff means? Are all of those things listed on the TSB/Recalls list things that are wrong or could be wrong with this vehicle???

I want a horse. :snap:

MouseWife

08-08-2008, 09:36 AM

I think my car got jealous as the check engine light came on after it downshifted hard... and then all the little boxes around the drive letter for the transmission all lit up at once. Dagnabit. Took it right in to the dealer since he's the only mechanic near my office that I'm aware of - I'm sure there are little hole in the wall places but I have serious trust issues with mechanics. I'm hoping it's going to be warranty work - it's only a few years old.

sigh.

Stupid cars.

I got a "new" (to me) one so I could avoid the issues we were having with a 10 year old car. Now this.

sigh.

Stupid cars.

I feel your pain, I really do. Yep, we had purchased a somewhat new van, it had only 26,000 but it was about 11 or 12 years old when we finally put it to rest. By that time the a/c wasn't working the brakes always a problem, the steering was becoming shakey. And that was our good vehicle!!

I am saying a little prayer to be sent your way that they fix it the first time, right, and that you never have to see their faces again.

alphabassettgrrl

08-08-2008, 10:23 AM

I have trust issues with mechanics, too. I always used to watch them and make them explain *everything*. I was a huge pain in the butt.

I've made it my business to know a few things about cars, so at least I can have a better clue if they're trying to sell me a line of hooey. I've caught two of them trying to con me. I may not be able to work on them, but I know the difference in function between an alternator and a starter (one of the attempted cons).

MouseWife

08-08-2008, 10:46 AM

abg~ it does help to know a few things. I knew that I didn't have a belt. And, I know that it is too early for the chain to be broken, replaced.

And, when they told me the noise I heard was normal. I swear, he couldn't look me in the eye when he said that. It was ridiculous.

I'm really sick over this. It isn't like an iPod {which would actually be a serious bummer} but my car. This concert in Irvine this weekend, I won't drive it up there, if I even get it back. Or maybe I should. Give them hell if it breaks down on me.

I think I now need to know more about the law.

alphabassettgrrl

08-08-2008, 11:36 AM

MouseWife

08-08-2008, 11:54 AM

Yeah, that's probably a good idea. I don't know anything about law.

I did see that - you knew you didn't have a belt. That's good. I had a timing chain break while I was driving but that was ... I don't remember the mileage, but we bought the car at 80,000 miles and drove it to 200,000. I guess it was about 150,000 miles. I learned I should change it every 80,000 miles and that I could have damaged things by its breaking while the engine was on. Ok. I guess I got lucky.

Oh yeah, I learned about the timing belt with our older cars. We learned later with the other vehicles that they switched to chains.

But, we did learn that you should change those belts every 60,000 miles, before they break, before they do damage. It could have been 80,000 or else, which is probably the case, your vehicle wasn't a Ford. :rolleyes: