Baton Rouge shop takes 5 months to change a Liberty CRD glow plug!!!
 

My inlaws took their '06 Jeep Liberty to a shop in Baton Rouge early Feb to have a glow plug replaced. The shop broke something in the process and claims the head had to come off. Father in law recommended they replace the timing belt since it was coming due.
After a few weeks they claim they did not have the 'proper tool' to do the TB. Research on the web turns up that a couple of drill bits can be used to align the pulleys. My father in law suggested this and they refused, said they want to use the 'proper tool'.
Now 5 months later the shop says they need to install a used engine to the tune of $3000 and get it out of their shop as it is taking up space. :eek:

I'm still trying to get the whole history of this and the name of the shop.
I suspect they caused some serious damage and used the "we need the proper tool" excuse to stall.

Anyone in the Baton Rouge area know of a Liberty CRD mechanic? It may be a basket case at this point.

If they broke the glow plug off in the head, its possible that they tried to drill it out, and either pushed the end of the plug into the combustion chamber, or later broke the tap and had some of that fall into the combustion chamber.

I bet they broke the plug, something got in there, they started the engine and noticed a running problem, maybe a stuck valve, or FOD noise or damage coming from the cylinder in question. lets say worse case scenario a valve got stuck open, and the piston came up and bent it.

In that case it would be completely plausible that they need to pull the head to figure out what the heck they damaged. How do I know? I did EXACTLY the same thing on a TDI once, simple glow plug and chain of events turned into pulling the head and all related work. :rolleyes: In that circumstance we found more damage not done by us, but by then we had lost the respect and faith of the customer. We managed to talk him into paying for a percentage of the work, but even so, it was an expensive mistake.

They probably refused the use drill bits on a customer car because they did not want to be at fault for further damage based on potential faulty timing.

Maybe they discovered that they damaged it so much that its more cost effective to replace the motor than to try and repair it. Either way, THEY caused the problem, so they should be eating this little snafu. Sounds like a nightmare

In California there is a "Department of Automotive Repair" that handles complaints of this nature; I suggest looking for its Texas cousin as it will be a lot less expensive than hiring an attorney.

Problems of this kind give diesel engines a bad name in America; it's too bad, because it isn't the engine's fault.

They need a friendly call from your in-laws lawyer.

Today would be nice.

Glow plug replacement ~$50 vs motor for $3000 ??
Something sure smells very very fishy never mind the time factor.

That's the plan otherwise, I'd be posting the name of the place. ;)

Five months of this BS is rediculous. I find plenty of info on the TB replacement using drill bits method online. I'm trying to talk inlaws into printing it off and taking the shop the step by step instructions. But, I still suspect they trashed the motor.

Call the DMV, or Department of Licensing and Regulation, whomever issues licenses for automotive facilities. This tends to get the attention of repair facilities.

They're still looking for a reputable shop in the Baton Rouge area.
I suggested the dealer but, they tell me the local dealer was unfamiliar with the diesel Liberty.

Well we know who's been in the Navy/Air Force.

yep, sorry to say it, but its time for the legal option, I'd call the DMV, and they will likely forward you to the something like the "Bureau of Automotive Repair" http://www.autorepair.ca.gov/

I would also call a lawyer. I know Louisiana is a bit different when it comes to its laws. seeking council is a good idea when dealing with a situation like this. they know what needs to be done to protect your rights. I know my rights here in CA, and would likely still consult a lawyer if I were dealing with a newer car like this.

My dad had the head on the SD done once when I was in high school... he took it to a "European" shop, they told him they didn't work on diesels (I talked to the guy who owned this shop, he was clueless and drove a Tahoe... some European shop :rolleyes: ) anyway, he took it to the local tractor mechanic... he was more then happy to do the job for him :D

Honestly, I would think about looking up a diesel shop. or a tractor repair shop, or a place that services small diesel engines like the ones found in delivery trucks. they would more then likely be more familiar with the engine then a regular mechanic. if they will not work on it, I bet they would know where to take it.

shoot, go to a truck stop and ask a trucker lol :P

I personally think that the shop should be held accountable for everything.

Here is the Louisiana Attorney General's website. They include a link for automotive repair fraud.

http://www.ag.state.la.us/Article.aspx?articleID=37&catID=0

Good luck. I would get an attorney and not pay a single cent to those loons.

Welcome to the world of ceramic glow plugs :eek:

-J

Insane, in my opinion the business has no proper management. Any normal business would be well aware of the possible consequences of this unorthodox form of behaviour. There always wil be screw ups from time to time of a non avoidable nature. You as a business just deal with them at the time. Nothing is gained by avoidance.

Hi
WhiskeyDan may be in the Long Star State - But Baton Rouge is in Cajun Country.

Sounds like a case for Small Claims Court -or make them an offer they can't refuse.

But delay not - time is never on the customer's side in cases like this
Joseph

If it's a chain store, call corporate, they tend to have a bit of pull. At any rate, they brought in a running vehicle for service, it is no longer a running vehicle due to the shops actions, so they shouldn't have to pay to get it right.