Help, I'm an angry man.
Discussion
So I've had my 2005 111R since October, and to nobodys suprise the fan heater has stopped working. I've looked around PH and a few other sites and I think we all know that this is going to be a big nose-off job.
But hurrah, when I bought the car I got a 1-year warranty from 'Warranty Management Services'.
Except it appears to be pointless. I rang them today and basically the guy said that if it was water in the fan recess then it wouldn't be covered. But before they would decide if they would cover it, I would need to take it to a garage and have it diagnosed at my expense which may include taking the front clam off anyway.
So, I'm a bit stuffed.
So, can anyone tell me how I might find out if it is the water issue instead of some other problem (I've checked the fuse) and if anybody else has dealt with this company. Also, can anyone tell me how I might get the spare parts and a service manual in case I just have to do it myself (£600+ is a lot of money, and I recon looking at the SELOC wiki that I could DIY it).
Thanks,
David
But hurrah, when I bought the car I got a 1-year warranty from 'Warranty Management Services'.
Except it appears to be pointless. I rang them today and basically the guy said that if it was water in the fan recess then it wouldn't be covered. But before they would decide if they would cover it, I would need to take it to a garage and have it diagnosed at my expense which may include taking the front clam off anyway.
So, I'm a bit stuffed.
So, can anyone tell me how I might find out if it is the water issue instead of some other problem (I've checked the fuse) and if anybody else has dealt with this company. Also, can anyone tell me how I might get the spare parts and a service manual in case I just have to do it myself (£600+ is a lot of money, and I recon looking at the SELOC wiki that I could DIY it).
Thanks,
David
I am in exactly the same position as you at the moment.
The warranty I got when I bought the car runs out in March/April and the heater puts out either a tiny flow of air or nothing at all. If I take it to the dealer they will probably have to take the clam off to see what is wrong (which is where the cost is) and then I'll end up paying through the nose if the warranty company won't cover it. 
I had a problem with the ABS light sticking on, and the warranty managed to worm out of that because it was a faulty wire rather than a component - £120 odd to replace a wire. It seems like a pretty big DIY job, if they are charging £700 or something there must be some work involved. I am thinking of taking it to a specialist instead, that way if I do end up paying it will be less at least. Does anyone know if there is a way of stopping this happening again? I never have my car out in the rain so the only water it gets is through washing; would covering the grills on top of the bonnet when washing it make any difference?
The warranty I got when I bought the car runs out in March/April and the heater puts out either a tiny flow of air or nothing at all. If I take it to the dealer they will probably have to take the clam off to see what is wrong (which is where the cost is) and then I'll end up paying through the nose if the warranty company won't cover it. I had a problem with the ABS light sticking on, and the warranty managed to worm out of that because it was a faulty wire rather than a component - £120 odd to replace a wire. It seems like a pretty big DIY job, if they are charging £700 or something there must be some work involved. I am thinking of taking it to a specialist instead, that way if I do end up paying it will be less at least. Does anyone know if there is a way of stopping this happening again? I never have my car out in the rain so the only water it gets is through washing; would covering the grills on top of the bonnet when washing it make any difference? Given that most of us have had this failure happen to us, I would expect any lotus dealer to diagnose the problem in an instant. (Fan resistor pack has failed)!
When mine went on my old car, the warranty had long run out, so I can't help from experience on whether it's covered. Suggest you do a few searches on here and Seloc to see if others have claimed for this (be surprised if they haven't)
Good luck with the fix
When mine went on my old car, the warranty had long run out, so I can't help from experience on whether it's covered. Suggest you do a few searches on here and Seloc to see if others have claimed for this (be surprised if they haven't)
Good luck with the fix
The resistor pack is sensibly priced, sort of (make sure you get one of the newer ones which sits on top of the fan unit), but the resistor pack has been known to take the fan motor out with it and that's not so cheap. Worst case I think you're looking at ~160 quid in parts, best case, about 50?
You can get one of the old style resistor packs for about 15 quid but it'll just die again in a couple of years time.
You can get one of the old style resistor packs for about 15 quid but it'll just die again in a couple of years time.
I may be wrong, but I thought Lotus had an unofficial recall for the heater, something to do with drilling some holes in the tray where the heater sits, to prevent water build up and therefore preventing the heater dying in the first place. I just had that done when my car was in for a new clam
If that is the case, then surely Lotus know there is a problem and you can very easily argue that they should be replacing these FOC, even if outside of warranty. I would suggest talking to Lotus direct and see what their response is.
If that is the case, then surely Lotus know there is a problem and you can very easily argue that they should be replacing these FOC, even if outside of warranty. I would suggest talking to Lotus direct and see what their response is.
Is there anyway to know if your car has had the holes drilled or the new redesigned resistor pack?
I know that at some stage the front clam of my car has been off because the bolts inside the door hinge area have scrubbed the paint around the bolt hole a bit.
Do Lotus keep a record of this mod on the VIN number?
I know that at some stage the front clam of my car has been off because the bolts inside the door hinge area have scrubbed the paint around the bolt hole a bit.
Do Lotus keep a record of this mod on the VIN number?
Edited by NathanE on Wednesday 30th January 09:15
I've not experienced this issue as such, but I thought the principal of a warranty is something like 'if its wear and tear its not covered' versus 'if its a mechanical failure it is covered'.
Surely this issue is the latter, therefore should be covered. If this isn't the case have they given an explanation.
Surely this issue is the latter, therefore should be covered. If this isn't the case have they given an explanation.
When my warranty ran out on the 111R, I looked into the extended warranties that were available and pretty much all them had clauses in them that seemed to give the companies a fair amount of wiggle room.
The best by far, from a coverage perspective was the Lotus version, which at the time was with Lotus themselves rather than the current AON I beleive. Having said that, it was also the most expensive by about 30% and the one clause that made stop, was the mention of the wiring loom being exclused, which even the Lotus salesman had a problem with. In effect it meant that just about any electircal issue, they could get out of, if they so desired.
The AA version, may not cover everything, but it covers most things except wear and tear upto a cost of £500 and only costs £65
The best by far, from a coverage perspective was the Lotus version, which at the time was with Lotus themselves rather than the current AON I beleive. Having said that, it was also the most expensive by about 30% and the one clause that made stop, was the mention of the wiring loom being exclused, which even the Lotus salesman had a problem with. In effect it meant that just about any electircal issue, they could get out of, if they so desired.
The AA version, may not cover everything, but it covers most things except wear and tear upto a cost of £500 and only costs £65
Beachbum said:
When my warranty ran out on the 111R, I looked into the extended warranties that were available and pretty much all them had clauses in them that seemed to give the companies a fair amount of wiggle room.
The best by far, from a coverage perspective was the Lotus version, which at the time was with Lotus themselves rather than the current AON I beleive. Having said that, it was also the most expensive by about 30% and the one clause that made stop, was the mention of the wiring loom being exclused, which even the Lotus salesman had a problem with. In effect it meant that just about any electircal issue, they could get out of, if they so desired.
The AA version, may not cover everything, but it covers most things except wear and tear upto a cost of £500 and only costs £65
Mines an indeppendent warranty with a company called Olympic Warrantys. Cost seems to be midway between the AA and the Lotus one, but their coverage seems to be fairly thorough. Like anything they've got mixed reviews if you read up on the web, but so far my limited experience has been good. Used them the once for an alternator failure, and they stumped up the cash with no hassle at all (parts, labour, VAT, all in price)The best by far, from a coverage perspective was the Lotus version, which at the time was with Lotus themselves rather than the current AON I beleive. Having said that, it was also the most expensive by about 30% and the one clause that made stop, was the mention of the wiring loom being exclused, which even the Lotus salesman had a problem with. In effect it meant that just about any electircal issue, they could get out of, if they so desired.
The AA version, may not cover everything, but it covers most things except wear and tear upto a cost of £500 and only costs £65
Covers a cost of up to £1000 in any one claim, and 5 claims a year.
Edited by whygee02 on Wednesday 30th January 10:38
Beachbum said:
When my warranty ran out on the 111R, I looked into the extended warranties that were available and pretty much all them had clauses in them that seemed to give the companies a fair amount of wiggle room.
The best by far, from a coverage perspective was the Lotus version, which at the time was with Lotus themselves rather than the current AON I beleive. Having said that, it was also the most expensive by about 30% and the one clause that made stop, was the mention of the wiring loom being exclused, which even the Lotus salesman had a problem with. In effect it meant that just about any electircal issue, they could get out of, if they so desired.
The AA version, may not cover everything, but it covers most things except wear and tear upto a cost of £500 and only costs £65
I am / was covered by the AON / Lotus extended warranty. It is a real "mixed bag". On the one hand my clutch troules were dealt with reasonably well, my engine work was an absolute nightmare. I feel your pain about having to pay for a dismantle to establish the cause of failure - it will be reasonably expensive on a heater but imagine the price on a full engine strip down. Especially if they dont pay out. I would examin the small print and have a judgement if they are going to pay out before you proceed. The best by far, from a coverage perspective was the Lotus version, which at the time was with Lotus themselves rather than the current AON I beleive. Having said that, it was also the most expensive by about 30% and the one clause that made stop, was the mention of the wiring loom being exclused, which even the Lotus salesman had a problem with. In effect it meant that just about any electircal issue, they could get out of, if they so desired.
The AA version, may not cover everything, but it covers most things except wear and tear upto a cost of £500 and only costs £65
I dont want some sort of warranty crap, I want apolicy that will sort out any problems. I dont care how much (within reason) but I am sick of dodging warranty companies. Lotus have really stiched up thier custoers with the AON POS.
Beachbum said:
When my warranty ran out on the 111R, I looked into the extended warranties that were available and pretty much all them had clauses in them that seemed to give the companies a fair amount of wiggle room.
The best by far, from a coverage perspective was the Lotus version, which at the time was with Lotus themselves rather than the current AON I beleive. Having said that, it was also the most expensive by about 30% and the one clause that made stop, was the mention of the wiring loom being exclused, which even the Lotus salesman had a problem with. In effect it meant that just about any electircal issue, they could get out of, if they so desired.
The AA version, may not cover everything, but it covers most things except wear and tear upto a cost of £500 and only costs £65
The AA warrenty is fantastic. The only thing is, you have to actually break down before and be rescued by them before you can use it, so heater packs wont be covered! The best by far, from a coverage perspective was the Lotus version, which at the time was with Lotus themselves rather than the current AON I beleive. Having said that, it was also the most expensive by about 30% and the one clause that made stop, was the mention of the wiring loom being exclused, which even the Lotus salesman had a problem with. In effect it meant that just about any electircal issue, they could get out of, if they so desired.
The AA version, may not cover everything, but it covers most things except wear and tear upto a cost of £500 and only costs £65
JTBUSH said:
Beachbum said:
When my warranty ran out on the 111R, I looked into the extended warranties that were available and pretty much all them had clauses in them that seemed to give the companies a fair amount of wiggle room.
The best by far, from a coverage perspective was the Lotus version, which at the time was with Lotus themselves rather than the current AON I beleive. Having said that, it was also the most expensive by about 30% and the one clause that made stop, was the mention of the wiring loom being exclused, which even the Lotus salesman had a problem with. In effect it meant that just about any electircal issue, they could get out of, if they so desired.
The AA version, may not cover everything, but it covers most things except wear and tear upto a cost of £500 and only costs £65
The AA warrenty is fantastic. The only thing is, you have to actually break down before and be rescued by them before you can use it, so heater packs wont be covered! The best by far, from a coverage perspective was the Lotus version, which at the time was with Lotus themselves rather than the current AON I beleive. Having said that, it was also the most expensive by about 30% and the one clause that made stop, was the mention of the wiring loom being exclused, which even the Lotus salesman had a problem with. In effect it meant that just about any electircal issue, they could get out of, if they so desired.
The AA version, may not cover everything, but it covers most things except wear and tear upto a cost of £500 and only costs £65
I have previously tried claiming on mechanical warranties - There is always some excuse as to why they should not pay - I remember some valves burnt out on my car about 18 years ago and they said that it was 'poor maintenance' - It had a full history and drove well, so how was I to know?
I agree that the AA are probably reasonable, but if your insurer is basically not repairing the faulty car while it is protected (Surely the whole point of the peace of mind that a warranty sells itself on), I would try reporting them to the insurance ombudsman - The more often that they get away with it, the easier it becomes for them to rip people off!
I agree that the AA are probably reasonable, but if your insurer is basically not repairing the faulty car while it is protected (Surely the whole point of the peace of mind that a warranty sells itself on), I would try reporting them to the insurance ombudsman - The more often that they get away with it, the easier it becomes for them to rip people off!
Yeah, the warranty has an opt-out for the wiring harness, corrosion and for 'inherent faults'.
My car is in for service in March, so I might fix this myself (gives me an opportunity to get to know it a bit better....), extend and re-mount the resistor pack and then get the holes drilled during the service anyway (I believe this will be free). I know that a few places sell the resistor pack for £29, but does anyone know where I can get the extension kit? I'm not as worried about the fan itself as I would have a go at refurbishing that by hand (I've done this before on a Ford Escort, how different can it be
).
I also saw a post on SELOC suggesting that somebody had managed a resistor pack replacement on a later S2 without removing the clam. This involved de-mounting the fan and dropping it into the recess and manipulating it around until the resistor pack faced outwards. Any ideas if this is true?
Another approach I'm considering is going back the the garage I bought it from. I think the fault already existed when I bought the car 3 1/2 months ago, and they included the WMS warranty, so maybe they will be helpful (they have a reputation for good customer service).
David
My car is in for service in March, so I might fix this myself (gives me an opportunity to get to know it a bit better....), extend and re-mount the resistor pack and then get the holes drilled during the service anyway (I believe this will be free). I know that a few places sell the resistor pack for £29, but does anyone know where I can get the extension kit? I'm not as worried about the fan itself as I would have a go at refurbishing that by hand (I've done this before on a Ford Escort, how different can it be
).I also saw a post on SELOC suggesting that somebody had managed a resistor pack replacement on a later S2 without removing the clam. This involved de-mounting the fan and dropping it into the recess and manipulating it around until the resistor pack faced outwards. Any ideas if this is true?
Another approach I'm considering is going back the the garage I bought it from. I think the fault already existed when I bought the car 3 1/2 months ago, and they included the WMS warranty, so maybe they will be helpful (they have a reputation for good customer service).
David
Edited by Billy69 on Wednesday 30th January 13:29
Edited by Billy69 on Wednesday 30th January 13:30
Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff