That flashing check engine light

[mbaston]

I am having that flashing check engine light issue. Never had it until they did a re-flash. Dealer wants to charge me a $90 diagnostic fee should they not find the problem (which they say is usually the case with intermittent electrical problems). I am getting no codes.



However, I have also lost my cold temperature high idle. I thought it might be my ez box but I removed it and have the same problem. This was in 20 degree weather.



Is their a service bulletin or the like I can point to?

 

[ImagesThatSing]

Do I have this right. If the dealer fails, does not find the problem he still wants to be paid as if he was successful. hmmm what is wrong with this picture?



I think they think we are willing to put up with way too much "They win - They win"

 

[mbaston]

yes, this seems to be a standard now. You bring your rig in for a warranty issue, and they still have you sign for an hour of labor. If they don't find what causes the problem, you have to pay for that hour. They are quite arrogant about this. It isn't just my dealer... have had several do it.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I took mine in for the flashing light along with a paint issue. They didn't charge me for the diagnosis and they didn't fix it either.

They did fix the paint though.

 

[dieselpilot1969]

The way i see it if it's under warranty they will foot the bill , no exceptions!

 

[y-knot]

It might seem like the dealer should foot the bill from your standpoint, but there are different views to this. First it is the same everywhere, if you call the maytag repairman, they will charge if it isn't warranty related, they have to, or they would be running out to your house for nothing. Would you?? The dealer is in the same boat, they have to pay for the equipment and the guys that run it, I think it is only fair. If it is a warranty issue then no problem. The real issue here is you violated your warranty when you installed the EZ box, now that there is a problem, you want to shout warranty issue. I think that is a bit of a double standard, bordering on out right theft by deception. You made the choice to "up-grade" the engine, now you should be prepared to stand up to that decision and face the consequences. If it means paying the dealer for his services then pay him. :--)

 

[dieselpilot1969]

Y knot your absolutely correct from that standpoint, I was just referring to other issues that dc or dealers try to pass off as normal. Btw maytag rocks (lol)

 

[mbaston]

y-knot, lighten up. I did not ask for a personal attack!



The EZ box was on before the reflash with no issues. There were no issues before the reflash period. Taking the box off does not change a thing. I sincerely doubt the box is going to re-program the computer!!!



I am tired of the argument that the dealership has to cover expenses and the mechanics have to feed their families. So do I!. I pay aircraft shops whos certification requirements and responsibilities are far more than an auto mechanic, $50 an hour. Auto dealer ships charging 80 to 90 an hour?

Whats wrong with this picture?



What I am complaing is when they charge when they can't find the problem. Is that my fault? Why should I foot the bill after paying 45 grand for a truck.



However, all said, I did not start this thread to be attacked or to start an argument. I was just asking others for suggestions or known bulletins that I can go to the dealership with. Isn't the purpose of this board to help others?

 

[ttreibel]

What the heck does BUMPER to BUMPER mean anymore?



About the light flashing I bet they botched the flash for that. I have heard that one is a tricky one. Do you have a RAZ radio? I get the light blinks once a month or so if it's not lit all the time I don't care.



I got the re-flash for the CO2 because it is a safety issue and Dodge sent me two letters about it.....

 

[machterhof]

This may be the one you are looking for:



TSB 08-004-03



The full TSB can be seen here:



http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2003/08-004-03.htm

 

[Trizae]

more dealer bashing

I guess we have been lucky because we have not had any truck with this flashing check engine light deal. With that said, The factory will pay for up to one hours time,,, no matter what the problem,,,, A loose gas cap will set off a check engine light, a loose gas cap is the customers fault, (or in some cases a gas station attendent) yet the factory pays the dealer to turn it off. Anytime the check engine light is on with in 8years or 80,000 mile, the dealer should at least hook up the drb because 7 out of 10 problems which will set off the check engine light are covered by the emissions warranty. On the other hand, i have to admit that the factory will screw the dealer any chance it gets over a warranty issue. I'm a dealer, I know,,,,,,,, if yall want you can bring you trucks to VA and i'll take care of you

 

[mbaston]

Thank you Machterof and Trizae. I do wish that my dealership would do the one hour thing. I wish ur dealership was up here.