OK, I am venting, and very frustrated. I would appreciate advice, though.
BACK STORY: 2013 Grand Caravan with 73500 miles, I bought 7 months ago with 53000 miles. Has 100K factory powertrain warranty. Was originally rental. I have changed oil with synthetic with the OLM. No problems, no oil use at all between oil changes.
DECEMBER 2015 (70000 MILES): Started making a distinct ticking noise, most noticeable at idle from outside the car. Sounds like a rocker or something. I am aware that these cars are known for cylinder head issues, but it is supposed to be newer than the problem cars (mfg. date December 2012)
MID-JANUARY (72000 MILES): Took it in for diagnosis only. Was told it will likely need a cylinder head, but may only be a rocker arm. Told that it's safe to drive, they will call me to schedule appointment when the parts are available so it doesn't take too long.
MONDAY FEB 1: (73500 miles): Took it in as scheduled and told it would be ready to pick up tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday Feb 2). The ticking noise is more pronounced, almost a knock now.
WEDNESDAY FEB 3: Called to check on status. Service writer out with family emergency. Another service writer said he would call me right back. Never did.
THURSDAY FEB 4, PHONE CALL 1: I call and talk to original service writer, he doesn't know status but says he will call me back
THURSDAY FEB 4, phone call 2: Original service writer calls me back, says the technician has a couple of questions. Asks if I knew I was 2 quarts low. I told him I actually checked it the morning before I took it in and it was on the Full mark, and that this could not be. Oil changed at 72,300 miles and I have the receipt for all 6 quarts, and it has never burned any oil between oil changes, and I check often. He says he will check with the technician, maybe that he was talking about a different car.
THURSDAY FEB 4, PHONE CALL 3: Original service writer calls me, says that it was 2 quarts low. I ask if they topped it off and if this made the noise go away, and if I should come pick it up. He says yes, noise is gone, and yes, come pick it up. Nervous and angry, I agree to come get my car, knowing that now they are saying I am negligent in maintnance and probably no warranty coverage for the rental, diagnosis, or 2 quarts of oil which the car did not need going in.
THURSDAY FEB 4, PHONE CALL 4: Original service writer calls me again, says it was more like 1 quart low, is still making the noise, and they will continue to diagnose. Says he won't write up that it was low on oil. I tell him my concern that I'm being accused of neglecting the car and that I may be considered responsible for paying for everything going forward. He tells me that he is not, not to worry, that it is definitely a powertrain warranty issue.
So, what should I do? I am concerned about being lied to, and that these same folks will start tearing into my engine. However, the other Dodge dealer in town has plenty of 1-star reviews on google as well.
BACK STORY: 2013 Grand Caravan with 73500 miles, I bought 7 months ago with 53000 miles. Has 100K factory powertrain warranty. Was originally rental. I have changed oil with synthetic with the OLM. No problems, no oil use at all between oil changes.
DECEMBER 2015 (70000 MILES): Started making a distinct ticking noise, most noticeable at idle from outside the car. Sounds like a rocker or something. I am aware that these cars are known for cylinder head issues, but it is supposed to be newer than the problem cars (mfg. date December 2012)
MID-JANUARY (72000 MILES): Took it in for diagnosis only. Was told it will likely need a cylinder head, but may only be a rocker arm. Told that it's safe to drive, they will call me to schedule appointment when the parts are available so it doesn't take too long.
MONDAY FEB 1: (73500 miles): Took it in as scheduled and told it would be ready to pick up tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday Feb 2). The ticking noise is more pronounced, almost a knock now.
WEDNESDAY FEB 3: Called to check on status. Service writer out with family emergency. Another service writer said he would call me right back. Never did.
THURSDAY FEB 4, PHONE CALL 1: I call and talk to original service writer, he doesn't know status but says he will call me back
THURSDAY FEB 4, phone call 2: Original service writer calls me back, says the technician has a couple of questions. Asks if I knew I was 2 quarts low. I told him I actually checked it the morning before I took it in and it was on the Full mark, and that this could not be. Oil changed at 72,300 miles and I have the receipt for all 6 quarts, and it has never burned any oil between oil changes, and I check often. He says he will check with the technician, maybe that he was talking about a different car.
THURSDAY FEB 4, PHONE CALL 3: Original service writer calls me, says that it was 2 quarts low. I ask if they topped it off and if this made the noise go away, and if I should come pick it up. He says yes, noise is gone, and yes, come pick it up. Nervous and angry, I agree to come get my car, knowing that now they are saying I am negligent in maintnance and probably no warranty coverage for the rental, diagnosis, or 2 quarts of oil which the car did not need going in.
THURSDAY FEB 4, PHONE CALL 4: Original service writer calls me again, says it was more like 1 quart low, is still making the noise, and they will continue to diagnose. Says he won't write up that it was low on oil. I tell him my concern that I'm being accused of neglecting the car and that I may be considered responsible for paying for everything going forward. He tells me that he is not, not to worry, that it is definitely a powertrain warranty issue.
So, what should I do? I am concerned about being lied to, and that these same folks will start tearing into my engine. However, the other Dodge dealer in town has plenty of 1-star reviews on google as well.
