X1 Turbo Issues!

[GreatGranny]

Long explanation here

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

but basically:

Turbo failed
Garage fixed turbo
Drove 200 miles
Exhaust leak and turbo not boosting correctly
AA called, clamp between DPF and turbo not aligned correctly
AA tightened up which made it much better
Rang garage and agreed they will have a look
Turbo failed again after 15 miles on way to garage
Garage blaming it on blocked DPF/exhaust
No warning lights on car re DPF before turbo went both times..
He says turbo is under warranty and he will send it to supplier.
Going to give him chance and ring again Monday.
Unfortunately garage is 130 miles away near my Mothers so can't just nip and see them.
Advice?

[ADJimbo]

Did the AA Patrolman - after dealing with the link between the Turbo and/or DPF test the vehicle or did you?

Was the Turbo fitted brand-new or refurbished? I’m not a mechanic but operate legally so can’t offer any advice on the workings - I can barely change a lightbulb - but his AA roadside report will be crucial should you progress to litigation. Don’t loose this document as that will be the smoking gun…

The Garage whom fitted the Turbo, need to operate with ‘reasonable care and skill’ and it’s debatable that they didn’t if they didn’t check the DPF at the same time given the proximity. They’re offering to investigate it - as is their legal right - so you’re doing the right thing in letting them investigate your concerns.

Let’s see what they come back with first.

If they come back with ‘jog on, blocked DPF’ then you’ll have a claim on the small claims track for your £1,600.00 back with a very reasonable chance of success given the limited mileage and time-frame.

They will almost certainly then defend and say ‘it was fine when it left here Judge - the AA must have bust it’ which I’ve seen trotted out over the years. It never works as an argument as the AA Patrolman would be classed as A) Independent and B) a more skilled Engineer given the AA’s stringent recruitment process, their ability to work on all vehicles, their ongoing strict CPD and training and as I’ve said, impartiality.

I’ve never known a DJ go against what an AA Patrolman writes in favour of a Bob-a-Job-Backstreet-Garage.

Let the Garage come back with their findings and go from there. They may do the right thing.

Finally, I send my thoughts to you and those you hold dearly on the passing of your Father.

May he rest in peace and love.

[stevemcs]

We get cars recovered in by the AA, we very rarely find them to be correct in there diagnosis

[OutInTheShed]

The diagnostics will tell you pressures at the turbo and pressure drop across the DPF among other things, so even with only basic diagnostics, the garage is likely much better placed to understand what's going on than the AA bloke.

I'd imagine a duff turbo might cause the DPF to accumulate some soot. Fixing the turbo might clean that out with regeneration or simply through driving the car, or it might not.
Would the customer prefer to have a new DPF 'just in case'?

Odd that no lights came on, maybe someone's been fiddling with the software?

[ADJimbo]

stevemcs said:

We get cars recovered in by the AA, we very rarely find them to be correct in there diagnosis

I’m not necessarily disputing that. You’ll no doubt have the luxury of a ramp and a fully lit workshop whereas a Patrolman doesn’t when he’s underneath a car, in the dark, in the rain on the hard-shoulder of an arterial rote.

I’m not here as a flag-waver for the AA as I’m not a mechanic. All I’m trying to do is present the empowered options to the OP on what can and may happen next, how to dispute-resolute with the garage, the strategies he needs to deploy should it get that far and the likely outcome.

Retorting back, in effect, with ‘the AA are crap’ is a touch unhelpful to the OP and does not give the OP the support he’s come here looking for, the free legal advice which some of the People in this Parrish desperately need but might not be able to afford. We do this, as a Community.

I’ve explained the strengths to his case - should it come it - and provided the strategy.

That strategy is to gain him a fully working car, fit for purpose for the value of his expenditure, on financial address if it’s not.