Dealership dropped something in cylinder head during spark plug replacement

Good for you!

Good luck man!!!!!

I bet that was tough to do?

 

Thanks!

My day job involves somewhat calm and reasoned negotiation, so I'm fine. I'll be more fine if this if this gets handled smoothly.

However, it would have been tough had I tried to make a decision 3 days ago. Definitely had to learn a lot fast. Like I said before, this thread and community were insanely helpful!

 

I do. I like the sensation you get when you grab an energized plug wire.

 

If they pick any of those my money is on #2, which is a good deal for them. They give you a truck at X price for which they paid less than X. Then they fix yours as cheaply as possible and sell it.

 

I've left the engine running to check which one of my coil packs was dead. Turned out that the base was slightly misshapen and was intermittently losing electrical connection. Worked fine as I pulled the wire off of it though

 

I'd consider the following:. If you keep the truck until it has 250k miles, the decrease in value due to this issue on the Carfax is minimal. If I saw an issue like this, and saw little to no issues for another 200k-ish miles, I'd assume the issue was resolved properly.

That being said, today, the value has dropped considerably. If I came across this vehicle next week, I'd be very hesitant to pull the trigger on it, as it represents a risk.

The value today is the value that's important to consider. What might or might not happen in the future is really not relevant. You're walking out of the dealer with much less value then with what you walked in. All due to their error. I hope the cash in your offer option 3 is sufficient to make up this difference today.

I'd not bother asking for a warranty. Maybe from a 3rd party? If the dealer gives you a contract, that has the potential to be voided by a sale of the dealership. Or a bankruptcy or something other. Walk out equal today. Walk out with the vehicle repaired and enough cash to cover the loss in value.

 

Doesn't that leave her a little frustrared?
I just couldn't resist....

 

@willydidwhat , if they go this route, consider posting the VIN here so at least those in the know will have the full picture..

 

This is exactly why I do majority of the work on my trucks. I would demand a new engine and compensation. Diminished value maybe 10%. They may not do any of it.They lied to you.

 

Toyota is not going to any of those 1,2 or 3,they most likely replace the motor and thats it.

 

What bothers me is that they lied to you from the start. The fucking ratchet broke in the techs hand and a piece fell in your engine. I’m sure the tech didn’t even know the pin existed or just figured it hit the ground. Then they started it and destroyed your engine.

I hope your unstated cash value makes up for it. If they were honest from the getgo sure trust them. The didn’t do that though. They tried to weasel out of it, imagine if you didn’t ask to see the damage. They will try to take advantage of anyone they can for profit. You can’t enable them to think that this is ok. Lawyer up and submit this to corporate. You bought a product from Toyota talk to them directly not through the dealer.

 

Your route of resolution will be in the hands of an insurance adjuster. You will be squeezed out of your vehicle by your current loss of said vehicle. In the fine print on the work order is probably an arbitration clause which will be even more time lost.

The dealer has exhibited reasonably care at this point and you are a half-a-point behind.

Wish you luck, learn to do your own spark plugs next time.

 

On aircraft engines this happens and you find it period, bore scope to pulling it apart. never ever turn it over with missing hardware.

 

When things like this occur, does the tech get fired or do they just chalk it up to mistakes happen?

Regardless, that’s gotta suck when you do a simple spark plug change and end up frying the customer’s engine. Dang!

 

Can't hold a mechanic accountable when their pay is on par with MacDonald's. Low paid and bad mechanics are commonplace within dealerships. Reading these stories makes me thankful that I can service my own vehicles.

 

It is illegal to garnish the employee's wages, or force them to pay for damages done while working for a company. You can fire the employee, but you cannot make them pay up for the mistake. Honestly that is exactly how it should be though, the business is the one that reeks the rewards they should also be the 1 that puts up the risk.

 

So, how’d it go @willydidwhat ?

 

I second that!

 

third!