Bay King Chrysler

- I took my 2001 Jeep TJ in to correct an erratic idle, stalling at stops and balking on acceleration. Apparently not an uncommon problem (485,000 Google hits on Jeep erratic idle). Assumption being a stalling at stops and balking on acceleration. Apparently not an uncommon problem (485,000 Google hits on Jeep erratic idle). Assumption being a dealer would have the experience and expertise to locate and correct the problem. The technician required FOUR hours of diagnostic time to locate the problem in the clock spring!!!; a $411.20 charge! Some expertise! - Diagnosis, throttle body service and clock spring replacement = parts & labour of $989.62! ............................. - Following is a copy of the communication with the dealer's service manager. You decide if you'd take your vehicle here. Sir, I just picked up my 2001 Jeep TJ from your service dept. where it had been in for repairs to correct an irregular idle, stalling at stops and balky acceleration. Wo # CCCS269793; customer # 20332. The problem has been corrected. Concern: My rationale for selecting a dealership repair was that they would have up to date experience specific to characteristics and defect history of the brand and model of vehicle; proper testing equipment; privileged information in the form of service bulletins, reference manuals, wiring diagrams; in short, to be able to provide ‘expert’ service. The FOUR HOURS required to determine where the fault was (second item up the wiring from the throttle control) seems to fall somewhat short of the 'expert' category and appears excessive, especially considering that problem seems to be common; ie: 288,000 Google hits on ‘Jeep TJ erratic idle’ and about 1/2 million on 'Jeep erratic idle'. I think that an adjustment to the 'diagnostic' charge is in order and I would appreciate your review of the invoice. Sincerely, Don Fraser DEALER REPLY: Mr. Fraser, I am fully confident in our technicians abilities in diagnosing and repairing any concerns that enter our shop. Are you suggesting that instead of using Chrysler repair protocol and consulting our Chrysler tech-line, we should ‘Google’ customers concerns and rely on so-called ‘internet experts’ to solve the problem for us, who’s liable if the problem re-occurs? I will not reimburse or adjust your diagnostic charge. Proper diagnostics take time and all time was approved by you before we performed any work. We did fix your problem and I believe we did so to the best of our ability. Blair Holierhoek Service Manager Bay King Motors More