Dodge Durango Forum II

Waykul-AZDOC-Furious D 99 FR SLT 5.9 4X4
waykul@hotmail.com

A few months ago, I took my D back to the mechanic because replacing the T-stat and gasket did not take care of the nagging coolant smell.  After 2 days of searching, the mechanic found 3 bad freeze plugs (his term...FSM calls 'em "core plugs").  They called my service contract company and were told #1:  that part isn't covered, and #2:  they wouldn't have gone bad if the cooling system had been maintained properly.  

Well, upon the advice of John in NorCal and Mike in SoCal (thanx for all the advice guys!), I went to work writing a very well organized letter, along with full documentation, proving that the part WAS covered and that the cooling system WAS maintained BETTER than factory specs.

Fast forward to today.  Just got home and found a letter from the service contract company.  Quote:  

"We are in receipt of your letter dated May 1, 2003, regarding the freeze plug repair that was performed on your vehicle.  Our findings are as follows:  We would like to apologize for any inconvenience that has been caused and thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.   As your letter states, the freeze plugs or core plugs are covered under the terms of the service agreement.  We will be issuing reimbursement in the amount of $379.65 within 7 - 10 business days."

Lesson learned:  Read and understand your service agreement.  Go over the bill from the mechanic and check his terminology against the FSM...make sure he specifies the part by it's correct name.  Keep all documentation of service and repairs performed.  And, if you're sure you are right, and you can prove it, it pays to fight back!

Best part?  This reimbursement is just a few dollars off the cost of my lodging at DRMR.  Woo-hoo!  Hot-diggity-dog!  (No offense, Tyrone. ;)  

Thanks for listening, and for the help.  DOC comes through again!

-Angela :)