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Freightliner rant (actually about a specific dealer, but still a rant)

Discussion in 'Freightliner Forum' started by Captain Canuck, Jan 3, 2014.

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  1. Jan 3, 2014 #1
    Captain Canuck

    Captain Canuck "Captain of the Ship"

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    Apr 7, 2007
    Woodstock, NB, Canada
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    Back in September, I bought a brand new Coronado with a Cummins ISX in it. Up until this morning, no problems to speak of. Today, right in my driveway, it started and ran for about an hour (was warming it up to take it in to Freightliner for a full service) then quit. The batteries are fully charged, but the starter won't engage. I contacted the dealer for a tow because my Cummins warranty is supposed to cover roadside assistance and towing. I am promptly informed that "no starts due to cold" are not covered by warranty and I will have to pay for the tow. Uhhhh, I said the truck was RUNNING and QUIT and now won't even engage the starter. They insist I am responsible for the tow. I know there's nothing anyone here can do, but I just needed to vent. These guys are gonna have a fight on their hands. (not naming the dealership due to possible repercussions, but here's a hint: they're in New Brunswick Canada near the world's longest covered bridge)
     
    Captain Canuck, Jan 3, 2014
    Captain Canuck, Jan 3, 2014
    #1
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  3. Jan 3, 2014 #2
    Grumppy

    Grumppy Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Dec 11, 2010
    West Monroe, La
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    You might call another dealership, present the trouble & ask if a tow is covered. Make sure you know who you talked to. Then you might call Cummins warranty customer service & ask them as well. Also make a note of who you talk to there. Then call your dealer back & ask them, WTH?

    Also, a lot of times, you can have an attorney just pick up the phone & make a quick call (bluff) for a few bucks. A lot of times, that will get their attention & get you good service without any hassle. Usually after that, they'll have coffee & donuts waiting on you when you get there.
     
    Last edited: Jan 3, 2014
    Grumppy, Jan 3, 2014
    Grumppy, Jan 3, 2014
    #2
  4. Jan 3, 2014 #3
    fld

    fld Medium Load Member

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    Nov 24, 2012
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    If it were me...

    I would videotape the truck not starting, and myself checking the batteries, cables and fuses. Then I would download call recorder for my phone (I have this, what a great app) and call back again and record them telling you that you must pay for the tow.

    You could also download a voice recorder and go there in person or have someone shoot video of you and the service manager.

    Then, I would call Freightliner directly and tell them what's happening and that you have video and audio, not only of your problem, but of how the service manager is treating you. I would bet that would solve your problem. If not, put it on you tube.

    With passenger vehicles anyway, dealers will always try to screw people, but they are very afraid of the manufacturer. They all compete for incentives from the manufacturer, and part of that has to do with customer satsfaction from what I understand. And you should let them know that you are recording them. Good luck.
     
    fld, Jan 3, 2014
    fld, Jan 3, 2014
    #3
  5. Jan 3, 2014 #4
    wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    Jan 17, 2011
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    Fight is with cummins not freightliner.
     
    wichris, Jan 3, 2014
    wichris, Jan 3, 2014
    #4
  7. Jan 3, 2014 #5
    Semi Crazy

    Semi Crazy Road Train Member

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    May 13, 2011
    Middle Tennessee
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    What about road service under warranty as an option?
     
    Semi Crazy, Jan 3, 2014
    Semi Crazy, Jan 3, 2014
    #5
  8. Jan 3, 2014 #6
    robinrene

    robinrene Light Load Member

    81
    58
    Jun 3, 2012
    Gypsy, USA
    0
    I always make hubbs check the power switch on the floor. he's kicked tgat #### thing a dozen times and still freaks out like the truck died.
     
    robinrene, Jan 3, 2014
    robinrene, Jan 3, 2014
    #6
  9. Jan 3, 2014 #7
    CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

    19,726
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    Apr 18, 2010
    Tennessee
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    If you are sure the batteries are fully charged then most likely it's a connection issue. Either the engine ground strap is a hair loose or the battery hot on the starter solenoid is a hair loose. They are easier to find in the dark as they will throw a spark as someone turns the key. If you look carefully you can see it in the daytime. I've seen as little as an 1/8th a turn of the nut to fix the problem. I know it's under warranty but such a simple fix you could be back in action.

    It is awfully cold out there. It is possible the cold got your batteries if you left something plugged in. What is the battery voltage? Did you attempt to jump it off?
     
    CondoCruiser, Jan 3, 2014
    CondoCruiser, Jan 3, 2014
    #7
  10. Jan 3, 2014 #8
    Captain Canuck

    Captain Canuck "Captain of the Ship"

    854
    541
    Apr 7, 2007
    Woodstock, NB, Canada
    0
    Well again, the truck had been running for an hour when it just suddenly died. The main power switch was in the "on" position, but when I went to turn the key to start it again, not even a click from under the hood. Gauge on the dash showed batteries fully charged. The truck's at the dealership now, and they can't get it going either and are just generally scratching their heads, talking about a possible ECM failure. At least that would cover the tow, as it's a Cummins part. Stay tuned.
     
    Captain Canuck, Jan 3, 2014
    Captain Canuck, Jan 3, 2014
    #8
    baha Thanks this.
  11. Jan 3, 2014 #9
    Dryver

    Dryver Road Train Member

    2,818
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    Nov 30, 2008
    Sioux Falls, SD
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    Cool to hear they can't start it either, well it's not, but you know what I mean, should cover the tow now. Let us know what they find the problem is.
     
    Dryver, Jan 3, 2014
    Dryver, Jan 3, 2014
    #9
  12. Jan 4, 2014 #10
    Chip S

    Chip S Light Load Member

    200
    104
    May 27, 2013
    Texas
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    The dealer has to tell you up front that towing may not be covered under warranty. If your problem is on the freightliner side, and your towing coverage is only for engine failure, you will have to cover the tow. Hopefully it is the ecm that is at fault
     
    Chip S, Jan 4, 2014
    Chip S, Jan 4, 2014
    #10
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