Hey Everyone,

Its on days like these do I really appreciate this forum exists. I apologize in advance if I posted in the wrong thread and if there is another thread on the same issue. I looked around and couldn't find the same problem. So essentially my situation is this, please read the below.

My lock and lock cylinder finally jammed up for good. I could no longer start the car so I had it towed to a Chrysler dealership. After $1850 they changed the skim module, tumbler system, etc. After paying for my repairs I went to my car started it up and noticed there was no gas in the tank but more strangely the low gas warning light wasnt on (also I dont remember if I had brought it in with a full tank, its possible). I thought nothing of it and drove it down the street to a gas station. This is where it gets weird, I start pumping gas and after 3 seconds the pump stops. My car wont accept any gas!, its as if the tank is already full. Thinking it was the pump I tried another and same issue. I went back to chrysler and they said to try another gas station for them and if it didnt work to come back. Im not a mechanic but im not an idiot either, but i did what he said and same issue. I go back and drop of my car and the girl at the front desk apologizes. She said the mechanic who had worked on my car is out until monday.

Fast forward to Monday (today 6/6/16)
Girl from front desk calls and says this is an unrelated issue and they would have to charge me. Politely i said this cant be right it worked before i brought it to you. I've had the car for 5 yrs never had a gas gauge issue, and not just the gauge my car wont accept any gas!!!. So right now im waiting for her to call me back up and see what their manager says. But based on what she said earlier she wants me to pay up. I honestly dont have the money to pay for their mistakes.

Sorry for the long winded explanation but i really need some help here. Im not unreasonable and if its a coincidence it broke then Ill have to pay. But if it is indeed their fault I think they should fix it.

Thanks Everyone

 

Highly suspicious for 2 reasons :

The tumbler/key problem has nothing to do with a SKREEM module.

In order to replace the SKREEM module, the instrument panel has to be removed. I's entirely possible that a connector to it didn't get put back correctly, or GULP ! they pulled it without disconnecting the battery first, then replugged it with the battery connected.

The initial tumbler/key issue could have been handled by you or a competent third party mechanic by referring to "Sticky Key Fix" on this forum.

DIY cost is $00.00

 

I don't use dealers.. but is it just "blank check" when you drop the car off now adays? We did take the Tahoe in for a synthetic oil change and sync. the reminder to synthetic.. but that was a set price.. I would think "replace tumbler assy" would be done the same way?

 

Good God !! they broke it off in you , if I were in your shoes I would take them to small claims court but be sure you have all your ducks in a row , if you were not having an issue with the skreem module before you took it in then they most certainly screwed it up trying to replace the ignition because they are separate components only connected via the can bus. The induction ring on the outside of the ignition switch is the only thing that is physically connected to the skreem . The reason it won't take any more gas is because it's full, it is obvious that the gas gauge not working is directly related to the mechanic removing the dash in order to replace the skreem module. if the car would start and run normally and the gas gauge was working before the ignition locked up , than in my opinion you have a good case against them for dealership mechanic malpractice. Use the repair manual which you can find here on the Forum and information from previous posts to prove your case, try to resolve it face to face if that doesn't work send them notification via registered mail of your intent to take them to small claims court. If I have misstated anything technical I hope another member steps in and corrects me . Good luck and I hope you get this resolved.

 

Proof, documented proof, is the only thing that may get you a successful resolution in small claims court. They will have mechanic after mechanic explain detailed 'felgerkarb' (another word for gibberjabber) and if you cannot counter with an expert of your own, you'll lose. You have to counter their service departments people with one that has knowledge of the MB systems we have. That coupled with copies of a few forum members posts (preferably with them there to explain the posts, many small claims courts do not take affidavits), MIGHT get you a successful resolution with an award. Did you pay by CC? Contest the charge might be possible until court resolution. You have an uphill battle for sure. Good luck!




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You joined this forum in 2011 and never read the ENDLESS threads about the "stick key" fix?

And they changed a SKREEM module due to a mechanical issue in the lock assembly? It does not get more incompetent/dishonest than that.

HOW do we get the message out about dealers? What more can we do? If someone who has been on here since 2011 didn't get the message - our attempts are in vain.

 

Not all the members are Crossfire Forum addicts like many of us Mark.

 

Without notifying the dealership, I would (as mentioned already) download the service manual, relinquish a copy of the SKREEM removal procedure for yourself. Then (in writing) have the dealership explain how they removed the SKREEM module, and reinstalled the new one.

One way or another, the procedure to remove the instrument cluster/panel is going to happen. Either they'll admit to disassembling the panel, or somehow magically by pass it. At least this will prove at some point on 6-6-16, the mechanic very likely at one time or another had to disrupt the connection to gas gauge.