Tranny is damaged!

I would like to know how they're going to prove you were the cause of the tranny going bad.

I used to work in a Nissan service department and learned two important lessons that apply here.

1st, Service advisors are under a lot of pressure to avoid warranty work. It doesn't pay nearly as much as straight time. That means the dealership doesn't make as much money, the service advisor doesn't make as much money, and the tech really doesn't make as much money. Actually, techs get screwed HARD on warranty work.

2nd, anything is possible. This is good and bad. It means that if you don't get an answer you like from the advisor... demand to speak with the service manager. If that doesn't resolve it, let him know you're unhappy and that you want the 1-800 Nissan complaint #. (Service departments are rated by Nissan, most managers care a LOT about this as it's usually part of their bonus structure). It's hard, but demand what you want (a free tranny). Stay constant to the "I didn't abuse this tranny, I drive it normally, I am very upset about how I'm being treated, I want this resolved and I'm not going to accept anything less" theme.

I once worked on a lease vehicle that was comming in on trade in. It was only a year old, had 40k on it, and had never had an oil change! The engine was screwed... rod knock, oil like tar... I litterally had to wait well over an hour for all the oil to drain (it came out in clumps). Guess what, they took her vehicle in on trade in without any penalties... because she bought a new car. Anything is possible... it all depends on what they want to do. Make them want to give you a tranny if you start to get resistance.

Stick to your guns and you'll get what you want in the end. If all else fails... there's always other Nissan dealerships. If the dealership absolutly won't give you a free tranny, go to a different one.

Thanks, I'm just glad I could help.

This is kinda off topic, but maybe it'll help you and others in future dealings with Service departments...

Before I worked at a dealership I had no idea how much money was involved in service... nor for that matter how much pressure everyone is under to reach very lofty sales goals.... and make no mistake, that's exactly what it is. Sales.

We're all prepared when we walk into the showroom that we're gonna get "vultured." We all know we need to have our guard up. What virtually none of us are prepared for though is that when you walk into service... you need to have those same defenses up. Sure, they're not going to try and replace good parts by telling you they're bad (as in car sales)... but they ARE under quota pressure just like sales and they will get fired if they don't sell enough. If that's not bad enough, you've got to remember that each of those service advisors has techs that are depending on them to sell you service. If they don't sell you, those techs don't get paid.... they don't make a living. Again, being a tech is really hard. After saying all this you'd think how could an honest service advisor exhist.... that's where repeat business comes in and the simple fact that cars need maintance. People don't come to the service department to shop... they come there because they have to. For the most part, there's enough business to keep service departments very honest... but there are always exceptions to that rule. So becareful and be as educated a consumer as you can be.

You have the right to ask and recieve an explination from the tech (not just the advisor) of why any major service is required and what are the consequences are if it's not performed today. You have the right to see exactly what's being talked about (see the CV boot that's split open or those worn brake pads in person). If you aren't happy with the explination or with the treatment you're getting... drive down the road.

Having said all that though, remember that most people in service are honest and are just trying to provide good service. They take pride in what they do and are professionals. In fact, I've seen far more people walk away from services they truely needed than were ever sold services that were iffy... it can get pretty absurd actually. For example, I once had a customer argue with me that wiper inserts should be covered under warranty and she didn't think she should have to pay for them. Her original inserts were 3 years old (with 80k on the car) and she just wanted me to clean off the windshield because it was "dirty" and that would fix them. She accused me of trying to sell her something she didn't need. I told her I didn't make any money one way or another on these (which is true) and that installation was free (so actually I lost money... time=money). I told her I really didn't care if she bought them or not. I also told her though that when she couldn't see out her windshield the first time a big rain came this summer.... and she wound up wrecking her expensive car... don't blame anyone but herself. She choose not to buy $15 worth of parts that could of avoided a possible wreck.

I guess the center of my point really is to go into Service with your eyes wide open. Be as educated a consumer as you can be. Realize that they're under a lot of pressure to sell you service but also that most people ARE honest. It's a fine/difficult balance... both for them and for you. You don't want to go in there with an open check book agreeing to anything they say but you also don't want to go in there doubting everything. Keep an open mind AND be cautious. Good advice anytime you buy anything actually.

Yosho theres no need to apologize at all..... That was explained very well.....

ALright so I this is what happened yesterday. I get a call at work from the service guy telling me that the mechanic needs me to come and take a test drive with him cuz he couldnt find anything wrong. So I cant help but get a little upset since the car is been with them all day and all hes telling me all they did was test drive it.

I explained that I drive the car everyday and a test drive is'nt going to show them anything-I told them the tranny shop I took it to before pulled the oil pan and the tranny and found the problem..

Then the Service Mgr. gets on the phone--trying to intimidate me and says that two diff. mechanics checked the car and they could not find one sign that would lead to them thinking there was a problem. He said the fluids were all checked and the drive was fine. I went off and said Y did I sign a $324 agreement to have this checked if all you guys want to do is test drive it. He put me on hold I hung up.

First service guy calls me back and tries to calm me down. He says Im going to be honest with you -I told them they shouldnt have to pull the tranny if they dont find any signs of damage. We spent 10 min. on the phone talking about how it all.

Basically hes saying that they have no cause for pulling it and if they take the time to do it and nothing is really wrong with it I would have to pay the $300. He told me I have an extended warranty for another 25,000 miles and IM better off just waiting it out rather than take the risk now on spending the $ to have it checked when they see nothing wrong with it all....