posted 08-30-2002 02:57 PM                  

Should we just take it to another dealer? I've had others say that the same thing happened to their top and they got it replaced under warranty. I need help!!!!!!!

posted 08-30-2002 03:07 PM                    

I have a 2002 Prowler with only 98 miles on the OD. I put the top down (for the second time last week and when I raised it, viola, two small holes on the passenger side.

I plan on taking my car in on Monday for them to look at it.
Let me know what they tell you and I will do likewise. This should not be happening at 98, 2000 or 20,000 miles.

posted 08-30-2002 03:08 PM                  

I do not know how your purchase experience was, but the dealer did not show us how to do anything PROPERLY with the top or any other part of the car.

We had to figure everything out the by one of three methods:
1. the hard way (expensive)
2. from the manual (not for the males)
OR
3. from people here (the best way)

I would
1. try another dealer.
2. Call the area rep and see what the story is, maybe the dealer just does not want to do it.
3. Can you identify what it snagged on? This is a part that obviously needs to be fixed.

posted 08-30-2002 03:09 PM                    

Do I need to contact the regional rep or just take it to the dealer? I had planned on taking it to the closest dealer (they do not know of the top issue yet).

Thx,

posted 08-30-2002 03:13 PM                    

quote:

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Originally posted by purplecat:
We had to figure everything out the by one of three methods:
1. the hard way (expensive)
2. from the manual (not for the males)
OR
3. from people here (the best way)

---

I have been on this site since almost the begining and have had three prowlers. This has never been an issue till this car. Something snagged it from somewhere and put a 1/2" hole and pulled some threads out starting another hole.

I was EXTREMELY careful putting the tope down and raising it and use the straps EVERY time.

posted 08-30-2002 03:53 PM                  

If the holes are on the sides of the top, i.e., rearward from the driver or passenger window, then check this thread... http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/000116.html

I think most of the "old timers" have implemented this fix. Since you're kind of a newbie, you may have missed it. And many thanks to AlleyCat on this - without him, the Prowler world would be a less gratifying place.

posted 08-30-2002 04:35 PM                  

I don't know if this will lead anywhere, but it could be a knockout punch for you.

If you go to the "Garage" on the Home Page, there's a listing of "Service Bulletins". One of these relates to the top:

23-01-00 Convertible top damage 97-00 PR Provides preventative measures to avoid damaging top cover

You'll need to find out exactly what this bulletin is about - if it describes your problem, then it was a known problem. Even though your car is a 2001 (and the bulletin only goes through 2000) if it's the same problem, I would be surprised if you didn't win after showing them it was a known problem.

Let us know what happens.

posted 08-30-2002 05:00 PM                  

I just took my warranty out of the glove compartment (it's a 2000, so check yours just to make sure it's the same). First of all, the top is covered under warranty the same as any other part on the car (the only exception is tires, which are covered by Goodyear).

The dealer's statement "They got the word from headquarters that the tears were due to 'Improperly lifting the top'" doesn't sound like it relieves them of the warranty responsibility. You may want to see a lawyer on this, but a simple mistake (the same as any other rational person may make) does not rise to the level of "neglect" that they need to prove under the warranty, which reads as follows:
+++++++++++++
As the vehicle owner, you should also be aware that DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation may deny your warranty coverage if your vehicle or a part has failed due to abuse, neglect, improper maintenance or unapproved modifications.
+++++++++++++
Whatever you did (what exactly does the factory say you did, anyway?) doesn't sound to me like "neglect".

Good luck. I REALLY want to know how this one comes out.

-GRROWL

P.S. By the way, I didn't take out my extended warranty, but I do believe that it covers the top mechanism but not the cover. If the mechanism had a problem that produced a hole in the top, I would argue that the top was covered since it was caused by a warranteed item.

P.P.S. - Just in case you think I'm crazy (and I very well may be, but not in this area) search out the recent posts on tire problems where Chrysler and Goodyear were telling our members that "road hazards" were not covered. Guess what?

posted 08-30-2002 06:19 PM                    

quote:

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Originally posted by CJ:
Trey..........I would try the dealer route first and if you don't get any satisfaction from them, then I would call the Chrysler Customer Center and file a complaint. Also tell them you want to be put in contact with your local Zone Service Rep. Their number is 800.992.1997.

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Thanks CJ!!!! I know I can always count on you for the right answer.

Will let you know what transpires on Tuesday (forgot, Monday is a holiday).