What rights do you have if a diagnostic test cause a big repair bill on your car?

Question

I took my Grand Am 02 to repair a manufact. defect in the blinkers and they recommended I run a diagnostic check because my security light was on. This test basically crashed a microchip which broke my car. They said when they ran the test some microchip was faulty so the car wouldn't start and I had to pay them $350 to get my car to start again. I didn't sign any paper work just said yes to the $40 diagnostic test. Do I have any recourse? Do I have to pay for something that broke as a result of the test they ran? It seems very unfair. Thanks for you help.

Answer 1

You could probably win in small claims court, and it doesn't cost much :)

Answer 2

It varies from state to state, but you DO have legal rights! If their test caused the malfunction, RAISE HOLY HELL with them about the repair! My guess is, that someone did the diagnostic curciut test incorrectly on your vehicle. THAT could blow the PROM chip in the computer on GM vehicles. Other questions: 1.) Was it a GM dealership? If so, demand to talk to the Service Director of the dealership. If he is of no help, contact the General Motors Consumer Affairs department. Their phone number is located in your owners manual, and they usually take customer concerns very seriously. Ask to meet with the factory representative when he visits the dealership. Keep ALL paperwork from the shop for reference. IF the vehicle was under warranty, the PROM chip in the computer is part of the "emissions control system", and Federal law states that it is under warranty for 50,000 miles even if the warranty has expired for the rest of the car!
If it was NOT a dealership shop, it will be more difficult, but check with your local Better Business Bureau about the shop and see if there are complaints filed against it. Also check with your state office of consumer affairs. They can give you any and all information on how to file a complaint against an automotive shop. Your last resort would be to seek legal remedy in court. The dollar amount minimum varies from state, but small claims usually deal with damage claims under $1000 dollars. You need no lawyer, you just file a claim, go to court, and tell your story. They will tell their story, and the judge decides based on state law, and case studies of precedent. 50/50 chance, so try all other options first.

Answer 3

First complain that your car started until this diagnostics test was done. It may be hard to prove, but you DID drive the car there, right? If they give you a hard time call a news channel like HelpMeHoward or Seven on your side to see if you can overcome the scandal.

Answer 4

That is all BS!!!! The security light has nothing to do with your car not starting unless you have some aftermarket security system!! You need them to do all the repairs and the diagnostic test for free!!! They are the ones that screwed up! Fight till you are blue in the face that have to do something for you!!!!

Answer 5

You were scammed. Because you didn't get anything down in writing, you don't really have any "outs" left. Before getting any work done on your car, always have the mechanic put exactly what's wrong in writing. That way, you have documentation and then you can get legal help if needed.

Answer 6

Call the State Attorney General.........

Call the Better Buisiness Bureau

Answer 7

Send them (the owner or manager) a certified letter (requires a signature on receipt) stating that you are going to take them to small claims court over the issue. This will usually get them to roll over, as well they should.

Answer 8

B-B-B Sounds Good...sometimes u just have to take the good with the bad meaning maybe the chip was bad and the test brought it to the fore-front.