Tech frustrated

[johniew398]

I just had my 08 ACR in for service. Replaced the tires with OEM tires, swapped the shifter for a 2010 ACR shifter and oil change. I told them to service the AC as it was blowing a little hot. I have had to have the AC topped off each year. All that got done but the tech said he was frustrated having to add refrigerant every year. He said he tested it thoroughly; but, couldn't find a leak.

I told him maybe it was because this model has such a small tank and he said that doesn't make any difference. I'm not worried about it; just top it off each year.

He said he had a customer and for 12 years he had to add refrigerant to her RAM, never could find the leak.

One thing, they had to have a 3rd party replace the tires and when they were through they let the tech know they had made a spot of the right side wheels where the paint came off. He also noticed it because he checked all four wheels before they started. They are paying to have a guy touch up the wheels. I appreciated their attention and wasn't surprised about the wheels since those were ones I had to replace and they were just chrome wheels repainted, not baked on or powder coated. I pick it up tomorrow morning and will see if the wheels are that bad. He wants me to bring it back so they can fix the wheels because the guy wasn't available this week.

 

[Allan]

I think gen III / IV Vipers are only a 1 lb system, and yes the guy is correct, the size of the system doesn't matter. If it leaks, it leaks. The issue is with a smaller system like this, if it leaks 2 ounces in three months, you can't find the leak, but the system will start to not work well sooner than a larger system (2 1/2 lbs or so) the deal is the percent of charge lost. -makes sense, yeah? Your tech, I have been in his shoes, it *****. We really try not to let cars go like that. Unfortunately it happens. If the leak is too small to find, you either throw parts at it, or let it go. I always explain this to the customer and let them decide. Most choose to charge it once a year, and 'drive it like that' . .......

 

[The_Greg]

Glad they treat your car so well. I have yet to hear anything about dealers in my area, but judging from other higher end car owners I know its difficult to find great shops around me.

Thats my paranoia, to have a shop who won't own up to their mistakes... :/

 

[Allan]

Glad they treat your car so well. I have yet to hear anything about dealers in my area, but judging from other higher end car owners I know its difficult to find great shops around me.

Thats my paranoia, to have a shop who won't own up to their mistakes... :/

Yes, it sounds like they are giving the car and the owner the respect that they deserve. As a tech, it is a cool thing to be able to service cars like that. One is lucky to find a place that cares about stuff in todays world.

 

[Wiretech]

Refrigerant leak can be frustrating, they have leak detector but can't detect low leaks, most technicians will not waste hours and hours and get nowhere, if they get into the job by replacing parts , if it still leaks it's a comeback. Most technicians rather do brake jobs ,or simple jobs without headaches.

 

[bluesrt]

alot of times iv found on super small leaks, its a pressure sensor or core that leaves behind no trace of oil due to such a small leak. and sometimes will hold a vacume and fool you, they can be a challenge at times

 

[johniew398]

I picked the car up this morning. The service advisor said I would need to bring it back next week so they could have the two wheels touched up. He took me out to show me what he was talking about.

I looked at the wheels and couldn't see anything. He then pointed out what he was talking about. There were two - three spots on each wheel no bigger than the end of an ink pen where the paint had flaked off. Most people would
not even be able to see it. I thanked him for being so conscientious with the Viper and told him I could easily touch those up.

I can't mention the dealer on here and I know there are only three - four Viper owners in this area; but, if any are on here PM me and I will tell you which Dodge dealer I go to.