gasman65

Own a 08 TL Type-S with 67K on it. We absolutely love this car and have no issues other than this one. A couple of months ago the car dropped the P0174 code. I came here did some research and concluded I might need this flash update but didn't worry. Anyway the Mrs. drives this car more than me and P0171 dropped this past weekend so I ran it in to the Acura dealership and they said I need the PGM-Fi software update. OK, I expected as much. My question: Why should I have to pay for a PCM that misinterprets inputs as a lean condition? The software is faulty. I have to pay to update faulty software? BTW, the cost was $226.80. The "procedure" was $220 but I complained and the service rep dropped it to $195, but of course i payed for SS -Shop Supplies $23.40 and HW - Hazardous Waste Disposal $6.89.

Really? Hazardous Waste Disposal...they add this crap to every invoice don't they?

I suppose warranties/extended warranties don't cover this cost either?

The TSB actually has a Warranty Claim Information section that says the following:

In warranty: The normal warranty applies.
Operation Number: 125517
Flat Rate Time: 0.3 hour
Failed Part: P/N 37820-RDB-A11
Defect Code: 03217
Sympton Code: 03203

Looking for some expert opionions/advice.

nfnsquared

You got ripped off if all they did was to reflash the software. There are no shop supplies or haz waste. All they do is hook up the HDS and use a few keystrokes/touches on the touch screen. Even then, you'd think they would good will this for free.

And even at $150/hr labor rates, 0.3 hours is only $45. You got ripped by an unscrupulous service manager. I'd be back there in a heartbeat right in the SM's face....

Sure would like to know what the alleged shop supplies and hazardous waste was...

What dealer ship was this at?

Go here, follow the instructions EXACTLY, and then go down to link for TSB B08-043:

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/3g-tl-technical-service-bulletins-tsbs-3g-garage-j-016-a-613659/

gasman65

Karen Radley in Woodbridge VA

VQPower37

^ did they damage nething on ur car in the process? everytime i've been there i have had one thing or another damaged ... bad stealership, hopefully u can get some money back or they can goodwill it altogether for u

gasman65

I did this already, pulled up/printed the TSB out. The date of the TSB is October 3, 2008. I bought the car in early December of the same year.

nfnsquared

Do you have an acura extended warranty? Even if not, I'd go back and complain to the SM and ask for a full refund. Ask him to explain what the shop supplies and haz waste were for a job that merely required hooking up the HDS computer to the car. Mention that the State Attorney General and Acura Client Services might be interested in how they charged you for "shop supplies", "haz waste disposal" and how they charged $165 labor for a 0.3 hr job.

I'd also call Acura Client Services and your state AG office and file a complaint. Charging you for shop supplies and haz waste is fraud. Overcharging on labor for only 0.3 hr book time is fraud. You need to expose these practices to a regulatory authority.

gasman65

An e-mail I just sent to the Service Manager:

My issues:

The diagnosis was a flash update to the software. I know of TSB 08-043 and don’t understand why my warranty did not cover this repair. I questioned this to Stacy (I believe it was Stacy) and he said no warranty covers this service but he reduced the cost from $225 to $195. I reluctantly agreed to the service.

The date of the TSB is October 3, 2008. I bought my vehicle in December of 08 from a dealer in Maryland. Apparently the update was not done at that time?

The TSB indicates the Flat rate time is 0.3 hours....why do I have to pay $195 in labor when flat rate time is 0.3 hours?

In addition, why should I pay for SS and HW when this is strictly a software issue?

I should mention I have had excellent service to date from your dealership but I’m perplexed as to why I had to pay this much for this service.

Thanks and I look forward to your reply,

They are good about following up on customer service...so we'll see about this one.

nfnsquared

Nice. Let us know what they say.

FYI, at 67K you are out of warranty (unless you purchased an Acura extended warranty).

gasman65

Roger that, I purchased a 5 year 100K warranty...we drive the heck out this car.

nfnsquared

Was it an acuracare warranty? If so, then they really screwed you....

greco9885

iTrader: (1)

can someone post up the tsb if you have it by chance.

i cant access it from the thread

gasman65

Do as "nfnsquared" said earlier in this thread here:

Go here, follow the instructions EXACTLY, and then go down to link for TSB B08-043:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=613659

We bought the warranty from the dealership after we niggled them down on price so I assume its Acuracare. The Contract itself says "The Mechanic" Mechanical Repair Service Contract...we purcased the best (Platinum) coverage.

SodaLuvr

That is a 3rd party contract. Acuracare does not have multiple levels of coverage.

gasman65

Service Manager said this isn't a warranty covered item. He agreed HW shouldn't have been charged. I'm talking to Acura Client Services now but looks like more of the same...

nfnsquared

Well, he's wrong. It is covered by Acura warranties, but not your extended warranty.

What were the shop supplies he charged you for?

How does he justify charging $195 for 0.3 hours of work? Will he not even consider goodwill for a car that he's serviced regularly?

State Attorney General's office....

gasman65

Acura Client Services is going to review the invoice and make a determination within 2 days. They said this is a covered item, however my car has 67k and I have 3rd party extened warranty vice the Acuracare extended warranty so they can't determine if this is covered under my 3rd party warranty. I bought the 3rd party warranty from the Acura dealership...what?

gasman65

Just to close this thread Acura Client Services contacted me and they are reimbursing me $226.80 less the $100 deductible even though my extended warrantly doesn't cover this service. I'm pleased and satisifed with the outcome. However I'm a little pissed this 3rd party extended warranty I purchased through the Acura dealership at the time of sale does NOT cover this type of service... Acuracare does. I'll be more aware of this bullcrap the next time I decide to purchase an extended warranty. Thanks to all who responded for the assistance on the board, I love my Type S and plan to own for several more years so I'll be on here off and on in the future.

gasman65

Another "final" update. Received a call from Acura Client Services...they are sending me a check for the full amount...$226 and change...sweet

nfnsquared

And hopefully (but probably not), ACS spanked the dealer for this.

Le7316

Sorry to bring up the old thread but I have these two codes too so if I bring the car to Acura Dealer they going to charge me the amount above ? I just bought a car...no warranty or whatsoever.

jzhu625

iTrader: (2)

yes, they'll charge you an arm and a leg!

truonghthe

unless you gave them the TSB print out and they can't over charge you.

Le7316

The problem is are these really a software issue or hardware failure ? Any of you guys here had this issue before ? and how did you resolve it ?

thoiboi

Have you tried just unplugging the battery and replugging it? I recently had that code and it just went away on its own as well..

Le7316

I did and yes they went away but doesn't mean its not coming back so im trying to prepare if those coming back. Did you have two codes at the same times ? Have you replaced anything recently ? like airfilters, etc ....

thoiboi

If you keep living your life in anticipation of check engine lights, you're going to be in for a bad time.. Just in enjoy the car and when/if it comes back deal with it there. I didn't replace anything. It disappeared on its own.

Le7316

hahah ok