So p*ssed at my dealership

[The Home 6]

Just wanted to rant a bit, and have a question at the end. This morning my YM car (paid off and over 10 years old, ) did not put out any heat, even cranked all the way up. I didn't worry too much about it, but then the engine temperature started creeping up.

After class, I went to the dealership. Turns out that I have a hole in my radiator. It was leaking out antifreeze, which for some reason makes the heater not work.

ANYWHOOOO- I had gotten a brand new radiator put in last year (from the dealership). Unfortunately, when I say "last year", it was a year and 2 months ago, so there is no warranty, nothing. I have to buy a completely new radiator.

I called Big Sarge, and he said to just drive around with antifreeze in the back of the car and put it in as I need it. He will deal with the car (and presumably yell at the dealership service department) when he gets home next week.

In this situation, is there anything that I can say to the service department folks to try to give me a break on a new radiator? I'm just so mad. I love my car, not with a Doxie-session, but we just bought a new car for BS, and have a car payment on that. We just would be too strapped for getting me a replacement car now.

2 months over a year....sheesh.

[Deleted]

Local Dealership doesn't do anything unless corporate agrees to it. You call the main customer service for your brand of car and explain the situation nicely. Sometimes they will take to heart their brand reputation and want to make it right for you.

One year warranty on parts installed by dealer? Never heard of such a thing. You get 90 days in my neck of the woods!

[Abby Normal]

If the local dealership won't do anything, call the customer service # for the manufacturer. They should put you in contact with a the area rep. Keep going up the food chain from there. Complain that the supposedly new radiator only lasted 14 months.

They may not fully cover it, but they may do part. I wrote a letter to the GM and customer service manager of a particular comapany and managed to get them to part of a transmission.

[milee]

Before going too far with the complaint, find out why the radiator has a hole in it. Some of them are in a place where they can be damaged by road debris. If the hole looks like it was caused by a rock being thrown up or some other physical damage, it's unfortunate but not really the dealer or manufacturer's fault.

I only bring that up because I once had a radiator damaged by a rock kicked up on a highway.

[midjd]

Oct 30, 2012 11:01:38 GMT -5 milee said:

Before going too far with the complaint, find out why the radiator has a hole in it. Some of them are in a place where they can be damaged by road debris. If the hole looks like it was caused by a rock being thrown up or some other physical damage, it's unfortunate but not really the dealer or manufacturer's fault.

I only bring that up because I once had a radiator damaged by a rock kicked up on a highway.

Agreed. Same thing happened to my radiator - giant rock was launched through it at some point. If you or your DH are handy at all, it's a pretty simple repair (the radiator itself can usually be had for $100 or less).

If there's no obvious manufacturing defect, unfortunately, the dealership won't be able to do much.

[Deleted]

One year warranty on parts installed by dealer? Never heard of such a thing. You get 90 days in my neck of the woods!

Same here.

As for the hole...a little duct tape goes a long ways. ;D

[milee]

The duct tape thing is so tempting. As a sailor, we use that for all sorts of things. I've even patched holes on the boat with duct tape and raced for a few races while parts were on order.

That being said, radiator fluid is scalding hot and under pressure, so maybe not the kind of thing to risk a duct tape repair on.

[Chocolate Lover]

Oct 30, 2012 11:11:45 GMT -5 milee said:

The duct tape thing is so tempting. As a sailor, we use that for all sorts of things. I've even patched holes on the boat with duct tape and raced for a few races while parts were on order.

That being said, radiator fluid is scalding hot and under pressure, so maybe not the kind of thing to risk a duct tape repair on.

So use Gorilla Tape instead. Thicker than duct tape and has withstood at least 4 years of exposure to the weather in my area with no problems. Quick temporary radiator fix should be fine

[Angel!]

There is some sort of radiator stuff you can buy that will fix small holes. I've used it before on an older car & it worked. The risk is that since the stuff is made to clog up holes, you could potentially clog up some hoses also, although that isn't likely.

[The Home 6]

Thanks, everyone! I am definitely going to write a letter to corporate (we just learned how to write persuasive claim letters in Business Communication-how felicitous!). Big Sarge and I are not handy when it comes to cars at all, unfortunately.

I actually got a phone call from the service department last night, asking if the repair was done to my satisfaction. Um...NO.