Once again, my car once had no power when the gas pedal was pushed this past week-end. So because I called the dealer, my customer service agent at DC Corporate and the local rep that has been my contact, DC has re-opened the ticket one more time.

This time they are going to install a camera in my engine for 5 days to take pictures while the car is being driven in an attempt to "capture" the image of whatever is going on. It will apparently take pictures whenever something does not work correct - since my problem is not constant but sporadic and not that can be simulated, this was the last option they can offer. At the end of the 5 days, a DC tech with more then 25 years of knowledge on DC cars, will review those images to see if something was captured by that camera.

Initially they asked for me to leave the car so that someone at the dealer (a tech they choose) can drive it around for 5 days, put mileage on it, drive it around on my dime back and forth to where ever they go at the end of the day and no less then 30 minutes from the dealer. Ok, that does not sit well with me because I have no clue who it is, no clue where it will be parked - all the reasons that would make anyone sane say no way. So I am going to request that I be permitted to drive my car the whole time the camera is installed, since I know how to drive my car and trust myself driving it. That would also mean no rental car expense for them...

Anyone ever had this done to their car or another car? Thoughts? Ideas?

 

LOL. Whatever, what are these guys thinking. that's like taking a picture of someone and trying to read what's going on in their mind. DC is full of goofballs, take it to Mercedes dealer.

 

Just where are they going to put a camera "in your engine" and what is going to trigger it to capture an image??? I'm sorry, I think they are feeding you a line. Take your car to another dealer, even if you have to drive to Orlando. And Mercedes is not the answer, contrary to dynamicS post.

 

a suggestion:

wear slacks.

(think about it).

 

I'm curious as to what will be seen from a still image when the problem 'triggers' the camera to flash.

Even if they put video capture in the engine compartment ... just what will they see? Today's cars are computer related, drive-by-wire ... it's not like they will see the throttle open .. the choke stick ... etc etc ... maybe they'll see sparks flash from bulb wires that are bad ... who knows ... I agree on the "feeding you a line" part Sharon.

I'd be leery too of leaving my car with who knows who ... but ... IF it helps solve the problem, perhaps you should sleep on it.

 

LOL! That was a good one!

And I have no clue where this camera is going to be installed, let alone how it will be triggered into taking pictures. Almost sounds like a black box??? Like what they have in airplanes, as well as what parents can install in their cars to track what they do, how fast they go, etc...

I just know I am not going to let someone else drive my car for 5 days - plus, if I can find that camera, will have to take pictures to show you guys!

But yes, this forum seems to have more knowledge about these cars then the trained professionals... anyone want to volunteer to find my problem? I have more faith in you guys right now then I do in them...

 

I would want to SEE them install it!!!

 

That's the question of the hour - WILL it find the problem so that it does get fixed?? Or will I get fed a line that they can't isolate the problem and then I'm "stuck" with the car??

I am just at my wits end!! Its been going on since the beginning of April and here we are the first week of August and they still cannot find the problem!

 

Here's more food for thought ...

IF they install the camera to take a picture WHEN there is a problem then they have to admit there is a problem or else the camera would never take the picture. It's a catch 22 ...

For them to also integrate a camera into their system to be triggered, hmm ... that's a programming feat no doubt.

Also, have they done this before?

And Sharon ... skip the slacks ... I think the skirt needs pressed ... hehe.

 

Those are GREAT questions to ask... and I'll ask them tomorrow...

and there go the boys showing they are boys again... LOL

 

Forget it, just call your lawyer, and make them get you a new one, then call the news station and park the car out front of the dealership with the big LEMON sign!
Problem solved!

Or plan B, have them send it to Mercedes dealer for full repair and they pay the bill, and then you'll call off your dogs...

 

Could be:
A. a camera that's on the whole time you drive it recording pic and sound. or
B. a line they use to explain something thats records the computer telemetry.

I go with answer B. It's the most logical and yes its just a black box.

 

The dealers don't have it together enough to employ either of these.
They're probably just gonna drive it around all day with the scan tool attached and wait for something to happen or something like a sensor that looks abnormal. I bet it'll take em 2 weeks or more just to figure it out, all the while not making any money, If they where smart they will flip the bill to the Mercedes dealer, would be cheaper for them.

 

Sharon and/or others,

I believe you may be mis-interpreting their intentions... What DCX is most likely going to do is to "data-log" your car, by hooking up a data collector to your engine control module or some other piece of electronics under the hood that monitors and controls the car (throttle position, air temps, and hundreds of other bits). You drive around while this "data-logger" (not really a camera) gathers "images" which are snapshots in time of what your car is doing. The DCX engineers then look at these snapshots to see if you have throttle, cooling, pressure, etc etc issues with your vehicle at various loads/speeds etc... So, to have them offer to do that is a good thing... But, if they want someone else to drive the car around for a week, make sure you get a nice rental car to replace it... a Dodge Charge SRT-8 would be nice... or have some insurance that your car will be kept safe...

It's gotten to the point where they need this data to find out exactly under what conditions you get that lag in performance... The data, if graphed and analyzed, should help them figure it out... But, ya, it sure is a pain in the butt while it's happening. Have them get you and your spouse a couple of nights at a nice hotel too... take the Charger and bald out the tires on the way to the hotel.

 

Two points - first off, if there was a spouse I'd push for the hotel stay, but alas its just a single blonde that owns this hot little number... but a nice week-end stay would be nice none-the-less... or at least a really nice case of good red wine to numb my pain!

And second, what you said makes more sense then how it was explained to me. I can actually visualize that image moreso then a camera (which means it won't matter what I wear, boys! LOL)

Either way, I would prefer to drive my car the entire time vs. have someone else drive it that I don't know... they cannot offer any guarantees - nice, eh? Because, as she said, "even the best drivers have accidents which is why its called an accident". I take a chance that whoever drives the car will take care of it the way I would - but we have all borrowed cars and well, we know what we do with them, don't we? But the good news (there is some here?) is that I'm able to get a rental car through Enterprise for up to $40/day and that means I could even get a nice Caddie if they are available.

 

Do remember thats is $40 bucks a day for up to $200 dollars per visit. I would ask for one of their demo's. It would be nicer anyway. Plus if Chrysler has its way about it you will be put into a Chrysler product for a rental. It's just their policy. (when I say Chrysler product this includes Dodge, and Jeep too).

 

maybe they're mounting it on the single overhead camera shaft?

 

I got a call from my local DC contact and I will be able to drive my car while this contraption is installed... However, I got an explanation of what it is and what I need to do (training lessons on Monday after its installed and yes, I will take pictures to share with you guys). Apparently each time my car acts up, I will have to push a button that will then take a snapshot of what it happening in the engine. These units are apparently very costly, too. So its not something that runs constant but something I have to activate manually.

And loaners at this dealership are for crap - I've gotten everything from a Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Camry or whatever other low-end car is available off their Used Car lot. Last time I had a Subaru wagon and let me tell you, I was pissed at that being my only option and that's when they told me I could get a rental from Enterprise. So now anytime they keep my car, even if its just for a day, I go right to Enterprise and get something that is $40/day. Until they can offer something comparable, I'm using Enterprise.

 

Well, well, well... seems that the unit they wanted to install in my car to monitor its activity, called a Co-Pilot, CANNOT be installed in Crossfires.

So DC wants me to take my car tomorrow to another dealer that apparently has 2 certified techs to give them a stab at it. Seems this dealer, Dayton Andrews in Clearwater, was recommended in the first place but that info JUST got relayed to me! Gggrrrr... which means some of this heartache and headache could have been stopped if I would have been permitted to take my car to another dealer in the first place!

So looks like I finally get my wish for a second opinion...

*sigh* will this saga ever end is my only question...

Depending on the results of this appointment, I think I may have to get an attorney and let them fight this battle for me... I'm getting tired of all this running around... 4 months this Saturday and counting...

 

I'll have to check with our techs at work to see if we have an SDS or other system that can be used to monitor the vehicle systems and log the results.
I was off today for jury duty so it'll have to wait until tomorrow.

What are the parts they've thrown at the car so far?

It's beginning to sound like:
1) bad throttle position sensor (gas pedal).
2) bad throttle body (including motor).
3) break in the wiring harness.