Garage Issues

[Barakka]

Ok, quick advice needed, never had this kind of issue with a garage before...

Took car in on Wed (booked) to have the gearbox/clutch looked at as having problems engaging gears. Not used the garage before but they're a decent size operation (proabably 15-20 staff) independent servicing, tyres, MOTs and specialist gearbox centre (produce reconditioned gearboxes).

Call on Wed just after lunch to say clutch had gone, new clutch needed £400, current clutch was a cheap one and about 30k old and cost £400 2 years ago so told them to go ahead.

Not heard anything by 11:30 Thursday so called them, said it's being worked on and will let me know when it's done. Not heard anything by 16:30 Thursday so called them, not quite done, it had been finished but he'd found something he wasn't sure about so was checking it, they don't let it go until they're totally happy, would be done this morning (Friday).

Not heard anything by 13:30 Friday so called them, apparently they can't get it to start, it was running as they did the final checks yesterday and just cut out and won't start now.

They connected it to the computer and the code that came up is unrecognised, they've sent it to the company that makes the diagnostic tester to ask them ?

Thing is I need my car tomorrow, i'm working away from 8:00 tomorrow for 10 days straight (12hr days 100miles round trip/day), I can borrow my wife's car for most of it, but will have to miss 1 day when she needs it, and would have to leave my car there for nearly 2 weeks.

Also, what happens if the code comes back as something broken, is that for them to fix FOC ?

[Barakka]

Update: their computer just won't talk to it... the manufacturer (of the computer) has sent a custom software to try but that made no difference.

They are out of ideas and said the only thing they can do is take it to the Toyota dealer and ask them what's up with it.

Should/Would/Could they try to charge me for this ?

Surely if the car was OK when I took it to them (full service and MOT less than 2 weeks ago) anything that's wrong is their fault ?

Edit: the car is a 2003 Celica 1.8 (190) with 116k

[Phage]

I would certainly withhold at least part of the payment until you get to the bottom of the fault.
If it's down to something they did, they fix for free, but remember you do owe them for the clutch work. This means that they have a lien on your car and do not have to return it to you until you pay.

I would have a long chat with them, and see if they are willing to pay (or net against the clutch work) if the dealership says it's their fault. Otherwise it's off to the OFT.

[Barakka]

Have to see what happens, no call with any more info today so they've got the car until the 13th now whether they want it or not !

We'll have to see what Toyota say I guess

[Zak33]

too much of a co incidence that the clutch has changed and now it won'rt start..... toyota aren't exactly wobbly on their reliability

something's been knocked off, unplugged or otherwise is my guess

[Zak33]

OK

this bloke changed his celica clutch and the flywheel bolts were too long
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=326921

the engine wouldn't actually turn over

HOWEVER....


If it DOES turn over but wont catch.. (more likely)

then
--------------

could be flywheel sensor, either unplugged or damaged.... flywheel has a sensor to check the engine turning.. clutch out means flywheel off

http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=326921

OR the flywheel was not put back on onto the same spline.. it needs to be on the same spline (ridge on the crankshadft) as it was taken off

[Jasp]

Zaks more then likely hit the nail on the head, the bottom end sensor will more then likely have been damaged the engine won't start without a correct reading. Their fairly touchy sensors and don't take well to being knocked or hit.

At the end of the day the car went in running so you shouldn't have to cover any costs other then the work you asked them to complete.

[Barakka]

Cheers for the replies, apparently it was running after the clutch was changed and then as he was "tightening up the last couple of bolts" (whatever that means) the engine cut out and they couldn't get it to start again.

Will post back once they have the verdict from Toyota.

[Apex]

They should have a car for you to use while yours is in for repairs (not sure if some insurance policys also have this)

[Barakka]

Quick update.... Not heard anything from garage so phoned Toyota dealer to ask them. Their verdict is complete engine management failure, they're getting nothing from it not even an error code.

The garage has told them it will pay the diagnostic fee and collect the vehicle.

I asked what could have caused it... Only thing they can think is some kind of massive power surge like connecting a big charger incorrectly or similar.

Need to see what the garage says...

[Zak33]

/fingers crossed

[GoNz0]

hang on... they worked on the car with the battery connected tightening things up with the engine running ?

they fubard

[Jasp]

Hmmzz wth have they done to it, the only cable that carry's that much juice is the main starter one from the battery, bearing in mind the battery should of been removed before they even started.

[GoNz0]

that being my point, every major repair starts with "disconnect the battery" they have basically admitted liability but proving it is another matter as they will change there storey to suit.

[Barakka]

Quick Update: spoke to them Thursday and they'd brought the car back from Toyota to avoid paying their rates for fixing the ecu. The ecu has been taken out and sent to a specialist for repair.

I asked/checked about being charged for the fix, he said providing the ecu repair company doesn't come back and say it was caused by water damage or something it will be fine.

Ecu should be back tomorrow.

[filbert]

Bring back the su carb and cs1 points