No Truck = No Fishing !

[A-Jay]

So I dropped the GMC off at the dealer today for some routine maintenance. Right.

Headed into town to do some shopping then went back to pick it up.

I knew something was up when I didn't see it out in the lot on my approach.

I don't have a cell phone (no coverage up here) so they couldn't call me to tell me they had "found several issues" that need to be addressed. Oh My.

Long story short - The truck will be ready Late next week. Between now and then there will be NO FISHING for me - OUCH !

Perhaps I could train my dogs to pull the boat trailer to the lake.

A-Jay

[Fishing Rhino]

Bummer. How many issues can there be that they need to have it for a week?

[bilgerat]

I don't know what your options are up there, but after warranty is up, the dealer is the last place I go with my vehicles. Are you still under warranty ?

Dealerships and chain automotive repair stores (Goodyear, Midas, etc.) are too big on the 'up sell' - talking you into unnecessary extras beyond what you originally came in for, often using fear as a tactic to get the extra sale.."If you don't do this now, you could have a major failure in the near future" Years ago I worked part time for a Goodyear tire and auto service center. What they did to their customers, women in particular, was downright criminal. I didn't last long there, I saw enough and walked out one day never to return. I'm no saint, but they were flat out scumbags.

Like I said A Jay, I don't know your situation, but as general advice you're better off at an independent shop. Word of mouth is the best way to find a good mechanic. There's a shop I know of run by two brothers. They don't advertise, they don't up sell, no waiting room, no television or free coffee, none of that. They just go on their reputation alone. Often they talk customers OUT of repairs as they are not necessary at the time - "Your brakes are good for at least another 20,000 miles. Don't worry"...Find a shop like that (if you can) and you're set.

[Fishing Rhino]

There is a problem with independent shops, actually several. There are good independents, and not so good independents.

When you have a dispute over work done, warranty or not, from a dealer, look in your owner's manual, and you'll find a number where you can file a complaint with the manufacturer. If it's legitimate, the dealer has to answer to the company. Not so with an independent. Yeah, you can run to the better business bureau, or hire a lawyer, but you are on your own to find someone to help you.

Further, most independents use after market pieces, not the original equipment parts. If you think these aftermarket parts are as good, and manufactured to the same tolerances, think again.

I had an alternator replaced on my 01 GMC, and when I drove it, there was a code light flashing on the info system. Took it back, had the mechanic check it out, and his testing equipment said all was fine. The voltmeter showed the battery was properly charged, but that flashing "check charging system" light just kept on blinking. I normally take my vehicles to the dealer, but it happened on a Friday afternoon.

I took it to the dealer where I bought it, they tested it, and the regulator did not keep the alternator within factory specs. They called the mechanic who said he'd take it back, but I was still out the labor. Develop a relationship with the service department where you bought your vehicle. They will want to keep you as a customer, and hope you will buy from them again. An independent is under no such compunction.

[bilgerat]

There is a problem with independent shops, actually several. There are good independents, and not so good independents.

When you have a dispute over work done, warranty or not, from a dealer, look in your owner's manual, and you'll find a number where you can file a complaint with the manufacturer. If it's legitimate, the dealer has to answer to the company. Not so with an independent. Yeah, you can run to the better business bureau, or hire a lawyer, but you are on your own to find someone to help you.

Further, most independents use after market pieces, not the original equipment parts. If you think these aftermarket parts are as good, and manufactured to the same tolerances, think again.

I had an alternator replaced on my 01 GMC, and when I drove it, there was a code light flashing on the info system. Took it back, had the mechanic check it out, and his testing equipment said all was fine. The voltmeter showed the battery was properly charged, but that flashing "check charging system" light just kept on blinking. I normally take my vehicles to the dealer, but it happened on a Friday afternoon.

I took it to the dealer where I bought it, they tested it, and the regulator did not keep the alternator within factory specs. They called the mechanic who said he'd take it back, but I was still out the labor. Develop a relationship with the service department where you bought your vehicle. They will want to keep you as a customer, and hope you will buy from them again. An independent is under no such compunction.

I agree with some of what you said. I stand firm om my independent shop opinion. As far as aftermarket vs OEM parts, that can be a gray area. I'm a Detroit Diesel mechanic (you know them well Tom... ) I've seen poor results from aftermarket parts (pistons, bearings,cylinder heads) but keep in mind that many parts originate at the same factory. In other words, GM does not manufacture a majority of their parts. They are made by a supplier to GM's spec, but that supplier may make similar parts for other automakers and the aftermarket. Aftermarket is not necessarily a bad thing. They usually build parts at different price levels to satisfy market requirements as many customers decide on repairs strictly on price alone. You don't get a steak at a Big Mac price.

Good independents are indeed hard to find, they are few and far between. If you are satisfied with your dealer, fine. I'm not saying all dealers are bad, but it's a lot of money to keep that place lit up and it's gotta come from somewhere, that's where the relentless upselling starts. Sometimes, not all, "Genuine" is nothing more than a word printed on a box.

[Fishing Rhino]

I agree with some of what you said. I stand firm om my independent shop opinion. As far as aftermarket vs OEM parts, that can be a gray area. I'm a Detroit Diesel mechanic (you know them well Tom... ) I've seen poor results from aftermarket parts (pistons, bearings,cylinder heads) but keep in mind that many parts originate at the same factory. In other words, GM does not manufacture a majority of their parts. They are made by a supplier to GM's spec, but that supplier may make similar parts for other automakers and the aftermarket. Aftermarket is not necessarily a bad thing. They usually build parts at different price levels to satisfy market requirements as many customers decide on repairs strictly on price alone. You don't get a steak at a Big Mac price.

Good independents are indeed hard to find, they are few and far between. If you are satisfied with your dealer, fine. I'm not saying all dealers are bad, but it's a lot of money to keep that place lit up and it's gotta come from somewhere, that's where the relentless upselling starts. Sometimes, not all, "Genuine" is nothing more than a word printed on a box.

Hey, to each his own. I've seen my daughter take her Ford diesel to a varitey of shade tree mechanics, with varying results. But, there was always something wrong with it. On one of our visits, she was complaining about something on the truck that had been giving her trouble.

I told her, let's go to the dealer where you bought the truck. She went with me to the service department. I asked to speak to the service manager, explained what had been going on, and that my daughter was dependent upon that truck in her business. I told him to do a thorough diagnosis of the truck, see what was what, and then to call me with the results.

It had a few non critical issues like the electric door locks not working, while others were critical because they were safety related, such as seat belt retractors not working properly. Those were fixed at no cost because of government regulations. New batteries, to replace the batteries someone had installed less than a year earlier, fixed an intermittent starting problem.

In the end, I dumped about eight hundred bucks into her truck. Oh yeah, one other thing they did, was to remove the power chip they had installed so the truck would have more power. It had more power, when it was running, but at times the engine would die, and she'd have to wait a half hour to get it restarted.

One thing that does bother me regarding the flat rate. That flat rate factors in the time it takes for a tech to fetch the vehicle into the shop and then to put back on the lot. That I understand, but, if you have a half dozen things done, you've paid them for doing it six times, when they've only done it once.

The important thing, regardless of independent or dealer, is to develop a relationship where there is a mutual trust between the repair shop and the customer.

[A-Jay]

Thanks for your opinions guys.

Over the years I've had my share of vehicle repair experiences, good and bad. I have some GM family members so that makes me a Go to the Dealer guy. Also I'm fortunate to know a couple of the guys in this shop.

They left the truck on the lift and when I got there we went over it. I appreciated that. The repairs are minor for the most part, the delay comes in a couple of parts they don't have in stock but will overnight them for me. The long weekend isn't helping. I bought the Sierra Denali new in 05 - I "baby" it big time and it has less than 60k on it so the repairs are an investment. I've driven the newer models and Like this better and there's NO Payments left on this one . . . .

[Lund Explorer]

Sorry to here that you're in dry-dock this weekend A-Jay. I hate it when I don't have my wheels so I feel lucky that my son-in-law is not only my mechanic, but usually has a spare truck sitting around I can snag if need be.

What about a float trip down the Sturgeon River? Better than nothing.

[A-Jay]

Sorry to here that you're in dry-dock this weekend A-Jay. I hate it when I don't have my wheels so I feel lucky that my son-in-law is not only my mechanic, but usually has a spare truck sitting around I can snag if need be.

What about a float trip down the Sturgeon River? Better than nothing.

Perhaps a quiet morning wading the Au Sable, fly rod in hand would be in order, good thinking.

And btw, I never said I don't have wheels. My substitute transportation doesn't do much towing but it will haul . . . . .

A-Jay

[Lund Explorer]

Perhaps a quiet morning wading the Au Sable, fly rod in hand would be in order, good thinking.

And btw, I never said I don't have wheels. My substitute transportation doesn't do much towing but it will haul . . . . .

A-Jay

Sweet!

Now I won't feel so bad in a few minutes when I pull out and head for the lake. Heck of it is that if I'd known before that everyone was going to wimp out on me this morning, I could have met you half way for a day on the water!

[A-Jay]

Sweet!

Now I won't feel so bad in a few minutes when I pull out and head for the lake. Heck of it is that if I'd known before that everyone was going to wimp out on me this morning, I could have met you half way for a day on the water!

Oh Man - I would love that ! I'm in Gaylord, let's keep that in mind for another time. Do you know of something between us that has potential ?

I'm Always Ready ~

A-Jay

[Dwight Hottle]

A-Jay just strap your yak to the top of that goat & go! To bad your not closer to me, I would get you out. I'm sure I would learn a little while motoring around.

[A-Jay]

A-Jay just strap your yak to the top of that goat & go! To bad your not closer to me, I would get you out. I'm sure I would learn a little while motoring around.

Nice - I just passed quite a bit of my Holiday Adult beverage through my sinus cavity -

Dwight, I'd love to do a little planning and set up some things so that I can be up your way this fall perhaps - do you think that might work for an Autumn outing ?

A-Jay

[Dwight Hottle]

Nice - I just passed quite a bit of my Holiday Adult beverage through my sinus cavity -

Dwight, I'd love to do a little planning and set up some things so that I can be up your way this fall perhaps - do you think that might work for an Autumn outing ?

A-Jay

Absolutely

[Lund Explorer]

Oh Man - I would love that ! I'm in Gaylord, let's keep that in mind for another time. Do you know of something between us that has potential ?

I'm Always Ready ~

A-Jay

Sounds like a plan to me. I can sneak out almost anytime with a few days worth of planning.

As for today, if you were sitting on the warm and dry side of the glass you had a lot more fun than I did. I can take wind, but the cold steady drizzle that came with it this morning wasn't worth a hoot. A Baker's dozen with nothing bigger than 2lbs, about half and half between a T-Rig worm and one of NorthStar's spinnerbaits. Also, two hammer-handles got into the boat, and three of the toothy buggers bit off the T-Rig. Sure was a lot of fun trying to tie on a new rig with semi-frozen hands.

[A-Jay]

Absolutely

Oh Boy !

[A-Jay]

Sounds like a plan to me. I can sneak out almost anytime with a few days worth of planning.

As for today, if you were sitting on the warm and dry side of the glass you had a lot more fun than I did. I can take wind, but the cold steady drizzle that came with it this morning wasn't worth a hoot. A Baker's dozen with nothing bigger than 2lbs, about half and half between a T-Rig worm and one of NorthStar's spinnerbaits. Also, two hammer-handles got into the boat, and three of the toothy buggers bit off the T-Rig. Sure was a lot of fun trying to tie on a new rig with semi-frozen hands.

Your trip's description draws a vivid picture of your outing - thank you.

I'm with ya on not being a fan of cold & wet and you already know where I stand on getting bit off - makes me CRAZY !

A-Jay

[grimlin]

This whole weekend here is pretty much done...Our water was so muddy even the bluegills were gone. I didn't even bother hitting the river systems...I know that current is at full speed right now.It would have been pointless to even head out to there.

We getting more rain tonight and tomorrow.

[A-Jay]

This whole weekend here is pretty much done...Our water was so muddy even the bluegills were gone. I didn't even bother hitting the river systems...I know that current is at full speed right now.It would have been pointless to even head out to there.

We getting more rain tonight and tomorrow.

Sorry bud,

Hope it clears up soon for ya ~

A-Jay

[bass or bass ?]

Well. my 1987 Chevy S-10 Blazer lost the fuel pump Friday night. Got it towed to a shop near my house (by a fellow bass angler no less!) and when they figured out it was the fuel pump and called around to find one everyone told them 3 working days to get the part. That means Thursday! Oh well, no problem, you couldn't get me on any lakes over a holiday weekend anyhow. I'll be going fishing June 11-12. The tow truck operator is going to be one of my future fishing buddies! That's kind of cool huh?

[CAdeltaLipRipper]

I guess you could do this except with your boat instead hahaha

[A-Jay]

Finally ~ got the truck back today.

The winds are forecast to lay down and I'll be back on the water first thing in the morning -

Life is good.

A-Jay

[Dwight Hottle]

Go get em A-Jay. And post up some biggies.