Selling Service
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Try taking it to your local AAA/ASE for a general inspection.
As for this:
> Cost two hours of labor plus two new batts. Ok, batteries go bad.
Batteries normally last about three years in heavy duty use, which is a diesel van, or a hot climate.
You really should only replace them in matched pairs, otherwise you can mess up the alternator.
Two hours is a fair time on most diesel vans, having not serviced a 6.0 van, I can't say exactly. I know it took two hours on a Cummins/Dodge to do two batteries and then run the tests.
As for this:
> Cost two hours of labor plus two new batts. Ok, batteries go bad.
Batteries normally last about three years in heavy duty use, which is a diesel van, or a hot climate.
You really should only replace them in matched pairs, otherwise you can mess up the alternator.
Two hours is a fair time on most diesel vans, having not serviced a 6.0 van, I can't say exactly. I know it took two hours on a Cummins/Dodge to do two batteries and then run the tests.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Update
I love my E350 PSD Van. I use it to tow my travel trailer and carry my toys (I am old and retired
). Two months ago at 62875 mi. I took it in for my 5000 mi service. All good on my multi point inspection (everything in the green). One month ago (63273-398 miles later), wouldn't start. Jumped it and took it in. It was kept overnight. Needed new batteries. Cost two hours of labor plus two new batts. Ok, batteries go bad. Multi point inspection, all good, in the green. Two days ago (63628-355 miles), notice leak from radiator, needed new radiator. New multi point inspection, suddenly I have a couple of crisis. Ball joints are bad and rotors and pads are rusted and need replacement, even tho plenty of pad left.
I have been happy with my dealer and service, however, they now have a new service writer and truck mechanic and I get the feeling that they are becoming quite aggressive in selling service. I am not a mechanic nor inclined to be one, so I need to have trust in my service facility. I have notice no symptoms of ball joint or brake problems and am about to leave on a trip. It seems that I am looking at a few thousand dollars in repairs.
I hate to second guess my mechanic but also don't want to be an easy mark. Any comments would be appreciated, especially from techs. Thank You.
). Two months ago at 62875 mi. I took it in for my 5000 mi service. All good on my multi point inspection (everything in the green). One month ago (63273-398 miles later), wouldn't start. Jumped it and took it in. It was kept overnight. Needed new batteries. Cost two hours of labor plus two new batts. Ok, batteries go bad. Multi point inspection, all good, in the green. Two days ago (63628-355 miles), notice leak from radiator, needed new radiator. New multi point inspection, suddenly I have a couple of crisis. Ball joints are bad and rotors and pads are rusted and need replacement, even tho plenty of pad left.I have been happy with my dealer and service, however, they now have a new service writer and truck mechanic and I get the feeling that they are becoming quite aggressive in selling service. I am not a mechanic nor inclined to be one, so I need to have trust in my service facility. I have notice no symptoms of ball joint or brake problems and am about to leave on a trip. It seems that I am looking at a few thousand dollars in repairs.
I hate to second guess my mechanic but also don't want to be an easy mark. Any comments would be appreciated, especially from techs. Thank You.
Thank everyone for your responses. I took my van to another dealership and they did confirm that the right front ball joint is a little loose, no other problems. I then took it to an independent shop, told him the scenario and to replace the ball joint and any other work needed. He went over the front suspension and brakes and told me that I didn't need any work done. He said that the front ball joints showed normal wear and were not ready for replacement yet and the brakes had 50% left on the front and 40% left on the back. He said to bring it back in six months and he would have another look.
It took four days to get the van into the independent shop. The dealer seems to be sitting around waiting for work. I guess auto repair shops are like restaurants.......the ones with all the cars in the lot have the best food.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,341
Likes: 4,366
From: SW VA
NEVER trust any mechanic! I don't care how long you've been going to them...there will come a time where the bills catch up to the income, and they will pull all kinds of stunts to get some money.
Any professional tradesman (mechanic, carpenter, electrition, plumber, etc...) has a job because the people who call them usually don't know anything about it. They WILL take advantage of this.
None of my 9 vehicles in as many years have ever seen the inside of a garage other than my own. And it will stay that way.
Good luck with your encounters
Any professional tradesman (mechanic, carpenter, electrition, plumber, etc...) has a job because the people who call them usually don't know anything about it. They WILL take advantage of this.
None of my 9 vehicles in as many years have ever seen the inside of a garage other than my own. And it will stay that way.
Good luck with your encounters
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mgraveman
Excursion - King of SUVs
7
Jan 2, 2014 09:45 AM
Chips2000
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
10
Sep 4, 2008 04:42 PM
rhnasko
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
11
May 1, 2004 05:19 AM
