Fishy car dealer, says this is something none of the mechanics have heard of

Maintenance/Repairs
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21

I’m from Montreal… I found some stuff that could be of interest to you. https://repairpal.com/software-update-available-to-correct-transmission-issues-734

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22

I dunno, my gut tells me there’s more going on here. I’d want to know exactly how the shop diagnosed the leaky valve. Did they do a pressure leakdown test? Vacuum gage? I’m also curious about their description of how it’s causing the intermittent “feels like I applied the brakes” symptom.

Perhaps my own experiences with used car dealers are tainting my impressions… but my gut is usually pretty good on things like this.

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23

Thanks man, everything is french here so sometimes i end up messing up my english words also ill admit im a terrible speller but hey like you said most people understand and pretty much everyone here has been extremely helpful, but theres always that one guy lol

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@Jenni101 Is it safe to assume you traded the 1999 Ford Escort for this current vehicle because you never posted an update.

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No problem. I’m a terrible speller too, and my ONLY language is English!

However, seeing as how you’re posting from outside of the U.S. (Quebec?) I have to admit to being totally ignorant of your local customs and consumer protection laws as regards car repairs. I’m also unfamiliar with the legal system in your country, so without more technical information I’ll be of little help.

Is it customary for shops where you are to detail the complaints and their actions? Do they give you a copy of the document (here we’d call it a “shop order”)? Does your place of residence have consumer protection laws? Does your place have any legal assistance?

If you have copies of shop orders, can you post for us exactly what is written on them? Technical details, if you have any, might give us something to digest and perhaps we could be more helpful.

Please post back. We really do care.

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Yes i never got the email notifications for that one so i forgot to check back, took it to the garage and they told me to take it straight to the junk yard lol

27

Sorry i didn’t know you were bi-lingual. French is like French to me.

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28

Thanks! I’ve only been here for 2 years so im not familiar with the laws either. I believe there is some consumer protection law that requires them to fix problems within the 30 day period which is the only reason i got the 30 day guarantee.

They gave me no papers or anything when i left, i asked but they said they put everything in the computer instead

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The said the code for the check engine light was for the leaking valve

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The codes don’t work that way. They identify an error detected by a specific sensor and the mechanic has to then diagnose its cause. In most cases, the mechanic has to know what tests to do to determine the cause of the fault code. Sounds like they threw a guess at you to get you out of the dealership.

In future when any shop says they don’t use paper, they put it on the computer instead, you may want to ask them to print a copy of what they’ve put on the computer.

As much as I hate to suggest this, all I can suggest is to have it evaluated by a different private shop and consider using this analysis to force the dealer to stand behind his warranty.

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31

You can book an appointment with a CAA inspection center in Montreal even if you are not a member. I always go there prior to a used car purchase.

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That is probably good advice but the OP has not been in Canada that long and may not know what CAA stands for and I certainly don’t.

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Same as AAA in the U.S

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100,000 KM is not a high-mileage car these days as it’s only around 62,000 miles which is not that bad for a 4-year-old vehicle.

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Why don’t you buy a scanner and pull the code yourself. I bought one off of eBay for under $10, no kidding, works perfect. Last time I pulled a few codes off my Bug, all were confirmed by the shop. This dealership likely erased the codes but they will come back in a few; just watch and wait

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36

Update: check engine light is back on lol
Gonna take it to the garage i took my old car to (they have always been upfront and honest with me) and have them do a full inspection or at the very least have them read the code and take the paperwork back to my shitty car dealer and convince them to honor the warranty.

Thanks everyone for the advice!

I’ll post back and let everyone know how it goes!

1 Like