RANT on KW Dealer

Most dealer mechanics are nothing more than parts changers. That's why we use a small independent guy, he almost always fixes it the first time or at least he'll tell you when he's not sure what it's going to take but he'll tell you what he's going to try. We've had too many experiences just like yours with dealers.

As far as not calling, that's completely typical and extremely irritating. But to get back at them just call every 30min or stand there and watch them.

 

Having a new rig under warranty makes a difference....
That being said....Call the corporate office and speak with the head of customer service...Not a peon....but the boss....

We all have the right to fast and reliable service.....anything else is bullsheyat.....Vote with your wallets people....If enough of us do so....These shops will have to accommodate...

Also....It's best to find a shop you can trust to do your servicing at the home 20...They'll know your rig better than some Parts Changer at the T/A for example....

Now away from the home 20.....
We should compile a list of exceptional shops around the country....

Blackhawk, SD Peterbilt...has an excellent shop....

They are off the 90 and Rodney, the shop manager, and his crew are the best...
I always recommend them to anyone who needs repair or services when they are near Rapid.....

 

"Expecting less" is why the dealers give us poor service......

It is they who work for us....not the other way around.....

 

I could spend all day ranting about truck shops.Most everything I have done has to be done again or something related fails because someone couldn`t be bothered to do their job right.
Mostly,I do my own work and have a reliable independant shop near me-just in case.This day and time I have to do my own work -mostly because I can`t afford to pay a shop,much less pay them twice.
My opinion is that most people in most professions are merely "attempting" to do their job while under-qualified and overpaid,then take offense when you confront them about it.
My favorite shop has the owner there fulltime,watching and checking behind his mechanics(most of them have worked there for years),not tolerating substandard work nor making excuses,just like it should be.
Dealerships are the worst.I can only think of 2 in a 100 mile radius out of a dozen that I will do business with again.You are pretty much screwed if you have to depend on a shop for everything.

 

The KW shop in KC isnt much better. i had a surging problem with mine one day. i figured it was the throttle position sensor. i replaced it...nope not the problem. i called KW and they said yea bring it in. they had it 24 hrs, never called to say anything and finally figured out it had a bad wire between the ECM and the sensor. they couldnt find the bad wire so they remade the harness and charged me $845, after they deducted a bunch of time off the bill. Last time the truck was there.

 

I have no complaint about the International shop in San Marcos, CA. Had an exhaust leak. They did a bunch of research, figured out where to start looking and found it. Fixed it the first time. Also: The tech did not hook up the computer first thing. He took the truck for a drive first. (First plus) then he crawled around over and under it (second plus) and called Cummins to get their ideas (third plus) and last thing hooked up the computer.

When I gave them the truck in the morning, I mentioned a rattling sound when the truck is placed under load, especially when trying to climb with weight on. The service manager went on the final test ride and they were able to identify the problem (something with the clutch shaft) and get parts ordered and on their way. They will call me when the parts arrive so I can make arrangements to get back to the area.

Also, there is some paint peeling off a small spot on the side of the hood. San Marcos Int'l will make arrangements with San Diego to scratch it and shoot it to fix the paint.

It's not a very big dealer, but they are good. It seems like they were looking for warranty items to fix so I wouldn't have to mess with it later. I'm happy they will actually diagnose a problem rather than just read the computer to tell them what part to change.