1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
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This is about my '95 model with V6 engine.
Yesterday morning: Car makes increasing scrapping noise from passenger side of engine. I open the hood and can't tell for sure where it comes from. I fear it might be a timing belt problem. I drive the car to the dealer, careful not to change engine speed quickly. The service advisor reluctantly comes out to the car to hear the noise, but has no comment other than offering me diagnostics for $105. I wonder, if these guys have any training in automotive mechanics.
This morning: The service advisor calls, says the car needs new water pump for 600 Dollars. He also states the car runs rough (not until I dropped it off), and suggests to replace the leaking valve cover gaskets for another $400. I almost faint from hearing these numbers, but am relieved to hear it is not the timing belt.
I call my local mechanic, he offers the water pump replacement for $300. I call the dealer, tell them I'm on my way to pick up the car.
After paying my diagnostics invoice at the dealer, I wait outside for the car. I can see it, but it is not being brought. I walk up to it, and a mechanic tells me it does not start. He gets the Service Manager.
The Service Manager tries also, then calls another guy. They engine has trouble turning when they try to start it. It's not even close to starting. They check, if the cam still moves (under the oli filler cap). It does, so they decide the timing belt must have slipped.
The service manager tells me that the valves would only be bent, if the belt slipped by more than three teeth. He gets me a free rental car for one day (or until they have determined the damage and decided on a course of action).
The car has 90k miles on it, and all major services were done at their dealership. The manager says that the timing belt and whatever damage it might have caused should be under Saab Warranty, if I can provide records for the smaller oil change services that were not done at their dealership.
Tomorrow I should find out how bad the damage is and when I will get my car back. I'm driving an Oldsmobile Alero rental car right now and can't tell you how much I appreciate the tightness and interior quality of the Saab. Too bad it let me down...
Wish me luck that Saab is going to cover whatever the damage is!
posted by 63.202.1...
, Mon, 18 Feb 2002 21:55:19
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