Dealership Service Center Irresponsive, Recourse?

[Buldawg76]

I worked a stint in a parts dept. All warrantied parts were sent back to the manufacturer. Pretty hard to scam them.

I found that not all warranty parts are sent back to manufacture, they are held for 90 days to see if they are requested for return for inspection at least by Cadillac dealers I worked at. I was able to purchase a 91 Caddy brougham short block that I replaced under warranty for engine knocking noise at first cold start of the day (350 chevy roller short block) that could only be heard with all accessory belts removed and only occurred for about 10 seconds, service manager approved the short block replacement under warranty. They never called for the short block to be sent back so for 75 buck salvage core cost I had a roller cam 350 short block that went in my 86 GMC square body that I drove for another 75k with nothing being done to the short block except swapping the parts from my 305 onto it and then traded it still in perfect running condition.

BD

Sponsored

 

[Kabayo]

This- I'm surprised Ford would pay for a complete internal rebuild using only the external casting and not just provide a new trans. I can't imagine they are saving money doing it the way they are.

The dealer installing a complete trans would probably be done ok. Finding a tech at that dealer installing all the internal parts? Hummm, I wonder how much experience they would have doing that, especially if yours is the first time the tech is doing that.

 

[MAGS1]

The dealer installing a complete trans would probably be done ok. Finding a tech at that dealer installing all the internal parts? Hummm, I wonder how much experience they would have doing that, especially if yours is the first time the tech is doing that.

At least at the two dealers by me that I’m familiar with, both have a dedicated trans tech. That’s all they work on is transmissions, so I’d be comfortable with the dedicated trans tech doing that work. Especially since the 10R is not just a Mustang trans. But, under warranty I’d just want the whole thing replaced.

 

[Buldawg76]

At least at the two dealers by me that I’m familiar with, both have a dedicated trans tech. That’s all they work on is transmissions, so I’d be comfortable with the dedicated trans tech doing that work. Especially since the 10R is not just a Mustang trans. But, under warranty I’d just want the whole thing replaced.

I can just about say for certain if the trans is still under warranty, it will be cheaper for both the dealer and Ford to just replace with a factory remanufactured unit than it would be to rebuild the trans with all new internals and labor involved in doing it. Years ago, we would rebuild the engine, trans and such but with the advent of factory reman parts it much more cost effective to just replace than rebuild at the dealer level.

I am not sure the so called trans techs are all that skilled or experienced in rebuilding new trans in today's cars. More likely just replacing than rebuilding. i could be wrong as well.

I am just glad I have not had any issues with my mustang yet since I will have a very difficult if not impossible time with letting someone, I have no clue about repairing my car.

So far, my local selling dealer has not impressed me one bit with the quality or caliber of techs they have working in service. I have gone up and talked to their so called mustang specialist about some simple questions about my ecoboost and all I got was dumb looks and an "I don't know anything about that system"

I have my own service manuals and have been buying the special tools I believe I may need in the future to maintain my own car even if it is still in warranty.

BD

 

[K4fxd]

I can just about say for certain if the trans is still under warranty, it will be cheaper for both the dealer and Ford to just replace with a factory remanufactured unit than it would be to rebuild the trans with all new internals and labor involved in doing it.

Again it is ESP wanting the trans "inspected" to determine if the failure is covered. If it is covered a remanufactured unit will most likely be installed. At least that is how it used to work.

 

[Mike Pfeifer]

Again it is ESP wanting the trans "inspected" to determine if the failure is covered. If it is covered a remanufactured unit will most likely be installed. At least that is how it used to work.

Yeah, the extended warranties really hold up the process and generally just get in the way. They also do everything they can to get out of coverage.

 

[GilmourD]

Yeah, the extended warranties really hold up the process and generally just get in the way. They also do everything they can to get out of coverage.

I have to say I'm glad my wife's '11 Edge had an extended warranty. Water pump decided to vomit into the oil pan at 74,925 miles and mix up a serving of the forbidden milkshake. Extended warranty was up until 75K. Whole engine was replaced and we didn't pay a penny.

 

[gmupatriot]

It would be nice if the entire transmission is replaced but I am not sure that is what Ford/dealership is willing to do.

I received an email from the service advisor on 5/17/24 saying the "technicians advised that we are approximately 2 weeks away from working on your vehicle"...I am honestly surprised to even receive communication from the service center. I have called the SA and the General Manager of Service department and left voicemails asking for update. I guess they finally listened.

As for asking for the entire transmission to me replaced? Yes that would be ideal but I cannot even get them to start working on my vehicle, talk to me over the phone so I can ask them about the repair, or even reach to me and reply to my calls/emails in a timely manner. I will be visiting the service center in person next week and speak with my SA and ask if its possible to replace the entire unit instead of replacing each part.

Its been a mess and kind of a nightmare to get the service center to respond to my calls. This disconnect left a bad taste and unfortunately, calling other Ford dealers in my area regarding warranty questions has been fruitless as well. No answers, or unclear responses what asked if they will replace my transmission because the one I am with does not have the bandwidth to complete repairs.

 

[Buldawg76]

I hate to think this way, but I believe it is only going to get worse in the future with the lack of young people interested in becoming qualified techs and the older seasoned techs retiring there will be no one to fill the void that will be left.

BD

Sponsored