Volvo V70 D5 - Garage charged for work that didn't repair the car - hijinkx

My car 3 weeks went into limp mode , with Engine Service Req and High Emissions appearing on the dash. A local diesel specialist undertook to repair the car taking scans of the car with their Snapon code reader. They discovered that the EGR valve might be at fault so removed the EGR / Turbo and pipework and cleaned it all up replacing one seal. They had the car for over a week and eventually when I went back to collect it they admitted they had come up blank and suggested I go to a Volvo garage to get it checked over. They charged me circa £300 which I paid reluctantly after having to hire a vehicle for already a week. I asked ( having read on an informative Volvo owners website ) had they checked all the fuses and in particular Fuse 11 , as this can be a souce of the problem. I was reassured they checked every one but when I got home prior to calling Volvo I checked Fuse 11 - ang guess what it had blown ! I put a new on in (17p worth) and it immediately came out of limp mode. I took the car back to express my concern . They re-scanned and suggested I take it for a drive. All was well and on return the original fault codes were still there. The work they did hadn't removed the codes nor had the fuse , but importantly and significantly the car is fine. Had they found a blown fuse earlier and replaced it the car would have come out of limp mode for them too. Now we are in dispute as I think a gesture of goodwill should be offered. Our initial exchange was heated but I have put a conciliatory letter to them asking for a reasonable response as I now have offered an olive branch. My guess is they will completely ignore my overture. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Volvo V70 D5 - Garage charged for work that didn't repair the car - scot22

I understand your frustration. I think you are now approaching it in the right way - they will have incurred some expense and shouldn't incur an actual loss.

Did you agree to the work being done ?

Edited by scot22 on 13/06/2015 at 13:36

Volvo V70 D5 - Garage charged for work that didn't repair the car - Dwight Van Driver

As I understand it the Sale of Goods Act does not only refer to sale but also to services. It is a complex field and I would consider speaking to your local Trading Standards who deal with this nearly every day. They may well advise on your full legal rights.

dvd

Volvo V70 D5 - Garage charged for work that didn't repair the car - Schrödinger's Cat

I would consider speaking to your local Trading Standards who deal with this nearly every day.

Trading Standards do not give advice (at least not my local branch). You need to go to the Citizen's Advice Bureau in cases like this.

Volvo V70 D5 - Garage charged for work that didn't repair the car - Bromptonaut

I've had what is in some ways a similar experience with an IDI engined Berlingo. Symptom was rough starting such as might occur if glow plugs are sub par. Garage did a great deal of investigation and drew a blank - they were just left scratching their heads. Fortunately I have a long relationship with them and wasn't charged for the time.

As in your case, it was forum that provided the answer. Engines of the family fitted to my car have the valve clearances set at the factory with shims. As the valves and seats wear, albeit only by a couple of hundred microns, the clearances close up until, on a cold engine, the exhaust valves are being held slightly open. Symptoms show at what are, at least for cars, high mileages - 150k plus.

My point is that it's probable that enthusiasts on forums have a greater collective knowledge of high mileage and esoteric but known faults than a garage mostlyy seeing cars at mid miles for serivice etc.

Still think you might get soething for goodwill from the garage though.

Volvo V70 D5 - Garage charged for work that didn't repair the car - scot22

If OP was fully informed of options and agreed to this work then I would think only chance is goodwill.

Volvo V70 D5 - Garage charged for work that didn't repair the car - TedCrilly

My question has to be.......if you knew beforehand that it could have been something as simple as a blown fuse why didnt you check it yourself before involving the garage?

Volvo V70 D5 - Garage charged for work that didn't repair the car - hijinkx

My question has to be.......if you knew beforehand that it could have been something as simple as a blown fuse why didnt you check it yourself before involving the garage?

I only investigated further on the net once they told me they had drawn a blank. The following day I picked up the car and asked if they had checked the fuses which they claimed they had ! Before going to the Volvo main agent I double checked and discovered the blown fuse.

Now with a few days to reflect on it and having had no response to my courteous letter I cannot waste further time on this incompetent garage. In future I will only go to specialists in the marque who I hope will have experience in diagnosing faults.

Thank you to everyone who made a contribution , these boards do help to cement ones views.

Volvo V70 D5 - Garage charged for work that didn't repair the car - scot22

I think you have made a good decision - it would not appear that the garage is interested, no matter how well you have put your position.

However, as others have said, you need to know the quality of whatever garage you put it in. I know people who have wasted significant money with main dealers and others who have had excellent service from independents.

You should be O.K with specialists but not always the case. Hope you have success.

Volvo V70 D5 - Garage charged for work that didn't repair the car - Dwight Van Driver

If the Garage claims to be a membver of S M M T then dob it

www.smmt.co.uk/products-services/consumer-advice/

dvd