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Dealer calls- Free Fuel Gauge replacement?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by synth19, Oct 4, 2011.

  1. synth19

    synth19 Junior Member

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    my dealer called me today and asked if I was interested in bringing my car in for a free fuel gauge replacement. He said it wasn't a recall, but if I did it, I would also get a free $100 gift card. Does anyone know what this is about? I have searched, and couldn't find any related topics. Thanks,
     
    #1 synth19, Oct 4, 2011
  2. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    First I have heard of this. If you go and find out any more please let us know.

    I am at 35000 miles and taking mine in Friday for one final review of some open TSB's before basic warranty expires.
     
    #2 jdcollins5, Oct 4, 2011
  3. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I don't know, my "Sleaze-O-Meter" is pegged. Call me cynical, but 'Come on In for a free fuel gauge replacement and we'll give you a 100 dollars" sounds too good to be true. How about they keep the fuel guage and you just swing by for the 100 dollar gift card?

    If my fuel gauge didn't need replacing, and it's not part of a recall, I certainly wouldn't replace it....and I can't think of any legitimate business practice or model that would support giving them away for free along with gift cards.

    Maybe there's a customary "labor charge" for installation? I don't trust a you're getting something for free deal.
     
    #3 The Electric Me, Oct 4, 2011
  4. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    Sounds like a scam to me...
     
    #4 firepa63, Oct 4, 2011
  5. Teakwood

    Teakwood Member

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    So, go get your $100. If he gives you any static, threaten to sue.
     
    #5 Teakwood, Oct 4, 2011
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    that is an odd one! did you ask him why? is your gauge broken? that's one part of the car i have not seen any problems with.
     
    #6 bisco, Oct 4, 2011
  7. macman408

    macman408 Electron Guidance Counselor

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    In keeping with the sleaze-fest we're imagining here - maybe he needs more business, figures extra (but unneeded) warranty work will do the trick, and the fuel gauge pays the most relative to the actual work he has to do? Plus, assuming the $100 gift card is to the service department, that guarantees him more work in the future, at undoubtedly nicely-marked-up rates.

    Hopefully he has a better answer for you than that, or maybe you misunderstood what he was offering.
     
    #7 macman408, Oct 5, 2011
  8. liskipper

    liskipper Member

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    It does have a high possible sleeze factor. This is the only fuel related TSB I found:

    2010 Toyota Prius Fuel System, Other Service Bulletin 276747

    NHTSA: Action Number: 10038958 Service Bulletin Number: 276747
    • Report Date:
      Apr 07, 2011
    • Component:
      Fuel System, Other
    Summary: Toyota: the charcoal cansiter is updated to fix a malfunction light that is on with a stored trouble code. *rm
     
    #8 liskipper, Oct 7, 2011
  9. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Dealers do unneeded TSB work to make extra profit, and the $100 comes from somewhere else. They're going to claim on warranty work order that the malfunction light was on when it isn't. Happens more often than you think, even Lexus dealers do it all the time.
     
    #9 32kcolors, Oct 7, 2011
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i wonder if synth ever found out.
     
    #10 bisco, Oct 7, 2011
  11. J5A

    J5A Active Member

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    Let sleeping dogs lie.
     
    #11 J5A, Oct 7, 2011
  12. synth19

    synth19 Junior Member

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    Sorry guys for not updating, I'm going to email the service manager today to get more details exactly what this is about and go from there. Also, the $100 gift Certificate is for a VISA card IIRC, not a card for their dealership.
     
    #12 synth19, Oct 13, 2011
  13. synth19

    synth19 Junior Member

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    Here is the response from the Service Manager:

    Hello,
    The replacement is not “necessary”. The Toyota engineering staff will do random parts recoveries on different components of certain year and model Toyota vehicles to make sure the parts are holding up to their expectations, it is a part of their quality control system. If you had concerns I wish you would have raised them earlier. If you do not wish to get the $100.00 gift card we can find someone else that does, I understand if you do not want to participate in this program. It is not often that you are offered “something” for “nothing”. XXXX just thought you would be a good candidate. If you truly do not wish to participate please let me know and we will go to the next name on our list. Let me know as soon as possible.

    Thank you in advance for giving us the opportunity to service your vehicle.
    Best regards,
     
    #13 synth19, Oct 13, 2011
  14. tumbleweed

    tumbleweed Senior Member

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    Thanks for the update Synth19. Personally, I would steer clear of that "good deal", no telling what kind of damage they might do while fixing something that isn't broke.
     
    #14 tumbleweed, Oct 13, 2011
  15. paprius4030

    paprius4030 My first Prius

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    Sort of a snity reply. I think I'd find another dealer
     
    #15 paprius4030, Oct 13, 2011
  16. Troyroy

    Troyroy Member

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    Maybe Toyota is trying to get the gas gage to work properly.....do away with the 2 MPG difference when you compare the obd reading to actual mileage.

    I would go for it......if you have had good service from this shop in the past.
     
    #16 Troyroy, Oct 13, 2011
  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    scam, go to the next name on the list. thanks for following up!
     
    #17 bisco, Oct 13, 2011
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