2 hours for the dealership to test the charging system?

[themechanic]

I'm at the stealership with my 2023 Challeger T/A 382 for a battery and charging system test under factory warranty. They informed me it will take 2 hours for a test under warranty or a few minutes for a handheld test not covered by warranty. Autozone performed a test yesterday and said the battery has a full charge but needs to be replaced.

This sounds like a good way to bill 2 hours labor for a 2 minute job. Am I missing something?

 

[toolmanmike]

I'm at the stealership with my 2023 Challeger T/A 382 for a battery and charging system test under factory warranty. They informed me it will take 2 hours for a test under warranty or a few minutes for a handheld test not covered by warranty. Autozone performed a test yesterday and said the battery has a full charge but needs to be replaced.

This sounds like a good way to bill 2 hours labor for a 2 minute job. Am I missing something?

There is probably a authorized test procedure they have to follow for warranty repairs with a test results print out that is included with the repair order. The 5 min test is probably a hand held tester like the parts store uses. If you are looking to get warranty work done at no charge, you will need to go up front and grab a coffee and wait out the 2 hour procedure. I would make damn sure there will be no charge even if they don't find anything wrong.

 

[themechanic]

There is probably a authorized test procedure they have to follow for warranty repairs. The 5 min test is probably a hand held tester like the parts store uses. If you are looking to get warranty work done at no charge, you will need to go up front and grab a coffee and wait out the 2 hour procedure. I would make damn sure there will be no charge even if they don't find anything wrong.

No charge under warranty. They got me for $350 for a new factory FOB, since the previous owner lost the other one.

 

[eldubb440]

it's amazing how my 20+ year old junkers rarely need anything...... especially a trip to the dealer

 

[toolmanmike]

No charge under warranty. They got me for $350 for a new factory FOB, since the previous owner lost the other one.

I could see that. I remember talking to a dealer service manager about a high end battery tester when I was selling tools. He "had to" have one with a printer. Way too many techs replacing batteries that weren't bad.

 

[themechanic]

The car has less than 5000 miles on it. It has been parked at my daughter's garage most of the time over the last year since I've owned it without being on a battery maintainer, which I assumed they would either use or drive it more.

 

[toolmanmike]

The car has less than 5000 miles on it. It has been parked at my daughter's garage most of the time over the last year since I've owned it without being on a battery maintainer, which I assumed they would either use or drive it more.

Yep. New computerized vehicles need to be driven or charged regularly. Even though the draw is small, keeping computer memories alive and clocks working does drain the power. I would trickle charge it overnight at least once a month. More often if needed.

 

[WileE]

it's amazing how my 20+ year old junkers rarely need anything...... especially a trip to the dealer

Not too long ago, I had to replace speed sensors in my modern Challenger. So, I made a trip to the dealer Dodge parts department in my 46-year old Cordoba that runs like a top, to pick up the parts.

 

[Sedbld]

I work at a dealer and just so happened today checking a WL for steering issue but batteries totally dead. Got out the factory battery tester at 2:30 and it was still running the main battery test when I left at 5. Then the lawnmower battery has to done. Ridiculous to have to play by the warranty rules.

But I did work on ROs with the last 3 numbers are 413,340 and 426!!!!! MaMopar talking to me today

 

[Mopar Hunter]

Go test drive a POS EV Charger while you wait.

 

[eldubb440]

Go test drive a POS EV Charger while you wait.

a Charger that needs a charger......... hmmmmm

 

[themechanic]

I had the courtesy driver take me home. No way I was going to wait. The battery tested good but low on CCAs. The technician was unable to program either of 2 new FOBs before calling Engineering, who are located overseas in Saudi Arabia for some odd reason. So, I picked the car up a little after 5 this afternoon. No charge unless or until they have a FOB programmed and working. Which means another trip to the stealership.

 

[Mopar Hunter]

a Charger that needs a charger......... hmmmmm

I wouldn’t call a EV car a Charger.

 

[themechanic]

I wouldn’t call a EV car a Charger.

You can charge your phone with them.

 

[kiwigtx]

2023 Challeger T/A 382

Did you get a rebate for the missing ten cubes?

 

[toolmanmike]

it's amazing how my 20+ year old junkers rarely need anything...... especially a trip to the dealer

Speaking of which, my 06 pick up (dang, 19 years old) has a SES light on. I need to crawl under it and check out the Canister vent solenoid. I prpbably needs a new one. about $35 I hear. need to check the gas cap seal too.