How could they break my car heater while changing my oil?

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: HotChic
Well, the official verdict is that the blower is broken and they're going to replace it at cost to me.

Go somewhere else and tell them that you went to a shop, they messed up your fan, and want them to check it out. As insurance, tell them that if they can fix it for cheap you will give them the $800 in business.

 

[sharkeeper]

Can you hear the fan running, even though you don't feel air? If so, then there's probably a vacuum line disconnected, causing your vent doors not to move.

If you can't hear the fan running, then it's definitely electrical. As Ornery stated, it's either something disconnected, a switch, a relay, or the fan motor itself. There's also a resistor inline, but (usually) when those go out, the fan will still work on high.

Yep. Frequently this is a cause and effect anomaly. The selector resistors are in the airflow and REQUIRE airflow or the wires will glow and burn out. If the flapper fails to open because of a busted line or misplaced (vacuum) hose and your heater is on LOW, the resistor wire burns out opening the circuit to the motor. The CAUSE must be rectified BEFORE replacing the resistor block or it will happen again. Check all vacuum lines. Remember these hoses are tiny and the fittings are plastic and often become brittle with age and break off easily.

Cheers!

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: Goosemaster

Originally posted by: HotChic
Well, the official verdict is that the blower is broken and they're going to replace it at cost to me.

Go somewhere else and tell them that you went to a shop, they messed up your fan, and want them to check it out. As insurance, tell them that if they can fix it for cheap you will give them the $800 in business.

Unfortunately I can't take it anywhere else. It HAS to be fixed today for the business trip I'm making tomorrow, and I'm at work all day today. This place is the only place within walking distance. I swear, I've got a big "Sucker" sign on my back. *sigh*

 

[Freejack2]

Find a trustable local shop or just take it to the dealer. After the crap that Jiffy lube and Firestone have pulled on me I'll never trust a corporate chain again.
I finally found a local repair shop again with a trustworthy owner. Barring the 30,000 mile checkups at the dealership, he gets every cent of our business.

 

[ActuaryTm]

Originally posted by: HotChic
Unfortunately I can't take it anywhere else. It HAS to be fixed today for the business trip I'm making tomorrow, and I'm at work all day today. This place is the only place within walking distance. I swear, I've got a big "Sucker" sign on my back. *sigh*

Honestly, do not settle for that sort of trreatment. As to speak to a supervisor, the owner, ect. Have them replace it if you must, but do not pay until the matter is resolved to your satisfaction.

 

[Injury]

Originally posted by: ActuaryTm

Originally posted by: HotChic
Unfortunately I can't take it anywhere else. It HAS to be fixed today for the business trip I'm making tomorrow, and I'm at work all day today. This place is the only place within walking distance. I swear, I've got a big "Sucker" sign on my back. *sigh*

Honestly, do not settle for that sort of trreatment. As to speak to a supervisor, the owner, ect. Have them replace it if you must, but do not pay until the matter is resolved to your satisfaction.

... and don't forget to ask for the old parts back. If in fact something DID just come unplugged, they may have claimed it was this and will be getting paid a good amount just to plug it back in... with you not knowing the wiser.

 

[Heisenberg]

Originally posted by: Freejack2
Find a trustable local shop or just take it to the dealer. After the crap that Jiffy lube and Firestone have pulled on me I'll never trust a corporate chain again.
I finally found a local repair shop again with a trustworthy owner. Barring the 30,000 mile checkups at the dealership, he gets every cent of our business.

A trustworthy local, independent mechanic is by far the best choice short of doing it yourself.

I really wouldn't give that shop any more money until you've had somebody else look at it, business trip or no business trip.

 

[ActuaryTm]

Originally posted by: Injury
... and don't forget to ask for the old parts back. If in fact something DID just come unplugged, they may have claimed it was this and will be getting paid a good amount just to plug it back in... with you not knowing the wiser.

Excellent point, although if this is in fact an attempt at grifting (or an attempt to cover tracks of sheer incompetence) it may be difficult to actually do so.

 

[Ornery]

Good point about getting the old part back, do that!

Does it REALLY need to have the fan running for this trip? I mean, how cold could it be there?

The part is less than $30.00, but it could be a LOT of labor to get to it, so be prepared for a nasty bill. Sorry to hear it wasn't a quick fix...

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Good point about getting the old part back, do that!

Does it REALLY need to have the fan running for this trip? I mean, how cold could it be there?

The part is less than $30.00, but it could be a LOT of labor to get to it, so be prepared for a nasty bill. Sorry to hear it wasn't a quick fix...

If it was me by myself I wouldn't worry about the fan, but I'm taking a co-worker.