At last I have had my 30,000Km service completed.
Only took a week and countless hours of wasted time and frustration... They in total had my triton two days and one night..
Without detailing the individual conversations with: MMAL (SA), MMAL (Technical at Granville), Dept of Fair Trading NSW, Dealers Principal, and the ACTUAL service manager and more in great detail I will summarise the experience so it MAY give you all a laugh
Probably the 'best part' of the experience was to discuss the triton engine and servicing with a mechanic that actually did the work on my triton today and is secondly a senior qualified technician and service manager. (we also spoke about modern diesel engines in general)
He doesn’t sit on the front desk and that was, in the end, the impressive component that has 'calmed me down' (other than the Mrs telling me to stop bullying people
)
So I got stuck with the dud desk jockey basically
I have not (and cannot still) complain about the actual work performed.
The local mechanic around my corner (he owns a ML triton) did a very quick check on what they did for a case..
Replace fuel, oil filter, and fresh oil and general tyre kick etc. They had also 'wiped out and sprayed a solvent in the intake area and generally cleaned intake'.
They removed and greased the forward side mounts/bushes of the rear suspension leafs.
Don’t know if they replaced/'flush' my power steering fluid (sold as a 'KIT'). (Mechanic unable to confirm this. analysis is expensive.) I was refunded for this component in any case...
So the job was done correctly just took them a while
(oh and they tried to rip me too...)
This component of cleaning the intake is not officially part of the 'log book service'. This dealer puts it on the invoice as a “Throttle body Service” as they have no real ‘code’ for it. They perform it to basically flush the oil,carbon,gunk etc through the engine. They have to do in a few stages as the engine does not run for long without the outer manifold attached apparently... So its a bit of a painful job (ie. They can’t cut corners/save time). They use a $35 can of spray and spend 20-30mins on it. They have to move the vehicle to an extraction area as well making it a separate job for their workshop..... (mmmm still thinking don’t give a fk BUT I listened instead..)
I was charged extra for this but as it was not pre-explained (and asked for) I was refunded for this component.
I am not sure if this 'extra' makes any difference... Does it help with carbon buildup?? They assert that it does.... I wouldn’t know
AND.. even if IT DOES!? Should I pay for this 'preventative maintenance' inside the warrantee period?
WE ALL KNOW the engine pollution system causes carbon issues by design is it a problem I have bought or something the MFG should fix OR BOTH??!! (and can they fix it?and why should we pay while they try?)
Ah sh!t so many questions... I GIVE UP!
End result is $590 for 30K service (INCLUDING tappits). This IMO for a Sydney service at a stealer is FAIR. I believe at this price they can clean the fn intake out INCLUDED!
Warrantee work completed as well.. (hard lid rubber, new steering wheel checked.)
Rotors were machined for free. (didn’t even tell me they did it) - knew I was pushing poo uphill on this one anyway. Already have my foot in on the DBA’s.. spare machined set now
There is now a very clear line of communication for me at the dealership....
My triton is running beautifully.. they even gave it a wash. Then it rained on my way home...