Dealer Ripoff

[sideswipe]

As many of you know, I just purchased a 1998 Explorer EB. Well it only came with one key. So I went to the dealer to get another key and guess what? They bent me over good.

1) The key itself is $35.00 because it has a computer chip inside for anti-theft.

2) Since I didnt have the second key, they had to hook it up to a diagnostic machine (at a rate of $77.00) to reprogram the computer and the keys.

TOTAL COST FOR ONE NEW KEY: $113.00

ughhhhh, there must be a better way...

 

[NoBoundaries]

Sorry to hear that buddy.Dead Link Removed
Sometimes it seems you have to take a lawyer with you when you go to the dealer. I would have told them to make a third key, then I would have told them where to put it. I hope the rest of your experiences with your new truck are better than this one. BTW, do you have some pics of the new vehicle yet?! Sorry to hear about your unfortuanely key problem.

 

[Goober]

Did you tell the manager how very upset you were with this 'experience' with his dealership and if that was the going to cost you over a hundred dollars just for a key, that he/she need not worry about you returning for any type service work? Complain, complain LOUDLY!! Either they will give you a few bucks back or maybe a few coupons for oil changes or such. Exacty how long did it really take the person to program this key? The more stink you raise, them more giving they will be. Try it, you've nothing to lose.

 

[sideswipe]

LOL...I like that joke about the 3rd key. I called a few dealers, and apparently this is the case with all of them, I have to reprogram it. Pics should be up this weekend, once I get it washed from the snow! I did make a stink at the dealer, but they basically said that there was nothing they could do, thats the process. I waited about an hour for them to do the work. I'm pretty sure it didnt take that long, but thats the minimum hourly rate.

 

[Tim K]

Dealer Ripoff? Isn't that sort of redundant? Liked Crooked criminal? Stupid moron?

Dealers are crap. One time I took my XLT in for service for 3 problems. When I picked it up they only worked on 1 of them. The service rep said "well there is only 1 problem listed on the printout". I explained that it was not my fault he didn't type in everything I told him. He then claimed that he had been doing this for 15 years and had learned how to listen and would never miss anything he was told. Then he said if I wanted the other things looked at it would be another $50 (ext warranty). He also said that I should always read the printout before they do the work to make sure its all listed. I walked directly to the showroom where they were having their "Customer Service celebration". I asked for the general manager. He walked out and greeted me with a big smile...
HIM: "What can I do for you?"
ME: (loudly in a crowded showroom) Well, I see all of these awards for great customer service, and read all of your claims about how great you are...and I was just wondering why I can't seem to get ANY of it!
HIM: Why don't we go into my office.

He agreed to cover the second $50, but I told him that despite that I would NEVER return. And I still haven't. I did let them fix the other problems but here's the killer. After all of this, I tell the guy my other 2 problems again...and he only puts one into the computer. I catch it while reading the printout as he directed and pointed out that he "missed hearing me" AGAIN. So much for his listening skills. What a jackass!

I hate dealers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Peter Weber]

Tim

As your service rep said (and as you did the second time), you need to read the'printout'. That's the work order and includes an estimated cost and you sign it agreeing to have the work on the printout performed. Read it and if it's not correct, have him change it before signing.

I've gotten into the habit of looking over the service reps shoulder as he types it into the computer. And if I don't like the way he puts the problem down, I tell him right then and there.

One time I had a problem with my BMW that didn't get fixed right and on my second visit the service rep claimed he can explain the problem better to the 'technician' (they're not called mechanics anymore) than I could. So I had him call the technician out (the same one that worked on the car before). After I explained the problem to him it got fixed correctly.

 

[F'in Bob]

COMPLAIN!

I agree with the 2nd posting. The dealership will probably call with a followup to see how you liked your service(i was after the suspension recall) and I could never never never get ahold of my service advicor. So I blasted them for it.

Give em your .04c worth.

 

[Jefe]

Its like that with all the new fords, and other cars for that matter. If you only have one key they have to program it for $75 after the $25 key. noone else can program it. I tried 3 key places, and they all said that It had to be programmed by ford. But after you have 2 keys you can program it yourself, so make a third, it'll save you $75 in the long run.

Just feel lucky though. My sister has lost 3 sets of keys (key and bob) to our 97 mustang, and they suckered my mom into paying $375 once.

 

[Tim K]

well this is a new scam. Only selling a vehicle with one key? That is unheard of. What a BS way of getting more money out of the consumer. What is next NO SPARE tire?

 

[GRNMACHINE]

i agree with Tim K all the way!! the absolute least they can do is make a 2nd key at NO CHARGE when u buy the vehicle. they have already raked the previous owner when they traded the vehicle in. never met an honest dealer. never will.

 

[<<MONOCHROMOUS>>]

hey, heres what you do next time, get the key on ebay, i just got mine for $12.50. you have to get it cut somewhere, and if you have both original keys, you can program the key yourself.

 

[Haxaw]

Program it yourself?

How do you do that?
I pick up my truck tomorrow and i'll make damn sure that I get a second key. Than I will make a third, just let me know how. How bad is a new transmitter because they said that the previous owner only got one, they better have a second key for me or i'll be pissed.
I know the guy I dealt with but friendship only goes so far.

 

[Jefe]

Originally posted by <<MONOCHROMOUS>>
hey, heres what you do next time, get the key on ebay, i just got mine for $12.50. you have to get it cut somewhere, and if you have both original keys, you can program the key yourself.

That is the way to go. while you're on ebay, mine as well pick up a remote entry bob as well for ~$35 instead of $50 from ford.

All the programming info for both the key and bob is in the owner manual.

 

[<<MONOCHROMOUS>>]

here is how i have heard you program it:

put orig key 1 in and turn to ON (not Start) position for at least 5 sec
put orig key 2 in and turn to ON position for at least 5 sec
put new key in and turn to ON for at least 5 secs

That is what i have heard. im acutally getting my key off ebay in the mail this week, i will try it and let you know how easy it is

 

[Robert]

Re: Program it yourself?

Originally posted by Haxaw
How do you do that?
I pick up my truck tomorrow and i'll make damn sure that I get a second key. Than I will make a third, just let me know how. How bad is a new transmitter because they said that the previous owner only got one, they better have a second key for me or i'll be pissed.
I know the guy I dealt with but friendship only goes so far.

If you decide to purchase an extra key fob (not "key Bob" ) don't let the dealer tell you that only they can program it. I picked one up at the dealership after one of mine got stollen, and the guy at the parts counter tried telling me I would have to make an appointment to get it programmed for my Explorer. I already knew better so I went out to the parking lot and programmed it. I came back in and chirped the horn to show the parts guy how misinformed he was. It was not in my manual, but the procedure gets posted every once and a while. On mine, I turn the key from off to on 5 times. On the 5th time, the power locks go down and up. Then you have to press a button on each remote that you want programmed within 5 seconds of each other. Turn the key off, the power locks will cycle again to confirm. All remotes have to be done at the same time, any that were previously programmed will loose their programming unless they are reprogrammed with the new one.

 

[Haxaw]

Thanks!

I might buy a second transmitter just so i have one. It's not a big deal because we always have the door code. I found out that my 96 Limited doesn't have the computer chip key, which is good I have two keys any way.
Thanks again,
Haxaw


BY THE WAY I LOVE THE TRUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[NBF]

I've read all about turning the ignition on and off 5 times to reprogram the key fobs. However, when I do this, the locks do not respond. Is the process different for a 99 sport?


ben

 

[ExplorerEB96]

Wait a damn minute here

Look over your paper work real good there !!! When I purchased my 96 "they" told me it came with only one key (that's all they had for it)... Well upon going over my paperwork right on the statement form it told me how many keys were "in production" for the said vehicle.... Well since I bought my 96 used I was concerned where the other key was..... I asked and they shrugged... I demanded that they change the code (the module and everything) and get me two keys like it said right there in their paperwork.... they gave me a bunch of crap about cost and that I would be paying a pretty penny for that ..... I looked at them...looked out at the full showroom then I looked back at them... I told them that some of those people haven't signed on the dotted line yet... and I will make sure they will hear everything I had to say about my "newly purchased" problem....

I started to walk out of the office and the service manager got on the phone with the code man to start work right away.... as for the missing key? it doesn't matter now...it wouldn't work with my truck now..

I wouldn't have paid for any of it.... as a matter of fact ..I have been in and out of that service/showroom so much with the Firestone fiasco that when the service manager sees me coming her ducks and covers...lol

Karol
explorereb96@ford-trucks.net

 

[Perry]

Karol
Can we put you in charge for when people are having trouble with merchants.
We can tell them if they don't cooperate with us we will send Karol in..........lol
Dead Link Removed

 

[ExplorerEB96]

Yes

lol I have lots going on right now... I'm dealing with my homeowners and auto insurance.....(had a flood in my basement and I hit a deer ) after the adjuster for my basement came out and tried to hand me his lame estimate I went up the chain of command until I got to the top....I got the contractor I wanted... the materials I wanted.... etc.... this contractors estimate was $3000 over 2 insurance adjusters estimates.....it pays to be the proverbial squeeky wheel...... My truck is in the shop getting a new paint job because a deer antler scraped the side (near the gas tank)...... I work hard ...pay good green $$$ for things that I want and I won't just settle for whatever others think things are worth.... I think our laid back attitude towards stuff is why consumers continue to be ripped off....... I just make myself a pain in the ass....but I don't really want things that i don't deserve...just what I paid for...

Karol
explorereb96@ford-trucks.net