hovisimo

I have only met one service writer that was qualified to do his job. he quit cool guy though, got me a new filler neck out of warranty, always made good on the stuff his mechanics would mess up.

I would really like to see the ad they put out to attract service writers, I think the new hire screening involes being able to fill out a coloring book.

torquefan

As a former Dodge tech, I'm with J Body on this. Some years ago, I spoke with Dodge engineering on this (speedo calibration for larger tires) and was told: "Dodge does not recommend or endorse any modifications that Dodge doesn't build or engineer, and as such, won't support their use." It makes perfect sense to me, and I don't blame them. I found the alterations because I knew the ins and outs of the electronics, but it wasn't taught by Dodge.

torquefan

Wow, I can sure identify with that. I got a chill when I read it.

Dieselnick

Here's a good one. A few years ago I bought a Ram 1500 from my local dealer. I won't name them, but they have many stores throughout the western states and their corporate HQ is in Medford, OR. Anyway, the e-brake light would remain on after I released it. Thinking it was an ABS problem, I took it in. They said the e-brake needed adjustment. They adjusted it, supposedly, but when I got home there was smoke coming from the rear brake drums, so I took it back, they "adjusted" it again. This time I drove it around the block...more smoking drums and the light is back on. I take it back in; now the service writer tries to blame the problem on me, saying the problem is caused by my depressing the e-brake pedal too far; that I only need to push it about half-way. I get out the owners manual and show him where it says to depress the pedal to the floor. He comes back with something like "I used to turn wrenches so I know better blah blah blah. So I tell him he should teach his techs how to adjust an e-brake. Finally I have enough and tell him to just adjust it back out so it isn't dragging and I'll leave him alone. Anyway I take it to different dealer in Bend, OR, where they install new pads and drums adjusted correctly, no problems. They also gave me a complaint form to send to DC. I filled it out in detail and sent it off. Not long after that the local dealer cleaned out their service dept. including my favorite service writer and e-brake tech. They've been much better since.
Nick

surlynkid

add Admin removed name of Houston to the list of edits dealers. Edit i'll drive elsewhere after my experience with them.

Hayseed

Come on T-Rad you have another one to edit! Why edit out the bad dealers. It may save a potential good customer from going with an inferior truck.

madhat

Nah, T-rad went to bed already...

Gents, I can understand the frustration that we have with dealers. Please express your displeasure without naming them or bashing them too hard.
Thanks!

mad

patdaly

It is not only those jobs....... You should see some of the "applicants" we get when we advertise for Maintenance Mechanics............

Forget College, this country needs 50,000 new Vo-Tech centers!

They wonder why Manufacturing is leaving America.......

Ducman82

i worked at a dodge and jeep dealer as a service writer. im in a small town in idaho so we take care of our customers. we would have jeep people from 80 miles away come to us because we rocked. i can tell ya this........ the dealer has to PROVE that the aftermarket part caused the problem. its in the owners manual. and last time i checked they dont have labs to do that and money to pay for it. i tell people , when it starts to get nasty, ask for the chrysler reps phone number and name............. THAT WORKS! shows you are ready to do battle. and if it s 5 star dealer, they will cave. they can have there 5 star rateing pulled. i was at a dodge dealer that did. turns out the owner had a PT crusier with none factory posi. and a customer did............ he had the tech swap rear ends............ i guess he thought the old chick would not notice........... wrong was he! that was funny ****!

raceguy13

I thought PT Cruisers were front wheel drive.

Ducman82

nope, rear

1-2-3

"6 sets of tires in 100,000 miles"

Are you sure? That's a set every 16,666.66 miles. I can't imagine anyone doing that. I'm right at 81,000 on the tires I've got now and I'm expecting them to pass inspection in about another wee. They still have plenty of meat left.

bob4x4

I am not from missourri but you are going to have to show me a rear wheel drive PT Cruiser I think you may have inadvertantly proven something about service writers

Bob

B2hibry

Umm, no rear wheel drive PT Cruisers. The closest thing I'm aware of was an all wheel drive "concept".

Bryan

CTD NUT

Yeah, I was trying to think of a polite way say the same thing that you so eloquently stated.

Pictures and documentation would be great to see in support of this RWD PT cruiser.