Put 99 F-Taurus into the shop 4 a new battery and alternator ($107 & $259 + labor = $480). Told them I wouldn't have the money for 3 weeks or more. Because dealer I bought from always sends cars there, they said would do it for $400. I repeat time frame. They got dealor to add $400 to end of loan, allowing me to get car back. I picked the car up and drove it home, about 1 mile.
Next morning I drove 20 miles before hose to radiator fluid tank blows off from pressure. I believe it was reattached, but it was NOT clamped down. In about a minute, engine overheats, head gaskets crack, and car does not start again.
Have to move by end of the month, 3 days from now! Have been without car for 12 days. Should I expect:
1. Not pay labor from 1st job
2. Not pay for parts, labor or tow for 2nd job
3. 2 wks of car payments ($150)
4. Will lose $1000 if not out of house 12/1
6. Money for moving truck?
5. Time missed from work? ($100)
This is less than half the story.....
2006-11-27 08:12:52 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The hose that wasn't clamped down is right next to the new alternator. After the car came to a stop, I opened the hood to see the hose still spraying fluid. I saw the clamp halfway down the hose. That just doesn't happen without someone moving it.
2006-11-27 08:33:16 · update #1
This is all dependent upon how much effort you want to put into going after the repair shop. You would have to prove negligence on their part to get anything from them. Replacing a battery and alternator doesn't mean taking off a hose from the radiator. In other words, it would be one thing if you took the car in for a new radiator, cap or hose, and this happened. You took the car in for something unrelated to the radiator, and that is what happened the second tie. While I hate to be the bearer of bad news, i would think that you have to pay for the initial repair, and suffer any loss for the other, unless you can prove negligence on behalf of the repair shop.
2006-11-27 08:25:07 · answer #1 · answered by Mark C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Approach the repair shop and show them the problem. I don't work on Fords so I assume this is one of those cars where the actual radiator reservoir (where the hose is clamped to) is under pressure. If so, that is a large hose and would be likely that the mechanic overlooked that part of the repair. IF THAT IS SO.. you will have "replaced radiator fluid as part of your original bill. If the mechanic removed the Large hose, the fluid would be low and you would have been billed for replacement fluid.
If it is a little tank and a little hose then it is just an overflow tank and has nothing to do with your overheating problem. There was another coolant related engine failure with that engine. Probably a bad head gasket. If so that is a problem to take up with the dealer, not the shop.
If it was the large hose and the repair shop goofed. You would still have to pay for the first repair but they will be responsible for the overheat repair, at least in PART. You stated that you knew the hose blew off, the engine overheated about a minute later (in real life it would have taken much longer, it was a minute after you noticed the steaming motor that you then observed the gauges showing an overheat condition . PART YOUR FAULT) If you had been watching the gauges then you would have noticed the overheat condition starting in time to take action to prevent total engine failure.
A reputable shop will likely cover the towing and damage, in part, if they forgot to replace the hose clamp. Try not to sue as you will not be happy. Will be without car for 3-6 months before trial and then still not have a running car at the end.
Moral of the story... keep an eye on the gauges as you drive!
2006-11-27 11:14:58 · answer #2 · answered by Mark in NE Indiana 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, that's a brutal problem but there is a big difference between what you should reasonably expect and what the shop feels is reasonable.
I agreee that you are certainly due some compensation but the question falls to who is at fault and what can be proven. You are stuck with the burden of prooving that the shop messed up.
A) Who told you the battery and alternator had to be replaced? were they both dignosed as faulty by the shop (or the dealership)? Not really part of the question but worthwhile noting.
B) Based on your description, I'm assuming the radiator hose in question had to be removed to replace the alternator. If so, what proof do you have that the clamp was not tightened properly? Did they bill you for a new hose and hose clamp? If it was a new hose, are there any indications or marks from the hose clamp? With an old hose (that could be 7 years old) they might easily argue that it was a pre-existing condition and not within the scope of the repairs that were performed.
It is certainly fair for you to expect that a "professional" should have the competence to perform the rather simple repair without complications. If you are 100% certain that the shops negligence caused the problem with your car then you may be entitled to more than you have noted in your question.
You may be entitled to compensation for the loss of use of your vehicle, the amount of the repairs necessary to fix the engine, and any additional costs you incur as a result of their negligence (i.e. lost time from work, storage fees, etc.). Reasonably, you are owed nothing for the first job assuming that matter was properly rectified. If they are at fault for what happened they should have to make the repairs (at no charge to you) and then claim the loss through their insurance.
If you have another certified mechanic look at your car (and they are willing to substantiate your claim) that would be a good start. If you have photos of the hose where the clamp should have been, and there is no evidence that the clamp was tightened, that would also be helpful.
Bottom line, I would keep track of everything (receipts, phone calls, discussions) to do with the situation and seek legal advice to know exactly where you stand and what your options are. You must keep a level head about it all no matter how pissed off you get, otherwise you will just be another crazy person trying to screw the system.
Best of luck.
2006-11-27 08:45:52 · answer #3 · answered by Sedg 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Changing the alt/battery has nothing to do with the next. So why is it there fault the hose came loose and you even more for keeping on when it did instead of stopping in the first safe spot. Talk to the dealer and see if they will help you out in some way.
2006-11-27 08:18:06 · answer #4 · answered by ronnny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only thing you can expect is for the dealer to fix the car at no charge. That is assuming they admit to the error. Everything else just isn't going to happen.
2006-11-27 08:24:36 · answer #5 · answered by Gypsy Girl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WHY DO YOU THINK THE MECHANIC REMOVED HOSE TO GET AT EITHER THE BATTERY OR ALTERNATOR? IF THEY TRULY DID REMOVE IT AND NOT PROPERLY REINSTALL THEY SHOULD DO REPAIR FOR YOU AT NO CHARGE. REIMBURSMENT FOR OTHER EXPENSES IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN IN A REAL WORLD
2006-11-27 08:28:21 · answer #6 · answered by D42D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first is proving it then the process of bureau of auto to work for you. it's time consuming but worth it if the shop is not honorable
as far as payments for down time don't get greedy!
2006-11-27 08:19:44 · answer #7 · answered by hawop 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seems to me the most you can pray for is door #2.
The rest of your wish list is just silly.
2006-11-27 08:17:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the dealer sent you there,yell at the dealer,and give him the car back see if he would give you another car or just sue him.
2006-11-27 08:18:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
threaten with a lawsuit. that seems to work a lot
2006-11-27 08:37:31 · answer #10 · answered by Mr. Nice Guy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋