Maintenance!!!

[CCCRAM]

Hey TDR Members... I need your help.



Just went into the Dodge dealership for a leak I discovered on my RAM. Turns out its a transfer case gasket leak, front and back. But the real issue is the rep told me I was due for my 30k service, then he checked on computer and told me I had missed the 15k, how important it was to maintain the truck given the investment, that the 30k service was $569 and would I like it done today?



I deferred, telling him I wanted an oil/filter change, diagnose the transfer case leak, and I would schedule the service with him later. He said to be sure it gets done, because further warranty service could be "compromised" if I fail to maintain the truck according to the service schedule.



Now the 30k service includes: oil/filter change ($69), lubrication ($60), transmission service($130), front and back differential service ($240), replace air filter ($32), battery service ($69), inspect brakes ($60), inspect hoses/belts ($60), rotate/balance tires ($80) taken as a whole is $569.



My question is I've done a number of services myself or through the local Pepboys for brake check, rotate tires, battery. Am I getting the best deal going to the dealership for the other services or should I shop around? I feel like I'm being taken for a ride for the $569? What's been your experience? I know there's a lot of do it yourselfers out there.



Oo.

 

[tgbol]

I would shop around some more, or even do the services myself (I do). I just keep track of what I did and found like would on one of our fleet rigs. The stealer doesn't have to do the services, but if a problem arises it would pay to have some type record that you did it. Like a reciept for the oil and filters.

 

[Bill_L]

You could probably get all of those serivces done almost anywhere other than a dealer for half the cost.

The only thing I would worry about is the transmission service since Dodge says you need ATF+3 or +4.



What the heck is battery service and why does it cost so much? If that is just testing the batteries to make sure that they are good then the charge is way too high.

 

[BV]

What they said

I agree with the others and to add onto that - I do all the service work that I can and keep the receipts for any parts or materials (oil/filters/lubes ... . ). I also keep a log book in the truck of fuel that goes in the tank - In this log, the left hand page is for maintence stuff like date oil/filter changed and the right page tracks fuel used, miles gone, cost and average mpg.



This log and the receipts should keep the st(d)ealer from voiding any warranty based on missed service schedules.



If your not comfortable with this - Our local Jiffy Lube keeps a record for you for any service done and you can get a print out if your want. The only problem I have heard of is the stores are not tied together so every place you visit for service has it's own record for your rig.



Better Idea - Bring it on by and we can do it for much less than half that with beer and pizza included.

 

[klenger]

$69 battery service! You can buy one for that much.



Discount Tire will rotate the tires for free.



Air filter you can replace yourself



A brake shop will inspect the brakes for free.



Have the shop do the messier or more difficult things if you are not comfortable with them.



Keep a record of the maintenance done and your warranty will be fine.



For the price of the diff. service, you can buy a Mag-Hytec conver for the rear axle. When the next service is due, the front covers will be available too.

 

[Pit Bull]

Just look in the owners manual and do what is listed when it is due. They can't void your warranty as long as you have records. The only thing that you need to do is oil and filter and the transmission. My dealer includes the lube job with the oil and filter. The axles only need to be serviced if you tow heavy and they can never prove that. The brake pads are not covered under warranty and I would have them done some where else and keep the receipt. I would have the brake fluid changed every two years. The prices are crazy. My dealer charges $79 for transmission service with new fluid and filter. Go to another dealer!!!

 

[Thomas]

The $60 for lubrication seems a bit high for three zerks

 

[Iseminger]

Dealer Ripoff

I agree with everyone else. You could save alot of money by by (a) doing it yourself, most of these items are very easily done by even the novice mechanic. Some of those things they throw in just to up sell or make more money off of you. I used to be a mechanic, I know how it works. And like most everyone else is saying, the price for the work seems a bit high (it does'nt take a high dollar mechanic to look at something). If you are'nt comfertable doing it, have a friend help that knows what they are doing.

or (b) taking it to a reputable shop in your area, Their hourly charge is usually a lot cheper than a dealer's and can do just as good of a job. Just keep the records for your warrentee.



Also, you may want to look in to a K & N air filter as they'll last the life of the vehicle and you'll save money in the long run on air filters.



As far as skipping the 15k service, that should'nt have a huge impact on the truck as long as you are'nt doing anything heavy duty. Again, just to make more money.

 

[dan_gilson]

I paid around the same price for my 30K service. Being that DC had many problems doing other repairs I was pretty concerned that they were going to do this correctly. So, I did the 60K service myself. Fluids and filters ran me around $240. I run LE609 in my diff's. The rear diff has a mag-hytec cover which doubles the capacity which add an extra $40. None of the stuff is really that hard. The worst thing is probably draining the raditor. It is just really slow. At least I know that everything got done (and it was done my way). I did a little at a time over 3 weekends. You can get it done in a day if you hurry. I try not to hurry on the weekend.



Whatever they were charging for the batteries was way too much!



A tips for the batteries: Clean them off regularily. The dust and dirt on the outside will reduce their life be adding resistance between the terminals. Find some "No-oxide A" from a telco supply. And LIGHTLY coat the terminals (too much and it becomes an insulator). Unless you wipe off that stuff you will never have to worry about terminal getting corroded again.

Try:

http://www.telephonetools.com/generaltools/item.nhtml?profile=generaltools&UID=116



I do not know how much it runs but it is really good stuff. They supposedly make a spray now too.



By the way, that tube will last you for all you vehicles, your friend's and family's vehicles and you will probably give it way to someone when you are really old. I got a tube 20 years ago that just had a little left in it. I am still working on it. All it takes is maybe a 1/4 of a teaspoon (if that) per battery. You do a battery when its new and it dies before needing more.