Two badwud coming up

[Peasie]

My 2003 Ford Escape 4x4 (I love this car) died on the road yesterday. The battery was new and I had power for the windows, lights, etc. but just click click click when I attempted to start the car. I figured it was the starter. I had it towed to the dealership where we have had the car serviced and repaired for several years. Overall I've been pleased with their quality of service.

In February they replaced the alternator and fixed a number of issues with the car. That bill was over $2000.

They called this morning to say that the alternator they put in February was faulty, that they would replace it as it was under warranty, etc. I said fine, and you will also not charge me for any labor costs. That's a statement, not a question, I told them.

They called at 4:30 today telling me the car was ready. Oh, and they noticed that the radio wasn't working. I said the radio was working right up until the car lost its power

Them: Really? Would you like us to have a look at it and fix it?

Me, biting my tongue: Maybe you didn't understand me. I said the radio was working when the power went out on the car. Could there be a fuse or something related that caused this?

Them: Really? It is too late now to check that out. How about we call you in the morning when the mechanic has looked at the problem?

Me: OK.

[kia027]

Re: Two badwud coming up

yes that is about the time that cars start fi hiccup and den some of us get tired and just trade it in for a next headache

[Tulip]

Re: Two badwud coming up

Just two coming up?

I bought a car almost two years ago. With the prior one, I replaced so much stuff that I think I built a new car.

Because you're a woman, repair places think they can screw you.

[Peasie]

Re: Two badwud coming up

So how can the alternator affect the radio??

[Emperah]

Re: Two badwud coming up

It could be a fuse, OR dem couldan shawt out de radio when dem change out de alternator of dem neh disconnect be battry when dem did a duh dem wukk.

[Peasie]

Re: Two badwud coming up

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Emperah_dehyah</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It could be a fuse, OR dem couldan shawt out de radio when dem change out de alternator of dem neh disconnect be battry when dem did a duh dem wukk. </div></div>

marry me

yuh watch me an dem tomorrow

[Peasie]

Re: Two badwud coming up

Ford service department called today.

Ford: Fuses and all connection to the radio are working fine. We suspect that the problem is the wiring to the fuse box itself is faulty. We will need your permission and $175 to do a diagnostic test to see where the problem might be.

Me: You're kidding, right?

Ford: I beg your pardon, ma'am?

Me: Look, when you changed out the alternator, the radio...

Ford: Ma'am, the alternator and the radio are two separate incidents.

Me: Allow me to finish, please. In the process of changing out the alternator, is it possible that the mechanic could have disconnected the radio or things affecting the radio somehow?

Ford: Well, yes...

Me: Because the radio was working up until I had the car towed.

Ford: That is possible ma'am. We will need your permission and $175 to do a diagnostic test to see where the problem might be.

Me: silence

Ford: And if we find that it was indeed our fault then there would be no charge.

Me: *stiffling a badwud or two*

[Tulip]

Re: Two badwud coming up

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Peasie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We will need your permission and $175 to do a diagnostic test to see where the problem might be.
</div></div>




What in the world does be wrong with them?

I cannot even recall what I took it to the dealership to get done, but whatever it was I'm sure. it was overpriced. Get the car back and not a one light on the dash worked. I couldn't tell heat from a/c or see which cd much less radio station I had on. They did me the same way about diagnosing it.

That's when I set the limit. I set aside $1,000. Once that was spent, hook or crook I was getting another car.

[Emperah]

Re: Two badwud coming up

What a whole heap a foolishness dem a chat, mek yuh nuh tekee tuh one nex ford dealahship ar tell dem ya write headquaters bout dis.

[Peasie]

Re: Two badwud coming up

[j-kid]

Re: Two badwud coming up

Sounds like the crooked dealer intended to get some money out of you, one way or another (hence di non-descript diagnostic fee). The alternator is a very simple repair, that does not directly involve the radio.

There are a few ways to take the radio out of comission, to make it appear to the untrained eye to be bad.

I would, file a complaint as suggested before with Ford Customer Complaint Hotline, as well as, your State's licensing division.

[Peasie]

Re: Two badwud coming up

J,

They called back today and said a wire to the radio was disconnected. They connected it and they will charge me $150, a discount of $25. What can I tell you? I am going to pay it. I have to.

I am also going to file a complaint. This is extortion. Mi doan even have di energy to bun fiyah.

Sigh.

[kia027]

Re: Two badwud coming up

why should you have to pay it , if it worked when u took the car in

if they insist u pay, pay with Amex and then file a complaint wth amex to dispute the charge?

[Peasie]

Re: Two badwud coming up

Amex good fi dat

[j-kid]

Re: Two badwud coming up

The only direct access to the radio wiring is inside the vehicle under the instrument panel, which is also wrapped in tape. How di hell can they claim that a wire got disconnected, unless smaddi went up unda deh an disconnect it pan purpose?

From personal experience, it not even easy fi get dem terminals outa di connectors, they are also locked in place. \o/

Yuh shoulda ask fi ah detailed report as to exactly which wire was disconnected, an at what point?