Need some advice-Problems with my replacement engine

[Abgmauldin]

Well I have a 2007 used Pt Cruiser that only had around 28,000 miles when the problems started. All was good it was still under warranty so I took it in to my dealership and they ended up after a long ordeal having to replace the engine. Well I pick it up and it is making this awful ticking noise so I call the service guy he says its just the lifters put a couple hundred miles on it. Well I did and it still made the noise! So I took it back in and after 2 weeks they called and said that they had replaced the engine again! I walk out to get my car and it still has the same noise, so I dont even think they replaced the engine the second time. Well so it is still there and they said Chrysler wont approve another engine, they keep trying little things here and there but nothing is working and it still makes the same noise. So basically it has been in the shop off and on since December, but a total of 50 days today. I havent even seen my car in 1 whole month. I really just needed some advice I dont know what to do? I didnt know if anyone else has had this problem? Thanks in advance.

[Mean Green]

What's the Lemon law in your state?

[Abgmauldin]

well that is where I am confused bc we have one 4times or 45 days in the shop. But the dealership said its only for new cars not used.

[Mean Green]

Originally Posted by Abgmauldin

well that is where I am confused bc we have one 4times or 45 days in the shop. But the dealership said its only for new cars not used.

Sounds like lawyer and lawsuit time, talk to the newspaper about running a story on them, etc. They really couldn't stand bad publicity right now.

[CREWZIN]

so I call the service guy he says its just the lifters

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but I think I just pointed out to another owner that DOHC engine (like ours) don't have lifters.

OHV, OHC, SOHC and DOHC (twin cam) engine - Automotive illustrated glossary

Your obviously being taken for a ride. Take the advice of the answers above.

[Candyman]

Hey Abgmauldin,

I am sorry to hear you are having these continuing problems! For what its worth, here is my two cents.

I had a slight ticking noise in my engine as well acouple of years ago. It was'nt loud, but annoying, so I took it to my Mechanic to see what he thought. He said it sounded like a sticking lifter so we replaces the lifters, and pucks and it did go away for a short while but came back within days so back it went. He then called a Viper Tech Specialist he knew at a high end repair shop who said their was a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) that called for the Pucks to be rounded off. After my Mechanic machined down the Pucks the ticking sound went away and has not been back in over 14,000 miles. Please note that I am not a Mechanic, and this could be a totally separate problem, but it might be something to look into.

Now, as long as the vehicle is under warranty they should be obligated to fix the vehicle, or remedy the situation in some other acceptable manner. I am not sure if this is still in effect, but Chrysler should still have Corporate Representatives that are in charge of unresolved, or ongoing problems at Dealerships. Their purpose is to handle issues like yours, and try to work with the Dealer, and Chrysler to figure out what steps need to be taken to resolve the situation. They are authorized to do things the Dealer cannot.

These Corporate Reps will usually visit the Dealers in your area once a month. I would either ask the Sales Manager, and if he does not want to tell you when the Rep will be at your Dealer, ask to speak to the GSM (General Sales Manager) If you still are not able to get anywhere, I would ask what specifically could be done to resolve the issue once and for all. If they try to blow you off, or do not have a good plan in effect to handle your situation, or if they do not want to work with you on getting in touch with the Corporate Rep, I would explain that you will be calling the Corporate Offices, and filling a formal complaint on the Dealership! Most Dealerships try to compete in a points race with the Corporate Office for special discounts, and incentives on their inventory which increases their Profit Margin. This is where you may here a Dealer some time boast, or advertise that they are a 5 Star Dealer. Customer Complaints bring their Points Ratings down which drives their inventory costs up. The problem is not many people know this, and do not file complaints which put pressure on the Dealer to try to work out a better solution to a given problem. Normally issues like this can be resolved without taking extreme measures, but it sometimes may be necessary to do so if no other alternatives can be met!

I am not sure if these steps will bring you a quick resolution to your problem, but they should provide you with a good place to start.

I wish you the very best of luck, and please keep us informed as to how you progress in your situation!

Candyman

[Hooligan]

Originally Posted by Abgmauldin

well that is where I am confused bc we have one 4times or 45 days in the shop. But the dealership said its only for new cars not used.

Do you live in the States or Canada? If you would fill out your profile, it would help someone who lives in the same area to help you with more info.

[Abgmauldin]

Thank you Candyman for the advice. I have never owned a newer car. And this is my first car to buy from the dealership. I am going to be talking with some people at the dealership this week and see what I can get done.

I just didnt know where else to post and ask questions and along the way doing searches on the computer I found this forum thanks very much for everyones help!

[Abgmauldin]

Originally Posted by Hooligan

Do you live in the States or Canada? If you would fill out your profile, it would help someone who lives in the same area to help you with more info.

I filled out my profile. And yes I am in the States I am in Edmond, OK to be exact. Thank you

[CREWZIN]

Under "User CP" in the upper left side of every page, you'll find "Edit Profile". You might have filled out some of the lines but the things other peole are allowed to see are under "Additional Information". Then when we click on your user name, those lines can be seen by anyone who cares to see where your from and information about your PT.

For instance. Left click on the red "CREWZIN" next to the star and then hit "View Public Profile".