Thomas Rogers
Well-Known Member
I would like the opinions of you trusted members on a dealer service experience.
Some background: When I purchased my 2007 Ford Focus new from the dealer I got the extended warranty because extending to 75K/5 years was mucho cheap when I bought the car (around $100).
Well, I am nearing both the 5 year and the 75k mark and a few things have come up. The airbag light was coming on and I needed a new clockspring. This was intermittent. Also, the trunk release was dodgy (sometimes making a rapid vibrating clicking sound). The latter item was fixed once before under the original 3/36k warranty. Seems to be a fragile part.
Anyways, I took the vehicle in to the dealer to have both those things done. First thing was that I found out I had a deductible (essentially a co-pay...lol) for the extended warranty. That was news to me and not highlighted when I purchased the warranty (a Ford warranty). $100 out-of-pocket to fix both things. Not too bad...better than the alternative.
But, here is the kicker...
A month after the service my "eBrake/Brake Warning Info" light started to come on and off randomly while driving. Thought maybe the sensor was shoddy thinking the eBrake was still on. But it is also the dummy light for signaling to the operator brake issues and the owners manual indicates to take the vehicle in for service immediately.
Well, I scheduled service the next Monday (it was a Friday). But, I figured I would try to diagnose the problem myself, looking for anything.
First thing I found was that the cap to the brake fluid reservoir was loose...actually barely on.
Next thing I noticed was that the level of the brake fluid was below the "min" line of the reservoir. Hhhmm...
Well, I got some DOT 3 brake fluid (per the specs) and topped off the reservoir, put the cap back on TIGHTLY, and the problem went away. That was 3 weeks ago. No light since. I cancelled the service appt that very same day.
So, my question to you all?
Should I trust my dealer service center? I ask this because they provide a nice service in which anytime you take your vehicle in they check all fluids, tire pressure, tire wear, brake wear, etc, and give a nice report.
My suspicion is that when doing that inspection, the service tech didn't secure the cap to the brake fluid reservoir. For almost 5 years, no problems. A few weeks after a service appt, problems.
If I were NOT a trusting man, I might think they did this on purpose, knowing it might lead to an issue and another service call. But, I want to give them the benefit of the doubt.
So, trust, or no trust!
TJR
Some background: When I purchased my 2007 Ford Focus new from the dealer I got the extended warranty because extending to 75K/5 years was mucho cheap when I bought the car (around $100).
Well, I am nearing both the 5 year and the 75k mark and a few things have come up. The airbag light was coming on and I needed a new clockspring. This was intermittent. Also, the trunk release was dodgy (sometimes making a rapid vibrating clicking sound). The latter item was fixed once before under the original 3/36k warranty. Seems to be a fragile part.
Anyways, I took the vehicle in to the dealer to have both those things done. First thing was that I found out I had a deductible (essentially a co-pay...lol) for the extended warranty. That was news to me and not highlighted when I purchased the warranty (a Ford warranty). $100 out-of-pocket to fix both things. Not too bad...better than the alternative.
But, here is the kicker...
A month after the service my "eBrake/Brake Warning Info" light started to come on and off randomly while driving. Thought maybe the sensor was shoddy thinking the eBrake was still on. But it is also the dummy light for signaling to the operator brake issues and the owners manual indicates to take the vehicle in for service immediately.
Well, I scheduled service the next Monday (it was a Friday). But, I figured I would try to diagnose the problem myself, looking for anything.
First thing I found was that the cap to the brake fluid reservoir was loose...actually barely on.
Next thing I noticed was that the level of the brake fluid was below the "min" line of the reservoir. Hhhmm...
Well, I got some DOT 3 brake fluid (per the specs) and topped off the reservoir, put the cap back on TIGHTLY, and the problem went away. That was 3 weeks ago. No light since. I cancelled the service appt that very same day.
So, my question to you all?
Should I trust my dealer service center? I ask this because they provide a nice service in which anytime you take your vehicle in they check all fluids, tire pressure, tire wear, brake wear, etc, and give a nice report.
My suspicion is that when doing that inspection, the service tech didn't secure the cap to the brake fluid reservoir. For almost 5 years, no problems. A few weeks after a service appt, problems.
If I were NOT a trusting man, I might think they did this on purpose, knowing it might lead to an issue and another service call. But, I want to give them the benefit of the doubt.
So, trust, or no trust!
TJR