I apologize to prospect for having to pay Dodge $70 for an oil change lol. That's steep!

 

Yeah the best part about that little gem is that I never "requested" a synthetic ANYTHING. I asked them to do an oil change while it was in for the recall. They never gave me an option of dino or synthetic and I assumed since the factory recommendation is for conventional motor oil, that's what they would use. Nice little surprise there. I've gone straight to FCA with that one, the service advisor who pulled that doesn't deserve an opportunity to fix it.

And while I think I've smoothed things out with Primem, I'll just say that THIS is the type of stuff that makes me talk smack about dealer service departments. I'm not directing that at anyone, just making the statement.

The total bill for the oil change and diagnosing the P0128 code and then replacing the t-stat/housing was $410. It's just what you get when you walk in there bent over, I expected it. Worst part is I could have done the T-stat myself, easily. But kids, jobs, family stuff...sometimes it's appropriate to just pay the piper. I don't have time.

Save for any future recalls, I won't be back there for anything.

 

Biggest problem with dealer service departments is that they are where most dealers make their real money. They make crumbs off selling cars compared to service after the sale. This is why the technicians are pretty much forced to find every small issue and the service writer's job is to explode that into a big bill. It's not the tech or even the writer's fault, it is the dealership management that dictates these tactics. Look straight to the top, that is the person(s) responsible.

Manufacturer's also like to try and cut warranty costs so there is some incentive to deny claims and dealerships that get away with denying claims probably get a behind the scenes thumbs up from FCA.

All manufacturers do this, it's the cost of doing business.

 

Indeed, it's not just FCA and I get it - these guys need to eat. When I was younger I saved thousands by doing stuff myself but now wrenching has become a LOT less fun and money isn't as tight as it used to be. The days of me crawling around on my back on a cold garage floor and dumping oil/coolant/tranny fluid/gear oil all over myself are long past. I have a project car to tinker with if the mood strikes.

It just sucks being treated that way.

 

New to this thread, so I apologize in advance if this is off topic. It is relevant to alternator/diode recall.

Got the T36 recall notice for my 2013 Durango Crew 5 or 6 months ago and was waiting for parts. One Saturday while driving, all kinds of warning lights started flashing randomly. I turned around to drive to the dealer but didn’t make it. Durango stalled at a stoplight and smelled like an electrical short. Everything went dead, and then the emergency flashers quit. Fortunately, I was not rear-ended and exited the vehicle to call for a tow. Tow truck driver said alternator was VERY hot, potential fire hazard!

Dealer had to replace alternator, battery, and PCM, but didn’t have the improved diode alternator, so used an existing model. When the new alternator was in stock, I returned for replacement February 28. Yesterday, the battery/alternator warning light came on. Now I am afraid to drive the damn thing, especially with my family in the car. I would love to speak to those Dodge bros in person…

 

So, I registered to receive email notification that the parts are now available, yet I have not been so advised. I see from comments here that people have had their recall completed. What is going on?

 

Contact your local dealer, they should have the parts available by now.

Just FYI, the T36 recall replacement alternator that was installed in my Durango on Febrary 28, 2018 failed 2 weeks later. Dealer is now installing a new alternator. Counting the original alternator that came with the vehicle, this will be the 4th alternator. Not exactly confidence inspiring...

 

The replacement alternator on my Durango is still running strong. Focused on installing new tires now. Should sell better with new treads. Lol.

 

That's hysterical. At least you got one. I got a pat on the back and pushed back out the way I came in.

 

While researching the T36 recall I came across the following link, which are the dealer service instructions and lists all of the affected alternators, how to tell if yours is included in the recall, and detailed information on how to install them. I also found it interesting that they advise the dealership to offer a loaner car to minimize inconvenience if the vehicle needs to be kept overnight. Hope you find the link helpful.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/201...7V435-8957.pdf