Topic: Warranty issue. Should I pay for it?

[whaddaiknow]

Looking for opinions and advice

Have had this issue with the check engine light coming on and then going off.
The dealer scanned it on three separate occasions each time reporting the torque converter circuit being the problem.
They sent the results to the Head Office in Canada who forwarded it to the engineers in Korea.

Their response was they wanted to flush the transmission first to see if that fixes the problem. If not, they would have to replace the transmission.
I say OK, go ahead. At noon today, my wife dropped off the van and they told her there would be a charge of $250+HST for the service.

The van is 4.5 years old with ~85,000km so still under bumper-to-bumper manufacturer warranty. The next transmission flush is not due until the 96,000km service, and I am up to date on all required maintenance.

I called them back and said I shouldn't be charged for the service as this is part of the problem troubleshooting process, and if the transmission flush fixes the torque converter causing the check engine light coming on then it's a cheap fix for you compared to the cost of a new transmission.

If it doesn't fix the problem then, TO ME, it means I paid $250 for nothing. The service guy says he needs to talk to the manager and would call me back.

What do YOU make of it?

Thanks for your opinions.

[AP]

Ah the old "we have to perform a service at your cost to see if there is a warrantable defect".  If it were me, I would put aside strict legalities and seek a pragmatic solution.  Work with them and they will work with you.  Tell them you will pay for the service (at a reduced cost) subject to one caveat: If it turns out that the transmission needs to be replaced under warranty, you want a store credit (not a refund) for your out-of-pocket costs.  It seems one-sided to expect you to pay for service on a defective transmission.  Everyone gets something out of the deal...

[Guy]

Yes, good advice. 

[2latecrew]

Looking for opinions and advice

Have had this issue with the check engine light coming on and then going off.
The dealer scanned it on three separate occasions each time reporting the torque converter circuit being the problem.
They sent the results to the Head Office in Canada who forwarded it to the engineers in Korea.

Their response was they wanted to flush the transmission first to see if that fixes the problem. If not, they would have to replace the transmission.
I say OK, go ahead. At noon today, my wife dropped off the van and they told her there would be a charge of $250+HST for the service.

The van is 4.5 years old with ~85,000km so still under bumper-to-bumper manufacturer warranty. The next transmission flush is not due until the 96,000km service, and I am up to date on all required maintenance.

I called them back and said I shouldn't be charged for the service as this is part of the problem troubleshooting process, and if the transmission flush fixes the torque converter causing the check engine light coming on then it's a cheap fix for you compared to the cost of a new transmission.

If it doesn't fix the problem then, TO ME, it means I paid $250 for nothing. The service guy says he needs to talk to the manager and would call me back.

What do YOU make of it?

Thanks for your opinions.

No way I'd pay for that.

The flush is an attempt to fix a warranty issue. Its troubleshooting. If they said they wanted to replace the solenoid to fix the issue they wouldn't charge you for the solenoid to fix a warranty issue would they? This is either warranty or its not.

Tell them you won't pay for the flush so just go ahead and replace the transmission 

I had them try to pull some of the same kind of crap on my Neon. 45 000 km in the CEL comes on. They trace the issue to failed plug wires and proceed to attempt to charge me not only of the plug wires but for "diagnostic time. I said very nicely but firmly that this was covered under warranty ..the guy denied it up and down until I had the manager come out and read the warranty documentation that stated it was covered.

Then they said that it had ruined the plugs and that it realized new plugs which they refused to cover. They refused to replace the wires without replacing the plugs and to top it all off said "the only way to replace the plugs is to play for a "tune up package".

I ended up going to another dealer who consented to replace the wires under warranty and then I bought 4 plugs at Canadian Tire took it to the garage down the street and had them replaced for a 1/3rd of what dealer 1 wanted to charge. (BTW the dealer who assisted me me got all my service work for the rest of the warranty life of the car-the other dealer got a brutal CSI score from me).

The moral of the story is (like many other things) read your warranty(policy/contract)know what's covered and don't let anyone tell you different.

[quadzilla]

No way I'd pay for that.

The flush is an attempt to fix a warranty issue. Its troubleshooting. If they said they wanted to replace the solenoid to fix the issue they wouldn't charge you for the solenoid to fix a warranty issue would they? This is either warranty or its not.

Tell them you won't pay for the flush so just go ahead and replace the transmission 

with this.

So if this "fix" only works long enough to get you to the end of your warranty and then the transmission blows up, what will they do for you then?

[whaddaiknow]

Ah the old "we have to perform a service at your cost to see if there is a warrantable defect".  If it were me, I would put aside strict legalities and seek a pragmatic solution.  Work with them and they will work with you.  Tell them you will pay for the service (at a reduced cost) subject to one caveat: If it turns out that the transmission needs to be replaced under warranty, you want a store credit (not a refund) for your out-of-pocket costs.  It seems one-sided to expect you to pay for service on a defective transmission.  Everyone gets something out of the deal...

Thanks, the service manager called me and I think we came to a similar deal. If it doesn't fix the problem, I will get my money back. I don't mind flushing the transmission ahead of schedule but don't want to do it if 1,000km the new oil is discarded along with the whole transmission.

[whaddaiknow]

No way I'd pay for that.

The flush is an attempt to fix a warranty issue. Its troubleshooting. If they said they wanted to replace the solenoid to fix the issue they wouldn't charge you for the solenoid to fix a warranty issue would they? This is either warranty or its not.

Tell them you won't pay for the flush so just go ahead and replace the transmission 

I had them try to pull some of the same kind of crap on my Neon. 45 000 km in the CEL comes on. They trace the issue to failed plug wires and proceed to attempt to charge me not only of the plug wires but for "diagnostic time. I said very nicely but firmly that this was covered under warranty ..the guy denied it up and down until I had the manager come out and read the warranty documentation that stated it was covered.

Then they said that it had ruined the plugs and that it realized new plugs which they refused to cover. They refused to replace the wires without replacing the plugs and to top it all off said "the only way to replace the plugs is to play for a "tune up package".

I ended up going to another dealer who consented to replace the wires under warranty and then I bought 4 plugs at Canadian Tire took it to the garage down the street and had them replaced for a 1/3rd of what dealer 1 wanted to charge. (BTW the dealer who assisted me me got all my service work for the rest of the warranty life of the car-the other dealer got a brutal CSI score from me).

The moral of the story is (like many other things) read your warranty(policy/contract)know what's covered and don't let anyone tell you different.

Thanks for that information.

I also told the service mgr that I didn't want to end in a situation where I would be paying for their troubleshooting racking up costs that may end up being completely redundant and unnecessary. Since my next flush was coming up in a fairly reasonable mileage, and they couldn't either confirm or deny that the previous owner did the flush according to schedule, I decided to give it a try. And if it doesn't help, I get my money back.

I was really puzzled and surprized that Hyundai doesn't keep a log of all required major maintenance on in-warranty stock to ensure the warranty claims are legit - they say it's the owner's responsibility to prove that all prior maintenance was done properly and on time. My question on how am I supposed to get all the records if I buy it used from out of town met no response. So buyer beware.

[Guy]

Ah the old "we have to perform a service at your cost to see if there is a warrantable defect".  If it were me, I would put aside strict legalities and seek a pragmatic solution.  Work with them and they will work with you.  Tell them you will pay for the service (at a reduced cost) subject to one caveat: If it turns out that the transmission needs to be replaced under warranty, you want a store credit (not a refund) for your out-of-pocket costs.  It seems one-sided to expect you to pay for service on a defective transmission.  Everyone gets something out of the deal...

Thanks, the service manager called me and I think we came to a similar deal. If it doesn't fix the problem, I will get my money back. I don't mind flushing the transmission ahead of schedule but don't want to do it if 1,000km the new oil is discarded along with the whole transmission.

That's a reasonable compromise. Tell us how it turns out.

[articsteve]

I was really puzzled and surprized that Hyundai doesn't keep a log of all required major maintenance on in-warranty stock to ensure the warranty claims are legit - they say it's the owner's responsibility to prove that all prior maintenance was done properly and on time. My question on how am I supposed to get all the records if I buy it used from out of town met no response. So buyer beware.

So what are they telling you ?  That your transmission service is void for lack of service documenation. 

[whaddaiknow]

I was really puzzled and surprized that Hyundai doesn't keep a log of all required major maintenance on in-warranty stock to ensure the warranty claims are legit - they say it's the owner's responsibility to prove that all prior maintenance was done properly and on time. My question on how am I supposed to get all the records if I buy it used from out of town met no response. So buyer beware.

So what are they telling you ?  That your transmission service is void for lack of service documenation. 

No, they didn't say that. It's just that, since I bought it used, I asked them if they could check if the transmission has been flushed before by the previous owner. They said they cannot verify that as such records only exist in the dealership where the service was performed.
My natural question that followed was "What if the engine in a car blows up but the owner never changed oil after 80,000km of driving? How do you know if it's a legitmate claim?" Their answer was "It's the owner's responsibility to prove all maintenance has been performed as required".

So, unless you have full maintenance records, Hyundai can legally decline ANY warranty repair if they were inclined to do so. Just something to keep in the back of your mind.

[inco]

I was really puzzled and surprized that Hyundai doesn't keep a log of all required major maintenance on in-warranty stock to ensure the warranty claims are legit - they say it's the owner's responsibility to prove that all prior maintenance was done properly and on time. My question on how am I supposed to get all the records if I buy it used from out of town met no response. So buyer beware.

So what are they telling you ?  That your transmission service is void for lack of service documenation. 

No, they didn't say that. It's just that, since I bought it used, I asked them if they could check if the transmission has been flushed before by the previous owner. They said they cannot verify that as such records only exist in the dealership where the service was performed.
My natural question that followed was "What if the engine in a car blows up but the owner never changed oil after 80,000km of driving? How do you know if it's a legitmate claim?" Their answer was "It's the owner's responsibility to prove all maintenance has been performed as required".

So, unless you have full maintenance records, Hyundai can legally decline ANY warranty repair if they were inclined to do so. Just something to keep in the back of your mind.

Bottom line - don't buy a used Hyundai. Not worth the gamble.

[whaddaiknow]

I was really puzzled and surprized that Hyundai doesn't keep a log of all required major maintenance on in-warranty stock to ensure the warranty claims are legit - they say it's the owner's responsibility to prove that all prior maintenance was done properly and on time. My question on how am I supposed to get all the records if I buy it used from out of town met no response. So buyer beware.

So what are they telling you ?  That your transmission service is void for lack of service documenation. 

No, they didn't say that. It's just that, since I bought it used, I asked them if they could check if the transmission has been flushed before by the previous owner. They said they cannot verify that as such records only exist in the dealership where the service was performed.
My natural question that followed was "What if the engine in a car blows up but the owner never changed oil after 80,000km of driving? How do you know if it's a legitmate claim?" Their answer was "It's the owner's responsibility to prove all maintenance has been performed as required".

So, unless you have full maintenance records, Hyundai can legally decline ANY warranty repair if they were inclined to do so. Just something to keep in the back of your mind.

Bottom line - don't buy a used Hyundai. Not worth the gamble.

For the price I paid for it - definitely worth it.

[inco]

Today you can say that, but if the tranny is shot and they deny warranty, you might feel a little diffferent.

I'm a little surprised that Hyundai is going that route. With systems in place they should be able to recall any vin and see what work has been done regardless of where the car is. Maybe that's why the prices are so good is because they didn't or won't invest in systems?

[sailor723]

So it sounds like the long and short of it is....don't count on any warranty on a used Hyundai unless you know the history and can access the service records. 

[CanuckG35]

Looking for opinions and advice

Have had this issue with the check engine light coming on and then going off.
The dealer scanned it on three separate occasions each time reporting the torque converter circuit being the problem.
They sent the results to the Head Office in Canada who forwarded it to the engineers in Korea.

Their response was they wanted to flush the transmission first to see if that fixes the problem. If not, they would have to replace the transmission.
I say OK, go ahead. At noon today, my wife dropped off the van and they told her there would be a charge of $250+HST for the service.

The van is 4.5 years old with ~85,000km so still under bumper-to-bumper manufacturer warranty. The next transmission flush is not due until the 96,000km service, and I am up to date on all required maintenance.

I called them back and said I shouldn't be charged for the service as this is part of the problem troubleshooting process, and if the transmission flush fixes the torque converter causing the check engine light coming on then it's a cheap fix for you compared to the cost of a new transmission.

If it doesn't fix the problem then, TO ME, it means I paid $250 for nothing. The service guy says he needs to talk to the manager and would call me back.

What do YOU make of it?

Thanks for your opinions.

No way I'd pay for that.

The flush is an attempt to fix a warranty issue. Its troubleshooting. If they said they wanted to replace the solenoid to fix the issue they wouldn't charge you for the solenoid to fix a warranty issue would they? This is either warranty or its not.

Tell them you won't pay for the flush so just go ahead and replace the transmission 

I'm with you, I wouldn't pay for it either.  Pay for a service to "see" if it fixes a warrantied item?  Absolutely not. 

[No H2O]

At noon today, my wife dropped off the van and they told her there would be a charge of $250+HST for the service.

You have an issue under warranty.

Let them try to be the experts they so often come across as...diagnose the problem and stop guessing...anybody can do that.

Tell them to take a hike!

[whaddaiknow]

At noon today, my wife dropped off the van and they told her there would be a charge of $250+HST for the service.

You have an issue under warranty.

Let them try to be the experts they so often come across as...diagnose the problem and stop guessing...anybody can do that.

Tell them to take a hike!

Well, I did pay in the end under the condition that if the problem persists, they replace the transmission and I get my money back.
Interestingly enough, in his email the service mgr said Hyundai requires transmission to be flushed every 160,000km but since Canada is considered to be the zone with "severe driving conditions"  (ever been to Siberia?) they recommend that the interval be cut in half. I call that BS but don't want to argue over $275 and then be stuck with a $5,000 (or whatever) transmission bill.

I am driving to Montreal next week with a full load (4 adults, 2 kids and a pile of suitcases, Cozumel here I come!! ) so I'll see if the check engine lights up again after the flush.

The dealership also assured me that, even after the warranty runs out, since I have a history with them, should the transmission fail the goodwill warranty repair would be honoured. I tend to believe people until they screw me (fool me once, shame on you...)

Regarding the warranty, to their defense they never alluded or hinted that I might have a problem with warranty repair. It's something that I myself brought up as, strictly speaking, they could do it (deny it if you can't prove regular maintenance) if they wanted to. It may be the same across the industry, I don't know.

I would still recommend this service shop over Bank St. Hyundai

[No H2O]

Interestingly enough, in his email the service mgr said Hyundai requires transmission to be flushed every 160,000km but since Canada is considered to be the zone with "severe driving conditions"  (ever been to Siberia?) they recommend that the interval be cut in half. I call that BS but don't want to argue over $275 and then be stuck with a $5,000 (or whatever) transmission bill.

Although I replace my lubes sooner than published recommended intervals, I call that BS as well. Minnesota is in the US...ever been there in the winter? I wonder if their intervals are cut in half?

The dealership also assured me that, even after the warranty runs out, since I have a history with them, should the transmission fail the goodwill warranty repair would be honoured.

Make sure you keep the copies of the service work orders.

As for the "goodwill warrwanty", find out if that is parts and labour or you might end up footing a good portion of the bill. I've seen the free parts and the customer pays the labour scenarios.

[2latecrew]

Interestingly enough, in his email the service mgr said Hyundai requires transmission to be flushed every 160,000km but since Canada is considered to be the zone with "severe driving conditions"  (ever been to Siberia?) they recommend that the interval be cut in half. I call that BS but don't want to argue over $275 and then be stuck with a $5,000 (or whatever) transmission bill.

Although I replace my lubes sooner than published recommended intervals, I call that BS as well. Minnesota is in the US...ever been there in the winter? I wonder if their intervals are cut in half?

The dealership also assured me that, even after the warranty runs out, since I have a history with them, should the transmission fail the goodwill warranty repair would be honoured.

Make sure you keep the copies of the service work orders.

As for the "goodwill warrwanty", find out if that is parts and labour or you might end up footing a good portion of the bill. I've seen the free parts and the customer pays the labour scenarios.

Also make sure that any "assurances" dealer made are recorded in their service system and get a copy. If not sure go back to the dealer and have them do it. If its not in the system and recorded its frankly useless.

I have had dealers do goodwill work..it does happen but counting on it for something like a transmission replacement is a huge gamble. As mentioned above its often free parts but you foot the labour bill.I never ever trust someone who says give me the money now and if it doesn't work out later I'll give it back.

I'd be more likely to say "Go ahead and flush it and if it works THEN I'll pay you." Getting $ bback from someone is never the preferred. Plus $275 sounds like the RETAIL cost for a flush. AT the very least they should be doing it at their cost pricing.

Hope it works out.

[whaddaiknow]

Interestingly enough, in his email the service mgr said Hyundai requires transmission to be flushed every 160,000km but since Canada is considered to be the zone with "severe driving conditions"  (ever been to Siberia?) they recommend that the interval be cut in half. I call that BS but don't want to argue over $275 and then be stuck with a $5,000 (or whatever) transmission bill.

Although I replace my lubes sooner than published recommended intervals, I call that BS as well. Minnesota is in the US...ever been there in the winter? I wonder if their intervals are cut in half?

The dealership also assured me that, even after the warranty runs out, since I have a history with them, should the transmission fail the goodwill warranty repair would be honoured.

Make sure you keep the copies of the service work orders.

As for the "goodwill warrwanty", find out if that is parts and labour or you might end up footing a good portion of the bill. I've seen the free parts and the customer pays the labour scenarios.

Also make sure that any "assurances" dealer made are recorded in their service system and get a copy. If not sure go back to the dealer and have them do it. If its not in the system and recorded its frankly useless.

I have had dealers do goodwill work..it does happen but counting on it for something like a transmission replacement is a huge gamble. As mentioned above its often free parts but you foot the labour bill.I never ever trust someone who says give me the money now and if it doesn't work out later I'll give it back.

I'd be more likely to say "Go ahead and flush it and if it works THEN I'll pay you." Getting $ bback from someone is never the preferred. Plus $275 sounds like the RETAIL cost for a flush. AT the very least they should be doing it at their cost pricing.

Hope it works out.

Thanks guys.

The van is due for an oil change soon, I'll make sure to bring it up then.