Dealership tried to %$&^ me over... - Diesel Forum

SCB · 03-08-2005, 01:49 AM

Got back my 04 CC F-250 from the dealership today. Had the transmission recall done as far as I can tell all is well. It took the truck a second to learn the shift points again, but once that was complete it drove well. Now on to why I posting...While at the dealership I also had the tires rotated, the fuel filters changed and the alignment done due to the truck pulling to the right for the second time. The truck had previously been in for this at 8,000 miles. The dealership completed the work then called me saying it was ready and I had a $151.00 bill for the alignment. When I asked why stating the truck had only 12,400 miles on it and should be covered under warranty. The service manager stated the front end alignment has a 12,000 mile warranty only not 36,000. For me to say I was mad is an under statement and I refused to pay the bill. The service manager spoke with someone at the dealership and after some discussion they decided to cover it under warranty this time only. At no time when I requested the work be done was I informed it would be out of warranty. They just did the work and tried to stick the bill on me. Has anyone else had this happen to them. Makes one wonder how often dealerships do this to customers (ex: women and older citizens who might not stand up to them).. My concern is that any other alignment problems might not be covered if this issue continues with my truck. Info from those with this problem or the wondering front end problem would be helpfull concerning warranty. Is this 12,000 mile warranty correct?????

Thanks
Steve

ford_doctor · 03-08-2005, 06:45 AM

You are in the wrong. Adjustments are only covered for the first 12,000 miles or the first year, which ever comes first. IF the alignment issues you had at 8,000 miles were not corrected at that time, why did you wait 4,400 miles to say anything about it? If you had rolled out of the dealer then and the truck was still pulling you should have brought it right back. Aside from that, dealers can technically only do one alignment under warranty unless repairs were made involving parts replacement of course. Finally, who's to say you don't live in a area more densely populated with potholes than people or go off roading - I am making no accusation on your driving habits but "things happen" when we drive. The warranty does not cover concerns caused by environmental conditions, operator error or stupidity. Sounds to me that you %$&^ over the dealer.

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ralphinnj · 03-08-2005, 06:47 AM

I thought the form you sign when you drop off the vehicle has a part where you can check off "not to exceed." However, as a general rule, I would advise people to clear the air on that at the time of drop off. Just say something like "I want to be called if any of the work is not warranty." In your case, I do think they were short-changing you, even if your warranty is 12K on the suspension, you were very close, they should have given it to you without you having to argue about it.

RL

kr62 · 03-08-2005, 08:20 AM

if the warranty is 12.000 then that should be it at what point should close be stopped what is the limit of close
or if you are a good dealer costumer then use up a after warranty adjustment

catadjuster · 03-08-2005, 08:51 AM

I wouldn't expect the alignment to even be covered under warranty, unless it needs it within the first 5-6000 miles or so. After that, it should be the responsibility of the driver unless there are major issues with the parts on the front end. Normal everyday driving will eventually cause changes that require an alignment. I kind of agree with what was posted earlier, you screwed over the dealer. Congrats on that!

tincan · 03-08-2005, 09:49 AM

You were in the wrong. This has always been Ford's policy.
Tincan

LeeChristianson · 03-08-2005, 10:06 AM

[ QUOTE ]
You are in the wrong. Adjustments are only covered for the first 12,000 miles or the first year, which ever comes first. IF the alignment issues you had at 8,000 miles were not corrected at that time, why did you wait 4,400 miles to say anything about it? If you had rolled out of the dealer then and the truck was still pulling you should have brought it right back. Aside from that, dealers can technically only do one alignment under warranty unless repairs were made involving parts replacement of course. Finally, who's to say you don't live in a area more densely populated with potholes than people or go off roading - I am making no accusation on your driving habits but "things happen" when we drive. The warranty does not cover concerns caused by environmental conditions, operator error or stupidity. Sounds to me that you %$&^ over the dealer.

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[/ QUOTE ]

What he said.... You were wrong on this one. Frankly, you may want to go back to them and pay the bill if for no other reason than to clear your concience. It's what I would do, but that's just me.

Best to you.

SCB · 03-08-2005, 11:01 AM

I'm responding to my post and as I stated before I felt I was being taken advantaged of. When at no time was I informed that the alignment would not be covered under warranty unitl I picked the truck back up. When I dropped the truck off one week ago yesterday I spoke in great detail concerning the alignment problem with the dealership, and I was told they would fix it. For two alignment problems to occur in 12,400 miles seemed like a problem to me. Yes the truck does get driven off road as it is actually used as a pickup should be it hauls feed, livestock, hunting buddies, and anything else. This is my first Ford, I've had 3 Chevy trucks before this one neither of them had alignment issues until well past 60,000 miles and I drove one of those trucks 240,000 miles beofre getting rid of it. I feel the trucks are ment to be worked and should perform as advertised. As to why I waited 4,000 miles to readdress this issue I needed the truck in use not sitting for a week at the dealership. I spent 40,000 bucks for this truck as did everyone else I feel I should get a 40,000 bucks worth of use and service for 36,000 miles. If people disagree that is what makes this country great!!!! Thanks for your feed back.

ford_doctor · 03-08-2005, 01:13 PM

It's not that anybody disagrees with you it's the tone of your post. Different points of view were stated and all made sense. Why did you wait 4400 miles, why didn't you make your feelings known at the time you dropped off, why didn't the dealer have you sign for the repair or call you for an approval? I honestly think the real issue here is the lack of communication between you and the dealer regardless of who's fault it is.

In all fairness to you, and any other owner for that matter, two alignments in 12400 miles is a little concerning. I think one reason the dealer stepped up and took care of the alignment for you is that you do some of your servicing with them. (?) The better your relationship with the dealer the better ownership experience you will have. I see it every day and yes my friend, it is a great country!

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m1a2d3 · 03-08-2005, 03:38 PM

if the alignment fixes your front end problem you should feel lucky. many of us have trucks that wander all over road. i agree with you fix should be free i have trucks with 120000 miles that have never had alignment still track well and tire where is even. they drive on same exact roads as my ford that is all over road. it has 7000 miles.seems ford will screw you anyway they can.they have no idea what customer service is. i would glady give one of my customers the benifit of the doubt or eat one hour labor to assure when they wanted to spend another 40k they came to me. i guess when your product is as bad as thiers you have no choice

rstaichi · 03-08-2005, 11:04 PM

When I brought my truck in the 2nd time (about 5000 miles)for wondering they charge me too for an alinment.
I never asked if under warrenty cuz I fugured it could'nt be, cuz who knows how I jump...I mean drive my truck.

Mach1 · 03-09-2005, 02:20 AM

If the truck was in for waranty at 8000 and it was noted that the alignment had problems, dont the counter reset and start over because it was brought to the attention of the dealer??

The dealer I had covered not one but TWO General crappy tires being out of round...two different times, one was at ~20000 miles..The dealer has room to play...

There is a diplomatic way to handle these kinds of problems, use this as a learning experience and go on...Be careful next time dealing with the dealership...I make notes and get copies of my service orders and computer print outs, even when they dont offer them to me..

ford_doctor · 03-09-2005, 10:19 AM

[ QUOTE ]
There is a diplomatic way to handle these kinds of problems, use this as a learning experience and go on...Be careful next time dealing with the dealership...I make notes and get copies of my service orders and computer print outs, even when they dont offer them to me..

[/ QUOTE ]

BINGO!

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