Had the car in for a cat replacement. The car was driven to see if the SES light would come back on. Is a 30 mile round trip drive necessary to test this?
Posted by RagSS (Member # 1127) on :
...does seem a bit much. I'd question the dealer, ...moreso to let them know you're aware of the 30 mile drive. Otherwise if the problem was fixed, ...it really depends upon your relationship with the dealer. Again, ...30 miles does seem a bit on the high side, but it could be legitimate...
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
Maybe it actually took the tech several miles to get the light to come on and maybe it was driven after the repair was made to confirm the repair.
Posted by WayneSS01 (Member # 734) on :
quote:Originally posted by 2002Z4CSS: Maybe it actually took the tech several miles to get the light to come on and maybe it was driven after the repair was made to confirm the repair.
Good point.
The SES light came on, a friend auto tapped and found PO420. The next day I took it by the dealer after lunch. They were unable to get to the car that afternoon. On the way home the SES light went off. I brought the car back a few days later. The SES light never did come back on. They replaced the cat.
Posted by Steve da Wrench (Member # 1301) on :
30 miles probably may not have even been enough to test it properly, believe it or not. I usually just let the customer take the "test drive" on an OBDII car, since it can sometime take DAYS of driving to run all of the necessary tests after making a repair. I could go on for a LONG time about the complexity of "drive cycles", monitor resets, etc, but it would be too boring
I would not say its out of line, but it wouldnt hurt to question them about it, just to make sure what they did, and if they found anything.
Posted by SS 891 (Member # 1968) on :
quote:Originally posted by Steve da Wrench: I could go on for a LONG time about the complexity of "drive cycles", monitor resets, etc
Exactly, I do get questioned about it on some repairs, but drive cycles on intermittent trouble codes can take some time and miles depending on the type of problem. I normally inform the customer after the initial test drive if more are needed and the possibility of 20+ miles or more. And yes, even on Cavs and Vans, not just 'Vettes and Camaros... lol Posted by WayneSS01 (Member # 734) on :
Thanks guys! Posted by Oh2xSSivLS1 (Member # 1915) on :
quote:Originally posted by SS 891:
quote:Originally posted by Steve da Wrench: I could go on for a LONG time about the complexity of "drive cycles", monitor resets, etc
Exactly, I do get questioned about it on some repairs, but drive cycles on intermittent trouble codes can take some time and miles depending on the type of problem. I normally inform the customer after the initial test drive if more are needed and the possibility of 20+ miles or more. And yes, even on Cavs and Vans, not just 'Vettes and Camaros... lol
I'd like to second that. In rare situations cars get some miles in service. They would always question me as a service advisor.
In one case. We had an 00 SS in the shop and we put nearly 200 miles on it over two weeks. Some serious fuel delivery issues, which in turn killed the cats.
Scott
Posted by mhayman (Member # 146) on :
quote:Originally posted by SS 891: I normally inform the customer after the initial test drive if more are needed and the possibility of 20+ miles or more. And yes, even on Cavs and Vans, not just 'Vettes and Camaros... lol
That is exactly how it should be handled. The customer should know if it's being done so they can expect to find some extra miles on the car. If nothing was said, I would definitely let the service advisor know and also suggest they inform you next time.
Or just take your car in on empty next time! Make them pump the gas if they want to drive it! Posted by Fbodfather (Member # 1119) on :
I can understand the mileage. One thing a good dealer does not want and that is a 'come back'...and it is wise to drive the car to ensure that things are correct...it COULD be that they drove it...found something not right, and did more work on it.
One other thing....in many states, a couple of 'come backs' and it's lemon law time.......
Think of it this way....aren't you glad they fixed it right the first time???
Posted by WayneSS01 (Member # 734) on :
Yes, fixing it right the first time is preferable. A fellow club member works there and has been instrumental in seeing to this. This is why the car was taken to this particular dealer. Even though they are not the closest one to me. Last summer they had to replace the pinion bearings after the seal had been replaced elsewhere. The nut was torqued too tight and ruined the bearings.
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