coloradosubarules Posted January 10, 2005 Share Posted January 10, 2005 I was at the Palm Bay Florida Subaru dealership today ordering a part for the Roo when one opf the techs walks over to order a part from the parts manager. I figure while we are both waiting I will ask hiom some questions. ME: "My power light is blinking 16 times, what does this mean?" Tech: "Do you know how long I have been working on Subarus? Nothing like having your question answered with a question... ME: "How do you diagnose the illuminated check engine light on a first gen legacy?" Tech: ":-\........................uhhh I have only been here for about a year." Shouldn't Subaru tech's know these things??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowman Posted January 10, 2005 Share Posted January 10, 2005 That's pretty sad. Those are things that you would look up in the FSM to verify in most cases, but any manufacturer's certification test should include basic things like the procedure for diagnosing a CEL. The blinking light is slightly more forgivable I guess... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SevenSisters Posted January 10, 2005 Share Posted January 10, 2005 I've had techs help me and I've had techs tell me I couldn't change the O2 sensor my self. They're just like everyone else. May be the guy just ran the alignment rack. A good driveability tech would have known the answer but may not have told you. A decent tech is going to make $80K per year. If they tell everyone how to fix their own cars, they make nothing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skeet Posted January 10, 2005 Share Posted January 10, 2005 I'd probably remember less about fixing stuff if I had every FSM available at any given moment. Thats just me though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coloradosubarules Posted January 11, 2005 Author Share Posted January 11, 2005 I think the number of miles on my car intimidated him. He's thinking...."his car is never going to break anyways." It's a good sign to see only 2 cars in the service area being repaired and none waiting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gnuman Posted January 11, 2005 Share Posted January 11, 2005 I think the number of miles on my car intimidated him. He's thinking...."his car is never going to break anyways." It's a good sign to see only 2 cars in the service area being repaired and none waiting. The stealership I went to a couple of times is a combination Ford/Subaru dealership. . . The times I have been in the service area I have counted 3x the Fords as Subarus. . . I suspect that the Roos were in there for Scheduled Maint. . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spazz698 Posted January 11, 2005 Share Posted January 11, 2005 fords = cheap. ford parts= even cheaper. What does that mean? They break easily and this is how I make easy money, charge half the shops do and still make a profit lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frag Posted January 11, 2005 Share Posted January 11, 2005 I usually go to the dealer (Scotti Subaru in Montreal) just for parts. But once in a while I need more help and the service manager and one mechanic there (Thierry) really go out of their way to help me even though they know I do most of the repairs myself. I have a good relationship with the parts guy also (Joe Bomben). Last time I needed them is when I had a vibration over 100Kmh and I coud'nt find the cause. This mec came with me for a drive. Took close to half an hour and they did'nt charge me anything. About one in every three times I go there I make a short walk to the garage and ask Thierry a question or two. He has always been willing to answer them to the best of his knowledge. When I had the Loyale, it was him who replaced the right front bearing while accepting to let me look on and aswering all my questions while he was working. Probably an exception but worth mentionning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted January 11, 2005 Share Posted January 11, 2005 Well, for sure his answers were pathetic. Not knowing the answer to all the odd questions that DIY'ers like us come up with is okay. But he should know how to find out. I work as a printer/computer tech and I never shrug off questions. But sometimes it just takes a while to find the answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesbaru Posted January 12, 2005 Share Posted January 12, 2005 Ya just gotta be willing to say, "I don't know the answer to that, but let me get you someone who can help." Or something like that. Diplomacy always seems to work better than, "Uhhh I've only worked here for a year." (I've tried both approaches in my jobs.... hee hee! It was the difference between looking dumb, and looking dumb but helpful.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subie Gal Posted January 12, 2005 Share Posted January 12, 2005 actually most dealerships i've been at/worked for/gone to.... employ only 1-2 techs which specialize in the CEL/electrical issues... most of the 'other' techs do not delve into electronics... thus the lack of knowledge *shrug* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coloradosubarules Posted January 12, 2005 Author Share Posted January 12, 2005 The parts manager says, "I have been with Subaru eleven years." I asked, "what kind of roo do you drive?" and he said "I drive fords" I then said "It must kill you to stare at dependable cars all day." I know it was kinda cruel but the picture of his Ponticrap on his desk and the stupid tech just p1ssed me off. Thank god I work on my own car. If not I would have to tow my car 45 minutes south of me. I told my wife that the tech should just give me his shirt and go home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gnuman Posted January 12, 2005 Share Posted January 12, 2005 Ya just gotta be willing to say, "I don't know the answer to that, but let me get you someone who can help." Or something like that. Diplomacy always seems to work better than, "Uhhh I've only worked here for a year." (I've tried both approaches in my jobs.... hee hee! It was the difference between looking dumb, and looking dumb but helpful.) No, only one of those answers is dumb. "I do not know the answer right off hand, but I can find it" is always the best answer to a question you do not know the answer to. . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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