Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Christopher Dodge Service Rip-off ?

[bkendall5651]

Christopher Dodge in Golden, CO. charged me $1,000 to fix the gas guage on my 95 RAM 2500, claiming that the gas tank was "damaged too badly to install a new sending unit", yet when I looked at the old tank, I couldn't see ANY damage or tell it from the new one. The service manager tried to tell me the clearances were really tight for the sending unit and that you couldn't see the problem unless the tank was installed on the hangers. $550 for the tank and $350 labor. OUCHHHHHH !!



Does this sound possible or reasonable ? Could another service shop look at the old tank and determine if I got scammed ? Is there a service shop around Denver that does good work and can be trusted not to rip you off ?



I've heard other horror stories from several customers of Christopher Dodge. BEWARE !!!



They also conviently forgot to lube the chasis, but they sure didn't forget to charge me for it ! They clipped me for $2,500.

 

[Bob Wagner]

they tank should be yours for the taking.



I would get a second opinion, and if they did you wrong



<font color=red> STICK IT TO THE MAN!!!!!!!! </FONT>

 

[Rammin On]

Yeah man ... get the tank ... want to get rid of the tank module???

 

[mikepvg]

Definately get the tank & find out the truth.



My fuel gauge hasn't worked in years. Sounds like a good thing I don't really care about a fuel gauge!



Good Luck & keep us informed since I for one might has to use Christophers Dodge.



Mike

 

[bkendall5651]

I saved the old tank but didn't think to ask for the old sending unit since it wasn't working properly. Gas tank would read full for about 50 miles and then drop to empty and give different readings until I filled it up again.



I'm just not sure who to take it to and whether I want to throw good money after bad unless I have a clear idea of what to do and how to go about it.

I would be surprised if another Dodge dealer would render an honest opinion if it looked like I got ripped off and it seems like it would come down to technical differences of opinion that wouldn't settle anything. I know if you go to small claims court you have to PROVE your case 51% and would lose if it were one technicians word against another's.





I only have 57k original miles on the truck and they also told me I had to replace the front brake rotars because they would be out of tolerance if they were turned. That doesn't seem reasonable either, but I'll need to check with the previous owner to see if he ever had the rotars turned. They conviently misplaced the rotars when I picked up the truck so I don't have them either.



Thanks for your comments !!

 

[Rammin On]

Is the module still in the tank?

 

[jwdeeming]

OUCH!! I'm about to ask my local dealer (Prestige, in Longmont CO) to investigate my tank/gauge problem. I sure hope I don't end up in that boat with you.



Longmont's a bit far for you, but someone posted here recently that John Elway Dodge in Thornton is treating folks pretty well - you might make a few calls.



Good luck and keep us posted here!

 

[bkendall5651]

No, the tank was completely empty with no fittings or anything on it when I picked it up. They never offered to give me the module and I didn't think of it at the time. I was so frustrated that I was concentrating on the tank itself.



I suspect it would have been conveniently misplaced like the brake rotars were.

 

[LandShark]

Sure sounds like you got RIPPED! I changed the sender in my tank a few years ago in about 1 1/2 hours (about $50 for parts). I'm sure I could do it in 45 minutes, now that I've done one. I don't understand the 'clearance problem'. I just don't see anywhere where there could be a clearance problem. There is plenty of room around the sender cap. Did they poke a hole in the tank?



BTW: I think that most CTD owners get well over 100,000 miles on their rotors. I have 130,000 with plenty of meat remaining.

 

[K_Arts]

Yes Christophers Dodge is a rip off!!!



Make sure anytime you EVER go to a Stealer that you make sure they keep the parts and point out the flaws in them. If the flaw does not look reasonable... call Chrysler on the spot!



I'm totally sorry to hear that you got ripped of... too bad I really can't offer a suggestion on a good stealer to go to. I take mine to Johnsons Auto Plaza up where I live. . but I have had major problems with their service manager. I pretty much have to walk in there with my service manual to prove to them ******** that there is a problem that they need to fix.



Kev

 

[bkendall5651]

I went to a Stealer because I'm a first time diesel owner and was afraid to go to a smaller shop. The truck doesn't even have any warranty left so in hindsight, it didn't make any sense at all to go to a Dodge "Stealer" .



I guess I'll just have to learn to work on it myself so I'll be sure to get it done right at a reasonable cost !



Sure wish I could find someone who was competent AND trustworthy, but those two just don't seem to go together nowadays !!



Maybe plastic surgery would help, they seem to see me coming a mile away.

 

[K_Arts]

Just let some of us local guys know that you are having problems. . and we'll help you get them solved. .



Kev

 

[bkendall5651]

Thanks !



I appreciate the help and was hoping that the TDR website would provide that kind of honest and straight-forward communication.



We can be a sort of consumer group of our own.

 

[Todd T]

$2500 would have bought you a 10,000lb lift or a ton of hand tools and books.



just another reason to self maintain.



sorry to hear of your troubles

Todd

 

[1tuffram]

Not sure if it will help or not, but you may want to report them to the Better Business Bureau, www.bbb.org They have a division called Auto Line which specifically deals with auto related issues. You may also want to try calling the Colorado Attorney General, the number for the Colorado Consumer line is 1-800-222-4444 or in Denver Metro area 303-866-5109.



Just a thought on where to turn in this situation.

 

[K_Arts]

bkendall5651 - I just sent you a PM

 

[jerryrigg]

I know most of you have heard of Transfer-Flow, if not read Issue #37 page 148. They will also repair any sending unit and they would be a good source to call about the Stealers "clearances" that require a new tank.



-matt

 

[Deezul1]

I would call the BBB any way, may help some one else if they get enough bad reports. I think they got to you, cant imagine the tank causing trouble and dont recall any member having that trouble and replacing the tank. That sucks.

 

[bkendall5651]

Great information, I really appreciate the help.



BBB report shows additional complaints but says they have all been cleared up "satisfactorily". I suspect they either tell a good story to the BBB ( who's to challenge it when it comes to technical/mechanical things ?) or many people just aren't pursuing it.



The only missing link is a qualified mechanical repair shop to examine the old tank and render an opinion on how credible the dealers story is or isn't.



Any ideas or any shops monitoring this that would be interested ?



I can bring the tank in and drop it off and bring the truck in too if necessary.



THANKS TO EVERYONE !!!!!!

 

[jwdeeming]

Every time I've had my truck into Prestige (in Longmont), they call me without fail for a "satisfaction survey". If they don't get me by phone, they mail me a survey. They are extremely protective of that 5 star rating.



If Christopher gives you the chance, you could make sure you blister them on that followup!