Hi! Thank you all for your help every time I am on the forum, I like it here

Took the TL in for a battery test today ( car turned out ok..) I did not owe anything for the services performed today.

I'll cut out the play by play...but the oil was changed too without my authorization. I had synthetic for the past 40,000 miles...they used conventional.

When the advisor asked the tech if he changed my oil, the tech said "I don't think so"....and when asked for a definitive answer, the tech said "no". But I came home, crawled under the car and there sits the new filter and thus confirming the issue.

What do I do here? The dealer advisor is sourcing the Mobil filter and oil for me to replace the oil...and I have him throwing in new floor mats because I am flat out annoyed times 10. How the heck does one have an oil change when the car is in for a simple battery test?????????

Something tells me that I could have engine issues down the road, or will the oil change back to synthetic be ok? Do I kindly demand a new engine? This isn't my department, I don't know what to do here. I've always been told to NEVER change back.

Thanks friends

 

Dear ptrfair, do not fear.
changing between conventional and synthetic will not harm your car.
as most synthetic oils are just blends of conventional oil.

so there is no worry on engine damage or anything to be mad about over that concern.
HOWEVER, you are in every right to be mad because they performed work on your vehicle without your authorization.

that's just sloppy work.
on principle have them change the oil and get them to throw in anything you would like, the floor mats for example.

hope this helps!


note; the MID does not need to be reset the 2nd time they change the oil. just let it run its course and change the oil when it says to.

 

You car will be ok.

Both conventional and synthetic oils won't harm your engine, as long as they are of the recommended oil weights.

 

Thanks! I wonder, are the floor mats enough? Would it be indecent to push for the mud flaps? LOL...but one wonders.

 

PUSH for whatever you want!!!!

its the principle that they TOUCHED your car without your consent.

its like going to the doctor and the doctor scheduling an operation that you werent aware of.

 

I just feel bad for the other guy...the one that brought his car in for the oil change but didn't get one

 

lol, the tech must have been new.

its better to tell the truth than to lie. the tech straight up lied, lol.

 

I'm not sure I understand...what did they change the oil with? If it was more oil, then what's the issue? I understand you prefer synthetic, but so what? Your car is not "hurt". And unless I'm mistaken, it would have come from the factory with "dino" oil, so it's not like it has somehow been "sullied". It lost its "oil virginity" before you even took delivery.

As a goodwill measure, I suppose the dealer might give you something, but they're not under any real obligation to do so.

 

sure, but we have an inexperienced owner here, who didnt know that oil is oil is oil.
now that he does know, and that he already demanded an oil change, he cant go back on his word.
plus, the dealer worked on his car without his consent.

How would you like it if your doctor operated on you for an ailment that you're not even having symptoms for?
exactly. you would like some compensation for them opening you up and causing you lost time and wages.
floor mats are the least they can do for operating on his car without his consent

 

While I typically tend to agree with you around here, this analogy is way off. Firstly, surgery on living tissue can't be remedied the same way an alteration to an inanimate object can (yes, I know...many here will be shocked an appalled to hear of their TL's being classed in the same group as other non-living entities...they are a part of the family, after all, right?).

But your car will require an oil change. So will mine. So will OP's. They all do. He just got a free change a bit early. While I could stand before a judge and explain why I didn't need my appendix out, and will never be the same now that it's gone, I'm not sure how I'd explain how I'm harmed by getting something for free today, that I would have needed (and paid for) in a few months anyways.

I suppose one might argue that "it's the principle of the thing". In response, I'd suggest OP be more like me...without principles.

 

OP, I say take the floor mats and oil change and continue on with your life. IMO that's fair for their goof-up, considering it didn't actually damage your car.

 

thats what I love about acurazine.
we have people from all walks of life with different views.
yes, the simple thing would be to move on, because it didnt hurt his car.

 

Don't get me wrong...if OP has managed to talk them into a free replacement, and some free mats, sure...take them. Why not? Asking for these things wouldn't even have been on my radar, as I'd view it as simply a free oil change. And if OP was getting his oil replaced soon anyways, then hey, that's like a oil system flush which, while likely unnecessary, certainly wouldn't be bad.

But (and I don't judge and realize he simply didn't know any better), if he had asked for a new engine as per his post, the mechanic would still be doubled over, urine running down his leg, laughing.

 

I think we've all learned a valuable lesson here...stay away from dealerships (at least when it comes to service).

 

So far I haven't had any issues with my dealer. In general they will try and gouge you on service related costs as this is where many dealers make their $$ nowadays. I bring my TLS to the dealer for oil changes (coupons make it competitive) and warranty work. As I have developed a relationship with them, they tend to take care of me - or at the very least I feel like they do.

 

true coupon does work my next visit i will bring a coupon from acura of brooklyn to save some money and your right building a relationship works thats with anything in life though.... floor mats was a nice incentive are they all weather?...
and did you get the one for the trunk as well
1. make sure all tire psi are the same
2. top up all fluids
3. complimentary alignment

 

All.....

I agree, every forum invites all walks of life and I value and appreciate each and everyone here, the opinions and perspectives are a great teaching tool.
Yes, I am moving on with my life.
I have a few members in the family who are very mechanically inclined, and the general rule of thumb which I was always taught, was "If you go synthetic, you don't go back". After review.....oil is oil is oil. :-) Thanks Justnspace. I actually have quite a bit of experience bit by bit, as Im on forums and then also from previous cars/projects (talk to me about GM's Impala and I will teach you everything you need to know....dont buy one :-)

The dealership does not feel obligated to comp me for my time or trouble. His example was "what about the customers who beat up my loaner cars...I don't ask them for compensation for the value of the car"..... which floored me.
They are replacing the oil with what I normally use, Mobil 1 with the Mobil 1 filter.
They are not comping me for my time with floor mats, the service advisor said OK, but the manager said no.
The manager did not know the whole story, nor could he "find" my mobil 1 filter in the waste pile this morning. Perhaps he should look in the dumpster because I'm confidant that the tech realized his mistake. And yes, the tech couldn't have been more than 22 years old with much to learn.

Whats the problem? They touched my car without consent. HOW do you take an electrical test service appt and turn it into an oil change? The manager stated that "these guys have a routine" ..... well read the paperwork would be my suggestion.

Can i really push for something? The fact that the manager said "what about my loaner cars" and the "tech is really honest sir"....HOW can you not remember an oil change? LOL

Ill move on but Im annoyed more than concerned about the motor....it will be fine I am sure. Its an Acura. :-) I really don't complain. Im actually on the acurazine site often, hardly post because most answers and questions are taken care of.

 

I understand your frustration. Just three days ago i went to the dealer for my A12 service, but just had them do an oil change and tire rotation and would everything else myself. I told them NOT TO WASH MY CAR in plain english. Waited in the waiting area......called my name when service was done......walked to my car and saw water dripping from it from a hand wash not machine wash i was told. I just washed my car three days ago too. Anyway I agree with Justin and have them change that oil and have them throw in some "perks" to your liking.

 

The same way one goes in for a kidney removal, and they remove the wrong one - people make mistakes - the wrong oil, as already mentioned several times, is really not a problem. And at least you were smart enough to determine for yourself it was done - my DW would have no clue.

I would definitely be annoyed about the tech lying - as long as the mechs at my dealer tell me about any mistake, and the service manage/ or shop manager has always taken car of the problem, well, its just a car - annoying, but certainly not a kidney.

The one time I found a tech lied to me, I definitely let the service manager know I was not happy - not about the mistake the tech made, that could be fixed, but that he lied. He no longer works there. JMO

 

Well, the oil is changed. they actually were going to comp me floor mats, but since the engine was performing a bit sluggish, I went with the throttle body cleaning. Although I can do that myself....im too busy at the moment to play with it and I wanted to be reasonable with their mistake. The tech has been addressed and Im sure he wont forget this one.

What the heck do they actually do with the throttle body cleaning at the dealer besides take the butterfly and clean it? Do they actually remove the injectors and clean?

 

fuqqing Justnspace !!!


I agree word for word with that dude....maybe the tech was new and just ended up changing the oil...but he should not have lied...

I would push for whatever (floor mats are a good example)

 

That simply isnt true now days. No harm will come from switching back and forth, mixing etc...

 

for a happy ending!

 

I think the dealership messed up and should address the Op's concerns BUT I also think the OP is over-reacting.
Here is some info - if this link works.
http://www.valvoline.com/faqs/motor-...c-motor-oil/37

 

^^^ I dont think he is over reacting....

now like most dealerships will do a free car wash....I tell them not to do it, but say they forget and do wash the car, I dont mind that much....

but he went in for a damn battery test and not for an oil change...oil change is not a free service which they provide, they should not have touched the OP's car and even if they did, they should have been upfront and honest about it....

 

Did you read up on the subject?
There is absolutely no problem with the oil change, all motor oils are compatible with each other. Whether they should have "touched his car" is debateable. It is a car dealership. It's just a car. No point getting worked up about the service.

 

again I think you are missing the point....

1> Engine oil should not be touched when someone is in for battery test...its NOT debatable....

2> I dont think he got all worked up...

3> He was also lied too....

Now even if 1 of 3 would have happened, I am pretty sure I would have shrugged and left it as is....but all 3 of them happened and to me that is wrong on the dealerships part....

but then again, when was the last time we appreciated dealerships? and maybe there is a reason behind it

 

+1. OP is over reacting.

It's an oil change. On a TL.

Not a valve adjustment on a Ferrari F40.

 

I know its a TL.....but I saved for this one. Not sure of your particular situation and by all means, nothing personal to you or anyone who thought I over reacted....But I was more annoyed at the lie, rather than the oil.

Thanks to everyone for the help!

 

I just don't see the difference between "an oil change on a TL" and "a valve job on a F40" if, in both cases, aren't previously being informed by the service guys and aren't previously authorized by the vehicle owners.

 

Shit, I'd take a free valve adjustment on my F40 if I was only in for a battery check. That's a score!

 

In the OP's case, synthetic oil becomes conventional oil, after the unauthorized oil change.

If the dealership had had used synthetic oil for the oil change, then the OP would even have thanked the dealership.

So don't expect the F40 valves are adjusted to the original specs.

 

This horse may not yet be dead, but it is certainly unwell.

 

Last year I took my one of my motorcycles into the dealer's shop for some clutch work and the oil was changed without my consent. I complained to the general manager and was given a $20 gift card. I would at least let them know of your displeasure and perhaps they will recompense you in some way.

 

Damn, you got a free oil change, I don't see why this is a big deal...get them to do another oil change on them and move on...I see no reason to try and squeeze the life out of the dealership over a measly oil change...your car will be fine

 

HOLY thread revival batman!!! WHY/HOW did you find this??

 

^It was only from 2014. It's not like he brought up a thread from 2009 or earlier. Which people have done.