Stealership!!!

[Choqiees]

three weeks before; the day I just arrived from my vacation, I called the dealer to make an appointment for a 50K service because the "Service Engine Soon" light came on when I drove it. they told me to come in on the 18th of February.

I went there on the 18th as promised and they told me that my original warranty was expired the day before that day, and that was the 17th. I said fine and just put the car on the work because I still have the extended 12.000 miles warranty that comes with the car when I bought it from the dealer.

now the problem is, they called me up later on to tell me that the spark plug wire No.6 has gone bad and it's not covered under the extended warranty but it's covered under the original warranty. How the hell I suppose to know that? first thing first, I have never knew that there's an expiration date on the warranty, I thought that it would be 50k or 4 years warranty, whichever comes first. I called before the clock hit 50K and I am pretty much sure that it's not my fault to have the appointment the day after the warranty over.

They asked me to pay for $800 including labor and I was like what?? I mean I bouhgt the car about 2-3 months ago and I didn't expect this issue to arise. The car fells the same way just like the time I bought her. They said the engine could run roughly if I don't replace the spark plug wire.

Damn that sales guy...I mean he told me that he already put some grand on the car before it went sold and that BS inspection that they have done before was surely BS.

The service advisor told me that he'll try to ask the Service Manager because I kinda vent it out on him about it. but then again, I could expect less from them. I am fairly disappointed with the deal the dealer gave, so many loopholes they have to get every penny out of me. let alone the crappy loaner I had from them.

If any of you guys have any information about a reasonably priced independent shop for Discos around San Diego or LA for God's sake, please let me know.

Thanks

[Choqiees]

Just to add it up, is it possible to do the job by myself? has anyone encounter the same issue?

If it is possible then are there any special tools that I need? the dealer dude told me in order to replace the spark plug wires, the intake manifold also needs to be replaced and I checked all of the parts already at AB and it cost only about $100

[drum655]

yes you can change the wires yourself. and the manifold does not have to be removed. the dealer just removes it to make it easier on them and to charge you more money. the coil pack is behind the engine so it is hard to get to but its not too bad. if you have any questions about the procedure you can pm me...or email me at drum655@yahoo.com i did the job to my disco not too long ago! good luck!

[Choqiees]

Well don't assume that i'm good with stuff like this, the only stuff that I can do myself are changing the spark plugs and the air filter so if it's harder than that, I'll need some pictures about the procedure and stuff. I'll email you after I receive some news from the dealer. He told me that he'll ask the service manager to replace it for free. I'll wait till tomorrow and if shit happens, better expect me to bug you out then LOL

and if anymore has any pictures or info about this issue, I'd like to hear some guys. Thanks

[Muddy Oval]

The #6 wire for some reason seems to be a recurring problem on DII's. Mine went at 28K miles and the dealer is 3 hours away. I'm lucky- I have the parts and a shop- but it's still a PITA. It can be done without removing the plenum, but it's a tight squeeze back there. It's not rocket science removing the plenum so you might as well just take the longer, easier route. Get some Magnacores or something and do them all. It'll cost you about $60 or so including a six pack.

[Choqiees]

Thanks for the info Steve,

and could you give some parts no. for the magnecor?


also I'd like to point out something about the #6 wire, if it's gone bad then should the rig fell any difference? how can you tell if the wire's bad or not without looking under the hood?

Thanks

[Muddy Oval]

If it's bad, you should have the #6 misfire code and the 'damaging catalyst' codes... I can't recall them offhand, but I think it's P1306 for the misfire. If it's really baked, the warning lamp should flash. The engine has enough power that it can mask one misfiring cylinder fairly well but mine kept bucking and it was fairly obvious at times and at other times it wasn't so obvious.
The wire on mine was baked on the boot- changed to a lighter colour and cracked open. One year old truck...

[Rovin4life]

before you go on replacing magnacores and hoping for the best take the time to visit the dealership again. Talk with the manager. remember you have a course of action to follow.

I dont know what company to bought it from nor do I care. But remember as consumers we do have the right to go to upper management. Seriously its not your fault they couldnt get you in till one day after.

If you bought the vehicle from them and it happened I would be inclined to believe they would do something for you due to customer loyalty. Now if you didnt well sorry but they cant do much for you. They can refuse you. Its their right.

[Choqiees]

You have a point there beezel, as I mentioned above, he's gonna ask the Manager about it yet I have a little hope about positive feedback from them.

Yes I'll give him a couple of days before I decide to do the job myself. I figured that it'd be a big work coz i've never fix an engine by myself.

[Muddy Oval]

Always have a backup plan, but I'd bet the dealer will be reasonable. You can escalate to Land Rover- in some cases if the problem is REPORTED before the warranty expires but the repair can't be scheduled, legally it has to be covered. YMMV...

[Choqiees]

I went to a Indie shop here (The Rover Group) and thay gave me a deal for $500 to change the wires, plugs and gasket. way better than the $800 deal from the dealer.

There was an interesting stuff going on the shop...lotsa classics and P38s, different than the dealer's view...all RRS/LR3/RR....

and there was this D90 getting oil changed...a yellow one and I assume she has a 3" with 33"....the body was as solid as new...The guy just bought it for $24000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and you know what...it's a 94 model...DAMN!!!!! and the guy never take her on the trails....some dude just don't know what they have in their possessions....

[Muddy Oval]

I just got a 94 D90, pick it up this weekend... a lot less than that!
Indie shops can be fun- you find the real enthusiasts there, both customers and employees.

[Choqiees]

WHY YOUUUU!!!!

and when I thought that was the best deal ever a man can get...

Yeah indie shops are fun...the way they explain stuff was a lot better than you-know-who

[Rovin4life]

If you got an explanation from a technician it wouldn't make sense. Trust me the engineers we talk too are the only ones that understand us. Our bosses like you make us talk differently so you and everyone else can understand what is going on. Some of us even rotate between English and imperialist terms. It confuses everyone but us. If I told you, the lf balljoint was bad you would think something different. WHen in reality it could mean the tierod.

[ish]

01/11/04 - 6,500 miles on my 2003 Disco
Truck broke down in Fort Washington PA. Taken to Land Rover Willow Grove - Number 8 spark plug and wire replaced, car to be flatbedded home
We had to take a taxi to Philly airport and rent an Expedition to get my wife and daughter home.
LR trip interuption paid for everything, rental, dinner, gas ...etc.
By the way...I think muddy oval is right about the repair being scheduled prior to the warranty exp date. I would call LRNA and send them the bill. they should pay it!
PS. congrats on the D90 great truck!