Guest n19erc Posted March 6, 2003 Report Posted March 6, 2003 I don't know if anyone else has noticed this function on their cars, but whilst reading through my instruction manual it stated that my Galaxy was fitted with rain sensitive windscreen wipers. I kept following the instructions but could never get them to work so while the car was having its 20,000 mile service ( at Benfield Ford in Leeds ) asked if they were working. I was told they were definitely working, the engineer had fully tested them and I couldn't be operating them properly. I was shown how to turn them on and off, but obviously as it was dry couldn't actually see them working. I couldn't get them to work ! The car went into Benfield for warranty work, and once again I was told that the rain sensitive function had been checked,was fully working and that if I couldn't get it to work then If I popped back when it was raining they would be happy to demonstrate how it operated. I still couldn't get them to work ! At the 30,000 mile service, the mechanics at Lawtons of Tadcaster couldn't get them to work either, after all, they said, this function was never fitted to UK model Galaxy's like mine. Would you trust Benfields to service your car ??????? I never did get a reaonable response from their MD. Has anyone else had similar experiences ? :huh: Quote
Guest shackers Posted March 6, 2003 Report Posted March 6, 2003 Write to them asking for an explanation, more people need to do this or we'll never get great Customer Service. Do it by registered Post so you get s signiture, it'll only cost an extra 50/60 pence... You'll probably get an appolagy and maybe a 20% discount on your next service.. The sensors [i've not seen one on a uk spec Galaxy] are usualy above the Internal Mirror, looks like an infared {Not the Alarm sensor} it's flat to the service and soesn't stick out. They have them on a lot of French cars.... shackers Quote
Guest n19erc Posted March 6, 2003 Report Posted March 6, 2003 I did get a reply from the MD, just not one that I would consider reasonable. I was offered an apology and a promise that they would investigate, but no mention of future discount - I've never been back since -it was just a warning for others. We, (ie Benfield's and myself) didn't get off to a good start when I went to pick the car up after its 20,000 mile service and found half the mechanics crowded round my car watching the TV's in the back !!!!! - I had a few words to say! :huh: Quote
Guest SA Intruder Posted March 6, 2003 Report Posted March 6, 2003 Hmmm. Memories. In 1978 I bought a brand new 3L Capri Ghia Auto in white (looked like cop car) from Gordon Ford in Stockport. Amazing vehicle. After 2 months, it went in for a new engine under warranty (timing gear stripped at 2300 miles). While it was in there, I took the courtesy car back to have the wipers sorted (a brand new Escort) and noticed my car in the back of the workshop- it had no drivers door! When I effed and jeffed enough, someone senior came out and explained they had "borrowed it" for another customers' car in for body repairs, and a new one for mine was on order. Since this meant they would paint it etc, I kicked off a serious fuss, and they gave me a brand new Capri within a week, and threw in every conceivable extra. Top that for p**s taking! Never went back there either. Quote
Guest shackers Posted March 7, 2003 Report Posted March 7, 2003 Nice one ;) It does go to show though, complain.. the more of us that do complain concerning the Inabilities of fords customer Service and there Service centres, The better the srvice will become {or am i just dreaming}. The horror stories i've heard! I'd of had them in a court room... bless em Quote
pj_andrew Posted March 7, 2003 Report Posted March 7, 2003 I always get the feeling that wannabee mechnics go and work for Ford/VW/etc to get the free training and experience then either set up a garage with a mate or go and work at a non-franchised garage. In this way you always get a better quality mechanic at a local non-franchise dealer. The mechanic gets more of the money for themselves instead of Ford keeping the big fat fee and paying the mechanic small change. The downside is that non-franchised garages don't have the latest gizmos and knowledge from the dealer network, but hey, most problems can be dealt with by a non-franchised garage. Quote
Guest shackers Posted March 14, 2003 Report Posted March 14, 2003 Ford have a Training Department in Daventry, that used to turn out descent Mechanics. What happened to these Mechanics, I don't know. I remember us taking on a Main Dealer Ford Mechanic and he was a Liability, lucky enough he left because I think he realised his inabilities.. Why Ford have always thought their Mechanics were a cut above the rest is beyond me, when they can't solve problems they send them to VW, as some of us well know. I would say this [not true in all areas] Halfords do have a good Policy in Training and developing their Mechanics, Investing in people. I would definetly rather have my car serviced with them, then with a Ford Trained Mechanic. The only Exception to the rule would be, if it had a Daewoo Servicing Contract. The Mechanics are then placed under pressure and make mistakes.... Soooo... yes a Non Franchised dealer in general is better, because they have a greater in depth experience, parts are cheaper, it's in there interest to provide Good Customer Service, because their Performance is monitored and is linked to pay. You can get these diagnostic, hand held computers nowadays, a lot easier. I've worked for both sides and I know who I can Trust! in all seriousness...... Still, it's just my oppinion {there is good and bad all over} Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.