New drain plug with each oil change?

[GCross]

Went to my local Dodge dealer today for my first oil change at 5000 miles. I picked up the truck after being relieved of eighty three bucks and change, when I got home I took a close look at the invoice and saw something that I didn't expect or understand.



1 5080631AA PLUG-OIL DRAIN $9. 20

1 4883971 ADHESIVE-RDV - BLACK $8. 09



I called my "Service Advisor" to inquire, and was told that the oil drain plug must be replaced at each oil change, the other item is a gasket to stop it from leaking. I've been driving and changing oil for over 45 years and this is a first.



I looked in the handbook and did not see anything to this effect. Has anyone else ever heard of this? I don't mind spending the money if this is advisable, but hey, that's $17. 29 additional for each oil change, which is about what I paid for the complete oil change on my gasser.

 

[RankRam]

Some of these dealers never cease to amaze me! ROFLMAO :-laf

 

[klenger]

You've been had. My dealer charges about $53 complete, and only charges $22 labor if I supply the oil and filter.

 

[rbattelle]

That is disgusting. You were lied to. I bet they over-torqued the drain plug and broke it, then charged you for a new one.

 

[HWigand]

I don't know I took my CTD at 3704 for the first oil change they quoted me $80 but ultimately didn't charge me. The invoice didn't list anything about a new drain plug.

 

[DocDetonancour]

They must have screwed the plug up. I'd see the manager and demand a refund of the gasket and plug! Doc

 

[gsdog1]

You got rooked.

 

[TGreschuk]

Never mind the cost, I'd want to know what the hell they did to your truck that justified them having to use a tube of silicone to fix it!

 

[PJ]

Lithia Dodge, Grants Pass Oregon, $40. Lube , oil, filter. 30 min and Im on the road.

For that price, why would I want to get my hands dirty?

 

[SSlevin]

44. 95 at cecial Atkison in Burnett Texas

 

[Gordon Maney]

It will be interesting to hear about your next conversation with this dealer... .

 

[JDerbedrossian]

ive done 6 oil changes and still use same drain plug, post which dealer this is so we can avoid them. im in your area too.

 

[sarj]

Hey George



I'd like to know the dealer too... let 'em get a few letters sent from some TDR guy's & let 'em know we talk to each other... let them know we patronize the honest dealers and talk about the ones that clip you.



sarj

 

[GCross]

I took it to Cerritos Dodge in Cerritos, CA. I bought my last truck there and always received good service in the past. I will followup on this and post any result.



-George-

 

[JDerbedrossian]

yeh i bought my truck from there too, havent had any problems with service yet except for oil smeers inside cab of truck. so keep us posted on what they tell you.

 

[swexlin]

That is disgusting. You were lied to. I bet they over-torqued the drain plug and broke it, then charged you for a new one.

I'm sure this is what happened. I had my first 5000 mile change at my dealer recently, and didn't need a new drain plug.



I would report this to DC, then find a new dealer.

 

[DPelletier]

Never mind the cost, I'd want to know what the hell they did to your truck that justified them having to use a tube of silicone to fix it!

Yep, something is rotten here. There is no need for the sealer.





Dave

 

[midlife crisis]

What do you want to bet, your former drain plug is in the bottom of the grease monkeys oil catch can.

 

[Bob4x4]

George,You've got mail



Bob

 

[dougs455]

You got ripped off. Tell them to refund the money. Same thing happed to my wife's tahoe at jiffy lube. $11 for a drain plug it said on the reciept. Wrong answer. I went back up there (with race car in tow to impress the "mechanics") and asked to see the old drain plug. They brought out some old bolt that was on the floor and said it looks like this. They couldn't find the original of course and the mechanic that did the work was already gone. I told them it was a 6 month old $18 magnetic plug they ruined. The manager was so made he tried to throw the bolt across the service bays when I wasn't looking. My money was refunded and my next oil change was free. These guys also told my wife the antifreeze was "too green". You gotta watch where you go. My oil changes are done by a detail shop because the guy that does the oil changes changes the oil, full lube, tops of the fluids, cleans the glass, and vaccums the inside for $50. He's also about 60 years old and knows what "working for a living" is. I tip him $5 every time-not much-but I get a smile and a thank you and I know my truck was in good hands.