How long do recalls take?

[David15151]

First, I took my car down to the Mitsubishi dealer cause well it may SAY talon but we all know its just an eclipse. They say they wont do recalls on Eagles.. so I went to the chrysler dealer. They took a glance at it and just said, "We need to look this up". After about 30 minutes 2-3 guys crowded around a computer screen they finally started to write me up. So, they print out like 3 booklets of what all they need to do. Ball-Joint, Gas Tank, and Transfer Case is what they are going to perform. I asked them how long was it going to take and they replied, "Well, I know we are going to have to order the parts but we have never did one of these cars and we are going to have to follow it by the book so we have no idea how long this is going to take." So, this is a real comfort. Well, it's free so i guess I can't complain too much right? Does anyone have any idea as to the length of time it takes to get these done? I need to get my turbo and manifold out to get them ported and back in before the 23rd.

 

[Diceman19]

i would say plan to be out of commision for at least a day since they dont know what is going on. it took mitsu about 4-5 hours on my for just the transfer case recall. we all know how most dealerships take their sweet time doing EVERYTHING.

 

[AdoreGSX]

Where do you check for recalls...are there any important ones on the 97 gsx? What do you say to the dealer?

 

[bhop]

Where do you check for recalls...are there any important ones on the 97 gsx? What do you say to the dealer?

CALL Satan's service dept. Tell them you own an Eclipse and the model, and want to check for any outstanding recall notices. Have your VIN# in front of you. They'll plug that into their computer and tell you.

 

[AdoreGSX]

word, and all the recall parts and work are free? you cant beat that, even if it was a woman. just kiddin, i'm partially bullshitin...

 

[bhop]

word, and all the recall parts and work are free? you cant beat that, even if it was a woman. just kiddin, i'm partially bullshitin...

They only thing they should take from you for a recall is your time. If they try to charge you, call up someone that's above them on the mitsu ladder and file a complaint (the recall notices actually have a number under the warning), or go to another dealer.

 

[Doug99RS]

i would say plan to be out of commision for at least a day since they dont know what is going on. it took mitsu about 4-5 hours on my for just the transfer case recall. we all know how most dealerships take their sweet time doing EVERYTHING.

Funny how everyone's real quick to start bashing the dealership. I swear many of you have no clue what goes on from our end.

Here's the deal.
First, the ball joint recall calls for the inspection of the lower lateral arms. If excessive play in found in the ball joint OR leakage is found in the ball joint then the arm requires replacing. If there is no leakage or play then the cups for the ball joints are resealed only. Most places have found that it's better to replace the arms and be done with it. These parts are still pretty much available anywhere and wait time should be limited to one day or so. Labor time is about an hour and a half.

Second, the fuel tank recall calls for the replacement of the fuel tank assembly no questions asked. The driveshaft and exhaust has to be dropped in order to do this. Plan on handing them new exhaust gaskets if you have an after-market exhaust kit on it. If the car has a stock system then they should be able to replace the gaskets. Remember that a recall calls for the replacement or repairs of a stock vehicle. Meaning... if you have modified the car in a manner that CREATES more work for them then YOU are responsible for any additional charge. The modification does not void the recall and if the labor is the same then you owe nothing. The gas tank recall ONLY applied to 95 AWD's. This means that there were not that many cars involved and parts are limited. Allow up to three days for the part to arrive. Labor time will normally take about half a day.

Finally, the transfer case recall calls for an inspection as well. If there is fluid leaking from the rear of the transfer case and it still has SOME fluid in it with NO noise then it gets resealed. If there is no fluid in the case then it gets replaced. There are several different repair paths that are taken depending on what the mechanic finds upon inspection. Parts for this are somewhat limited as well because it only affected AWD's and there are 2-3 different transfer cases available. Allow a full day for this repair because it could involve a partial rebuild of the transfer case.

Things to keep in mind when getting recall work done. If the car is unsafe then only YOU are responsible for damages caused because you are too stupid to park the car until it can be fixed. Next... call ahead for your appointment, don't just show up wanting it done. These parts are not kept in stock anymore and are normally not in the dealership's local parts depot. Call a week in advance and make sure the parts have been ordered and will be ready on the day of your appointment. Remember that while a repair time has been quoted for "1hour", this is ONLY an estimate for the time needed to repair the car and DOES NOT INCLUDE the time needed to clear off the mechanics lift so that he can then start on your car. Empty lifts means wasted time and money. There is ALWAYS someone in line before you that has to be taken care of before they can start on your car. DON'T wait for the car. Find alternate transportation and let the mechanic do his job without you pressuring him to get it done in half the time really needed.

Finally... quit bashing the dealerships. There's guys like me out here too giving away free advice and you should think about that before you start bashing us. If you've got a beaf with YOUR dealership... BASH THEM, not EVERYONE. I've spent too many hours tearing cars apart and putting them back together for customers who don't appreciate their cars and only fix what's broken today and not taking any steps to keep it from breaking in the future. Then they bi*** and moan later and expect us to fix it for free because they didn't maintain it. There's two sides to every coin so sit in my shoes for a bit before you go spouting off.

 

[bhop]

The reasons the dealerships get bashed is usually for overcharging. At least, that's the only reason I stay away. My dealership is overall pretty good and knowledgable at the work they do, and they're pretty friendly. But there's something wrong when well, let's take today for example. My CEL came on. I called the dealer to see how much it would be to hook up the OBDII machine. 90 dollars. 90 DOLLARS! They also told me that it would take an hour minimum to get the results. AN HOUR! So long story short, I went to Autozone and did it myself for FREE and in LESS THAN A MINUTE, literally. After the problem was diagnosed, I called Mitsu again to see how much an o2 sensor would be. $155 bucks. No thanks, so I found another source for 70 dollars. When they stop gouging, they'll get some respect. But that'll never happen, so they'll continue to get bashed. Also, keep in mind that it's not just Mitsu dealers, all car dealers seem to be this way.

 

[AdoreGSX]

thank you doug...cleared things up for me...

 

[Defiant]

I don't like the sound of a dealer who "hadn't worked on one of these before".

The shop that did my transfer case recall replacement was excellent, Geweke Chrysler in Lodi. The service manager made the effort to track down the recall, and then leaned on Chrysler to pick it up. The job was slightly stalled in waiting on parts, but I went in prepared for that. Getting $2000 worth of work done for no charge tends to make me a bit forgiving. The mechanic who got the job had a lot of T/E/L experience.

However, the Mitsubishi shop that had worked on my car before I got it deserves a fire. They got the rear balance shaft out of phase, destroyed a radiator in the process, and destroyed the AC compressor by tearing the temp sensor wires out of it.

So dealerships are like any other group you try to classify. Some members are terrific, and some aren't.

 

[yoshimitsuspeed]

Funny how everyone's real quick to start bashing the dealership. I swear many of you have no clue what goes on from our end.

I agree that it is a little harsh to bash dealerships in general but it is hard to see that there are good and bad when all you have seen you dont like. I have never met a car salesman I liked and I have never liked the way I have been treated at a dealership, (including the Mitsubishy dealership I worked at) and the prices are outrageous.

 

[igopoopy]

Where do you check for recalls...are there any important ones on the 97 gsx? What do you say to the dealer?

http://www.partsamerica.com/VehicleYears.asp?sourcearea=LEARN&destinationpage=RecallList.asp

 

[David15151]

Ok just got my car back today. So it took 8 days.

Recall #701 - Fuel Tank - Replaced Fuel Tank

Recall #780 - Transfer Case Leak - Replaced Gasket and Yoke Package

Recall #967 - Lower Ball Joint Inspection - Replaced Links and Seals

Amount Due: 0.00

 

[Defiant]

Reminds me of a Kinks song. "You Make it All Worthwhile"


I was pretty delighted with my no-charge transfer case, I'll tellya.