I bought my truck new in 2004 and have had very good luck with it. It has 190 km and I have had it serviced on schedule for it entire life. It is a 4wd with the 4.7.

about 3 months ago i lose headlights, signal lights and brake lights. I do a little reading and it looks like this is a common problem for this year due to location of the fusebox/TPM/brain. It needs to be replaced so I bring it in talk to the service person and tell her what my thoughts are and off I go.

I get a call that it is the brain and it required 3 hours on the diagnostic to figure out what it is at straight time ($100/hour). Next the part is $700 and they won't order it unless I put a deposit down for the part. I found this odd for parts as I have always paid when the work is done. Anyways, I put down the 700 as I need this fixed.

Fast forward to today and I am still waiting for a part that has no ETA for delivery. I have 1000 out and a wrench hasn't been spun on the truck yet. I am also looking at 2-3 hours for replacement.

My dodge van has also been in for service for a stutter and it is going to cost me 100/hour for the diagnostic to run "as long as it takes". I can't afford to take my vehicles in to not have work done.

Am I getting jerked around here or what? is it common for a deposit on parts? Isn't diagnostic a flat rate? I am by no means a mechanic but if this is the case I need to trade in. Any thoughts?

 

I am no mechanic either, but 3 hours on the machine seems a bit much.

Plus I've never put a deposit on a part before. And labour at $100 an hour? Seems high to me. I pay $75 per unit (hour) of work, but maybe because I have been going to the same shop for years.

 

100/hour Canadian.

I don't mind paying the labour on work being done but to hook to a computer I can't see how this works. I am being told that these take "hours to run". I mentioned that I don't want to spend 8 hours on the computer to find a problem.

 

Jonny,

If you are having concerns with the price or any workmanship, the best person to review with would be the Service Manager, as dealers establish their own prices for the parts and service that they provide.

If you'd like me to further review the information regarding the part that was ordered. You can PM me your VIN# and the name of the dealer it was ordered from. I'd be happy to review to see if there is any additional assistance that I can provide.

I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Wow, I am surprised someone from Chrysler replied. Thanks for the interest in my situation. I will speak to the service manager as soon as possible. I have no issues with the cost of parts, I am more concerned about the finding of these problems and the associated costs.

I will reply with my findings, good or bad. Thanks again.

 

No problem Jonny. Keep me posted!

 

Success! I picked up my truck this morning and good to go! I spoke to the service manager and she sorted it out. Because I waited so long for my parts they gave me a break on the diagnostic charges. The part was still almost 700 but I am happy.

My faith in my dealer has been restored. I will be looking at a new truck this coming fall and this will help my decision.

 

I'm glad you got it sorted out. The computers in these newer vehicles are terrible.