Went to the dealer to get my SRS light checked out, told them that my passenger seatbelt was not locking properly when I braked. They told me that what I needed was a $217.50 repair. I agreed to this and signed the form assuming that the "diagnosis" included fixing whatever they found wrong with it. Turns out its $217.50 to plug the car into the computer. This can't be right, I thought they would be fixing my problem. My mom thinks that I have a legit complaint with BBB or something and that I should argue with the manager etc. The service reciept says "customer reports srs light is on please inspect and report" so am I shit outta luck because I didn't understand this?

At the time of signing the reciept I couldn't even fathom paying that much to have some guy plug the car in, I assumed whatever repair was needed would be simple and part of this charge. Now they want me to pay $800 to fix an airbag that has never been used or touched, plus they say my seatbelt is fine, which is something I know is not true.

HELP!

 

:ibcartalk:

 

I think its $80 to diagnose.

Isn't the seatbelt lock a mechanical fix? I don't see a reason why they would have to replace your airbag Maybe the SRS light was indicating your airbag is malfunctioning, and the seatbelt lock is another problem all in itself???

If I were you, I would take it to another dealership see what they have to say. If they can fix it without replacing an airbag, you might have to chalk up the $217 as a loss and file with the BBB. Its better than paying $800 to replace an airbag that might be perfectly fine...

I've had my share of problems with Acura Dealerships charging me for parts that were not needed. First time was when my transmission died for the first time. They had me pay for a transmission mount ($350) when it should have been covered under extended warranty. THe day I get my car back it stalls in the same fashion which led me to believe they didn't even replace my transmission. Turns out that my car needed a new throttle body ($350) go figure...

I avoided that dealership like the plague, only to deal with another dealership that wanted me to buy another motor mount when replacing my 2nd transmission. There was no sound, no vibration, no indication of a broken motor mount but I had it done anyways ( I should have asked to see the broken motor mount) because I was grateful to have my transmission replaced at a dealership I had never been to before.

With that said, I don't see myself ever walking into another Acura dealership to purchase a car.

 

It's just gonna really piss me off to pay $217 for essentially nothing.

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ighlight=light

In that thread it says you can do the service check yourself in minutes.

 

Dealers and most independent shops love charging a lot for simple shit. You can try talking to the dealer about what you understood everything to be and that is not made apparent on the work order. Might have a shot...

 

had the same thing happen. Diagnosed my car free of charge. Replaced faulty seatbealt under warranty. you my friend have been jacked. What dealer do you go to? I go to Pleasanton Acura. Service ppl are much easier to deal with than those guys in San Jo.

BTW, i don't recall what it was they replaced so I couldn't tell you off hand. I was just happy I didn't have to pay anything.

 

Marin Acura, and this is probably the last time I'll be going there.

 

I had mine checked for free, but I was under warranty. If I remember correctly though, they said diagnosis is only $75 or so.

 

Threaten to report them to bbb, and that you will be calling major news stations and letting them know that this dealer charged you for fixing a safety item and instead just diagnosed it. But you should always ask whats being done, and get it in writing.

 

good to let us bay area folks know who the bad guys are out there. i just had my SRS light checked too. Same seat belt issue. Diagnosed and replaced for free. +1 for Oakland Acura. Best dealership i've gone to so far. All the service advisors there are great. Free WiFi in the waiting lounge.

 

had the same problem and they fixed under warrenty had like 75k on the car there is some recall for the seatbelt part.

 

they aren't supposed to charge you the diagonosing fee if there is actually something wrong because the warranty should cover it. call acura corporate and ask them what they feel. also just so you know i've heard about dealerships DOUBLE CHARGING by first charging the car manufacturer under warranty and then charging the owner.

 

.... i went into a audi dealership to get an oil change i thought it would be nice to add to the long list of service records... needless to say Stevens Creek Audi charges 84.59 for a damn oil change on my 2.7T A6

 

Stay the hell away from Marin if at all possible. I bought my car there.... the labor rate for the area is freaking insane. And the service advisers, while professional, don't really give a shit about you. I've had some great warranty service from them, but also some problems regarding whether certain things were covered - and a similar mistake regarding a work order.

 

Oh yeah, who was your service adviser?

 

Jenny. Ended up getting 50% off the "work". Not going to be going there again, pretty sleazy business in my opinion.

 

I wouldnt go as far to say that, but yeah, wouldn't go back if that happened

 

theres been a series of poor service for both my vehicle and my family's other two acuras that I'll detail it tommorow.