Accident/Warranty issues

[D.B.Cooper]

I have a 2006 GT that was involved in a major accident at 670 miles. Damage was confined to the front of the car but required the replacement of both front frame rails as well the crossmember. There was no damge to the engine or trans although both had to be removed for the repairs. Accident was a T-bone hit just in front of the right front wheel.

Prior to the accident I noticed a vibration in the rear that would start at approx. 68mph then taper off slightly over about 70mph. As I had the car only 17 days before the accident I did not get a chance to return it to the dealer to get the vibration diagnosed.

After having the car back from the body shop approx. one month I returned it to the dealer because the vibration was still there. The car had 1623 miles on it. Dealer is claiming the vibration may be accident related and will not diagnos it as a warranty issue. They want me to agree to pay for the diagnosis. (at $74/hr).

I advised the dealer that the vibration existed before the accident and was told that since I didn't return it before the accident they have to assume the accident caused the vibration.

As for the TSB 05-20-2 that deals with a similar vibration they will not do the TSB because they don't know if the vibration is accident related.

Anyone have any experience dealing with a similar situation? As you can guess trading the car in is not really an option.

 

[ShowYa06]

Try another dealer?

 

[bigcat]

i would try another dealer, and "forget" to mention the accident. that way, they dont go right to the "accident related" card. if the other shop says accident related, call the bodyshop AND you insurance company and let them know about it. your insurance company should reimburse you for the money you have spent on diagnosis.

 

[D.B.Cooper]

Update. Body shop was unable to find source of vibration and recommended another dealer. Contacted that dealer who is going to look at it as a warranty issue. We'll see.

 

[mattblasi]

Well here is what I would do pay the dealer to do the diagnosis, if it comes as a result of the accident than insurance will reimburse you for the diagnosis and you have the dealer to back your claim, if not from the accident the dealer HAS to refund the charge because it is a warranty issue.

I have had this happen on a previous car of mine, just it sounds bad because you get the feeling you are being screwed, well you are but you have the perfect out because either way accident or warranty someone else pays the bill so just get the ride fixed and back on the road.

 

[D.B.Cooper]

Update on the vibration. Dealer replaced the drive shaft in an attempt to eliminate vibration. Ford engineering told them they were having some drivetrain vibration problems caused by the drive shaft. After replacing the drive shaft the speed the vibration occurred went from 68mph to around 72mph. After additional consultation with Ford they re-indexed the drive shaft several times until they eliminated about 85 % of it. There is still a short period of vibration at 68mph. Not 100% satisfied with the fix but I was treated much better by this dealer.