Car Warranty Problems

dazzaastrasri

Sorry in advance for rant and long post

I took out a warranty with one of the big independent companies in Jan this year. My manufacturers one ran out then. Bought car new in Sept 06 Astra 1.9cdti 150hp Full main dealer Service history
I contacted them on 14/05/10 to say that I was having a problem with heavy smoking from my car and that I had booked it in on 17/05/10, to get the fault diagnosed.

The mechanic took the car for a test drive then while I was watching they carried out some diagnostic checks using the TECH2 system. They checked the oil level and it was ok, they then removed some pipework. Again, All while I was there. The pipework was well coated in oil. At this point they advised against me driving the car anymore as they were fairly confident that it was the Turbocharger and that if it failed totally, it could draw the oil through the engine and cause major problems with the engine.

The garage spoke to the claims dept and I had to authorize them to carry out further diagnosis.
This was done where they found that the seals in the turbo were passing oil contaminating the intercooler with oil.

The warranty company wanted their engineer to investigate.
How the engineer checked the oil level;
The engineer had to replace the dipstick and tube into the sump as it had been removed from the car. He held it, removed the dipstick and recorded that the level was high. He reported to the company that the oil was 2" above the high level! If the oil level was as high as he has stated it would have been running out the sump where the tube had been removed from. The company are saying that the problem is with overfilling the engine with oil.

I asked the garage to carry out an oil level check as I watched. They held the dip tube in roughly the correct position, as it is still loose. Removed the dipstick which was showing oil above the level, wiped it and replaced in the tube. They then removed the dipstick and it was showing below the full level. This is in actual fact the level of oil in my car.
I contacted them in writing to say that the car had not been and was not overfilled with oil, I have in fact not had to add any oil since it was serviced by the main dealer in Sept 09. They are still saying the prob was caused by overfilling as there is little movement of the impeller shaft so could not be confirmed as failed
Do I pay to repair myself and take them to the small claims?
Any advice welcome

somech

which warranty company is it?

ask the garage to write a report into their findings. after market warranties are generally a complete waste of time and money imo

ukjoel

I had my air con go on me over the weekend.
Was regassed 3 weeks ago and the horrible whirring noise meant either belt or pump had gone.

Went to garage who quoted me £900 for a new pump (which on a Focus was well over the top but thats not for this post)

Phoned my warranty company - they gave me the name of 3 local garages (well nationwide auto places) took it down there and job done.

So its not all bad news - I would probably stick with my warranty when its up for renewal.

With regard to OP I would get an independent inspection done by AA or RAC and if they back you send a copy to warranty company asking for repairs plus cost of inspection. THEN go to small claims.

dazzaastrasri

ukjoel wrote: »

With regard to OP I would get an independent inspection done by AA or RAC and if they back you send a copy to warranty company asking for repairs plus cost of inspection. THEN go to small claims.

I live in the far north of scotland and am struggling to find an independent engineer! Anybody know of any companies?