Diagnostics not covered under warranty?

[hockeymulder]

I'm getting some engine knock on my 06 Prius. The dealer tells me they want $105 to diagnose the problem even though the car is still under warranty (33K miles). They say if it's a faulty part, the will fix it under warranty, but diagnostics are still my responsibility. Is this normal? It would seem to me that if the engine is knocking, it is not running properly and whatever it takes to fix it should be covered. He further stated that routine maintainance is not covered (which I understand), but what lack of maintainance could cause the pinging? I have done oil and air filter changes, but not the 30K service.

Is engine knock recorded by the ECU and will it show up from reading the OBD port?

Thanks All!

[KK6PD]

I would start looking for another dealer to get the car serviced at. If its still under warranty, its still under warranty!!!! They have a lot of nerve to try to charge you ANYTHING for a warranty issue!!!

Good Luck de Pat KK6PD

[rigormortis]

unless you can prove your car does not need a diagnosis, like for example you know specifically what is wrong with the car, the warranty, even the platinum extended warranty does not cover diagnostic fees.

and those diagnostic fees are your responsibility.


period


start calling other dealers and see if you can find one with a lower diagnostic fee

[hockeymulder]

I don't know exactly what is causing the problem, but I can prove that the engine is knocking, which is not proper operation.

Is this different than if the car were to not go into reverse? I wouldn't know why, but the normal operation is for the car to be able to go in reverse. I know the engine is suppose to run without pinging.

[rigormortis]

i dont think thats a good enough diagnosis. i think your going to have to pay the $105

make sure you tell them that you have the warranty
and you have been following the maintenance schedules, and tell them your are
not authorizing any repairs above (insert amount here) without your permission
and you should be fine

ps the basic warranty will cover towing to the nearest dealership for a covered part should you need it but not roadside stuff, thats extra

hope that it knocks in front of one of the employees, a lot of times people will go to the dealer and all of a sudden the problem does not manifest themselves and it never gets repaired

[ceric]

Most service department will charge you diagnosis fee. However, if the cause is found and you agree to have it fixed there (under warranty or not), that diagnosis fee is usually waived.
The fee exists just in case that they tell you the cause and you decide not to fix it. Their effort needs to be paid by someone.

[rigormortis]

when bringing the car in, bring all your maintenance related receipts, like all the store stamps you got in your little maintenance book to prove you have been having the oil changed, etc

[rigormortis]

Originally Posted by ceric

Most service department will charge you diagnosis fee. However, if the cause is found and you agree to have it fixed there (under warranty or not), that diagnosis fee is usually waived.
The fee exists just in case that they tell you the cause and you decide not to fix it. Their effort needs to be paid by someone.

'
yeah thats a good point. the fee might be waived, call around

[morpheusx]

Originally Posted by ceric

Most service department will charge you diagnosis fee. However, if the cause is found and you agree to have it fixed there (under warranty or not), that diagnosis fee is usually waived.
The fee exists just in case that they tell you the cause and you decide not to fix it. Their effort needs to be paid by someone.

this is exactly how both of the VW dealers I occassionally use work.
$90 for just the diagnostic.
Then they find out what's wrong with it (example $40 part + 1 hour labor) = might as well let them instal it because then they wont charge me for the diagnostic fee)

[hockeymulder]

So the second dealer I called said they don't charge to diagnose it while it's under warranty. I did the test ride with the tech and he heard the sound, but I wasn't able to make it ping prominently or continuously. He said there wasn't enough for him to go on to try to fix it at this point, but they would note it in my records. Of course on my way home I figured out how to make it knock consistently. It looks like it only happens in a certain RPM range, so I need to accelerate in that range to make it knock. Anyways, they said to bring it back if it gets worse or a warning light comes on.