(Engine Chirping) Anyone have experience making a claim on the 100,000 mile/5 year Warranty?

[Bub1971]

Just paid off our 2014 Dodge Ram Crew Cab with Hemi two months ago (purchased it brand new in 2015). It has 90,000 mostly highway miles on it. The vehicle started to make a chirping sound last month. It is still under the 100,000 mile/5 year warranty. Checked all common issue possible causes (pumps/belts). Took it to a local dealer they claimed it could be alternator. Replaced it. Still Chirping. Went to two independent garages - both said it seems to be coming from the Engine/Tranny - maybe the flexplate. Took it back to dealer where we bought it. I was told there would be another $95 diagnostic fee, which I understood. Guy calls me two days later asking for maintenance records. By the tone, I began to worry. I asked if he had looked at yet. He said no but then he claimed the oil was leaking and oil was so clean it appeared someone was topping it off?? I told him that the oil was not leaking - it was parked for weeks at my house while I awaited this appointment because I didn't want to drive it if it was a big issue and there was no leak. Also no oil lights or anyting and it had been at another dealer in just the weeks before and they would've said something. I gathered all receipts and faxed them over. 3 days later, tech calls and says he is not going to touch the vehicle. It's likely an engine issue (yes, I told him that when I made appointment) and he is not tearing it apart and not getting paid if Dodge denies the warranty claim. I asked how/why they would deny the claim as it has been properly maintained. Then he accuses me of doctoring the receipts - which pissed me off the most . This technician also claimed to be the service manager, when he was not. I contacted the General Manager at dealership - he dodged issue a bit saying they have no reason not to want to sevice it and at least put me in touch with Service Manager, who said he would look at vehicle but there was going to be a $95 PER HOUR Diagnostics Fee. Is this normal? Has anyone had an hourly diagnostic fee for a warranty issue. Has anyone successfully had an engine issue warranty handled? I'm lost at this point... I've heard from others that the techs don't get reimbursed their full time, but by a set rate that the automaker feels it should take them to do the work. Maybe that is his motivation in not wanting to service it or trying to charge hourly rate to diagnose, but that issue should be between the dealership and the automaker - not the customer. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I called Dodge, they didn't have much to say except maybe try another dealership. No help!

 

[Scottly]

It is customary to tell a customer that they are responsible for the teardown fee if the cause is found to be NOT COVERED by the warranty. If the warranty covers the repair, you won't be charged. So basically, what they are doing a poor job explaining is this: If they tear it apart and its not covered, you are paying the labor and parts(gaskets, etc) to put it back together, broken or not(if it can even go back together). That won't be cheap. If it's a covered failure, you'll get it fixed under warranty.

 

[bryce88]

I just got done claiming warranty service and it went great. The difference for me is it was a very common, known issue so the dealer knew it would be covered. Here's my thread on it:
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...share_tid=139687&share_fid=17770&share_type=t

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[Bub1971]

I thought for sure the chirping sound was a belt. The sound doesn't change - it remains constant upon starting/driving/stopping. I've changed oil and done all the recommended maintenance over the last 4 years, yet there is that fear that they can say claim whatever they want about any defect. The dealership is saying we have to pay the hourly fee to "diagnose the problem" because it could take a long time to determine what the issue is - the tech said he wasn't familiar with the sound. I will get clarification if that is reimbursed when/if it is warranted repair. Still the warranty is starting to look more like a lottery ticket, except if you don't win - you owe the winning amount and odds are not in your favor - unless you already know what the issue is.

 

[Bub1971]

After doing some more research - I am thinking issue could be lifters and possibly cam. This is the exact noise my vehicle is making. Would you expect it to be covered under original manufacturers warranty?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxBU01ra6gA

 

[bryce88]

Yeah, the risk is that if they don't find the problem, or the problem that they do find isn't covered under warranty. If it is covered, the diagnostic will be covered too. I was told that by my dealer as others have mentioned as well. Maybe try a couple other dealers and mechanics to find someone with enough experience to be familiar with the sound without having to tear apart your engine to find out what it is...

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[quietpeen]

If it is shot lifters and cam yes it should be covered under your warranty since you are lucky enough to have the 100,000 mile powertrain warranty

 

[16RamHemi]

if they said its the engine and you have a warranty then its covered. period. they can do the paperwork how they need to. tell them to do their job.

 

[HammerHead]

After doing some more research - I am thinking issue could be lifters and possibly cam. This is the exact noise my vehicle is making. Would you expect it to be covered under original manufacturers warranty?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxBU01ra6gA

Sounds like a lifter skipping across a cam lobe due to the roller on the liter sticking.
The low life tech accusing you of providing fake recipes on your service history is ********. Unfortunately this is how ram dealer conduct business.

 

[RamCares]

Just paid off our 2014 Dodge Ram Crew Cab with Hemi two months ago (purchased it brand new in 2015). It has 90,000 mostly highway miles on it. The vehicle started to make a chirping sound last month. It is still under the 100,000 mile/5 year warranty. Checked all common issue possible causes (pumps/belts). Took it to a local dealer they claimed it could be alternator. Replaced it. Still Chirping. Went to two independent garages - both said it seems to be coming from the Engine/Tranny - maybe the flexplate. Took it back to dealer where we bought it. I was told there would be another $95 diagnostic fee, which I understood. Guy calls me two days later asking for maintenance records. By the tone, I began to worry. I asked if he had looked at yet. He said no but then he claimed the oil was leaking and oil was so clean it appeared someone was topping it off?? I told him that the oil was not leaking - it was parked for weeks at my house while I awaited this appointment because I didn't want to drive it if it was a big issue and there was no leak. Also no oil lights or anyting and it had been at another dealer in just the weeks before and they would've said something. I gathered all receipts and faxed them over. 3 days later, tech calls and says he is not going to touch the vehicle. It's likely an engine issue (yes, I told him that when I made appointment) and he is not tearing it apart and not getting paid if Dodge denies the warranty claim. I asked how/why they would deny the claim as it has been properly maintained. Then he accuses me of doctoring the receipts - which pissed me off the most . This technician also claimed to be the service manager, when he was not. I contacted the General Manager at dealership - he dodged issue a bit saying they have no reason not to want to sevice it and at least put me in touch with Service Manager, who said he would look at vehicle but there was going to be a $95 PER HOUR Diagnostics Fee. Is this normal? Has anyone had an hourly diagnostic fee for a warranty issue. Has anyone successfully had an engine issue warranty handled? I'm lost at this point... I've heard from others that the techs don't get reimbursed their full time, but by a set rate that the automaker feels it should take them to do the work. Maybe that is his motivation in not wanting to service it or trying to charge hourly rate to diagnose, but that issue should be between the dealership and the automaker - not the customer. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I called Dodge, they didn't have much to say except maybe try another dealership. No help!

Just paid off our 2014 Dodge Ram Crew Cab with Hemi two months ago (purchased it brand new in 2015). It has 90,000 mostly highway miles on it. The vehicle started to make a chirping sound last month. It is still under the 100,000 mile/5 year warranty. Checked all common issue possible causes (pumps/belts). Took it to a local dealer they claimed it could be alternator. Replaced it. Still Chirping. Went to two independent garages - both said it seems to be coming from the Engine/Tranny - maybe the flexplate. Took it back to dealer where we bought it. I was told there would be another $95 diagnostic fee, which I understood. Guy calls me two days later asking for maintenance records. By the tone, I began to worry. I asked if he had looked at yet. He said no but then he claimed the oil was leaking and oil was so clean it appeared someone was topping it off?? I told him that the oil was not leaking - it was parked for weeks at my house while I awaited this appointment because I didn't want to drive it if it was a big issue and there was no leak. Also no oil lights or anyting and it had been at another dealer in just the weeks before and they would've said something. I gathered all receipts and faxed them over. 3 days later, tech calls and says he is not going to touch the vehicle. It's likely an engine issue (yes, I told him that when I made appointment) and he is not tearing it apart and not getting paid if Dodge denies the warranty claim. I asked how/why they would deny the claim as it has been properly maintained. Then he accuses me of doctoring the receipts - which pissed me off the most . This technician also claimed to be the service manager, when he was not. I contacted the General Manager at dealership - he dodged issue a bit saying they have no reason not to want to sevice it and at least put me in touch with Service Manager, who said he would look at vehicle but there was going to be a $95 PER HOUR Diagnostics Fee. Is this normal? Has anyone had an hourly diagnostic fee for a warranty issue. Has anyone successfully had an engine issue warranty handled? I'm lost at this point... I've heard from others that the techs don't get reimbursed their full time, but by a set rate that the automaker feels it should take them to do the work. Maybe that is his motivation in not wanting to service it or trying to charge hourly rate to diagnose, but that issue should be between the dealership and the automaker - not the customer. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I called Dodge, they didn't have much to say except maybe try another dealership. No help!

Hello Bub1971,

We're sorry to hear you're having such a hard time. From a customer care perspective, we can't necessarily give technical feedback, which is why the Ram Care Specialist you called referred you there. If you do end up going to another dealer, let us know. We can escalate your inquiry to a case specialist for further handling.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[RamCares]

I thought for sure the chirping sound was a belt. The sound doesn't change - it remains constant upon starting/driving/stopping. I've changed oil and done all the recommended maintenance over the last 4 years, yet there is that fear that they can say claim whatever they want about any defect. The dealership is saying we have to pay the hourly fee to "diagnose the problem" because it could take a long time to determine what the issue is - the tech said he wasn't familiar with the sound. I will get clarification if that is reimbursed when/if it is warranted repair. Still the warranty is starting to look more like a lottery ticket, except if you don't win - you owe the winning amount and odds are not in your favor - unless you already know what the issue is.

If you end up working with the dealer, let us know. We're available via private message and would be happy to escalate a case on your behalf.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[dexter]

Just paid off our 2014 Dodge Ram Crew Cab with Hemi two months ago (purchased it brand new in 2015). It has 90,000 mostly highway miles on it. The vehicle started to make a chirping sound last month. It is still under the 100,000 mile/5 year warranty. Checked all common issue possible causes (pumps/belts). Took it to a local dealer they claimed it could be alternator. Replaced it. Still Chirping. Went to two independent garages - both said it seems to be coming from the Engine/Tranny - maybe the flexplate. Took it back to dealer where we bought it. I was told there would be another $95 diagnostic fee, which I understood. Guy calls me two days later asking for maintenance records. By the tone, I began to worry. I asked if he had looked at yet. He said no but then he claimed the oil was leaking and oil was so clean it appeared someone was topping it off?? I told him that the oil was not leaking - it was parked for weeks at my house while I awaited this appointment because I didn't want to drive it if it was a big issue and there was no leak. Also no oil lights or anyting and it had been at another dealer in just the weeks before and they would've said something. I gathered all receipts and faxed them over. 3 days later, tech calls and says he is not going to touch the vehicle. It's likely an engine issue (yes, I told him that when I made appointment) and he is not tearing it apart and not getting paid if Dodge denies the warranty claim. I asked how/why they would deny the claim as it has been properly maintained. Then he accuses me of doctoring the receipts - which pissed me off the most . This technician also claimed to be the service manager, when he was not. I contacted the General Manager at dealership - he dodged issue a bit saying they have no reason not to want to sevice it and at least put me in touch with Service Manager, who said he would look at vehicle but there was going to be a $95 PER HOUR Diagnostics Fee. Is this normal? Has anyone had an hourly diagnostic fee for a warranty issue. Has anyone successfully had an engine issue warranty handled? I'm lost at this point... I've heard from others that the techs don't get reimbursed their full time, but by a set rate that the automaker feels it should take them to do the work. Maybe that is his motivation in not wanting to service it or trying to charge hourly rate to diagnose, but that issue should be between the dealership and the automaker - not the customer. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I called Dodge, they didn't have much to say except maybe try another dealership. No help!

Get one of these and narrow down the location.

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-52500-Mechanics-Stethoscope/dp/B0002SQYSM

 

[Bub1971]

I decided to pick up my vehicle and go to a different dealership. I didn't think it would be wise to agree to give them $98/HOUR to diagnose when 1) they likely knew what the issue was from the start, 2) tech making those ridiculous accusations and lying about being service manager and 3) tech saying he didn't want to do the job. When I came in to pick it up. They tried to get me to sign a paper saying that I didn't approve diagnostics and didn't provide paperwork. Just More lies. I approved initial flat diagnostic fee. I didn't approve 98 PER HOUR to diagnose engine issue when it was under warranty... and the guy had whined about how long it could potentially take him. I declined to sign it, talked to the tech face to face showing him how to read the Jiffy Lube receipts - then left. Hopefully with next dealership - it will be different.

 

[Bub1971]

If you end up working with the dealer, let us know. We're available via private message and would be happy to escalate a case on your behalf.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist

H Jasmine, Thanks for offering to help - I sent a pm last week but did not hear back yet. My appointment with the new dealer is this Wednesday. Can you reply to PM and advise if there is a case number or anything that we can refer to when we bring the vehicle into the next dealer (the new dealer will be in McMurray PA 15317) Thanks.

 

[RamCares]

H Jasmine, Thanks for offering to help - I sent a pm last week but did not hear back yet. My appointment with the new dealer is this Wednesday. Can you reply to PM and advise if there is a case number or anything that we can refer to when we bring the vehicle into the next dealer (the new dealer will be in McMurray PA 15317) Thanks.

I just answered your direct message and will continue assisting from there.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[16RamHemi]

I decided to pick up my vehicle and go to a different dealership. I didn't think it would be wise to agree to give them $98/HOUR to diagnose when 1) they likely knew what the issue was from the start, 2) tech making those ridiculous accusations and lying about being service manager and 3) tech saying he didn't want to do the job. When I came in to pick it up. They tried to get me to sign a paper saying that I didn't approve diagnostics and didn't provide paperwork. Just More lies. I approved initial flat diagnostic fee. I didn't approve 98 PER HOUR to diagnose engine issue when it was under warranty... and the guy had whined about how long it could potentially take him. I declined to sign it, talked to the tech face to face showing him how to read the Jiffy Lube receipts - then left. Hopefully with next dealership - it will be different.

hopefully they try to hit you up for a review of the service. hit them where it hurts. weed the liars and scammers out.

 

[Bub1971]

Update: Had my appointment at a different dealership today. Insanely different experience than the shadey place I went to at first (will never buy another vehicle there again). These guys at the new dealership were professional. In the end they found it was internal engine issue which would be covered by warranty. There was no talk of hourly fees. No b.s. or run-around at all - in fact they gave me a loaner vehicle. I assumed they'd be tearing it apart and I'd find out exactly what issue was, (still thinking lifters and cam) but was surprised by a call saying they were just replacing the engine. with a 2014 refurbished engine. Not sure where it comes from. Right now just too happy to think or worry about anything but ---Anyone ever have this done and did it work out well

 

[Scottly]

At some point it becomes a cost vs. return issue with diagnosis. They got the noise isolated to the engine internals...How much would it cost to keep spending time tearing it apart then repairing it, vs just saying F^&% it and putting a refurb in it? I think they reached that point. Be happy...

 

[HammerHead]

Update: Had my appointment at a different dealership today. Insanely different experience than the shadey place I went to at first (will never buy another vehicle there again). These guys at the new dealership were professional. In the end they found it was internal engine issue which would be covered by warranty. There was no talk of hourly fees. No b.s. or run-around at all - in fact they gave me a loaner vehicle. I assumed they'd be tearing it apart and I'd find out exactly what issue was, (still thinking lifters and cam) but was surprised by a call saying they were just replacing the engine. with a 2014 refurbished engine. Not sure where it comes from. Right now just too happy to think or worry about anything but ---Anyone ever have this done and did it work out well

Well done sir, glad you were treated like a human AND got a new engine. Very rarely do I see success stories like this; count those lucky stars.

Congratulations!!!!!!

 

[Bub1971]

Yes, I am feeling very very fortunate, and need to remind myself I can stop worrying now. I was sick over this last week. I can't get over how different these dealerships operate. I will definitely purchase from this place in the future and plan to let everyone there (and around here) know what a great experience it was working with them. The other guy was "how can I find a way NOT to help you". This guy was just a stand up guy and told me they would find the issue and get it settled - and that he did. I about fell over when he gave me keys to a loaner. People make all the difference where ever you go. IF they want to be a _ _ _ _ then you are screwed. Don't give up if you land upon a shady dealership - try another one.