I had an engine warning light come on for a Cyl 1 misfire on my 2021 Ram E torque Big Horn. Because I have about 60,000km on it, I decided to bring to a Dodge dealer, hoping the issue was under warranty. The shop decided to change out all 6 spark plugs, hoping that was the fix, charging me 4 hours labor $540CAD, plus parts $228 for $770 plus tax. They stated that the spark plug change out fell under 'wear and tear' on the truck and not covered. I have been driving for a week after the fix and same issue, engine warning light, vibrating again when over 4000 rpm. My questions are, how long should it take to change the 6 spark plugs on this truck, 4 hours? And should changing out spark plugs on a 2 year old truck with 60,000km fall under 'wear and tear'? Thanks in advance for any advice.
Rofl, there are no mechanics anymore. Just code reading part swappers. Why something happened? Not a damn one of them can tell you. Many do not even understand what the parts they are swapping actually do, much less how they work.
Then you have "the book". It may only take about an hour to change the plugs. But you have to look at "the book" and add up the time it takes to read the code. Then add in the time "the book" says it takes to open the hood. Then removing the plastic covers to get to the motor,....etc. Rounded out to the nearest hour for each operation.
Sadly, you will encounter "the book" no matter where you go. And the bigger the operation, the more overhead they have to factor into their hourly charges.
Misfire? Replace plugs. That doesnt work? Replace the wires. That doesnt work, replace the coils. that doesnt work? test the computer. That doesnt work? do a compression check to test for mechanical failure like a valve or something. That doesnt work? replace the engine..................Then someone finds the chaffed coil wire that burned through on the harness while the engine was out. After you ponied up several thousand dollars just getting to the point you paid for an engine replacement.
On the bright side, the factory is not going to make stuff up. They will tell you what "the book" says they need to do and charge you accordingly. Some places will flat out rob you. By rob, i mean to say they know it is not necesary and just want extra money. And by the factory not robbing you, i mean to say they just do not know wat is wrong, may not even understand how an engine works, and are just doing what "the book" says to do for dealing with a code.
You have 2 choices. Push through the learning curve and do those repairs yourself, or pay. A 3 year bumper to bumper warantee does not cover wear and tear items. Like pistons, piston rings, engine bearings, injectors, spark plugs, brake pads, transmission clutches, wheel bearings, pretty much everything that moves. It does not cover poor maintanence, not changing your oil will void all of it. It only covers you for manufacturer defects in materials. It was written by lawyers to keep the car manufacturer from paying out money but still let them sell people "security" for their massive expendature. Welcome to car ownership. Choose wisely
BTW, i know a lot of truck owners do not like electric cars. But electric cars do not have transmissions, engines, exhaust systems, emission systems, and yes, no spark plugs. Ford makes an awsome electric truck.....And it is cheaper than a fully equiped f150.