Help! I think my dealer might try to screw me over.

[michelle_621]

Hello. This might not be enough information for you guys to diagnose, but it's worth a shot. I have a 99 Dodge Stratus. I recently took it in to my dealer to have the gear shifter interlock replaced because that part was recalled. Yesterday, three weeks after it was fixed, I was driving and all of a sudden my car lunged forward. It was a pretty strong jerk ( I actually initially thought someone had rear ended me). Anyway, a few seconds later the engine light went on, the engine got louder, and I ended up having to drive about 25 miles per hour with my hazard lights on until I could drop it off at the dealer.

Everyone I have talked to has said it sounds like a transmission problem. My car only has 60,000 miles on it. Would the recall that they fixed (or possibly made worse) a few weeks ago have anything to do with the problems I'm having now? The dealer called me this morning to tell me the diagnostic test would be 84 dollars and then they are going to call me later to tell me what's wrong with it. I just want to be able to know what I'm talking about when they call back, which is why I'm seeking advice here. If it is a problem that they caused with the recall, I'm sure they won't own up to it, especially when they are dealing with a young female customer who obviously doesn't know anything about cars.

Sorry if this was a stupid question! I appreciate any and all help.

~Michelle

[bjdm151]

I would ask them that if they find that the problem was caused by the previous maintenence, do they intend on covering the cost and reimbursing you the $84 for the diagnosis. If this dealer has any quality at all they should say yes. And this does sound like a problem that could have been caused by the tech that worked on your car. If it turns out to be a problem in an area close to shifter interlock , ask them why you weren't informed during the previous service. This should make them a little bit nervous.

Finally, don't play the young female I don't know role. Ask a lot of questions and atleast act informed. If you feel a tech is trying to take advantage of you, ask to speak to the service manager.

[drdisque]

it sounds like a Vehicle Speed Sensor problem, which could definitely be caused by carlessness when replacing the shifter interlock.

[michelle_621]

What do you think the odds are that they will take responsibility for it? They still haven't called me back to tell me what the problem is.

[michelle_621]

Nice job, drdisque...

They said it is the speed sensor. I asked about the recall and told them I had been told that it could have been a result of them working on it. They said "absolutely not, that's a different part of the car."

Oh well, it's going to be $145 which is less than I expected. Thanks for your help.