Charged me $70 for a diagnostic test. Asked for another $209 for a deeper diagnostic test as they couldn't find out what was wrong with my BMW. Took it to The Real Mechanic in Fullerton and they found out the problem (Loose wire connection) within an hour and only charged me $40...
Kevin, I am sorry that we did not meet your expectations when your BMW was towed in for a no start condition. When it was towed in, you stated that you were in the middle of a turn lane when your car stalled and shifted into park, but once your car was jump started it shifted out of park. You approved a charging system test for $65.25, not a complete diagnostic assessment. Our charging system test covers the testing of the battery, alternator and a parasitic draw test. It is a finite test not an all-encompassing diagnostic. The ASE Certified Master Technician confirmed that the battery and alternator tested OK but there was an open wire (bad connection) between the alternator and battery circuit, as stated on your invoice, but we did not know specifically where it was that is why we asked for $209 for the additional testing. If you would have approved the testing and it took a short amount of time to identify and correct the issue like you said it did, we would have adjusted the cost of the testing accordingly, and if that was not explained we are sorry. We try to make the process as seamless as possible for our customers and streamline the testing. Yes, this may include the approval of expensive testing after the initial assessment, but that is so the technician can find and fix the concern without stopping to get additional approval. Like I tell my customers, I would much rather call you and tell you the final bill is less than what we thought, instead of calling and asking for the approval of additional charges.
- Yorba Linda Auto Service