Mechanic has terminally damaged my car - advice needed
Discussion
Hey all, first post on here but I've lurked for a long time.
I have a '14 Volvo V60 D6 - the PHEV one. When servicing it a month or so ago I noticed that the aux belt was beginning to fray. Looking like it was going to be a horrible job I started looking for a decent indy to do the work. I found one about an hours drive away - who for now will remain nameless - and got it booked in for Friday (10th). These cars have a habit of the hybrid system malfunctioning, in my ownership, mainly when it is cold. Running the car on ICE for a few minutes then switching it back to hybrid was my workaround. It has been like this since I owned the car, just over two years.
In my research I discovered that it could either be the AC compressor or the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). Since I had cold AC I deducted that it was likely the ISG. Diagnostics completed by the garage agreed. I spoke at length with the service manager about what was best to do. He advised that since the ISG was only faulty, not a complete failure, that it was probably fine to replace only the belt but could not give any guarantee that the repair would last. Thinking it had lasted two years like this already and would probably be fine, I went with belt only.
Belt kit + labour appx £500.
ISG + labour appx £1800.
I then get a call from them on Friday night saying that the aux belt has snapped immediately after install and they are worried that it will have bumped the timing on the cam belt. They say that the ISG has seized under the tension of the new belt. This is obviously not good news. They tell me they will diagnose on Saturday and call me on Monday.
They don't call, so I do, and speak to the owner, who tells me that they have had the head off and confirm that the cam belt has jumped 5 teeth and this has caused damage to the head - the extent of which is either presently unclear or was not explained to me. He said he will prepare a quote and call me back on Tuesday. He said that the engine was left to run for appx 3 minutes at which point it started making a sound, the belt snapped, and the tech shut the car off.
To me it is quite clear that they have been negligent and failed to show reasonable care. All of us here know the sound an aux belt makes when it is being run across a seized component. I do not believe that it would not make a noise for 3 minutes then suddenly snap.
What do you all think? The garage is a member of the IGA so both arbitration and small claims are an option. I would be happy to pay for an ISG but I will not be willing to cover an engine rebuild. The garage are currently saying that they are not going to cover anything.
I have a '14 Volvo V60 D6 - the PHEV one. When servicing it a month or so ago I noticed that the aux belt was beginning to fray. Looking like it was going to be a horrible job I started looking for a decent indy to do the work. I found one about an hours drive away - who for now will remain nameless - and got it booked in for Friday (10th). These cars have a habit of the hybrid system malfunctioning, in my ownership, mainly when it is cold. Running the car on ICE for a few minutes then switching it back to hybrid was my workaround. It has been like this since I owned the car, just over two years.
In my research I discovered that it could either be the AC compressor or the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). Since I had cold AC I deducted that it was likely the ISG. Diagnostics completed by the garage agreed. I spoke at length with the service manager about what was best to do. He advised that since the ISG was only faulty, not a complete failure, that it was probably fine to replace only the belt but could not give any guarantee that the repair would last. Thinking it had lasted two years like this already and would probably be fine, I went with belt only.
Belt kit + labour appx £500.
ISG + labour appx £1800.
I then get a call from them on Friday night saying that the aux belt has snapped immediately after install and they are worried that it will have bumped the timing on the cam belt. They say that the ISG has seized under the tension of the new belt. This is obviously not good news. They tell me they will diagnose on Saturday and call me on Monday.
They don't call, so I do, and speak to the owner, who tells me that they have had the head off and confirm that the cam belt has jumped 5 teeth and this has caused damage to the head - the extent of which is either presently unclear or was not explained to me. He said he will prepare a quote and call me back on Tuesday. He said that the engine was left to run for appx 3 minutes at which point it started making a sound, the belt snapped, and the tech shut the car off.
To me it is quite clear that they have been negligent and failed to show reasonable care. All of us here know the sound an aux belt makes when it is being run across a seized component. I do not believe that it would not make a noise for 3 minutes then suddenly snap.
What do you all think? The garage is a member of the IGA so both arbitration and small claims are an option. I would be happy to pay for an ISG but I will not be willing to cover an engine rebuild. The garage are currently saying that they are not going to cover anything.
hollidog said:
He advised that since the ISG was only faulty, not a complete failure, that it was probably fine to replace only the belt but could not give any guarantee that the repair would last. Thinking it had lasted two years like this already and would probably be fine, I went with belt only.
It reads like they told you they couldn’t guarantee the fix would work and gave you the option.You chose not to replace the ISG so I’m sorry but I don’t think you’ve got any case against the garage for this.
hollidog said:
Hey all, first post on here but I've lurked for a long time.
I have a '14 Volvo V60 D6 - the PHEV one. When servicing it a month or so ago I noticed that the aux belt was beginning to fray. Looking like it was going to be a horrible job I started looking for a decent indy to do the work. I found one about an hours drive away - who for now will remain nameless - and got it booked in for Friday (10th). These cars have a habit of the hybrid system malfunctioning, in my ownership, mainly when it is cold. Running the car on ICE for a few minutes then switching it back to hybrid was my workaround. It has been like this since I owned the car, just over two years.
In my research I discovered that it could either be the AC compressor or the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). Since I had cold AC I deducted that it was likely the ISG. Diagnostics completed by the garage agreed. I spoke at length with the service manager about what was best to do. He advised that since the ISG was only faulty, not a complete failure, that it was probably fine to replace only the belt but could not give any guarantee that the repair would last. Thinking it had lasted two years like this already and would probably be fine, I went with belt only.
Belt kit + labour appx £500.
ISG + labour appx £1800.
I then get a call from them on Friday night saying that the aux belt has snapped immediately after install and they are worried that it will have bumped the timing on the cam belt. They say that the ISG has seized under the tension of the new belt. This is obviously not good news. They tell me they will diagnose on Saturday and call me on Monday.
They don't call, so I do, and speak to the owner, who tells me that they have had the head off and confirm that the cam belt has jumped 5 teeth and this has caused damage to the head - the extent of which is either presently unclear or was not explained to me. He said he will prepare a quote and call me back on Tuesday. He said that the engine was left to run for appx 3 minutes at which point it started making a sound, the belt snapped, and the tech shut the car off.
To me it is quite clear that they have been negligent and failed to show reasonable care. All of us here know the sound an aux belt makes when it is being run across a seized component. I do not believe that it would not make a noise for 3 minutes then suddenly snap.
What do you all think? The garage is a member of the IGA so both arbitration and small claims are an option. I would be happy to pay for an ISG but I will not be willing to cover an engine rebuild. The garage are currently saying that they are not going to cover anything.
I don't think this thread will go the way you want it to go.I have a '14 Volvo V60 D6 - the PHEV one. When servicing it a month or so ago I noticed that the aux belt was beginning to fray. Looking like it was going to be a horrible job I started looking for a decent indy to do the work. I found one about an hours drive away - who for now will remain nameless - and got it booked in for Friday (10th). These cars have a habit of the hybrid system malfunctioning, in my ownership, mainly when it is cold. Running the car on ICE for a few minutes then switching it back to hybrid was my workaround. It has been like this since I owned the car, just over two years.
In my research I discovered that it could either be the AC compressor or the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). Since I had cold AC I deducted that it was likely the ISG. Diagnostics completed by the garage agreed. I spoke at length with the service manager about what was best to do. He advised that since the ISG was only faulty, not a complete failure, that it was probably fine to replace only the belt but could not give any guarantee that the repair would last. Thinking it had lasted two years like this already and would probably be fine, I went with belt only.
Belt kit + labour appx £500.
ISG + labour appx £1800.
I then get a call from them on Friday night saying that the aux belt has snapped immediately after install and they are worried that it will have bumped the timing on the cam belt. They say that the ISG has seized under the tension of the new belt. This is obviously not good news. They tell me they will diagnose on Saturday and call me on Monday.
They don't call, so I do, and speak to the owner, who tells me that they have had the head off and confirm that the cam belt has jumped 5 teeth and this has caused damage to the head - the extent of which is either presently unclear or was not explained to me. He said he will prepare a quote and call me back on Tuesday. He said that the engine was left to run for appx 3 minutes at which point it started making a sound, the belt snapped, and the tech shut the car off.
To me it is quite clear that they have been negligent and failed to show reasonable care. All of us here know the sound an aux belt makes when it is being run across a seized component. I do not believe that it would not make a noise for 3 minutes then suddenly snap.
What do you all think? The garage is a member of the IGA so both arbitration and small claims are an option. I would be happy to pay for an ISG but I will not be willing to cover an engine rebuild. The garage are currently saying that they are not going to cover anything.
hollidog said:
Hey all, first post on here but I've lurked for a long time.
I have a '14 Volvo V60 D6 - the PHEV one. When servicing it a month or so ago I noticed that the aux belt was beginning to fray. Looking like it was going to be a horrible job I started looking for a decent indy to do the work. I found one about an hours drive away - who for now will remain nameless - and got it booked in for Friday (10th). These cars have a habit of the hybrid system malfunctioning, in my ownership, mainly when it is cold. Running the car on ICE for a few minutes then switching it back to hybrid was my workaround. It has been like this since I owned the car, just over two years.
In my research I discovered that it could either be the AC compressor or the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). Since I had cold AC I deducted that it was likely the ISG. Diagnostics completed by the garage agreed. I spoke at length with the service manager about what was best to do. He advised that since the ISG was only faulty, not a complete failure, that it was probably fine to replace only the belt but could not give any guarantee that the repair would last. Thinking it had lasted two years like this already and would probably be fine, I went with belt only.
Belt kit + labour appx £500.
ISG + labour appx £1800.
I then get a call from them on Friday night saying that the aux belt has snapped immediately after install and they are worried that it will have bumped the timing on the cam belt. They say that the ISG has seized under the tension of the new belt. This is obviously not good news. They tell me they will diagnose on Saturday and call me on Monday.
They don't call, so I do, and speak to the owner, who tells me that they have had the head off and confirm that the cam belt has jumped 5 teeth and this has caused damage to the head - the extent of which is either presently unclear or was not explained to me. He said he will prepare a quote and call me back on Tuesday. He said that the engine was left to run for appx 3 minutes at which point it started making a sound, the belt snapped, and the tech shut the car off.
To me it is quite clear that they have been negligent and failed to show reasonable care. All of us here know the sound an aux belt makes when it is being run across a seized component. I do not believe that it would not make a noise for 3 minutes then suddenly snap.
What do you all think? The garage is a member of the IGA so both arbitration and small claims are an option. I would be happy to pay for an ISG but I will not be willing to cover an engine rebuild. The garage are currently saying that they are not going to cover anything.
We're the tensioners changed alongside the aux belt?I have a '14 Volvo V60 D6 - the PHEV one. When servicing it a month or so ago I noticed that the aux belt was beginning to fray. Looking like it was going to be a horrible job I started looking for a decent indy to do the work. I found one about an hours drive away - who for now will remain nameless - and got it booked in for Friday (10th). These cars have a habit of the hybrid system malfunctioning, in my ownership, mainly when it is cold. Running the car on ICE for a few minutes then switching it back to hybrid was my workaround. It has been like this since I owned the car, just over two years.
In my research I discovered that it could either be the AC compressor or the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). Since I had cold AC I deducted that it was likely the ISG. Diagnostics completed by the garage agreed. I spoke at length with the service manager about what was best to do. He advised that since the ISG was only faulty, not a complete failure, that it was probably fine to replace only the belt but could not give any guarantee that the repair would last. Thinking it had lasted two years like this already and would probably be fine, I went with belt only.
Belt kit + labour appx £500.
ISG + labour appx £1800.
I then get a call from them on Friday night saying that the aux belt has snapped immediately after install and they are worried that it will have bumped the timing on the cam belt. They say that the ISG has seized under the tension of the new belt. This is obviously not good news. They tell me they will diagnose on Saturday and call me on Monday.
They don't call, so I do, and speak to the owner, who tells me that they have had the head off and confirm that the cam belt has jumped 5 teeth and this has caused damage to the head - the extent of which is either presently unclear or was not explained to me. He said he will prepare a quote and call me back on Tuesday. He said that the engine was left to run for appx 3 minutes at which point it started making a sound, the belt snapped, and the tech shut the car off.
To me it is quite clear that they have been negligent and failed to show reasonable care. All of us here know the sound an aux belt makes when it is being run across a seized component. I do not believe that it would not make a noise for 3 minutes then suddenly snap.
What do you all think? The garage is a member of the IGA so both arbitration and small claims are an option. I would be happy to pay for an ISG but I will not be willing to cover an engine rebuild. The garage are currently saying that they are not going to cover anything.
Has the timing belt been changed?
Just to clarify, you have been driving around with a know faulty ISG for two years, when you finally decided to do something about it, you went against the garages advice and only did the belt. Now the engine has been damaged, by the faulty ISG that you knew about and declined to have replaced, you want the garage to pick the bill up?
Right……
Right……
Sorry OP, the only negligent person here is you. You left a known fault for two years, were advised a component needed replacing and were told failure to do so would not be guaranteed. You chose not to take their advice and it has bitten you in the arse.
If that is correct, you're on your own I feel.
If that is correct, you're on your own I feel.
Appreciate the replies. Knew I was taking a risk on the belt, but assumed the limit of that was that the belt would fray again, not that I would have a demo'd engine. The ISG did still work, the car ran on hybrid once it was up to temperature and gave no serious headaches.
The owner has admitted that the tech has left the car unattended while it ran for three minutes - surely we can all agree that an aux belt running across a seized component was doing so in silence and then suddenly snapped? That is what I am saying is BS/negligent. They knew the car had a potential issue, and took no steps to mitigate it. If you start a car and it the belt immediately squeals surely you are:
a) with the car at all times
b) able to turn it off when it is clear that is not happy
c) before even replacing the belt, check that the ISG is not completely seized
Those three simple things would have prevented the head damage. That is my issue.
The owner has admitted that the tech has left the car unattended while it ran for three minutes - surely we can all agree that an aux belt running across a seized component was doing so in silence and then suddenly snapped? That is what I am saying is BS/negligent. They knew the car had a potential issue, and took no steps to mitigate it. If you start a car and it the belt immediately squeals surely you are:
a) with the car at all times
b) able to turn it off when it is clear that is not happy
c) before even replacing the belt, check that the ISG is not completely seized
Those three simple things would have prevented the head damage. That is my issue.
hollidog said:
Appreciate the replies. Knew I was taking a risk on the belt, but assumed the limit of that was that the belt would fray again, not that I would have a demo'd engine. The ISG did still work, the car ran on hybrid once it was up to temperature and gave no serious headaches.
The owner has admitted that the tech has left the car unattended while it ran for three minutes - surely we can all agree that an aux belt running across a seized component was doing so in silence and then suddenly snapped? That is what I am saying is BS/negligent. They knew the car had a potential issue, and took no steps to mitigate it. If you start a car and it the belt immediately squeals surely you are:
a) with the car at all times
b) able to turn it off when it is clear that is not happy
c) before even replacing the belt, check that the ISG is not completely seized
Those three simple things would have prevented the head damage. That is my issue.
On you own admission so did you but you didn't want to spend the money to repair it properly.The owner has admitted that the tech has left the car unattended while it ran for three minutes - surely we can all agree that an aux belt running across a seized component was doing so in silence and then suddenly snapped? That is what I am saying is BS/negligent. They knew the car had a potential issue, and took no steps to mitigate it. If you start a car and it the belt immediately squeals surely you are:
a) with the car at all times
b) able to turn it off when it is clear that is not happy
c) before even replacing the belt, check that the ISG is not completely seized
Those three simple things would have prevented the head damage. That is my issue.
hollidog said:
Hey all, first post on here but I've lurked for a long time.
I have a '14 Volvo V60 D6 - the PHEV one. When servicing it a month or so ago I noticed that the aux belt was beginning to fray. Looking like it was going to be a horrible job I started looking for a decent indy to do the work. I found one about an hours drive away - who for now will remain nameless - and got it booked in for Friday (10th). These cars have a habit of the hybrid system malfunctioning, in my ownership, mainly when it is cold. Running the car on ICE for a few minutes then switching it back to hybrid was my workaround. It has been like this since I owned the car, just over two years.
Sorry to hear about your car trouble, but please do not name the indy. There is a no name and shame rule on PH.I have a '14 Volvo V60 D6 - the PHEV one. When servicing it a month or so ago I noticed that the aux belt was beginning to fray. Looking like it was going to be a horrible job I started looking for a decent indy to do the work. I found one about an hours drive away - who for now will remain nameless - and got it booked in for Friday (10th). These cars have a habit of the hybrid system malfunctioning, in my ownership, mainly when it is cold. Running the car on ICE for a few minutes then switching it back to hybrid was my workaround. It has been like this since I owned the car, just over two years.
Jordie Barretts sock said:
How do you it was seized when they started the car?
You are making a bit of an assumption that you have no hope of proving.
The garage will argue that they made you aware of the risks and you didn't take their advice. That is all there is to argue about here.
Exactly this. If it wasn’t already seized when you brought the car in (which you seem to say) then why is it now seized as soon as they fitted the belt?You are making a bit of an assumption that you have no hope of proving.
The garage will argue that they made you aware of the risks and you didn't take their advice. That is all there is to argue about here.
Surely the more likely scenario is it was fine when the tech started the car, but under a few minutes if extra tension then failed and took your belt and head with it.
I don’t see any tech leaving a belt screeching it’s head off for 3 minutes unattended, not only would that just be stupid, it would be bloody annoying for anyone else in the workshop!
Beethree said:
Jordie Barretts sock said:
How do you it was seized when they started the car?
You are making a bit of an assumption that you have no hope of proving.
The garage will argue that they made you aware of the risks and you didn't take their advice. That is all there is to argue about here.
Exactly this. If it wasn’t already seized when you brought the car in (which you seem to say) then why is it now seized as soon as they fitted the belt?You are making a bit of an assumption that you have no hope of proving.
The garage will argue that they made you aware of the risks and you didn't take their advice. That is all there is to argue about here.
Surely the more likely scenario is it was fine when the tech started the car, but under a few minutes if extra tension then failed and took your belt and head with it.
I don’t see any tech leaving a belt screeching it’s head off for 3 minutes unattended, not only would that just be stupid, it would be bloody annoying for anyone else in the workshop!
Even if the tech had been standing in front of the car with a bonnet open, it likely happened so fast that there would be zero time to get round to the key/button
To me this is a simple case of owner didn't want the proper repair and opted for the 'band aid'. It's a very common occurrence in this trade, usually follwed by toys being flung from the pram when it all goes Pete tong.
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