Just had my 2007 Dakota in for a few maintenance items. It has 70K km on the clock. The "five star" dealer had a nice brochure laying out the "services" they recommended for the mileage. I opted for the transmission, differential, and power steering fluid changes. I wanted the transmission pan dropped, not the flush and fill. The differential service looked like it was similar with "cleaning of the surface areas" described on the bill. I assumed the cover would be removed from the differential and the gears inspected. This differential service was listed at $159.95. The transmission service was $215.90. I had a look at the differential after the work and noticed that the cover looked like it had not been touched and the plug had been removed with fluid spillage down the back. These units hold just over 2 liters, or 2 quarts, and they added a limited slip oil additive. How can they charge $160 for a simple siphon and replacement of oil? I am pissed and plan on letting them know it. Shouldn't dealer service include removing the cover plate and inspecting for debris or wear?

 

Funny, I recently enquired about front and rear diff service at the dealer as well..
I asked why it was so expensive, the service writer I know said specifically:
1. They take off both diff covers, inspect for worn bearings, proper wear of gears.
2. They use 100% synthetic gear lube (with anti-spin additive).

The assured me it was not just taking the plug out and sucking out the old fluid.
I have not had any issues with my current dealer (actually with any Dodge dealer over the years, save for one in Hazlet NJ over 15 years ago).

I would talk to the manager and see how it goes.

 

I have the front and rear axle fluid changed every 15,000 miles as per the owners manual. My dealer has always removed the cover when doing the service. You can see the new gasket/sealant they used to replace it. Sounds like they are mis-labeled "Five Star" to me.

 

was it an actual car dealer or a place like merchants? I never trust fluid replacements to anyone other than myself or a dealer. If it's mostly mechanical, struts, inner tie rods, etc, I'll take it to one of those places, but anything else, if I cant do it myself, only my local dodge dealer will touch it. I've been burned too many times.

Was this a Dodge dealer?

 

I didn't mention in the original post, but they noticed a loose tie rod while doing the service, so I went along and had it replaced, along with an alignment. I was changing my oil the day after and noticed that the tie rod that hadn't been replaced had a big tear in the rubber boot. There's no way they could have missed it if they had looked! Their description of "alignment" in their service brochure specifically mentions "inspect steering and suspension system and components for wear and damage." No doubt this old tie rod will wear at an accelerated rate, and then require replacement with, you guessed it, another alignment! I am thoroughly not impressed with this "Five Star Service."

 

WOW! I've had my front end serviced a couple of times under warranty. Absolutely no issues. As a matter of fact, I have also had to have my transmission cooler lines replaced as they were leaking where the rubber hose fits into the metal fitting. I noticed this while changing my oil and my dealer ordered the parts for me without seeing the vehicle, just by my word. They then changed the part for me under warranty as well. I have nothing but good things to say about my dealer, it sounds like you found the bad one in the batch.

 

I believe the American warranty on these trucks is lifetime powertrain to the original owner. In Canada, it's a five year/100K km(60K miles), which is transferrable. This is the second dealership I've dealt with. The first tried to sell me a used daily rental without disclosing same until they got a deposit out of me, after 3 hours of "negotiation". I put them on report with the agency that governs car dealers up here. It's illegal to advertise a vehicle and not disclose whether it's been a daily rental.

 

ahhh...well just take it back! if the boot is torn and they said they replaced it take it back and be like uhm yeah i aid for this but they didn't replace it! then just take it from there!

 

Dodges lifetime powertrain was offered if you were eligible and you bought it it pre-July 07, or you bought a 2007 after July of 2007, then you were given that warranty as an incentive.