Clutching at Straws

Billy wrote about a problem that he has with his car and how he feels talking to the mechanic (or receptionist in this instance). Although I have had some good mechanics, one gargae-full was especially bad:

When my first Toyota 4-Runner hit about 180,000 miles, I started having problems getting it to shift into 1st gear. Now Reverse was always a slight hassle (that seemed to be normal for Toyotas of that year model), but for 1st gear, it wasn't normal. There were times that I would hit the "sweat spot" and it would shift into 1st gear smoothly - usually after putting it in reverse first, but most of the time I would have to fiddle around to get it to get into gear.

I made an appointment for a clutch replacement at a local shop that I had been told was very good. After I got there to have the clutch replaced, I had this conversation: (this is an approximation, but it is an incident I remember well - I did leave off a whole lot of swearing I did at the end though).

Machanic: Has someone diagnosed it as a clutch problem?

Me: Nope, I just figure with the miles, years and hard labor it has been thru, that the clutch would be the problem.

Mechanic: I'll check the fluid window first, it's probably low.

Me: Oh, so there is a window, okay, check that first, but I really would just as soon get a new clutch put in.

Mechanic (after checking the window): Hmm, there isn't any window to check the fluid level. I believe that I'll just add more fluid and it will be okay.

Me: Well, okay, your the expert.

20 minutes later the mechanic said it was all set. He had tested 1st gear and it seemed to work fine.

I went home and got some sleep (I was working 3rd shift at the time). When I went to work, I still had problems with 1st gear. (Keep in mind, I only hit 1st gear once on the way home from the garage - after I had backed it out of the parking spot at the garage).

I called them up and told them that they had worked on it, but I still had the same problem, I would like to make another appointment to get a new clutch put in.

I drove it to the garage, and told another mechanic what the problem was and what had already been done, and that I wanted a new clutch put in.

New Mechanic: I don't think it's the clutch, I'll check the fluid window.

Me: There is no window, and fluid has been added. That didn't solve the problem.

NM: Let me look at it again. (A little late) I think one of the hoses has a small leak, causing you to loose fluid. I'll just replace the hose and fill it up and you'll be set.

Me: Really, I would like a new clutch in it.

NM: Nope, that's not the problem, I'll fix it and you'll see - and you'll save a ton of money.

I was just wondering why they wouldn't take the money that I had already expressed willingness to spend, but, off went the mechanic to replace the hoses and fill up the fluid again.

Once again I was assured that the problem was fixed and they had tested it. Everything was hunkey-dorey.

i went home, got some sleep and then went to class (before work). Yep - STILL had the same problem!

I called the garage, VERY irate, and told them that I would be bringing the truck in, they WOULD put in a new F***ING clutch, AND they would reduce the price by the amount of money that I had already paid for useless work.

(3rd round at the garage)

Mechanic: But, but, but we've tested it and it seems okay.

Me: And how have you tested it?

Mechanic: We back it up, then put it into 1st gear - it's fine!

Me: I keep telling you that it works fine after putting it into Reverse, but when downshifting it I can't get it into gear. Drive it forward, get into second gear, come to a stop, and try to put it into 1st.

(A couple of minutes later) Mechanic: Your right, I think it needs a new clutch.

Me: F***ing A it needs a new clutch. This is the 3rd time that I have told you guys that and you have jerked me around by doing un-needed work. You will put in a new clutch NOW. You will reduce my bill by the amount that previous work has cost me and you wil be HAPPY that I don't ask for more consideration after all the sleep I have lost bringing this thing in here.

A couple hours later, with a new clutch, I drove off to get some much needed sleep. The shifting was fine after that, and I never went to that garage again!

Comments

[Wichi Dude]

Oh, yeah. I've been through that sort of thing myself.
I am surprised though, that the mechs gave you the short run around. When I worked at a garage, we enjoyed the women drivers more than the men. Women would come in, and for the most part, describe what was happening and let us handle it.
(ALL)The guys thought THEY were expert mechanics and TOLD us what to do. And usually HOW to do it.
Gave us all an attitude towards them. Like, if YOU know so much about this...YOU do it.
Oh, well. Wrenching happens.

[bogie]

Yeah, but I would think that when I am volunteering to spend a boat load of money that they would more than happy to do the work - even if it was something simpler and cheaper.

Instead, they alienated a potential long-time customer who does nothing but badmouth that garage if someone asks my opinion of the them(and I point the inquirer to a different garage that will discus options, but not ignore the wishes of the customer).

[Dudette]

I know what you mean about some garages! After several go-arounds with Sears (they always started with talking to WD, who pointed out to them that MY car was the one with the problem and they should talk to me!), I stopped going there.

We have a great mechanic now. In fact, one of the last times I took my car in I was describing a strange sounding/feeling "clunking" noise/vibration. WD tried to put in his two cents about the problem (sometimes he just can't help himself!). Larry (the mechanic) just looked at WD and then turned back to me and said "If YOU think there is a problem in the steering/front end, that is where we will begin. After all, you are the one driving the car. You should know!"

Gotta love the guy who will give you credit for some brains!!

[Cop Car]

Goodness, Dudette, I met one of those guys once. (OMG--Did I just say that out loud?) Actually, it's been so long ago that I can't remember ever having a problem with a mechanic who failed to take me seriously. Now, car salesMEN are another issue. I have seen a lot of evolution among the guys over the last 60 years (and in the gals). I guess that makes me ineligible for the Kansas State Board of Education doesn't it--to believe in evolution at all!