A few months ago, I bought a 2005 Crossfire Coupe (Base) so I didn't have to worry much about mechanical issues for the next year (until I finish school). Unfortunately, I am having terrible luck.

I had the locking pin problem but thanks to this site was able to correct it, so now I turn your (the forum's collective knowledge/experience) for answers/advice...

A few days ago my serpentine belt broke and so I had the car towed to the dealership. They said the tensioner was bad and replaced it for $1100. I thought the price was ridiculous but time is an issue here (I received a prestigious externship 13 hours away and must leave saturday) so I agreed.

Now they call and say the water pump is making noise (and wouldn't make it off the lot) and that will cost $970 installed to be replaced and could not get the part till next week.
Personally, I believe the tensioner was fine and it was really the water pump the entire time.

So my question to you is what should I do? I wish I could do something about the dealership but I doubt it. Right now, I am leaning towards having the car towed (if they aren't lying about it not being able to be driven) to another mechanic and having him change out the water pump. Normally, I'd order a part but I need this fixed asap and I see Advance Auto has a part it claims to be compatible...so does anyone know if this water pump from GMB will do the job?

This whole ordeal has been extremely stressful...I already don't really have the extra money for this and then I have to leave in a few days...

Thanks

 

Well it says it is so ........
On principal I would not let the stealership fix it and I would ask for the "bad' tensioner. There are laws in some areas that the replaced parts are available for customer inspection.

 

The tenioner replacement for $1100 seems to be blatantly criminal. Not sure how to get some of your money back,but I would get an estimate from an independent garage and show the dealership's owner or general manager the estimate (It has to be MUCH lower) and ask for a refund of the difference. Don't let them do the water pump. Get another opinion from an independent mechanic. Good luck.

 

Blatently criminal.. wished I could make $1,000 per job I did!

05 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Accessory Belt Tensioner - Cooling System - AC Delco, Dayco, Febi, INA, Ruville - PartsGeek

 

I agree, get another estimate but tell the dealership you are going to take the invoices to a local news station...(make sure they don't advertise on the that station)

 

Go to an independent service center. The Chrysler water pump is $800. You can get after market parts for a lot less.

After market Belt Tensioner is $140.

2004-2008 Chrysler Crossfire Accessory Belt Tensioner – Replacement REPM313809 - OE replacement

Water pump is $153.

2004-2008 Chrysler Crossfire Water Pump – Graf W0133-1605630 - Water Pump - Graf

 

Totally Ridiculous !
I bought my car about 3 months ago and had to put a pump on it and it cost me less than $150.00. Just to give you a clue. But I put it on myself.
Ken

 

I had my water pump replaced at an independent garage for about $350.

 

Before you buy that part, I would read the reviews. One guy bought one for a "2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG 3.2L 3199CC V6 FI Supercharged" which I believe is the same engine we have (supercharged or not) and he said it didn't fit - wasn't even close. Don't know if he received a part that was marked wrong or if it was the 147-2250 and it just doesn't fit. Your call - good luck.

RL67037