AC only cold when you hit the gas, heat does the same. Pro..

Response from Jeff DeWitt <JeffDeWitt.DeleteThis@nc.rr.com>:

> -Lost wrote:
>> Response from "benteaches@gmail.com" <benteaches.DeleteThis@gmail.com>:
>>
>>> On Oct 8, 3:07 pm, "-Lost" <maventheextrawo....DeleteThis@techie.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>> AC only cold when you hit the gas, heat does the same.
>>>> Problem?
>>>>
>>>> Or rather... what IS the problem?
>>>>
>>>> Here is the scenario. If the car is parked, turning on the AC
>>>> does nothing but blow what seems to be outside air, temperature
>>>> wise.
>>>>
>>>> If you leave the AC on and take off, it immediately turns cold.
>>>>
>>>> The heat does the exact same thing. You can turn it on while
>>>> idling or parked and it blows roughly coldish air (because it
>>>> was cooler at night when we tested the heat).
>>>>
>>>> As soon as the gas is hit and we get going the heater quickly
>>>> warms up.
>>>>
>>>> What in the world is going on?
>>> Pay them for the *repairs* (even tho nothing was repaired)
>>> Find a reputable shop! Ask all your friends, call AAA, call the
>>> BBB. Contact the ASA (http://www.asashop.org/)., preferably not
>>> a dealership, preferably one that specializes in your type of
>>> car. Tell them about your situation, show them your reciepts.
>>> Get your car fixed, then sue the first shop and get your money
>>> back. They violated almost every area of repair shop ethics,
>>> performing unapproved work is illegal in all 50 states; hiring
>>> incompetent tech's is stupid *and* unethical.
>>> They dont stand a chance in court.
>>
>> Gotcha. I am going to check with ALL of those places first thing
>> in the morning and see what they tell me.
>>
>> Also, I am going to withhold payment until this afternoon when we
>> talk to the lawyer again. Their advisement was to refuse payment
>> for 2 reasons:
>>
>> 1. To see if the dealership attempted to keep the car.
>>
>> That would have been illegal since we are current on payments,
>> have it insured and something else they said... I forgot...
>>
>> 2. Nothing was authorized. No work orders or ANYTHING were
>> signed that said we were to be held responsible for payment
>> before our car was to be released.
>>
>> That is partly why it would have been illegal to keep the car.
>> Which I think they were aware of because the assistant manager
>> released the car to us after trying to trick us into OK'ing
>> further repairs.
>>
>> After being updated with the rest of the information though they
>> might advise that we go ahead and pay it and which time we will
>> (or at the very least do the refinancing thing).
>>
>> Thanks for the information, Ben. It was helpful!
>>
>
> I just read through this thread and it was rather amazing.
>
> If this is a new car dealer you ought to complain to their zone
> office, and everyone else up the chain right on up to the CEO,
> there is no excuse for a dealer behaving like this. From the
> sound of it they are not only incompetent they are downright
> crooked.

It was Car Mart. Definitely a "big player" in car dealership unless
I am mistaken. So I am sure they have higher-ups. I am going to
check that out, thanks!

> You ought to also complain to your local BBB and if you have a
> local TV station that has a troubleshooter you ought to let them
> know, nothing like publicity to get attention.

Done and done. The BBB said to keep them abreast of the situation
they have HAD COMPLAINTS BEFORE on this very same dealership. The
local newspaper and local radio station said to keep them aware of
the situation too and to let them know what the BBB and the manager
of the dealership says.

It would definitely be cool if they did an interview (which my lawyer
said would be a bad move until this is settled). Although them
running a small piece about "buyers beware" or "making sure you do
your homework before purchasing that new or used car," is more
likely.

> I THINK if they had kept the car it would be something called
> "conversion", which is highly illegal and after the lawyers got
> through with them you wouldn't have to worry about this old van
> anymore, the fat settlement you got would enable you to buy a
> brand new one... from someone else!

Jeez, now I wish I had left it. Heh.

Thanks for the tips and information, Mr. DeWitt.

--
-Lost
Remove the extra words to reply by e-mail. Don't e-mail me. I am
kidding. No I am not.
 >> Stay informed about: AC only cold when you hit the gas, heat does the same. Pro.. 

Response from "benteaches@gmail.com" <benteaches.DeleteThis@gmail.com>:

> On Oct 11, 9:23 pm, "-Lost" <maventheextrawo....DeleteThis@techie.com> wrote:
>> Response from "DodgeDriver" <wing....DeleteThis@invalid.net>:
>>
>> > Sounds like you have a problem with the "blend" door. The
>> > blend door problem is well known. Do a google search for 1998
>> > Windstar blend door problem or some variant. You will get a
>> > large number of hits. Your problem is probably related to the
>> > door actuator
>> > lever. A real pain to fix.
>>
>> Or it is not possible unless you have several people helping or
>> certified mechanics?
>>
>> We are fairly competent in regards to repairs, but we are NOT
>> mechanics.
>
> A blend door repair is not easy.
> If you attempt it yourself, I'll bet you will soon understand why
> good *technicians* make 6 figures.

I don't doubt it in the least...

> A 'mechanic' replaces the oxygen sensors and says "sure hope that
> fixes it". A technician performs tests and fixes the root problem
> the first time. Mechanics are a dime a dozen. Technicians are
> expensive, but cheaper in the long run.
> But I digress....

What exactly discerns a mechanic from a certified technician? For
example, does the ASE mean they are (somewhat) competent technicians?
Or am I way off base.

The spouse and I have thought about taking the ASE course but I
believe the last time we checked it was only 8 weeks long or so, so
surely that would not certify us a (great) technician.

Thanks for the information, Ben.

P.S. I checked ASE.com, ASECert.com, and NATEF and that was the
general idea I got. That the ASE pretty much made you a technician.

--
-Lost
Remove the extra words to reply by e-mail. Don't e-mail me. I am
kidding. No I am not.
 >> Stay informed about: AC only cold when you hit the gas, heat does the same. Pro.. 

Yeah he's right. It's better for You to specify the model of your car! support.DeleteThis@starkaz.com
 >> Stay informed about: AC only cold when you hit the gas, heat does the same. Pro.. 

-Lost wrote:
> Response from "benteaches@gmail.com" <benteaches DeleteThis @gmail.com>:
>
>> On Oct 11, 9:23 pm, "-Lost" <maventheextrawo... DeleteThis @techie.com> wrote:
>>> Response from "DodgeDriver" <wing... DeleteThis @invalid.net>:
>>>
>>>> Sounds like you have a problem with the "blend" door. The
>>>> blend door problem is well known. Do a google search for 1998
>>>> Windstar blend door problem or some variant. You will get a
>>>> large number of hits. Your problem is probably related to the
>>>> door actuator
>>>> lever. A real pain to fix.
>>> Or it is not possible unless you have several people helping or
>>> certified mechanics?
>>>
>>> We are fairly competent in regards to repairs, but we are NOT
>>> mechanics.
>> A blend door repair is not easy.
>> If you attempt it yourself, I'll bet you will soon understand why
>> good *technicians* make 6 figures.
>
> I don't doubt it in the least...
>
>> A 'mechanic' replaces the oxygen sensors and says "sure hope that
>> fixes it". A technician performs tests and fixes the root problem
>> the first time. Mechanics are a dime a dozen. Technicians are
>> expensive, but cheaper in the long run.
>> But I digress....
>
> What exactly discerns a mechanic from a certified technician? For
> example, does the ASE mean they are (somewhat) competent technicians?
> Or am I way off base.
>
> The spouse and I have thought about taking the ASE course but I
> believe the last time we checked it was only 8 weeks long or so, so
> surely that would not certify us a (great) technician.
>
> Thanks for the information, Ben.
>
> P.S. I checked ASE.com, ASECert.com, and NATEF and that was the
> general idea I got. That the ASE pretty much made you a technician.
>

Yes, an ASE certified mechanic should know what he is doing and
generally should be considered to be more expert than someone without
that certification (and will probably make more money).

But there are ASE certified crooks...

Jeff DeWitt
 >> Stay informed about: AC only cold when you hit the gas, heat does the same. Pro.. 

>
> > Thanks for the information, Ben.
>
> > P.S. I checked ASE.com, ASECert.com, and NATEF and that was the
> > general idea I got. That the ASE pretty much made you a technician.

A good Tech is self made, a professional with ethics

>
> Yes, an ASE certified mechanic should know what he is doing and
> generally should be considered to be more expert than someone without
> that certification (and will probably make more money).
>
> But there are ASE certified crooks...
>
> Jeff DeWitt

Indeed there are.
This industry has a bunch of crooks (like many other industries),
which is really sad, because there are several hundred thousand hard
working techs out there who pay the price in public respect and
opinion for the rest of the immoral and crooked mechanics.
Just because a guy has ASE patches doesn't make him instantly
competent, but it's the only yardstick a consumer has.
That's why I tell people to ask friends, contact ASA, AAA, BBB etc. to
chose a shop, dont use coupons, be prepared to
pay a premium price to get premium service, and don't hesitate to get
a 2nd opinion from another good shop prior to expensive repairs.
But I digress again...
Th
 >> Stay informed about: AC only cold when you hit the gas, heat does the same. Pro.. 

benteaches RemoveThis @gmail.com wrote:
>>> Thanks for the information, Ben.
>>> P.S. I checked ASE.com, ASECert.com, and NATEF and that was the
>>> general idea I got. That the ASE pretty much made you a technician.
>
> A good Tech is self made, a professional with ethics
>
>> Yes, an ASE certified mechanic should know what he is doing and
>> generally should be considered to be more expert than someone without
>> that certification (and will probably make more money).
>>
>> But there are ASE certified crooks...
>>
>> Jeff DeWitt
>
> Indeed there are.
> This industry has a bunch of crooks (like many other industries),
> which is really sad, because there are several hundred thousand hard
> working techs out there who pay the price in public respect and
> opinion for the rest of the immoral and crooked mechanics.
> Just because a guy has ASE patches doesn't make him instantly
> competent, but it's the only yardstick a consumer has.
> That's why I tell people to ask friends, contact ASA, AAA, BBB etc. to
> chose a shop, dont use coupons, be prepared to
> pay a premium price to get premium service, and don't hesitate to get
> a 2nd opinion from another good shop prior to expensive repairs.
> But I digress again...
> Th
>

Of course.

An ASE patch means a mechanic has passed some tests, it doesn't mean he
is honest or even particularly competent at anything except passing tests.

I know a guy who bought a Studebaker Lark after the previous owner had
spent thousands of dollars having the thing worked on by a ASE certified
mechanic, most of the work was not only done badly much of it was
downright dangerous. Studebakers are not complicated, and an honest,
qualified mechanic should have no problem working on one, although he
might have to dig a bit to get data, but there is no reason to leave
suspension parts loose or put brakes together wrong!

Jeff DeWitt
 >> Stay informed about: AC only cold when you hit the gas, heat does the same. Pro..