Gentlemen, I'm having another one of those wonderful experiences at my dealership and I need some advice.

First, the issue with my Jeep: It has an oil consumption issue that they refuse to touch because they claim its under the 1qt/1000mi threshold. I've been measuring the oil consumption myself for 40,000mi and I know its damn close to that if not at it, but I can't prove it. Anyway, now the Jeep has developed a noisy rattle/hiss when the engine is cold. Its much more noticeable when its cold outside too, like 50 degrees F or cooler and it's very noticeable for a couple minutes, then it settles down. When it's warmer out, it doesn't seem to make much noise at all, say 65 or warmer. And if its in neutral and you just rev it, it doesn't do it at all. I know it isn't the heatshield rattle because I've checked it several times. I believe it's the cat because i think the oil consumption is beginning to get to it. That and the dealership told me during one oil consumption test that the PCV valve was bad, which i've heard can contribute to fouling the cat prematurely as well.

I took it in yesterday and explained the situation to them, and that they'd have to drive it and listen for the rattle while it was cold. They called me later and said they didn't hear anything, but they were going to try it again in the morning (today). Called this afternoon and same story, and said I'm going to have to pay the $78 diagnostic fee to get the Jeep back. I'm fuming because I know there's a problem, and the problem should be under warranty, and now I'm screwed into paying 80 bucks for nothing. I asked that if I brought it back again in the near future and if they acknowledged/fixed the problem would I get a refund since its under warranty, and he said no since it would be a different visit. I asked if I could come in tomorrow and he said there won't be any mechanics, just him and that he couldn't prove its the cat just by hearing a rattle himself. So i asked if I could leave it until Monday and come in to argue my case and he said sure. Then i called back and asked the front desk if there are mechanics there on saturdays and she said yeah there are 4 of them. What the hell??

So, do my problems sound like the catalytic converters are failing? (I think there are 2 on the jk?) And does anybody have any advice on dealing with these people? If its not the cat, i have no problem paying them the 80 bucks and be on my way, but i just feel like i'm being screwed here.

 

A mechanic's stethoscope is an inexpensive and handy tool for tracking down mysterious noises. Use care around moving parts, touch the probe to the pipes,cats. You will hear an internal rattle if something is coming loose. A cracked weld , or something as yet "unknown" will reveal itself to this simple tool..As for the oil, ask them to do a consumption test, where they add oil, seal the dipstick, and you drive for 1000 miles; they check the level and that's what is-or isn't- used.

 

I've already done 2 consumption tests. They call me up and say "it's using a half quart. That's normal." And thats about it. I've given up hope on it for now. My primary concern is the noise I'm hearing, and the idea of them charging me $78 for something that should be warranted/free of charge and isn't even being fixed.

 

I have found that chrysler dealer service is pretty much a waste of space!

If it's not throwing a code they don't want to work.

I mean they are there to service "You" the customer, they get paid regardless and it is no skin off there back if they deiced to replace your engine or track down the real problem. SO FIX THE FUCKING THING!

Maybe they are just so busy to keep up with Chryslers pristine engineering that they don't care or have the time. Unless it doesn't run, Just keep driving it attitude!

 

I assume you are talking to the service advisor. He works on commission, so he's trying to pry a few bucks out of you. Go down in person and talk to the general manager or owner and calmly explain the situation to them. Stress the fact that you understood the inspection would be a warranty noise inspection. Stress the fact that it was a ''could not duplicate result''. If they can't or won't diagnose it then a diagnosis fee is a moot point.....Remember CALM is the name of the game. NEVER self-diagnose or put forward what YOU feel is wrong. The service advisor will fixate on your statement and this will affect what the tech is told to do. ALWAYS look at the repair order before leaving and SEE for yourself what the service writer has written as a complaint for the mechanic to use. Insist that the problem description be clarified to your satisfaction before you leave. Most service writers CANNOT work on a car, have NEVER repaired a car. Their job is to sell labor and parts, no sales, no pay. The statement that the diagnosis fee applies to one visit is bullshit, pure and simple. In over 30 years of dealership employment I've never heard that one. A bad converter sounds like a BRICK rattling around in the converter. It sounds like you have a bracket/heat shield slightly loose, when cold it has clearance or a gap, after a couple of minutes it heats up and the gap disapears, end of noise....Are you using synthetic? If so switch to comparable Dino and see if your consumption doesn't slow or stop.

 

Thanks tinman, that's a good point. If they can't duplicate the sound I'm experiencing, then I shouldn't have to pay the fee. I took it in for something that is under warranty and if (according to them) there is nothing wrong with it, then I shouldn't owe anything.

 

No I've never used synthetic in it at any time. I've heard that switching to it could cause usage or leakage problems so I've just stayed away.

But for example, I've got about 1200 miles on the current oil change and I just put an entire quart into it the other day and it still didnt hit the top line on the dipstick...Yet I still can't get anything out of them. I always tell myself at least I have the lifetime warranty, so I don't need to really worry about it, but what good is it if you can't get them to work on anything?

 

Well I tried to calmly argue that they failed to diagnose anything and it got me absolutely nowhere.

 

Wow... I just called another dealership in my area and they said the first one is flat out nasty for charging me the fee. They even gave me the chrysler customer service number to ask them what the hell they're thinking. The problem is they're closed on the weekends. What are the odds I'll get a refund if I pay to get the jeep out today and call on Monday to complain about it? At least I made a new friend out of this (the guy at the other dealership!)

 

Yeah, many people hare have found that their issue isn't so much the actual mechanical problems with the Jeep (most new vehicles regardless of manufacturer will have a few minor issues during the warranty period) but rather with the crappy service they get from some Chrysler dealers. I guess I just lucked out & got an excellent dealer first try, but sometimes it pays to shop around as you have done.