HELP! My Z is BRAINDEAD!

aling lukring · 09-27-2010, 09:16 PM

help need legal advise too.my car is now at the dealership because one of the rods is hitting the spark plugs from what they say. and one the service manager pulls me aside and asks if i drift the car or over revved it.i was kind of offended because i think this guy thinks i drive like there no tomorrow. maybe im young and asian but i definitely work my *** off to have nice things and value my belongings. it felt like profiling. my gas mileage is 22.1 mpg city driving and theres still a good amount rubber on my tires with 18000 miles and he told that that those tires are good for 15k. i believe just by looking at that could tell someones driving habits and i have a perfect driving records no accidents or tickets.advise anybody pls?

Carno · 09-27-2010, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aling lukring

help need legal advise too.my car is now at the dealership because one of the rods is hitting the spark plugs from what they say. and one the service manager pulls me aside and asks if i drift the car or over revved it.i was kind of offended because i think this guy thinks i drive like there no tomorrow. maybe im young and asian but i definitely work my *** off to have nice things and value my belongings. it felt like profiling. my gas mileage is 22.1 mpg city driving and theres still a good amount rubber on my tires with 18000 miles and he told that that those tires are good for 15k. i believe just by looking at that could tell someones driving habits and i have a perfect driving records no accidents or tickets.advise anybody pls?

Just tell him you don't drift it or over-rev it, then make them fix it.

Cmike2780 · 09-27-2010, 10:23 PM

OP, don't let the dealer charge you a penny. Make sure all your paper work is in order, especially all maintenance work done by the dealer just in case a "computer error" suddenly erases your record. Good luck and make sure Nissan USA knows the vehicle is dealer maintained in case oil change issues arise.

NYBladeZ · 09-27-2010, 10:33 PM

In my experience, I got the same story initially from the dealer when my airbag light started flashing. The whole we'll diagnose the car, there is a potential charge if it is not under warranty. I was initially perturbed by the whole "not under warranty talk" but I knew it was covered so I signed off confidently. I wouldn't move it, who is to stop them from putting in the computer that it is not a warrantied issue and later have another dealer give you a hard time. Ask yourself if you did anything wrong, abuse etc if not then stay confident the warranty will cover it and you can look at the dealer later and say "I told you so."

Dealerships will grill you for potential reasons to put it on you. Just stick to the facts that you put in your post and you'll be fine, I hope its a quick fix. Remember to void the warranty a dealer must show that your direct actions caused the issue. If your car isn't modded and you don't drive like an *** it'll be ok.

ezowner · 09-27-2010, 11:09 PM

redwolfmendoz.. It is the alternator. Same thing happened to my 350Z when I bought it new years ago. The dealer replaced the alternator for me under the warranty.

Quote:

Originally Posted by redwolfmendoz

So my brand new 2009 370z has had some trouble starting over the last few months. It's failed to start twice and I have jumped it successfully twice. But last monday night I leave work rather late (10pm). Car started fine, but in the middle of a slight left, my car jolts forward and then my HUD and trip computer flicker and then nothing. I attempt to crank while coasting, nothing.

Called a buddy who swung by with AAA (saved my ***), but AAA couldn't wake up my Z. So I park it and walk home in the rain. Next morning I attempt to jumpstart with another car. 15 minutes, still no pulse. Trip computer, odometer and HUD turn on, cranks but does not start.

So I call this place Tip Top Tow to get it into a dealership (both big mistakes). Flatbed shows up, winch has issues. The tow truck needs a tow truck, tow truck guy loses keys, etc but we get it to the dealership nonetheless.

Once I get there, Service Advisor said it was probably the battery or ECM/ECU, either way they would "proceed under warranty", but that I had to pay for the tow.

WTF?! WARRANTY COVERS TOWING.

I fight it, tow truck driver leaves with paperwork.

Tuesday, service advisor tell me it's not the battery then says he'll call back.

Wednesday service advisor says "there is no measureable oil in the engine" (I'm like "O RLY? Then shouldn't have drivable last 5k miles, not to mention I had my last oil change at the dealer and have paperwork").

Friday, walking to work, the service advisor calls and says they can't get a signal from the ECM/ECU and that it was gonna run me some serious time and coin.

I SWEAR I ALMOST THREW MY PHONE AT A PASSING COP CAR. So pissed.

The ultimatum was he wanted me to authorize an Electronic Wiring Diagnostic for $585 -OR- I could have it towed and not get anything done. Also he stated that the diagnosis may or may not verify that anything is covered by the warranty. Nevertheless, he needed me to decide by end of day Friday because they needed the space. So the decision is this: 1) Tow the car back to my place, and pay for both tows. Car still broken. Or 2) pay for the diagnosis, worst case scenario can't be fixed cheap and I still pay for tow under the warranty exceptions (what is not covered) and still pay for the tows.

BUT THE WARRANTY SAYS ALL LABOR, PARTS AND DIAGNOSTICS ARE COVERED! FML!

So I called Nissan's Consumer Affairs hotline. I'm told someone is looking into may case, awaiting good/bad news today (knowing my luck it's gonna be bad). The only thing that might hurt me is that I have aftermarket Stillen G3 intake kit (which my old mechanic says does not void the warranty).

Anybody out there have any advice? Anything like this happen to anyone else? Should I call the BBB and/or EPA?

jaedub · 09-27-2010, 11:33 PM

pull out your 9 and bust a cap in them beeches

redwolfmendoz · 09-28-2010, 01:29 PM

> pull out your 9 and bust a cap in them beeches

Haha. I would, but I sold my Berreta 92FS. However I have a Kimber Custom II that's eager to bark. lol

KillerBee370 · 09-28-2010, 12:16 AM

That's a hell of a first post

m4a1mustang · 09-28-2010, 01:31 PM

92FS

redwolfmendoz · 09-28-2010, 03:06 PM

Update: Just got off the phone with Stillen. The dude there says they haven't heard any issues with any of their products voiding any of Nissan's Warranty. Also says "if anything it might be a blown MAF Sensor, but since the Service Advisor at Santa Monica Nissan and his team say they aren't able to get a response from the computer it wouldn't the the intake's fault anyway. It's just a set of pipes, flanges and filters. No wiring required."

Also tried calling the Nissan Consumer Affairs rep back just now. She game me a bad extension. Anyways, someone else at NCA said the first rep updated my case saying that she wasn't able to reach the service dept at Santa Monica Nissan... ??? So I guess they're gonna try and contact me again in 2 days? Or maybe the service advisor is ******* me (and my rep) around.

I have a shattered knee from snowboarding. Walking 6 miles to work sucks. The only way to get around here is by bus or walking. Parking is a biatch. But Nissan won't offer a rental until they determine something IS IN FACT covered by the warranty (and even then they said the rental is for 1 day)...

ANGRY. RAGE. GOING TO SUE. COLLECTING TESTIMONIES AT THE MOMENT.

ChrisSlicks · 09-28-2010, 03:39 PM

Unleash your fiery rage on them.

sonic370 · 09-28-2010, 07:47 PM

sorry to hear about your troubles. being without your z sucks.
anyway if it's under factory warranty your covered.
that dealership is full of --it! stand your ground.
and once you get your car fixed right spread the word about those crooks.
tell anyone who will listen,news bbb,etc.
then write a letter to the GM at the dealer and tell them to kiss your -ss.

redwolfmendoz · 09-29-2010, 03:54 PM

Update: 8 days after towing my baby to the dealer.

No response from anyone at Nissan Consumer Affairs. I've been given 4 bad phone numbers/extensions for who to call. NCA says they can't reach anyone at the service dept, service department not calling me back. And each time NCA leaves a voicemail (because they like to call at 5:59pm PST) they say they'll follow up with me in 2 business days.

I've since dusted off my old 2001 Ford Focus (meaning I took it back from my dad lol). It's crap-tacular but it beats walking.

I thought of Lemon Lawing my car maybe to get all my money back (and close the loan on it) and using that money to patch up my Z32.

I thought about calling up the service dept and just telling them to go ahead with the diagnostic, hoping that the warranty will reimburse me - but they can't do anything until NCA gives a ruling.

Why does this have to be so difficult?

ProfessorDave · 09-29-2010, 08:56 PM

Isn't offering a warranty and not honoring it fraud? Would a call to the attorney general help?

370Zsteve · 09-29-2010, 09:23 PM

Man this whole thing blows! Not getting a good feeling about Nissan Corporate when I hear things like this. Good luck, man!

09-27-2010, 10:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
Cmike2780 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Long Island Posts: 5,059 Drives: slowwww Rep Power: 30	OP, don't let the dealer charge you a penny. Make sure all your paper work is in order, especially all maintenance work done by the dealer just in case a "computer error" suddenly erases your record. Good luck and make sure Nissan USA knows the vehicle is dealer maintained in case oil change issues arise. __________________ [09][MB][6-Spd MT][Touring][Stillen Gen III][K&N][Borla CBE][Evo-R] [ArchitTEK Photography]

09-27-2010, 10:33 PM	#4 (permalink)
NYBladeZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New York Posts: 2,158 Drives: Lotus Exige S Rep Power: 22	In my experience, I got the same story initially from the dealer when my airbag light started flashing. The whole we'll diagnose the car, there is a potential charge if it is not under warranty. I was initially perturbed by the whole "not under warranty talk" but I knew it was covered so I signed off confidently. I wouldn't move it, who is to stop them from putting in the computer that it is not a warrantied issue and later have another dealer give you a hard time. Ask yourself if you did anything wrong, abuse etc if not then stay confident the warranty will cover it and you can look at the dealer later and say "I told you so." Dealerships will grill you for potential reasons to put it on you. Just stick to the facts that you put in your post and you'll be fine, I hope its a quick fix. Remember to void the warranty a dealer must show that your direct actions caused the issue. If your car isn't modded and you don't drive like an *** it'll be ok. __________________ 2009 Carbon Fiber/Red 370z aka Trish: Sports Package, Meisterschaft full catback, Fast Intentions Longtube Headers, Injen Long Tube Intakes, UpRev Tune: Sold 2008 Lotus Exige S Club Racer aka Bella, always leaves me smiling

09-28-2010, 01:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
redwolfmendoz Base Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 9 Drives: 09 Nissan 270z Rep Power: 16	> pull out your 9 and bust a cap in them beeches Haha. I would, but I sold my Berreta 92FS. However I have a Kimber Custom II that's eager to bark. lol Last edited by redwolfmendoz; 09-28-2010 at 01:32 PM.

09-28-2010, 01:31 PM	#9 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6964	92FS __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

09-28-2010, 03:06 PM	#10 (permalink)
redwolfmendoz Base Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 9 Drives: 09 Nissan 270z Rep Power: 16	Update: Just got off the phone with Stillen. The dude there says they haven't heard any issues with any of their products voiding any of Nissan's Warranty. Also says "if anything it might be a blown MAF Sensor, but since the Service Advisor at Santa Monica Nissan and his team say they aren't able to get a response from the computer it wouldn't the the intake's fault anyway. It's just a set of pipes, flanges and filters. No wiring required." Also tried calling the Nissan Consumer Affairs rep back just now. She game me a bad extension. Anyways, someone else at NCA said the first rep updated my case saying that she wasn't able to reach the service dept at Santa Monica Nissan... ??? So I guess they're gonna try and contact me again in 2 days? Or maybe the service advisor is ******* me (and my rep) around. I have a shattered knee from snowboarding. Walking 6 miles to work sucks. The only way to get around here is by bus or walking. Parking is a biatch. But Nissan won't offer a rental until they determine something IS IN FACT covered by the warranty (and even then they said the rental is for 1 day)... ANGRY. RAGE. GOING TO SUE. COLLECTING TESTIMONIES AT THE MOMENT. Last edited by redwolfmendoz; 09-28-2010 at 03:11 PM. Reason: typos

09-27-2010, 09:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
aling lukring Base Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: florida Posts: 67 Drives: 09 370z silver 6spd Rep Power: 17	help need legal advise too.my car is now at the dealership because one of the rods is hitting the spark plugs from what they say. and one the service manager pulls me aside and asks if i drift the car or over revved it.i was kind of offended because i think this guy thinks i drive like there no tomorrow. maybe im young and asian but i definitely work my *** off to have nice things and value my belongings. it felt like profiling. my gas mileage is 22.1 mpg city driving and theres still a good amount rubber on my tires with 18000 miles and he told that that those tires are good for 15k. i believe just by looking at that could tell someones driving habits and i have a perfect driving records no accidents or tickets.advise anybody pls?

09-27-2010, 11:33 PM	#6 (permalink)
jaedub Track Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 906 Drives: 2010 Black 370Z MT Rep Power: 306	pull out your 9 and bust a cap in them beeches

09-28-2010, 12:16 AM	#8 (permalink)
KillerBee370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: So Cal baby! Age: 53 Posts: 5,964 Drives: with passion Rep Power: 323	That's a hell of a first post

09-28-2010, 03:39 PM	#11 (permalink)
ChrisSlicks A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North East Posts: 6,203 Drives: 09 370Z Sport M6 Rep Power: 655	Unleash your fiery rage on them. __________________ Hotchkis ARB \| Stillen CAI \| Art Pipes \| Berk CBE \| Stillen AP Racing Brakes \| AE Performance Oil Cooler \| BC Racing ER Coilovers \| Doran Control Arms

09-28-2010, 07:47 PM	#12 (permalink)
sonic370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Orange Texas Posts: 1,574 Drives: 09 370Z Sports PGK Rep Power: 20	sorry to hear about your troubles. being without your z sucks. anyway if it's under factory warranty your covered. that dealership is full of --it! stand your ground. and once you get your car fixed right spread the word about those crooks. tell anyone who will listen,news bbb,etc. then write a letter to the GM at the dealer and tell them to kiss your -ss.

09-29-2010, 03:54 PM	#13 (permalink)
redwolfmendoz Base Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 9 Drives: 09 Nissan 270z Rep Power: 16	Update: 8 days after towing my baby to the dealer. No response from anyone at Nissan Consumer Affairs. I've been given 4 bad phone numbers/extensions for who to call. NCA says they can't reach anyone at the service dept, service department not calling me back. And each time NCA leaves a voicemail (because they like to call at 5:59pm PST) they say they'll follow up with me in 2 business days. I've since dusted off my old 2001 Ford Focus (meaning I took it back from my dad lol). It's crap-tacular but it beats walking. I thought of Lemon Lawing my car maybe to get all my money back (and close the loan on it) and using that money to patch up my Z32. I thought about calling up the service dept and just telling them to go ahead with the diagnostic, hoping that the warranty will reimburse me - but they can't do anything until NCA gives a ruling. Why does this have to be so difficult?

09-29-2010, 08:56 PM	#14 (permalink)
ProfessorDave A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 1,580 Drives: In the fairway Rep Power: 20	Isn't offering a warranty and not honoring it fraud? Would a call to the attorney general help? __________________ Rain, snow, sleet, hail: 2009 Mazda 3 sGT HB Everything else: 2009 370z, PW Touring 6MT

09-29-2010, 09:23 PM	#15 (permalink)
370Zsteve A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Gold Coast CT Posts: 10,599 Drives: 2019 Corvette G.S. Rep Power: 44	Man this whole thing blows! Not getting a good feeling about Nissan Corporate when I hear things like this. Good luck, man! __________________ SOLD MY Z MARCH 2018 - another Core OG moves on - new ride 2019 Z Corvette Grand Sport - no mods necessary but already have eyes on HFC and intakes LOL IT NEVER ENDS.