Dealership forgot to put oil in my 2005 TL when doing the oil change. I left the dealer and drove about 1 mile before it died and starting sqwaking. I went back to the dealer & no oil was on the dipstick. They claim that it was only 2 quarts low because they said you can't see any oil on the stick until it has 4 quarts in the engine. They now wat to tear down the engine to see what damage it has. Also told me they couldn't get a new engine because they have no access to get one and probably wouldn't need all new parts. I am so upset because this car has only a few miles and bought it new. Am I being told the truth about the amount of oil the engine has to have before it will actually show up on the dipstick? Thanks!

 

Get a new car! The engine would not squawk and stop running if it still had 2 quarts in it. It was empty. I doubt the tech put two quarts in and forgot the rest. He forgot all of it. They should've pulled the plug and let you watch the supposed two quarts drain out.

Trust me, there's a 99% chance you damaged everything in the motor. Even if it runs ok after putting oil in it I would be very surprised if it made it past 15K. At the least you have 100,000 miles worth of wear. It's a ticking timebomb at this point. Don't settle for anything less than a new, not rebuilt motor. Even with a new motor, do you want the same people who couldn't perform a simple oil change installing a motor?

This is the reason I skipped even the free oil change they offered me. No one at a dealership is touching my car unless it's the last resort.

 

Thanks for the confirmation. I think the engine's life span was cut short by this action. I did speak with several accura mechanics and all admitted that this happens at their dealerships, especially during peak times like right before holidays and the such. The dealer is not owning up to much, but am waiting to see what the offer for a new car is. The new 2009 TL is supposed to be out in fall of 2008 totally redesigned and was actually waiting for that date to purchase. I don't believe I should have to pay a fortune for their mistake-but will see what happens.

 

You are entitled to either a replacement new, not rebuilt, engine- just like you had before they destroyed your new car!

Acura corp needs to be involved right away- this could end up in a legal mess so start covering yourself now
1-800-382-2238 x5 and make a complaint-case file. emails go out at many levels when you do that- followed by written documented complaint snail mailed to them and request for new engine or totally replace the car with same type and miles or better.

Side note- when I change oil at home (and back when working at shop)
First-I remove the oil cap and turn it upside down where its in plain site
and there is a hole where the oil goes in
This visual cue keeps me from accidentally closing the hood with no oil in the engine
an ounce of prevention is worth 5- 6 qts of oil

 

Usually a running engine will toss oil up the dipstick (that's why you wipe it before checking the oil level). If the dipstick was dry, there was probably a half-quart of oil left in the engine when you drove off-- it was 4 quarts low. It doesn't sound good for your car at this point.
Oh, and did any warning lights come on in the dash while you were driving? Don't ignore them-- absence of oil pressure > warning light if the car was 4 quarts short.
The dealership will likely rebuild your engine (top and bottom) or get you a new engine. It should give you a loaner while fixing your TL.
You won't get a new car unless you negotiate an exchange for a new car the dealer has, which may be a good option at this point. Then avoid that service department like the plague from now on.

 

Take an oil sample now and then again as needed soon- blackstone labs does analysis and will tell you exactly what to expect and what they see in the oil
in this case I would document the oil condition

 

Thanks for the info. I did call the corp and they gave me a case# and referred me back to the dealership. The guy actually sounded pretty bored and put me on hold the majority of the call (about 15 minutes) and the end of the call he informed me he had been talking with someone at the dealership & said it didn't sound like I had driven my car that many miles without oil to do much damage. Forgot to mention that the GM is avoiding me like the plague and even 2 off his associates noticed this! The day this occurred there was not one manager or even asst mgr that could assist me they were all working with other customers and even went back and waited almost 2 hours again in the afternoon. I will get moving on this. Again, thanks for the help.

 

your rings, cam, valves is properly gone, i would trust to put my kids in that car. if you don't see blue smoke coming out within 500 miles I'll suprise . I seen new car left running for a few hours and manage to burn up all the rings on the piston. they put engine oil in your car for reason. your engine idle at 780 Round Per Minutes there is demange to your engine it will properly cheaper for them to replace it then to fix it because of labor cost, and if they tell you they are going to fix it then make sure to let them know you want to see ALL the old parts otherwise they are jsut going to blow smoke up your behind. if they don't fixed your car to your spec then call your local tv station they love putting bad business on the spot and no business want to be on the news for that kind of things. I can already see it dealer shop destroy cars owner car and refuse to fixed it.

 

Just can't understand why the low oil pressure light didn't come on if there was no oil in the engine.

Well, legally you're at their mercy to let the dealership repair the vehicle, as you certainly won't get another car out of this unfortunate situation, unless you pay the difference.

Having said that, I would definitely have them give you a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty for piece of mind.

Years ago a fellow in our car club started up a 383 heavily modified Chevy, no oil pressure. He tinkered with it for only a short period and shut it off, no noises etc. Tore it down and all the babbitt on the bearings were shot as a thin layer pf oil is needed for protection. FYI-He had installed the incorrect length oil pump drive shaft.

Good luck and see what they offer.

 

Thanks for the info. The oil light did come on but I was in traffic and had to turn around. I am not a mechanic! The light and the car stalled about one minute after I left the dealership and I didn't know what was going on. One of the guys and I looked at the dipstick and twice it showed no oil (He wiped it clean between dips) and then took it immediately to the back and said that the oil machine had miscalibrated and another guy said they had totally forget to put oil in the car. They would not tell me who the mechanic was nor would they let me speak who the person who had done the oil change.

 

Chances are it was low on oil because if no oil were added, the low oil pressure light would have come on immediately. As it was, you were driving, the oil was pumped from the pan and circulated throughout the engine, then starved the pump which illuminated the light.

Once again, good luck

 

Another Acura screw-up that they won't own up to..Get a lawyer if you don't get satisfied. I just found out that 3 weeks they were to supposed to replace my HFL unit under a TSB. The problem still existed and I took it back today. They just told me it looks like it wasn't replaced, even though it said it on the work order, and they kept my car over the weekend to get the part...unbelievable.

 

They wont give you a- we are liable- responsible, answer because then they are admitting fault. You can bet there is an internal investigation and employee drug testing being done right now. The shop carries insurance for this type of event- insurance = lawyers for their side.........

Call a lawyer- based on customer care calling the dealer and getting the same run around...
you are headed for the short end of the deal from the dealer.

If you had been at jiffy or a place like that- and the oil plug fell out or they didnt add any oil, they buy a brand new, on a crate motor, for you- none of this- we will rebuild it- bs- they will look and replace only severe damage- while leaving something that will cause problems and has now caused- lets all say it together-

diminished value

 

Complain to the BBB and involve a news station, and take the BBB complaint to the dealership. They will probably get on their knees beg for mercy at that point. Im sorry to hear about your situation, and best of luck to you!

 

Totally agree

Every tv station has a Call Curtis type consumer line- you call and they
know its a great story--nothing like showing up with news crew

Excuse me sir- 60 minutes is here to see you

 

The BBB is not an enforcement agency- its a PR thing meaning only that the members agree to arbitration in a dispute with customer- as a biz- you dont have to join them!

The Consumer Affairs Bureau of your State will have an Auto Repair division
All shops are licensed by the state and subject to LAW and fines and
can be made to take care of the customer on such a bad basic error

If you think a real trained mechanic is doing the oil changes on your car...
sorry- its some shop kid who is learning how to work on cars- and wash them and

 

What city and state was the dealership in that forgot to add oil to your car?

 

Do not forget that it could be a simple Human Error!

The type that a mechanic get's called away while working on your car.

In any case, the dealership's Service Manager should face up to it's responsability

 

The stealership is just trying to avoid the situation and deny wrongdoing when it's clear that they fucked up, couldn't even do a simple oil change without dicking it up. I'm sure all of the guys they have in the back changing oil are meth addicts. You probably went there on a good day.

This is one of the reasons why I bring my own oil in for them to use. When I get the 5 quart jug back and it's only got half a quart left in it, I know they actually used the oil. Of course that doesn't directly prove that they actually put that oil in my car, it's at least a layer of security that might have prevented a situation like the OP is experiencing.

 

Well it does seem like a simple oil change but it does happen. Ive personally never done it but its not that hard to forget when you work on multiple cars a day and are doing other things at the same time. Im sure they will take care of everything for you, just make sure they put oil in the new engine before you leave the dealership.

 

No lie- make sure they put oil in the NEW engine

I had an ~always hungover~ mechanic who installed a steering rack in a car and when asked how much gear oil did he use- stated- oh those come filled- thats why the yellow paint on the plug!

I went out with a flashlight and there was no fluid at all in there..

Its not so much meth as a prob in dealer shops- they usual drug test, but alchohol is rampant

 

i said tell them you want an answer by the end of the week or you will be seeking legal help from tv station or lawyer. and you want a rental car in the mean time. you don't have to be nice to them ,they had yet to given you any respect by pushing you around. hell I call the local tv station for you where you at?

sorry, it just piss me off. a dealer my hometwon back east did it to my grandma a few year ago she was 68

 

That's what I want to know...what's the name of this Acura dealership?

 

I personally think there is no excuse for the dealership forgetting to put oil in the car. They can make excuses like mechanic being distracted, oil machine miscalibrated, etc. but at the end of the job all they would have had to do was check the dipstick. This simple final step would have caught the lack of oil.

Don't accept any of their BS excuses. Checking the dipstick takes 5 seconds and should be the final step in every oil change they do.

 

I just want to thank everyone for all the info I have received. The dealer is in San Antonio Texas and finally they sort of admitted they "screwed up" and sent the car out with no oil. They want to tear the engine down and see what damage is or trade me for a 2007 TL. Most of the accura mechanics I have spoken with have told me to get rid of the car or "I wouldn't let my family ride in it." Sadly, I am seeking counsel tomorrow to get this matter taken care of.
On a different note, there is a huge inventory of the 2007 TLs at many dealerships with great deals right now, anybody looking for a new TL should consider taking a look.

 

San Antonio, last time i was there was basic back in 96. I really hope everything work out for you. if it was me i will never trust that dealershop and see what kind a dealer you can get from them to get youself into a new car. I personally would not tust them to fixed it. if they can't do as simple as an oil change would you trust them to rebuild an engine? what happen if you breakdown in the middle of no were........ is one thing if just you, but to put your family in that car. San antonio is a hot place in the summer time. you don't want to get stuck somewhere with no help. if I was you try to get them to give you a deals into a new car. you'll be surprise how good of a dealer you can get. don't take a offer they gave you. but what you want. a thousand or two below dealer invoice can do. it doesn't hurt to try....

 

Well, no; No it's not. Acura didn't screw up anything here - the dealership did (on your ^^ TSB too, not Acura). And now they are trying to find the cheapest way out that they can.

Watch youself on the "we'll swap you for an '07" deal. Sounds to me like they are trying to make the proverbial silk purse from a sows ear. I think they want you to "trade up", which will probably work in their favor on both sides - your "new" sale and especially when re-sell your "used" '05; Bet the even sell it "Certified".

You gotta think GREED. Anything they do other than replace the engine is to either save or make them money. They don't care about you, except as a recurring source of revenue.

They don't call 'em "stealerships" for nothing.

 

Yeah,

Make sure you are not paying for an unneccasry :upgrade" if they screwed up your ride they need to fix it plain and simple. Do not pay money out of your pocket to fix it.

I have to recommend the BBB, they kick ass. They resoved matters for me in one week that i tried unsuccessfully resolving in six months.

Please don't pay extra for a new 07 unless they seriously hook you up big time with some sort of below invoice type deal. dont turn their fauly into your problem.

And for god;s sake do not let them re-build your engine, your car will be worthless then, new car or nothing all the way

Good Luck

Desper

 

I am really sorry for your problems, and know exactly where you are coming from. It sounds as if your dealer is as sleazy as mine. I will never take my TL-S to our home town dealership agian, even though the next closest one is over 100 miles from my home. Taking the car to another stealership still does not guarantee a quality service experience.

Here agian is another instance of a dealership screwing the customer, and Acura corporate just providing lip service. I remember the good old days when a call to the regional Chevrolet zone office netted real and obvious results - not just a 180 turn back to the dealer.

 

Acura coroporate cust service is just as bad. They do absolutely nothing. Now my dealer has no idea if my HFL was replaced or not, even though it says it on the invoice. I've now got 3 different stories and I've had it. The HFL is not a huge issue, but it's the principle. I'm not going back to this dealer, even though that doesn't guarantee me better service.

 

Called the corp office today and again was put on hold for about 10 minutes and was given the name of lady (acct mgr) who would be able to call me back in 24 to 48 hours. True customer service! My only option now is to contact an attorney. This is all so stupid because I tried so hard to work with them because I understand mistakes happen, but this dealership/corp doesn't seem to care and the lies and stories I have received have been totally unbelievable-almost like dealing with a much a kindergartens pointing the finger at each other. Will keep you posted-hope to get this resolved quickly. Also, they keep telling me a new engine is not available to them-maybe they will give me a Fred Flinstone tape and show me techniques on how to drive my car without an engine!

 

This is all on the dealer and its shop insurance company- they carry liabilty for a reason!

Flinstones- the original Dino oil users!

 

lol thanks for making me laugh, I needed that. Just am amazed that no one at the dealership has any compassion for my plight. Especially, since I have been looking at the MDX's before this started and they knew I was going to purchase this month and have sent them 3 referrels in the last 2 months. Do feel fortunate that this happened before I purchased the SUV from their dealership. Still love the accuras just not the dealership.

 

Good luck..I really hope things work out for you.

 

FWIW, the local Honda dealer forgot to put oil in a guys new 2006 Accord a while back. He drove about 100 miles with no oil in it before it cut off on him. Not sure if he was a maroon or if the oil pressure light never came on. Anywho, they towed it back to the shop, put oil in it, and it cranked right up with no issues. That is a testament to Honda builds. No smoking or anything when it cranked. Don't assume its a total loss yet. Also, there is no "requirement" that they put a new engine in your car. I would rather the motor have any parts it needs replaced rather than a new motor, as the motor would probably be remand. Njot sure where this entitlement mentality came from as far as getting a new motor, or a new car, but sorry, life doesn't work that way. They should be obligated to put you into an equally operable engine, which means running, not new.

 

Totally agree with you. And their are many wonderful stories out there about the beauty of Honda engines-that's why I bought one. But after speaking with many acura mechanics in the field, many agree it may be fine-but majority said they would not put their families on the road in it. It is hard to know the truth, the SM says it was 2 quarts low and the GM said in had no refilled when I left the dealership-who to believe? All I know is that their was no oil on the dipstick and it is making high pitched noise. This week I spent all of one day at the dealer and nobody available, next day I went and they just know don't what to do and the GM is not available and the next day they want me to spend thousands to put me in a new TL that will be another year old in a few weeks.

You are right-I just want them to do the right thing. Sadly, I have had to put this in another person's hands because corp doesn't want to speak with me and the dealership god knows and I can't afford anymore time off from work. I didn't even keep their loaner car-I am not trying to take advantage of anyone. It is hard to understand when you come from a family with lots of attorney we HATE litigation, it is the last thing we ever want to do. But my time sitting around the dealership with nobody knowing what to do and corp says they will get back to be in 24 to 48 hours. What options do I have? I can't believe I am the first person this has happend to at any dealership in the US let alone Acura. I always give people the benefit of the doubt but after awhile who is the real fool if nobody wants to actually speak with you-how long do you maintain this position and with no car?

 

I wouldnt be worried about driving the car after the engine is rebuilt, but it all depends on how experienced and good the mechanic is who replacing the parts. If they are working a a dealership they should infact know what they are doing. I had my engine rebuilt at my local honda dealership because i misshifted the vehicle, they replaced both the heads. The car still runs like it should no problems. What makes you think because its not being built out of a factory but by a dealership which techs are trained to do such things, that the car wont be right after the engine and wont be reliable? Just make sure they use new acura parts and request their best tech not the one that did the oil change! As for the dealer they should give you a loaner because of their own misshap! If this where to happen at my Honda dealership which i work you would be treated like royalty because of our messup, and the service manager would make sure that you are well satisfied. It just sounds like you are dealing with a bad dealership. Well goodluck on getting your car fixed and i hope everything works out for you!

 

I totally trust GOOD mechanics, my brother and a cousin have been with an American company for many many years as mechanic and one way up at the corporate ladder. What concerncs me is that the GM said that his techs really didn't know how to do much technical stuff and always have to call the engineers. That really doesn't make much sense because acura has been here for years but I wonder if they treat their employees very good. We all know that good mechanics don't have to stay where they don't make good money or are not treated well because they are worth their weight in gold!!

 

I dont know why people think dealer techs pull motors and trans apart all the time- they simply dont do that!!
This customer is fully entitled to an exact replacement- not just some used engine or rebuilt by a tech who is being told do it as cheap as possible.
If your car was crashed in to- you would expect it to be like it was, right?- not a door painted the wrong color and sanding marks cause the book only gives .5 for that?
As for their - the counting thing was messed up- that means every car they worked on should have gone out 3-4 quarts low- thats a lot of ck engine lights in one day or week to not know there was a problem somewhere, and the FRAUD of it all!!!
dispensed fluids- overcharge and underfilled hmmmmm

This is a defective employee- covered by liability insurance- get over your regret- they have none!

 

If you are not an attorney-you SHOULD be!! I hope mine is as good as you, wish you lived here to talk to these people for me