I just dropped off my car this morning to a five star dealer to get a couple of things looked at. My main concern was that I had the blinking gas light / check engine (code P0455). The blinking gas light started happening Dec/Jan, and the check engine light came on just last week. I had the code checked at Autozone. I have a couple other noise issues wanted checked out while I was there (squeaky wing, squeaky windows, wind noise >50 mph).

First off some background, I bought my xfire certified pre-owned from a Chrysler dealer out of state (this was in early Oct '06). It had a Sirius Satellite radio already installed where the cup holder is and the antenna for it is run through and placed on the back roof.

I got a call from them earlier confirming that the check engine light is related to the evap system. They are saying that the Satellite radio installation is what caused the evap system failure, and to fix it would not be covered under warranty.

Is that even possible?

I would think that if the car is "certified" they would have checked to make sure everything is running correctly. I'm not sure what to do next? Go to another dealer? Have the service dealer talk to the dealer I bought it from? Any help on this topic is much appreciated.

 

Check engine and exhaust post same problem is there, sounds like it may help you. Good luck.

 

Did they give a reason as to how they came to that conclusion???

 

They are looking for ANY aftermarket stuff just to avoid the warranty fix. Ask them to specifically show you where the antenna for XM or Sirius would have interfered with the evap system. Unless they keep hoses or charcoal canisters behind the seats or somewhere where the lines were run from the cup holder, I find that hard to believe.

To me, it seems that if you have the tranny slipping and all you did was replace the shift **** with a different plastic ****, they would blame the transmission failure on the lack of a stock shift ****.

 

By the way, there IS a technical service bulletin regarding the EVAP system. See if it pertains to this:

25-001-04 EVAPORATIVE SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE 2004-11-22

 

I got my car back on Saturday. The only good thing is that they did not charge me for any of the "work".

After further inspection, they said that it was not the satellite radio causing the problem, because they could not replicate the problem. After resetting the ODB, they drove the car and could not get it to come back on. On my drive home, the blinking gas light came back on. And when I drove it on Sunday the blinking gas light and check engine light came back on. I went to Autozone and it's the same code (P0455).

The other problems I had and their "fixes":

Squeaky wing. They could not replicate the problem, but they went ahead and lubricated per the TSB.

Pneumatic hose lock (hissing sound and rear latch would not lock). They fixed the hose per the TSB. There is no hissing sound now, but on Saturday/Sunday, I could not get the rear latch to lock. On my way home on Monday, the latch locked, but now I can't unlock the latch.

Also, the headliner (which had grease prints all over), right rear interior trim, and back rear trim was also loose (it looks like they might have broken the retaining clips). When I drive now, the little rear rattle that I heard before, is now much louder and more frequent.

Squeaky windows. They could not replicate the problem, so nothing was done.

Wind noise at > 50 mph. They replaced the window seal and door triangle trim per TSB. When I drove it home, the wind noise was worse than before. They did a poor job placing the door back together (i.e. grease prints all over the door panel, the triangle trim does not look flush to window, the door seal, at the back of the door, is now misaligned, and also the windows now make a louder creaking noise when they go up).

I called them and I'm scheduled to go back this coming Monday. I'm going to point out all of these things, hopefully they will do a better job.

 

I just got my car back from dealer last night.

To "fix" the blinking light and check engine problem they did the following:
Checked evap system for leaks - none found
Replaced Fuel Sensor
Replaced Filler Cap

To "fix" my hatch not locking/unlocking:
Checked hoses - found one was pinched
Replaced hose

It was nice that they washed the exterior and cleaned the interior. I was glad to get my car back.

I went to get my emissions inspection this morning and they checked the ODB and it passed.

From there the problems started to appear:
I was on my way to work and the blinking gas light and check engine light had come back on.
After closer inspection, I also noticed the rear trims were not properly aligned. I could tell because around the small back windows there is a gap between the dark trim and light trim, where before it was flush. Also it looks like the back rear trim is also misaligned because the trunk latch is denting it and making a weird noise when closing. I think this is why they turned-off my autolight, because when I turned it back on, the light would stay on instead of dimming after a couple seconds.
Also, I still get a lot of wind noise. I think their initial "fix" for it actually made it worse.

HELP...what should I do? Should I bring it back to the same dealer and get them to fix it, or should I try to go to a different dealer? I am in the MD area. Any suggestions?

 

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I think there is a similar driving pattern for when the blinking gas light to come on: My usual commute to work: From cold start, I would drive street speed (i.e. <40 mph) for approx 5 minutes, then get to highway speed (65 mph), then when I exit the highway, I usually come to a crawl/stop. It is during the last part of my commute (i.e. when slow/stop) is when the blinking light / CEL would come on. If I am at the stop, I would turn off/on the engine, and the blinking light would stop, but the CEL would stay on.

When I fill-up, I always have the engine off. I checked for fumes, and could not smell any, other than when the gas cap is taken off. I did check the gas cap to make sure it was on securely.

I think one of the other forum members was having similar problems (blinking gas light, but not CEL). He said the problem was electrical. I think I will try another dealer though...since they even said...they don't work on too many Crossfires.

 

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I have to say that if all the dealers/mechanics would R.T.F.M. they would cut down on about 90% of the service problems we XF owners have with them. One of the best things I've found on this forum is the 3,000+ page manual. I saved it to my computer and can reference it anytime. Why do WE have to tell THEM the chapter, page, and verse in order to get something repaired? Don't they have a copy? I guess they just don't want to take the time to look anything up. Maybe it's a guy thing like asking for directions.

 

Nah, its a Dealer thing. Let's face it, most service managers probably groan & bang their heads on the desk when they see a Crossfire pull into the service bay. They're just so . . . weird. Your average Chrysler mechanic isn't used to something that you actually have to RFTM on to fix. Their usual mantra is "If you can't fix it with a hammer, you have an electrical problem."

I would be willing to wager that Pacifica owners have a lot of the same dealer complaints we do.

 

Great...my other car IS a Pacifica. I also have a Sebring Convertible; if you want to see them bang their heads, tell them the top leaks!

 

I find it funny that they say it's because of the Sirius radio. I work for a place that does mobile installations (stereos, bluetooth, iPod integration...etc.) among other things; long story made story we've had several clients come back to us telling us that the dealership told that their remote start, or system or whatever it may be is cause [blank] to happen. Like cudaman said, it's just another way for them to throw someone else under the bus so they don't have to do anything about it.

 

No, It's called flat rate. They get paid for "X" hours to do a repair. If they get paid for 2 hours, and can do the repair in 1, and then do that 8 times in a day, they get paid for 16 hours in an 8 hour day. So why the F would they want to spend that time to RTFM, when they can jump right in and fix it...after all, how hard can it be, right?
My brother would tell me about techs that would have 70 hour weeks, but they only worked 40...now, some of these guys were DAMN good and God bless em if they can do the job. Down side is, if the repair they did comes back, it's on THEIR time to make it right. If they screw it up twice, they go on review...not a good thing if they want to keep their job, so there ARE checks and balances. There is a tech where my bro works who makes over $100K. If the book gives him 4 hours to R&R a tranny, he will do it in 2, and he will do it RIGHT. But guys like him are the exception, not the rule.
I am going to be leaving my crossfire in my Brothers hands later this month when i go on vaca, as a number of issues have popped up that need addressed(seat heaters and recirc door among others). I will let you guys know how it goes...

 

Stranger things have happened. From the posts it looks like you have ruled out the Satelite Radio. But just to keep it interesting I have a story for you regarding an AFTERMARKET RADIO and my VW Passat.

I bought a aftermarket radio from Crutchfield, built up the custome wiring harness that serves as an adaptor and all was well.....Radio worked great, Car worked great..... UNTIL it was time for an emissions test. Guess what, my 2 year old passat with only 15K miles FAILED emissions. The emissions tester could not read the OBE codes.

The guy at the emissions place said they might be able to fix it but it would cost about $125 first for a diagnositics test. Well I wasn't too confident in the zippy emissions place working on my Passat. So I called the dealer, FIRST THING HE ASKED WAS DID I CHANGE THE RADIO. When I told him I did he said disconnect the new Radio and check the emissions agian. SURE ENOUGH, disconnected the radio and the FREE EMISSIONS RECHECK PASSED!!!!

What was going on here was the that VW routes the OBD communications to the RADIO so they can program VW Radio Features. When you install an aftermarket radio you have to ISOLATE THE K WIRE. Cost at the dealer $250. OR in 10 seconds with my dyke I fixed it for free. That was a good VW dealer to tell me how to do it. He saved me a bundle of $, I can only imagine what the Emissions Center would have come up with for a fee to do this...... Just goes to show you that a little knowledge can save you a lot of $.

 

Darn guys , seems like alot fo those dealers really dont care...I wish one day you all had a meet and great in NE Ohio.

I have to say I have never had a problem with Robs guys, the XFire tech loves to work on it and knows his stuff...if you ever drive by, Stop by True North Chrysler...Robert the owner is a great guy and loves the brand, not becasue he sells it becasue he really loves it.

And they are fast on parts and service....

OK end of commercial...

 

Wow, I work for a dealership, Chrysler and Dodge, in central Illinois. I am lucky I have a tech that loves to work on Crossfires. He is the only tech certified to work on them, and he is excellent, has helped me alot with my O4 coupe. We also have sold alot of Crossfires at the dealership, and he gets alot of work from people coming in for service. I hate to hear these horror stories, because it should not be happening especially from a five star dealer. Ask for the name of the Service dealer representative and send him an email with the problems you are having, I have seen this happen at our dealership and it did get results for the customer, we have a great bunch of techs that actually do the work and very few cars come back for rework, but our service manager, that is another story, what a piece of work. If they have not helped, my advice is find another dealer and ask if they have a certified tech on the crossfire, I know ours has to be to work on them. maybe this can help.