ltooz_a6_a8_q7

The wife wanted me to wash the Q7, I did and while doing it, I looked for the obdII for future usage and I found the panel of the OBDII wasn't put back correctly after the last few services at the dealer and this is supposed to be a reputable one in the bay area.

<img src="http://www.ltooz.com/ltooz341/media/q7wash/q715.JPG" />

Too bad, I have a few more services from the service contract until next year.

Cheers,

Louis

DUTCH VanAtlanta

This guys all work by the flat rate manual. If the manual says it takes an hour to do the job, they get paid for an hour - even if it only takes them 15 minutes. They can get on to the next flat rate job all the sooner. I've hear of dealer techs getting paid for 12 hrs of flat rate work in an 8 hr day. It's no wonder they don't do the job properly.

IAS5

i highly doubt that's the reason. Simple laziness or low quality work on bahalf of the tech.

It takes 30 seconds to put that back on correctly.

DUTCH VanAtlanta

Maybe, maybe not.

I was working directly with a Porsche factory tech on a problem with my Cayenne, when he asked me why I was so reluctant to use dealer service. When I told him I was afraid of dealer techs working by the Flat Rate Manual and not taking the time to do a job properly, he said he understood and told me the following story.

Apparently, he was sent to a dealership to help with a problem on a car. As he was methodically going over the problem and the symptoms, the dealer tech asked him to hurry up. When the factory tech asked the dealer tech why he was in such a rush, the dealer tech responded that he was normally able to bill out 10-12 hrs of work in an 8 hr day; and the factory tech was cutting into that ability by going over things so slowly. The factory tech's response to the dealer tech was: "So, you're stealing time from the customer! Correct?!"

PARealtor

a little tip that I have found worked in the past..

Wait for your vehicle so you know how long it actually took.

when I had a honda many years ago I took it for some brake work. 45 minutes later it was done. Went to pay and bill said 2 hours work. I challenged it and they said thats what we charge. So I paid (by credit card) and then called the credit card company to dispute it. I disputed the entire charge just to **** the dealer off. ended up getting the entire charge waived since they never responded.

From what I was told the dealers book rate doesnt fly with the credit card companies

TJK

I once had a Mercedes dealer leave 2 lug nuts off a wheel on my old ML320. I didn't notice it until a couple of days later. Worst part is that even if you're right about deficient service, if you really get into it with the service department, you risk that the next time you need them, they'll sabotage/screw you in a major way.

I try to talk up the service people and let them know I have an idea what goes into the repair and I'm expecting a technical communication, not just "here it is, we fixed it." One problem with that is that all dealers now use a service model more fit for soccer moms - some well-dressed clerk takes the cars in and you never get to talk to the actual mechanics. I really wish they had an alternative service experience for those of us who don't want snack machines, wi-fi, TV's and couches, but prefer to see and understand the diagnosis and repair work.

sam08861

I know just how you feel.

Have an old 944 turbo that has (had!) lots of aero panels underneath. Through the years of service, I've lost the front, oil pan cover and one smaller one in the rear. These have to be taken of each time someone needs to get to anything underneath and the various dealer and independent servicers have managed to lose them one by one. Not necessary for the cars operation at highway speeds, but if I ever want to go 150+ (on a track, of course) this becomes a problem.

I hate the carelessness and general lack of pride in workmanship. It's a shame that the care in engineering and craftsmanship from the factory doesn't carry over to the retards at the dealership service department.

IAS5

???

you're oftentimes at the dealership because the factory does not perform quality work.

sounds like you an TJK are simply generalizing an opinion that isn't felt by everyone. I own and Audi and a Ford Cobra, and my service and rapport with both dealerships/service departments are excellent and unparalleled.

There are rotten apples in every (profession) barrel, but not everyone is like this.

TJK

I think you've gotten lucky. I almost always find some minor damage after dealer service, especially if they've worked on something involving interior trim. Broken clips, etc. Then there is the famous "courtesy car wash." As a courtesy, they will scratch up your car finish.

sam08861

You're being quite presumtious here. In most all cases these parts were not put back on after ROUTINE maintenance. I'm glad you have a bromance going with the service dept folks, but I haven't had such luck nor have the techs been honest in many cases.