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The end of April our ford lost the belt to the water pump. We took it into the dealer to be replaced and told them to go ahead and replace the main belt too. After one call back from them saying they couldn't find a problem with the car, my dh had to explain it was missing the one belt and go ahead and replace the main one while they are in there. It was done near closing on a Friday night when we picked it up. Saturday it was overheating so we parked it till Monday - when dh got home to check it.
Low and behold the dealer sent us home without the belt to the water pump. We immediatly took it right back and they did put the missing belt on.
Now we were having problems with the check engine light, took it in for diagnose and the code was for the fuel injector. They also said a vacuum hose had heat damage and needed to be replaced. We said fix it for around 430. They have just called and said it is still not running right and is giving out some code and they need to tear into it more to see if a valve is sticking or something.
My question is if this could be related to the missing belt they sent us home without? In other words heat damage or something.
We had written a letter to the owner who was apoligetic and made promises about red carpet service next time we came in. If we could have we wouldn't have returned there but this is a new area for us and we don't have a regular car repair shop.
BTW - it's a 2001 ford taurus with about 110,000 miles.
No belt for the water pump. Not good. The water pump circulates the coolant thru your engine. Without that, I am surprised you didn't overheat the engine and warp the block. But then again, that may be your problem.
Absolutely it is the dealer's responsibility--the water pump is on the back side of the head, and the mechanic missed it. Sounds possible that the resulting overheating cooked some things. The dealer has already successfully strung you along; attorney time. That's the only way you will achieve a measure of satisfaction and accountability. Good luck.
My question is >"after it overheated and you parked it,Did you crank it up and drive it to the dealer? If so you ruined your case . YOU never drive a car if you know it is over heating....Your decision and its debatable if this is what hurt the engine...I think when it overheated the first time damage was done because IT ONLY TAKEs A FEW SECONDS FOR AN ALUMINUM engine TO MESS UP ONCE IT REACHES THE DANGER ZONE....The dealer might replace your engine with another used one. You wont get a brand new engine out of this..This makes the dealer look real bad and he best treat you right. Tell him you will publicize this to other customers if he doest fix your car for free.
So how can I prove that their negligence is the cause of the problems now? I mean the missing belt was April 23rd. Would it take that long or should we have immediately had problems? This really sucks.
Without seeing your car, I would say that a ten year old Taurus with 110K is pretty close to the end of its life anyway, and your first priority should be to find a replacement car. Your '01 is probably not worth putting a lot of money into for repairs. Get yourself a reliable car, and then take your time dealing with the legal issues in getting restitution from the repair shop.
So how can I prove that their negligence is the cause of the problems now? I mean the missing belt was April 23rd. Would it take that long or should we have immediately had problems? This really sucks.
If it overheated and caused a problem you would have seen it right away. You engine has issues not related to the belt. Forget this repair shop. Get the codes (free from autozone) and then post them here for help or take it to another mechanic.
Without seeing your car, I would say that a ten year old Taurus with 110K is pretty close to the end of its life anyway, and your first priority should be to find a replacement car. Your '01 is probably not worth putting a lot of money into for repairs. Get yourself a reliable car, and then take your time dealing with the legal issues in getting restitution from the repair shop.
Well, we can't afford to get something different, been trying to get out of debt and this is our paid for vehicle. Which other than this problem is in great condition.
Quote:
If it overheated and caused a problem you would have seen it right away. You engine has issues not related to the belt. Forget this repair shop. Get the codes (free from autozone) and then post them here for help or take it to another mechanic.
So you don't think the problems now could in any way be related to the missing belt 2mo ago?
I hate cars. ... well, when they don't work at least.
I would disagree somewhat with Jtur88 about the life expectancy of your Taurus. I have a 95 sitting out front right now with 250K on it, original motor, and a replacement (used) transmission (I trashed the original during a hurricane in 2003) with 180K on it. Our 02 Taurus has 156K, original motor and trans, on it and is still pretty much a daily driver. Both cars were bought new and had the regular services.
I would disagree somewhat with Jtur88 about the life expectancy of your Taurus.
I hope you are right. We had hoped to keep this paid for car a long time.
Thanks
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