| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Jim C | Dan, I was reading the response you made to prowling alaska's topic on ball joint failure, about checking the color of the boot is the Boot a different color or just check for fading or cracks. Reason for my asking this question is,I had just taken my prowler in for recall 2 weeks ago to Ontario Chrysler and Jeep Dealership, Ontario, Ca. I got there at 7:00 in the morning and was the first person to be taken care of by the service rep, other cars then started parking for service behind mine. To make a Long story short, I was told by the service rep that it would be a couple of hours before they could get to my car and that it was a 2 hour job, so He told me it would could be ready about 12:00, I came back at 12:00 and the car was still parked in the same spot other cars that had been parked behind mine were gone and others in there place. The service rep had just walked out of the office and told me they have not yet had time to get to it. before I left I saw the plastic sheeting I suppose they use for the seat, had been placed between my drivers side wiper blade and a fresh paper floor mat yet unstained by foot prints. I thanked the rep and said I would call around 5:00 to check if it would be ready. So at 5:00 I called back and talked to another rep since the rep I was originally dealing with had left and asked if the car was ready, he checked the computer and said it was and that I could pick it up at any time. when I returned to the Dealership the car appeared to be in the exact same place the plastic sheeting still between the wiper blade and the floor mat with no foot prints. I then walked into the service office and asked if the car was truly worked on, and his response was Yes. I sure hope they truly did the recall. This message has been edited by Jim C on 07-12-2005 at 02:16 PM |
| obi-wan | Hear's an easy way to check this out. Take a small mirror and look at the part no. on the bottom of the lower cover of the ball joint under the lower A-arm. This no. will be easily seen. There will be a letter "X" in it if it is the upgrade one. If there's no letter X call your dealer and raise holly &##* with them. Then call the Chrysler hot line and do the same thing. There's just no excuse for this-your safety is at stake!!!!!! Need I say more. Hope this helps,
Obi-Wan
o-yes---if they didn't do it right be sure and post it here! |
| Thunder | That's weird......kinda disrespectful also. I would look hard around A arms etc. for signs of recent work. I would also do what Obi suggests. This message has been edited by Thunder on 07-12-2005 at 11:35 AM |
| pumpkin | Not right, could you not ask to see the old ball joints they took out. Really don't think they would have some left over from another car. |
| Jim C | Obi,
Thanks I will check for the "x" tonight. I just have this gut feeling it wasn't done.If it hasn't been done I hope at least they owe up to it and at least do it with out any harassment, I really don't like dealing with Dealerships on any thing. |
| dpena | JimC, Obi-Wan is the man to take advice on this. He is SAE and has worked on exotics and has tons of experiance on car design. One thing I remember from the ball joint days some dealers did not have the proper tooling to do the removal and reinstall of the ball joint. They did not want to spend the big bucks for this tool. For one ask them to show you the tooling they did it with. If they do not come up with it, there is something fishy going on. Here you see the proper tools for the correct removal of the lower A arm ball joints. 
Later..
This message has been edited by dpena on 07-12-2005 at 01:01 PM |
| Jim C | Thanks Dan, will keep all of you posted on what I find out.
Sorry I called you Dave on the first post. It would be nice if at least on the member profile they would allow every body to list there true names. This message has been edited by Jim C on 07-12-2005 at 01:26 PM |
| Mike Krehel | quote:
Originally posted by Jim C:
It would be nice if at least on the member profile they would allow every body to list there true names.
You can see a list of real names crossed to usernames in the Owners Registry. ------------------
Mike Krehel
ProwlerOnline.com
 |
| RPL | If they did not complete the work, report it to DCX at 1-800-992-1997 immediately. The best time is Tuesday through Thursday between 9:00 and 11:00 EDT or 2:00 to 4:00. This should minimize your wait time. Ask that a DCX representative inspect your vehicle to validate that the work was completed. Also, file with NHSTA via their website. |
| Jim C | Thanks RPL... |
| chasmccart | What years are included in the recall?  I have an 01 Plymouth and have no clue if the recall was done. I will check tomorrow with the mirror for the "x".Charlie |
| Marty Usher | All Prowlers were recalled |
| chasmccart | Thanks Marty. I have to find a good dealer around here that can do the recall. |
| Larry Lord | Jim,
You took your car to the best service department in SoCal. The recall was done by the best Prowler tech on the West Coast. He didn't do any damage, didn't get your car dirty and didn't take any of his friends out with him for a test drive.
And you're worried?Add to that the fact that only a complete fool would tell you he did a recall and not actually perform the work. Relax my friend, take a deep breath, you are in good hands. FYI,,, The service departmant at Ontario Chrysler parks every Prowler they service right in front of the service writer's office and you will always find yours in that spot when it's there for service. They do this to insure that nobody messes with the cars and so they can keep a very close eye on them. If you had asked to see the old parts, John would have been happy to show them to you. You didn't so he didn't. This message has been edited by Larry Lord on 07-12-2005 at 10:19 PM |
| Kraut | I also did not know about the "X" number marked on the ball joints, as Obi-Wan pointed out. Out of curiosity, I checked for the numbers on my car. There it was, an "X" as the first character, just as described. Thanks for the info Obi-Wan. The expertise on this site never ceases to amaze me.
By the way, the number can be easily seen as a reflection on the inside of the wheel rim, if you have chrome wheels.
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| Jim C | Sorry All, for over reacting, the work had been completed and Obi, your where right about the "X",if anybody is interested the number was X53015 marked with a etching pen and the ball joint assembly defiantly looked new and like Larry said no marks and a clean job. Larry, the only time I talked John was when I had called to make an appointment and had asked to talk with him. He just told me that they don't make appointments, and to bring it in any time. Oh! and as you said, the Prowler was parked in front of the service office. the Service Rep I dealt with name was Cal don't remember his last name, for all I know, it could have been completed when I went back the first time at 12:00 noon to check if it was done because it was in that exact spot when I went back at around 5:30 anyway all is done and I truly apologize for not having faith. This message has been edited by Jim C on 07-15-2005 at 07:01 AM |
| RPL | Now you know, better safe than sorry. You know that they did what they said they would and did a good job. Others will know what to look for to ensure that they have the proper joints in place. Thanks for acknowledging that the dealer did indeed perform. This is the only way for others to be able to identify the good dealerships from the mediocre. |
| Jim C | Thanks RPL and again Sorry Larry... |
| chasmccart | Checked the ball joints today and they have an "X". I guess the recall was done. |
