I would take it to the dealer so it is documented as it was a dealer install so it is under warranty.
i totally agree with you as I hate to go to the dealer. I have 3 in the area and all three aren’t worth it, but as long as it is under warranty that is a penance I am willing to pay. Makes one wonder if they are hiring ASE mechanics or not.
why is it so hard for US car dealers to have a good service department? Not like they don’t charge and arm and a leg to fix something out of warranty. When I turn my wife’s Mercedes in it is done right and returned clean. I have a oil change and I find smudges in the engine bay and on the door. Had A service performed on a Jeep Grand Cherokee and when I got home I saw the oil was low, and so was the power steering fluid. On my last oil change on the truck the oil was over filled. Good thing I have a catch can.
if nothing else put a quick tie to hold it up and drive it in.
Some thoughts on why service is lacking:
Today I would say you don't see, hear or talk to the mechanic. From my experience there is the "middle man" at the service desk (not sure of what he should be called, not sure what his back ground or training involves). He talks to you, writes up a ticket, sets an appointment and the mechanic gets a ticket.
To the mechanic you are a work ticket. The mechanic's pay is based on work produced and the faster he can finish a job and get to the next one the higher his salary. No face or individual connection - impersonal, and he has the blocker at the counter for unsatisfactory service.
Service departments have more work than they can handle. How many owners can get an appointment the next day or for that matter the next week? They do not need the work! I was quoted $545.60 for an engine block heater (parts are less than $100 via internet, $95 if installed at time of build) to me it was throw it out there and see if he "bites". But I'm sure FCA will put pressure on poor performance. But how much poor performance and how bad?
Generally today the "key board" and "screen" dictate what can be done, easy to hide behind an email, text or phone call - again impersonal. I bought my 2001 Dodge 1500 from a small family owned dealership. The owner's office was right up front and employees were long term. It was closed when Chrysler consolidated dealerships.
Vehicles are complicated today and "baffle with BuI$it" is easy. Not being educated and informed leaves you at a big disadvantage.
Quality of service may be related to hourly rate. I do not have personal experience in this category. What is the price for each dealership (Mercedes, BMW vs FCA) for a 5 quart oil and filter change?
And my final thought is work ethics. It seems today people look forward to retirement. Some people have careers and some have jobs.
Long time ago my Uncle Ken told me "there are only two things you need to do in life, find a woman you love and a job you love, the rest will come easy". My only problem is I can't get the two together on the same day.
