I need service advice AND FAST!

MR 225 · 05-06-2008, 04:25 AM

I was going to post this in the Service cost thread but I’m hoping for some quick answers so thought it best to post separately.

I dropped my car to Chrysler for a service & some warranty work and was quoted $495 for a 24000km service on my 5.7L. I knew this was steep but was willing to cop it on the chin considering they loaned me a hire car free of charge for over a week (lengthy sunroof repair).

I received a call today and they said in addition to the service, I need a brake fluid flush ($145), the engine needs de-carbonising ($120) and a fuel injection treatment ($170). This adds up to a $930 service. This is in addition to a $510 part that needs replacement not covered by warranty (which I accept) and them knocking back my tyre wear issue (which I’ll give details on in a separate post).

DO I NEED TO DO THE THINGS THEY SUGGEST? LE 300 PLEASE CHIME IN!

I told them to do nothing and I’ll get back to them tomorrow. Any help is appreciated!

**Maistro69** · 05-06-2008, 04:53 AM

NO WAY! A brake fluid flush with that low mileage! Decabonising! Fuel injector cleaning! My friend they are taking you to the cleaners. I would tell them fix whats already been taken apart, don't touch anything else and get your car out of there as fast as you can. Take it somewhere else that has a little more honesty. It sounds like they are trying to bank roll the employee retirement fund on one customer. YOU! Oh and that loaner car obviously isn't free. lol

Pusbum · 05-06-2008, 05:04 AM

I reckon the $495 for the 24000km service sounds high. Unfortuantly I can't find the receipt for mine but all the other services I have had on my 5.7L have been under $400 and I have just clocked 80000km so I have had a few.

**Michaelr** · 05-06-2008, 05:37 AM

Send a pm to NMG who will give you the best advice on this

300c Touring · 05-06-2008, 05:42 AM

If it's not listed in the service book why do they insist this has to be done>

MR 225 · 05-06-2008, 07:07 AM

Beats me! I had a go at the service bloke because before I bought my car I called them asking what servicing costs I could expect. They didn't mention any of these little "extras".

Thanks Michaelr - I will PM NMG.

wog boy · 05-06-2008, 04:04 PM

2 years brake fluid flush seems pretty much the standard these days, that price seems about right, probably charged for 1 hour labour plus about 1ltr of brake fluid. The engine de-carb price sounds about right, particulary if they are using a product like WURTH to do this as is the same with injectors treatment also factoring in labour with those costs I would imagine.

Hope this helps mate.

**Hemi57** · 05-06-2008, 06:18 PM

I concur with wog boy on the brake fluid. The brake fluid manufacturers recommend 2 years as the fluid does absorb moisture which reduces the effectiveness (ie. it boils at lower temps).

Go to an auto store and buy some fuel system cleaner/conditioned = ~$13.95.

Scotty · 05-06-2008, 07:45 PM

My servicing costs have remained at $330 for the SRT8.

Coming up on the 18 month / 36000km service and when I booked it in there was no mention of anything extra. Although I might need new brake pads.

I think you are getting ripped off a bit.

**LE 300** · 05-08-2008, 02:40 AM

Sorry guys, having a holiday on the gold coast atm!
Will have to search for a web based list of cafe's with free wifi, place i'm staying at charges a fortune ?!

Anyway.. as for the brake fluid, it's 2years.
I do it at 48k normally, unless it's a low mileage user.

Fuel injection cleaner & decarboniser... tell them to stick it!
I give the throttle bodies a clean out when plugs are changed, & even then they're not normally that dirty.

edit:

+ Fwiw, a litre of genuine brake fluid costs < $25.00 & the entire system can be flushed out in less than half an hour. I think $145 is a little steep