geared   317 #13 Posted February 26, 2018 They don't have some magic ability to know exactly what the problem is.  They replaced the most likely culprit because that was the best chance of success. Sometimes you just get unlucky. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
truman   10 #14 Posted February 26, 2018 They don't have some magic ability to know exactly what the problem is. They replaced the most likely culprit because that was the best chance of success. Sometimes you just get unlucky.  The problem is that the customer gets charged for all the garage's guesses... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
RootsBooster   24 #15 Posted February 26, 2018 They don't have some magic ability to know exactly what the problem is. Of course not, they have multimeters, digital thermometers, possibly an oscilloscope and (hopefully) the correct Volvo diagnostic software and interface, not just an EOBD reader. They replaced the most likely culprit because that was the best chance of success. Sometimes you just get unlucky. This attitude is part of the problem, accepting the guesswork as okay practice. It's worth noting that after the guesses didn't work, they charged him more and actually started testing stuff. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
geared   317 #16 Posted February 26, 2018 Of course not, they have multimeters, digital thermometers, possibly an oscilloscope and (hopefully) the correct Volvo diagnostic software and interface, not just an EOBD reader.  So many so called 'specialists' will only have the latter though. Sometimes specialist just means "cars we usually work on".  Customer is always free to negotiate the bill though, especially if the work been done has not solved the issue. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
rudds1   102 #17 Posted February 26, 2018 Of course not, they have multimeters, digital thermometers, possibly an oscilloscope and (hopefully) the correct Volvo diagnostic software and interface, not just an EOBD reader. This attitude is part of the problem, accepting the guesswork as okay practice. It's worth noting that after the guesses didn't work, they charged him more and actually started testing stuff.  Why would the garage have Volvo diagnostic gear as car in question is a Vauxhall ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
geared   317 #18 Posted February 26, 2018 Why would the garage have Volvo diagnostic gear as car in question is a Vauxhall ?   I took my next car, a Volvo, to a specialist garage  :hihi::hihi: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Lockdoctor   10 #19 Posted February 26, 2018 They don't have some magic ability to know exactly what the problem is. They replaced the most likely culprit because that was the best chance of success. Sometimes you just get unlucky. Agree with what you write. The OP''s situation is not a reason to contact Trading Standards. If you are happy with the work a garage as done, then you go back again. If you are not happy then next time you choose a different garage. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Top Cats Hat   10 #20 Posted February 26, 2018 Although usually much more expensive, one advantage of a main service agent is that if they want to test a temperature sensor for example, they will take one off the shelf and fit it. If the problem is resolved they will charge you for the part and the time it took to fit. If the problem is something else they will refit your original part and just charge you for time it took to fit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
truman   10 #21 Posted February 26, 2018 (edited) Although usually much more expensive, one advantage of a main service agent is that if they want to test a temperature sensor for example, they will take one off the shelf and fit it. If the problem is resolved they will charge you for the part and the time it took to fit. If the problem is something else they will refit your original part and just charge you for time it took to fit.  Took my lease car in for a service..it had a cracked rear light cluster that I knew about and was going to sort myself..a couple of weeks later the lease company tried to bill us for replacing the cluster,even though the broken one was still on the car..the dealer had billed them for replacing it....twice .. I had to send a picture of the car with the broken one still on it before they believed us...main dealers yeah...really good Edited February 26, 2018 by truman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
RootsBooster   24 #22 Posted February 26, 2018 Although usually much more expensive, one advantage of a main service agent is that if they want to test a temperature sensor for example, they will take one off the shelf and fit it. If the problem is resolved they will charge you for the part and the time it took to fit. If the problem is something else they will refit your original part and just charge you for time it took to fit.  Although that might happen in some dealerships, it's not standard practice. If you're going to the effort of removing the old one, you might as well test it first rather than open a new one that you might not be able to resell if it's not required.  ---------- Post added 26-02-2018 at 19:01 ----------  So many so called 'specialists' will only have the latter though. Sometimes specialist just means "cars we usually work on". Even the most basic garages usually have a multimeter ---------- Post added 26-02-2018 at 19:03 ----------  Agree with what you write. The OP''s situation is not a reason to contact Trading Standards. If you are happy with the work a garage as done, then you go back again. If you are not happy then next time you choose a different garage.  Has everyone been taking crazy pills? The garage carried out unnecessary work without testing the parts first, charged for it, then decided to actually start diagnosing the problem several hundred quid later - and charged even more. In what universe is that acceptable? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
alchresearch   214 #23 Posted February 27, 2018 Although usually much more expensive, one advantage of a main service agent is that if they want to test a temperature sensor for example, they will take one off the shelf and fit it. If the problem is resolved they will charge you for the part and the time it took to fit. If the problem is something else they will refit your original part and just charge you for time it took to fit.  As has been said, it depends on the dealers. Many operate on a "Just In Time" method for ordering parts and don't keep as many on the shelves as they used to. The days of huge parts departments are long gone.  But I've still known dealers charge for parts and diagnostics even when they've given up on the problem and been unable to resolve it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
geared   317 #24 Posted February 27, 2018 Even the most basic garages usually have a multimeter   Having the kit and having someone who's competent at using the stuff are two different things though.  Multimeters aren't tough to use, but can still outfox basic grease monkeys who don't get involved with electrical work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
