Back in January we had to take our car in to have a new fuel kit put in. After it was done we noticed our car would drip something every now and then so 2 weeks later we took it back and were told that brake fluid was leaking so they fixed it.
Got the car back and it was still dripping something every now and then, but one thing lead to another and we never really got time to take it in. Early June we took the car in, cause it was due for is 12mth service anyway. We mentioned again that it was still dripping something, and we were told that we had a leaking power steering pump and it needed replacing. We're on an extended warranty, so it was going to cost nothign for the new pump. That service was 3 weeks ago Friday (just gone).
We get the car back and 13 days later the battery light comes on while I am driving. We think something is wrong with the battery so Andrew checks it out when he gets home from work to find there is a yellow lead hanging in the middle of nowhere. We have no idea where the lead goes and take pics and ask some mechanic friends on FB who have no idea either. Andrew gets out the mulitmeter and checks the battery anyway to find it is only running at 11v.
We call in the RAA, and they determine that our alternator is shot. Keep in mind the car was only at the mechanic 13 days earlier. He asked if we had a power steering issue, and I mentioned the drips and how the mechanic said we had a leaky power steering pump and replaced it. He told us the drip had gone into the alternator which is why the alternator was now buggered.
So first thing the next morning I am on the phone to mechanic to take the car back in again. I mention the yellow lead hanging into space and say that it needs a new alternator. All good all done under warranty and I get a phone call at 2.30 that day to say it is ready. Finally get back to the mechanic just before 4. I walk out to the car and there is drips under it, so I get the mechanic to have a look. He determines that there is a loose fitting hose so puts it back into the workshop to tighten it. No drama 20 mins later I am on my way.
5 days later. Drips appear under my car again. The very same day our mechanic rings Andrew for a survey type thing after our major service. Andrew said that I am not happy cause the car is still dripping and it's been in 3 times about the dripping since January. So they told him to lay white plastic down to see what colour the drips are and to call them back.
We've done that and it is a reddish colour so either transmission, or brake fluid. So now my car will have to go back sometime monday for the 4th time about somethign friggen dripping.
Quite frankly I am over it. We don't know if they're just not listening to us, or if it really is different stuff dripping all the time. All the drips in my carport are roughly the same spot. If it comes back brake fluid on Monday (if I get it in monday that is) then I will be ropeable as that was supposed to be fixed early Februrary !!!
Sounds like the Mechanic we had trouble with earlier this year Kat - I am struggling to find a decent Adelaide Mechanic
I was on the RAA website earlier today as we just bought a second hand car, and I notice they have a free Car related Legal advice line - perhaps they could give you some direction
Thanks Naomi. I have bookmarked that. We go through a known dealership too so we expected a lot better. Dec 2012 our extended warranty with them ends. Bring it on.
Sounds like someone shouldnt have gotten their trade certificate! At least you don't have to pay but what a pain having to take it in all the time. How it gets fixed ASAP!
The car went back in on the Monday, and they ended up having it over night. There was oil dripping from the radiator. So another thing they blamed. We got it back late Tuesday arvo (next day) and there has been no dripping since. I am so glad I had extended warranty on it. Because the radiator was dripping oil from somewhere our insurer covered the costs of a brand new radiator. All we had to pay for was the coolant and a flush. Had it been dripping water, then we would have had to pay for it.
New power steering pump, new alternator, and now new radiator all under warranty. Thankgod!
Issues with Mechanic
So now my car will have to go back sometime monday for the 4th time about somethign friggen dripping.
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