Topic: Car diagnostics
started by: Liberal
Posted by Liberal on Jul. 29 2022,10:03 pm
Took my car to a local dealer for a weird sound I've had them look at 2 other times. This time I go to pick up my car and they tell me they think it might be the differential or the right axle. Then they tell me I need to pay them $130 for their diagnostic guess. I say, "You didn't diagnose shit, you're guessing and think I'll just accept your guess." Then I told them I'll pay them $130 and the cost of the rear differential if they'll guarantee that it's the problem and not just a guess. They tell me that's not how it works.What other business gets away with guessing what a problem is and then charging you for that guess without guaranteeing their guess is right?
Posted by Expatriate on Jul. 30 2022,6:51 am
It's hard to find a good mechanic, dealerships are always pricey..Have my own OBDII scanner but that's not going to tell me anything about a differential or axle..so yeah it's guess, hopefully an educated/experienced guess.
< View on YouTube >
Posted by Brand New Day on Jul. 30 2022,7:34 am
did you get a list of 13 or 14 other things they could fix for you for that $130? 
the dealership probably can't even afford their own shop.
think the shoppes carry the whole dealership on their backs as far as bottom line and money coming in goes. . .
what do online searches say could be the problem?
Posted by Liberal on Jul. 30 2022,8:37 am
I don't have a problem with paying them for diagnosing a problem but they didn't diagnose the problem. With my limited knowledge of cars I showed the technician in a 500yd drive how they couldn't be right. And if they're just going to guess I wouldn't instantly go to an entire rear differential and axles. I'd be more than happy for a list of just one thing, but I'd like it to be the right thing.And the car has a warranty where I pay $100 at most so it's not about money, it's about getting a service when you pay for it. And I don't want the entire rear drivetrain replaced for a noise that has no effect on the car. it's been making the noise since 15,000 miles and I've had it there twice before. The last time they replaced my shocks and springs with under 40,000 miles on it.
What other business can I take something to and ask if they can fix something and they say, "I think something it's broken, that will be $130"?
Its not an easy problem to fix. It only makes the noise occasionally, but only under 20 mph, usually when turning, and only the first couple turns. My guess is a bushing but nobody can find a bad bushing. I've spent hours under the car, and reading on the internet but I haven't been able to figure it out.
Posted by Self-Banished on Jul. 30 2022,9:06 am
^^ what car?
Posted by Liberal on Jul. 30 2022,9:19 am
2017 Juke nismo with the variable assist AWD but it does it in normal AWD mode, and in front wheel drive mode.I don't blame the mechanics, there's nothing harder to fix than an intermittent problem.
Posted by Self-Banished on Jul. 30 2022,9:50 am
^^ possible problem with CVT?
Posted by Liberal on Jul. 30 2022,10:23 am
Maybe. That's a big problem but I think it usually fails completely. This noise sounds like someone slapping the back fender. There's nothing it seems to change with the car. One of the times I had it in they found a wrench from the factory in the fender but it wasn't the noise. I still wonder if another tool wasn't left somewhere in the rear of it.
Posted by Self-Banished on Jul. 30 2022,10:50 am
^^ I knew a guy that thought he was Mr Mechanical, was fixing a farm tractor transmission, left a 9/16’s inside wasn’t pretty.Nissan put those CVT transmissions in cars as a cost saving (cheap) I’m not familiar as to how they fail.
Posted by Brand New Day on Jul. 30 2022,2:21 pm
if they are known to have CVT issues $100 seems like a good deal to replace it anyway . . . heck that's $30 cheaper than the diagnostic fee. heh
doesn't Scotty Kilmer do a live show?
would be interesting to hear his take on it. . .
Posted by Self-Banished on Jul. 30 2022,2:43 pm
^^ yes, he does, here’s he feeling on the CVT< https://youtu.be/HSZ5-ifYQho >
Posted by Brand New Day on Jul. 31 2022,5:56 am
INFORMATION TO PREVENT CVT REPLACEMENTDUE TO MISDIAGNOSIS OF NOISE
QUOTE
Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are
properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job
properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO
NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle
properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job
properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO
NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle
< https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10141438-9999.pdf >