Audi From HELL...DEALER STUMPED!! (Part 1 - Charging & Air Suspension MALFUNCTION)

This 2012 Audi Q7 Diesel has some WEIRD issues at only 105k miles.
Owner reached out almost 2 years ago because the local Audi Dealer could not figure out why the ALTERNATOR would not charge the battery.
THOUSANDS of DOLLARS were spent with no resolution.
I asked: does it charge in "Default" mode with the Communication wire unplugged?
Sure enough, the alternator puts out 14V just fine if it's "offline"!
Owner drove it like this for over a YEAR, but now wants to get it addressed because sometimes the Heated Seats and Steering Wheel refuse to turn ON.
Also, the Fancy AIR SUSPENSION System has a MALFUNCTION and is disabled...not good!
Let's see how deep of a EURO Rabbit Hole we get into this time...
LAUNCH X431 PRO3S+:
www.amazon.com/dp/B092894STV?...
TOPDON TC001 Thermal Camera:
www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7LMB22Q?...
Enjoy!
Ivan

[@bamboozled9120]

You know you are more knowledgeable when you get banned from a stealership.

[@pootthatbak2578]

It dont take much. Raise your voice about how they screwed you in the service dept in front of buying customers and youre out..been there too

[@edwardtabor77]

I was banned from a Kia dealer when I asked how many were in for engines and trannies. They had 4 of each in totes and boxes

[@SouthMainAuto]

Remove driver seat to check fuse... That sounds really convenient 🙄

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

*SOUTH MAIN AUTO* has entered the chat!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

HAH the Audi Master Technician likes to do things the "hard" way and collect more diag time! Test light at Pump and bidirectional control with scanner would have proved in 10 minutes that all fuses and relays were perfect without "disassembly of interior" lol! xD

[@SouthMainAuto]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics butt butt butt step 47 on the flowchart said to check the fuse with an ohm meter 🙄

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

@@SouthMainAuto "We have to tear your dash apart to check the wiring harness...10 hour job" UNREAL!!

[@cm-hw5ww]

Does Mrs O know you are trolling KZbin videos? 🤨

[@TonyRule]

*_"I don't want to get banned from another dealership..."_* Collect them and wear them as a Badge of Honour!

[@johnaclark1]

Until you need to buy parts for a repair...

[@robertsmith2956]

1st diagnosis to be banned from every state in the country..... Russia will never ban him, they know quality work.

[@robertsmith2956]

@@johnaclark1 you can still straw purchase a fuel pump.

[@stitchbmx]

Got to catch them all??? 😂😂

[@lvsqcsl]

He's already got banned from the local Honda? Dealership. He's as undaunted as can be.

[@jameswood9764]

The OOOO on the front of the Audi is the number of zeros you add to the repair bill!!!

[@gutsngorrrr]

Absolutely disgusting behaviour on the part of the Audi dealer, but unfortunately totally expected. Never go to a main dealer unless absolutely necessary.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

To buy a dealer only part.

[@deplorablelibertarian]

I've personally learned that being a master technician simply means reading the book from the manufacturer.... playbook QB's that don't think for themselves.

[@juancarlosmorales6775]

If you pay with a credit card that stand behind you, you can dispute the charges on grounds of "incomplete/not satisfied" work . The dealer will see their payment dissapear 😅

[@KStewart-th4sk]

@@juancarlosmorales6775 There's enough dishonest customers doing crap like that let alone stealership antics.

[@rexberttechnica6702]

This makes my blood boil! I'm a master dealer tech, have been for 20 years, and this makes all of us look bad. This is inexcusable. I can't stand garbage workmanship. If a customer spends several hours diagnostic, damn sure better stand behind the diagnostic. I watch your channel do to the interesting case studies. Great content.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Are you at a dealership? 🤔 *EDIT* I just reread your post that you said you are a master dealership tech.

[@enzop.3227]

I hear you brother.

[@weldingjunkie]

Lots of master dealer techs can’t diag. They don’t even use a scope on most complicated issues. They problem solve off therepetitiveness of same repairs. To be clear I’m not saying that this is you, just a known fact about most. People can test well with ASE but doesn’t always equate to hands on work and or problem solving skills. Many many dealerships especially Euro. Our bmw techs can’t diag modules unless they are totally toast

[@rexberttechnica6702]

@weldingjunkie I work for Toyota, and you have to be able to look beyond the service manual diagnostic procedure. You have to think about how it works, and test beyond that, Many times in the service manual, It will get to a part that tells you to try a known good.... Or replace the PCM. As if we have 50 pre-programmed PCMs just lying around.

[@weldingjunkie]

@@rexberttechnica6702 that’s rare in a branded dealership. What scope are you guys using there? I assume it’s pico what one do they give you?

[@billjohnson2000]

When you said: “You won’t believe what I found”, I immediately said: “Yes I will”! My blood pressure was skyrocketing too because I’ve had so many of these “dealer debacles” and I know EXACTLY how you were feeling during the process. The moral to the story (as you said) and I’ve been advising folks for 50 years…..stay out of car dealerships, and there is no such thing as a “Master Tech”.

[@Turbo_Q]

Lookthere’s a lot of bad dealers out there. But I’ve been in the shop with a true master tech and diagnostician. They exist and they are awesome.

[@SK-2ill]

​@@Turbo_Qbut not at the dealer. Dealers want people to work for free. Masters do not work for free.

[@bobcoats2708]

@@Turbo_QThey still exist, but good luck finding one. The rest are one step removed from Jiffy Lube.

[@LesReeves]

@@SK-2ill If you go to their one/two day courses you too can call yourself a MASTER TECH.

[@paulsz6194]

@@LesReevesir you can Prove you can change the oil & filter , and do a wheel rotation without cross-threading any of the nuts & bolts, you surely deserve to be a master tech! Oh, and not forgetting to reset the service light as well…😂

[@pookatim]

This is becoming a real issue. We are seeing unavailable parts as well as inexperienced techs at dealerships and now technician "rules" that do not allow proper diagnostics. It is almost like they don't want people to be able to fix older cars. Hmmmmm?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

100%!!

[@robertsmith2956]

Slap a ford emblem on the front, and drive it to canada so that dealer tech with the cam phase problem can look at it. 🤗

[@aday1637]

or new ones for that matter.

[@dmurf4156]

Exactly what manufacturers are driving at! It seems like a conspiracy at this point. So called “Authorized” repair like Apple,Samsung,Auto dealers ect ect, the list is growing fast, make it almost impossible to to make money because you must replace the whole system to cover their ass, besides that refusing to to use aftermarket parts to fix something when the OE stops making them or disabling a certain product functions like Apple does is madding…I think anyone repairing anything, especially cars and have channels like South Main Auto and Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostic should really harp on this subject more because it’s getting to the point that our ability to do our jobs will be more difficult than it already is….

[@markbreman]

Someone should take these dealerships to court, nothing else will stop them screwing customers over and over again.

[@clintprice2123]

Dealers are just parts replacers.

[@sassasins031]

Company policy.

[@dcomputers]

That's what they are told to do. It's basically saying if your engine is rod bearing is worn they will say replace engine. They could care less to drop the pan and install bearings . If your harness is slightly melted or has an open they are told to replace whole harness. When you could just cut the open on the harness for zero cost

[@Columbus1152]

What have we learned? Don't buy an over engineered euro car, >100K on the clock and they become a money pit.

[@dublindave5795]

There is a reason that the depreciation level is so high in the first 2 years of ownership.

[@rkan2]

Good thing my Audi only cost 50k 20 years ago and I fix it myself. :D

[@theGADGETSplaylist]

I'm in my 70's with 55 yrs of shade tree experience learned a long time ago, the hard way, to not enter a dealership's door even when you think they're the only ones with the knowledge and tools to help you out...NOT

[@michaelpairidis7382]

Ivan you won’t believe how good VCDS is. Obviously you can use it on all VAG vehicles. These Audi Q7’s are an electrical nightmare even from countries where it never snows. A starter motor is a four hour job! As far as the Audi master tech goes, it’s true that they follow a repair process suited for millionaires. Everything that looks it’s age must be replaced before they go further. Most master techs at Audi couldn’t tell shit from clay. One thing I can guarantee is that VCDS will change your life. It lets you get 95% as deep as Audi scanning tools. I have one now that starts in the morning fine but after driving 10min won’t start. It cranks very slow as if it has a dead battery. Let it cool and it fires up. Has had new Varta battery, new Bosch starter, new genuine alternator and the problem is still here. When car would not start scanner showed charge rate 6.15v but the old alternator works and charges fine. Go figure. Already repaired ECM as would not send signal to starter. This poor customer gets the car fixed and two weeks later another problem. They are trying to sell it but can’t get it to work. This year 11k repairs and still going. Can’t wait to see the outcome. Now I know Satan does exist in many forms😂😂😂

[@johnkirkham4579]

Four hours and the rest I doubt that Audi would only want to charge four hours ,it took my friend who did it for me two days

[@dustcommander100]

Took my dad's 2011 Buick to the dealer because the self-level system ran the compressor all the time and killed the battery. Diagnosis fee was $188, and they said they WOULD NOT REPAIR IT, because the ride height sensor was bad, no longer available, and they WILL NOT use aftermarket sensors. So it fell to me to do something. I felt like the control module might be bad, because I verified the output of the sensor changed when I put the fuse back in and the pump ran. I put a toggle switch and pressure gauge in the trunk, so I could see the pressure and control the pump. These unnecessary gadgets are nothing but trouble and expense, but my dad loves them.

[@wadet73]

Same thing happened way back in 1984. We had a 79 Buick Estate Wagon and on vacation when the rear leveling system got stuck (probably from constant adjustment due to luggage). The morning after we arrived at the cabin, went outside and the Buick looked like it was raked up like a hotrod. Well it did have an Olds 403 v8, but I digress. Anyway after reading the manual (novel concept I know) we found the Schrader valve to release the pressure and leveled it back out. Just a 📝 memory that you video helped recall. Later Ivan

[@deplorablelibertarian]

I always wondered why manufacturers started making cars so 'smart'. It's not like they care about ease of use for consumers...it's like it has to do with money.

[@aday1637]

I once mounted a household light switch and box on a buddies foreign car to get the a/c to work. He eventually replaced it with the OEM in order to sell the car. But it worked. The frustration of the way many devices have over-complicated is mind numbing. Even windows operating systems are not as good as they once were. Nothing is working anymore due to the built in BS.

[@LesReeves]

@@deplorablelibertarian Build cost per unit that is all it comes down to.

[@norris.7670]

That's why we call them stealers. 👹

[@mikefoehr235]

Stealership

[@mgherter]

I measure time by the color of Ivan's thumbnail.

[@lvsqcsl]

I am just going to say this: IF you repair this car by tightening a loose ground, those "master technicians" at the Audi dealership are not very good. As you stated, you have been banned from another dealership (I can't remember if it is the Honda dealership or not.) and I hope you aren't asked to take this video down. (You did show the invoices for payment.) I do remember and older video you titled, "How some people make money." Or some such. Seems like that happened to a friend of a relative. GREAT VIDEO!

[@johnkirkham4579]

Hi Ivan I am a British DIYer running a 2008 Q7 with 120,000 miles and generally take care of most things myself unfortunately recent ill health caused me to have a number of visits to various hospitals where I parked up and returned to the car after the visitant the car would not crank just a click I asked another person parking if they could allow me to jump start off their car I always carry jump leads then I went back to my car and it started without the the jump so I thanked them and went on my way.This happened again on a number of visits to various different hospitals and each time I managed to get a jump start from other visitors I never had any trouble starting the car anywhere else but hospitals.Then eventually it did do it when I was fortunately at a friends place who was a car restorer so was able to give me a start and off I went home and it never started again with or without a jump so i decided it has to be the starter motor gone bad so I bought a replacement and found out what kind of a job it was to replace well it's a cow and due to my health problems I asked my friend if he could do it for me which he gladly (for me)did unfortunately after fitting the new starter the problem still existed, by the way you probably know how difficult it is to get to the terminals on the starter to check anything but he managed to get a meter in and found it was only getting four volts at the starter we eventually found the problem was at the jump start connecter under the bonnet here there are two large cables that connect at that point that are held together by the screw that holds the jump connecter this connection had come loose so there was little current going to the starter and vice versa little current going from the alternator to the battery which also explained a problem I was having with poor battery. I don't know if this has anything to do with the problem you are having but I thought it might alert you to a weak link in the electrical charging system on the Q7 cars.Sorry its a bit of a saga

[@deniscarr469]

You know the mantra. TEST DON'T GUESS!. Could have saved yourself the cost of a replacement starter. That wasn't cheap I'll bet.

[@nestortreeface2905]

@@deniscarr469 hee hee quoting Eric O on Ivans channel. lol

[@stevebootman7435]

We had loads of faults on our Q3 due to two faulty abs sensors which retail at £25.00 each but the dealer charged over £500.00 to replace them and clear the codes, so I have invested in a obd1 scanner, once bitten never again 🤔

[@johnkirkham4579]

@@deniscarr469 I couldn't agree more but as I said in my post its practically impossible to get to the starter connecters to test any thing and it was showing all the signs of a starter that had just packed in. The cost of the starter wasn't too bad it was the £500 I gladly gave to my friend for doing the job for me that hurt a bit when none of it was necessary and let me tell you it's an absolute pig of a job to do so many thanks to my friend

[@catfishsnagger3284]

This is why I never go to the dealer. They just replace parts and you pay whether the car is fixed or not. That's a bunch of BS.

[@lieutenantdan8170]

I recently had to deal with a intermittent "reduced engine power" issue on 3.8 grand prix would mostly happen when very humid. Knew better than to fire parts cannon from watching your videos and after verifying no damaged wires with wiggle tests i started attacking all the connectors and lo and behold a grey connector by the drivers side strut tower that connects the pedal to the throttle body was full of condensation, no green crusties yet but i brake cleaned and blew out with air the connector and put dialectic grease on the gasket and no issue since.

[@michaelkrenzer3296]

Knowing that exact connector well, the water is almost certainly coming in from back side (wire side) of the connector instead of the labyrinth seal between the two sides of the connector. Seal that up (oddly difficult) and it won't happen again.

[@lieutenantdan8170]

@@michaelkrenzer3296 Will do thanks for the tip

[@billsmith5166]

Just like going to the hospital.

[@LivingTheDream77]

Exactly.

[@robertsmith2956]

Yea, even after the diagnosis they wouldn't let me have the old parts, or the xrays. I remember as a kid I would ask for the hemostats when they are done, and get them.

[@arcadeuk]

How do people in America pay so much money to the dealerships to NOT fix the problem? I've had instances where a dealership here in the UK has tried to charge me to not fix the problem, and I have disputed it until the charges were dropped. I can't believe the dealer charged you $600 just to write you a $4000 estimate, without even testing anything

[@aaronkoivu]

Flat rate technician pay system at the dealership, $165 dealer charge the customer BUT flat rate technician gets $35 of the $165 per hour, that’s the problem with this system, the front desk/service advisor/owner is making all the money is eg $130 per hour for doing nothing but talk to the customer, technician has to diagnose this European trash vehicle with all the headaches from Audi USA diagnostics procedures in place. Technician has to follow a diagnostic flow chart, if green wire found at air ride pump, Audi USA with tell technician wiring harness and pump needs replacement end of story, it’s their way or you take the car and go somewhere else

[@anonymuswere]

you mean besides the uniquely US notion that "everything is for profit"?

[@zeropointenergy1574]

@@anonymuswere You think that business for profit is only in America? Laughable.

[@TonyRule]

@@anonymuswere That's the notion the world over, even here in little old New Zealand.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

They won't give you the keys back until you pay the bill in FULL!

[@Straaker]

Geeez if someone had mentioned they had a coolant leak in their alternator earlier this morning I would have looked at them kind of funny because I’ve never heard of a water cooled alternator. Just another point of failure. I learn something new every day!

[@CheezeCracker]

You can probably thank BMW for this BS, first time I heard about it was on a E38 740i (94-01 gen). The 540i also had the same system.

[@thirzapeevey2395]

Coolant in an electrical component sounds like a great idea...

[@CheezeCracker]

@@thirzapeevey2395 Guess EVs are out of the question for you 😆

[@major__kong]

Well, the engine is water cooled. I guess that's just another point of failure, too. Not sure what drove them to do that, but it could be because of if higher electrical loads in modern cars. Liquid cooling is a lot more effective than air cooling. Many CPUs and GPUs in computers are now liquid cooled because of the amount of heat being generated. Look up "heat pipe".

[@thirzapeevey2395]

@@CheezeCracker EVs were already out of the question for me. I don't like children being enslaved to mine minerals for the batteries. I don't want those batteries charging in or near my house. I don't want to have to rewire my house for the charger. I don't want a car that catches fire if it gets wet. I don't want the extra weight, which is literally breaking down parking garages. I'm more likely to pull a 40 year old junker out of the woods and put it back on the road than I am to buy an EV.

[@phillipwilson6781]

I had an audi someone installed wrong alternator and caused lin bus to stay awake. Would keep gateway awake and run battery down.

[@davidchandler9260]

“Master Tevhnician” that can only follow a plan… sorry but only following a flow chart guide make them a unskilled mechanic - a technician can think and act for themselves.

[@robertsmith2956]

Needed to ask him what type of scope and how many channels he used testing the fuse under the drivers seat.

[@johnt.848]

Only when self employed, otherwise they do as told.

[@jdesaavedra0432]

My last supervisor at myj ob was German-born and raised. She said AUDI stood for Auto Union Junk.

[@SeilerRdAutoCare]

Had a couple experiences like this when I was younger. It was the exact reason I decided to start buying my own tools, the repair manuals, and learning to work on my own cars. That turned into a lifelong hobby/sidehustle. Now we’re doing LS swaps, and reworking harnesses, and all kinds of fun stuff lol. The only way I’m taking a car in for a repair these days is if it happens to be under warranty lol

[@robertsmith2956]

Even then I am leery. They replaced the water temp sensor, and the next morning I found the part box behind the throttle body. At least I know they used OEM part. LOL

[@johnmilner6484]

Its an Audi.."Well there's your problem lady"(channeling Eric O)

[@RideBikes_Walkplaces]

I would have gone absolutely ballistic about that 600 dollar diagnosis. What a fuckin piss take.

[@jianbinchen2881]

they can refund half if u complaint enough.

[@molsky13]

What blows my mind is how a dealer can charge for not fixing the car 🤬

[@robertsmith2956]

It costs money to break what was working.

[@ExhaustCraft1968]

Hey Ivan, They are no better over here in the UK. I run a muffler shop here. I had a guy in one day for a repair. Like you, his BMW had been at the local dealership three times, He was given large invoices and still not fixed. Every winter, the windows would drop after shutting the doors instead of staying up. Had the local VW dealership summon me a couple of weeks ago. They are only five miles from me, and Their master tech couldn't get one of the lambda sensors out of the exhaust on a Tiguan. I was asked If I could do it. Wow, I thought, so simple, As you are often shaking your head as I do at these so-called experts. Shame we couldn't have an Ivan in the UK, It would be amazing If you could come over for a few weeks and do some fault finding here, What amazing content you could make, As you are so busy in the USA, probably never happen, All the best one of my favourite channel son YT

[@charlesadams41]

"I don't want to get banned from another dealership." 😅

[@candicebeebe6688]

Most if not all Dealers can call TECH support. At Chevrolet we called it the puzzle palace. You can talk to real Engineers. Also Chev keeps track of all the weird stuff / common stuff from around the Country. PS: If you're a great Tech you don't stay working for a Dealer Ship. You go start your own shop.

[@brianw8963]

Yep, car care nut is a good example of that.

[@BesprovolkiSvias]

I love the DIAGNOSIS at 17:00: "Something is not working". Brilliant. Precise and concise. Most amazing diag I have ever seen! This one deserves its own award named "Something is not working".

[@j.o.a.t9718]

Wrenching With Kenny had an episode where a lady bought a used Audi A7 (?). Ended up being a flood car from. She said she can't pay to have it fixed. Moral of the story, don't buy a car you can't afford to maintain. Hopefully this fellow can afford to maintain this thing.

[@crasher88]

I don't want to get banned from another dealership 🤣

[@Michaelfay441]

This a better saga with drama than days of our lives can't wait for part two ..at this rate make plans to be dealerless you gonna get banned all over ...love your content

[@happy543210]

Ivan, if you got scammed, just imagine a single woman who doesn't even know how many cylinders her engine has. When a dealership sees a woman drive in, they immediately start to salivate.

[@timd1833]

Dealer stumped? That doesn't surprise me!

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

AKA reached the end of the flowchart and don't have the experience to branch out on their own thoughts. Or, service advisor wants an money maker on his lift.

[@user-oz4vm2jp3h]

Tunnel vision and dont think outside the box

[@petepeabody8905]

Ivan, WOW this is a nightmare that is growing throughout the entire industry. If it wasn't for techs like you to give us a glimmer of hope and solid answers then we would all be taking it up the arse with little to no recourse. God bless you

[@major__kong]

I did all that. Bought a Think Tool Pros to add to my collection of tools. And then an intermittent transmission problem hit my truck. It wouldn't stay broken long enough for me to diagnose it. So after some research on the interwebs and taking the codes at their word, I threw a lead frame at my 6R80 transmission. If you read the diag tree, it could be PCM, TCM, connectors, harness, or lead frame. But to narrow it down, it has to stay broken. Having to guess was so frustrating given I like to prove something before diving in. That's why I watch this channel.

[@kenyoung5682]

Audis and Audi dealers are true gifts to society.

[@2nickles647]

Because of you and Eric O. I bought an upgrade scanner. As both of you said. It's a starting point of the diagnosis. Powers and grounds always. Fixed my brother Santa Fe, followed the powers and grounds. Replaced my crank sensor with a factory part. Had to wait a week. I'm working on a 08 Chevy. Replacement of the head and timing assembly. Fix some exhaust leaks after I get the major repair done. A 92' F150 waiting, crank no start, I have to drive 150 miles one way for the diagnosis. That's last for the repair. But I don't mind. I'm learning a lot. I'm not master of anything, no ASE bonified, master mechanic. Or Technician by any means. Wish me luck Ivan. I'm trudging ahead

[@r.weaver3769]

Dealer techs are not trained to diagnose problems, but to follow directions and generate income from parts cannon usage. My lesson was more expensive than yours, but the sad part is, these lessons will continue and people will sell for a different brand thinking somehow it will be different. Find a trustworthy independent shop.

[@jeffco908]

Thats the most incorrect statement ive ever read. Dealer techs have tons of training on how to diagnose complex issues. Its how the individual tech takes that training and applies it, some do it very well, some not at all. The rest fall in the middle somewhere. I cant count on both hands and feet how many times i have diagnosed another shops parts cannon failure. Now i am not saying im all that, i have gotten on the wrong diag path several times. Im smart enough to know when something is not adding up and grab a co worker for a second set of eyes. I have always said its not about knowing everything but it is about finding the information to get it done. I will also mention service repair bulletins are very helpful. Know where they originate from? Dealer techs that locate and document pattern failures to benefit not only other dealer techs, also the whole industry. So your welcome.

[@andrew62ish]

Audi......Always under diagnostic investigation 😅

[@donkaiser6704]

Sucks to be treated like that! Kudos for being stand-up about it with your customer.

[@neilmurphy845]

Those dealerships are absolutely hopeless glad I'm not the only one

[@glennfoster7288]

What a shame. Time for someone in the industry to address this problem. Lawyers maybe should get involved. That’s just not right borders on false accusations. Maybe even a scam. As a 60 year mechanic that ran his own business I would never charge for something I couldn’t fix .

[@brianw8963]

Holy crap, total insanity when it comes to stealerships. But I do have to thank them for convincing me to to spend the time and money and educating myself to work on all this crap. Still learning of course, but if I ever get in over my head, I know where to ship it to. 👍👍🇺🇸

[@chiluco2000]

Alternator with cooling lines: "There's your problem lady!"

[@snubbelbuff1471]

My personal experience with the local VAG dealer, which also is the agent for VAG in Sweden, is NEVER EVER GO THERE!!

[@glenharper3136]

Thanks for the video Ivan, Looking forward to part 2.

[@keithstarkweather3284]

Probably your best video yet!, Highly anticipated too since your mention in the tundra video.

[@coburn_karma]

Service advisors are the bane of dealerships. Should make every qualified technician, the advisor and tech.

[@unclefranj8460]

You're a good man - your tenacity and style are impressive!

[@clintprice2123]

A true master mechanic is self employed like Ivan and Eric 0, they use their ingenuity to solve problems and fix the issue many times with no parts required. A dealership doesn’t work that way. They on your dine will sell you everything they can but if it’s under warranty they can’t find the cause and hunt and peck looking. Ivan does many AMAZING repairs here. That dealer just embarrassed themselves in front of a huge audience.

[@JRS-iq9pz]

That's why we need more people like you that can find and repair problems correctly.

[@renegadea.i.5185]

Its getting worse than I could imagine. Guess its time to buy a scanner! Thank you for being so transparent Ivan, you're an inspiration.

[@robertsmith2956]

Get a bidirectional. Seeing the component has a response doesn't tell you it is doing it. You need to change the signal.

[@jackschissler255]

Poor Ivan. The things he has to go thru. But I do agree, the dealerships (all of them) just love to rip you off

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

That's why I despise dealerships! They're nothing but part changers and cause more problems than they fix! Thanks Ivan!

[@jeffco908]

That all depends on lots of factors. One really good one stands out to me when a local transmission shop "diagnosed" a Hummer H2 transmission problem. Sold the customer a full rebuild to the tune of over 4000 dollars Canadian(prob 10 or more years ago) Didnt fix concern. Brought it to me at the GM dealer i work at. Scanned it and right away grabbed my test light and tested ign1 power at ign switch, dim light. Quoted a 60 dollar ign switch, half hour diag and half hour repair. But ya i see your point, guess im the crook for charging him to fix his issue when another small shop already spent all his money on repairs not required. This is only one of many stories i have. Not all dealer techs are built the same and not all small shops are any better.

[@porky7753]

Speechless and waiting for part 2.

[@fieldsofomagh]

You're not a tech that easily gives up the diagnostic challenge. That's the reason people keep calling because they know you give 100% to fix their complaints. Have to admire your determination even when it bites you in the butt. That to me is the badge of greatness and I've been on this channel a long time.

[@rossmcd3703]

What an amazing message! To bad that this information will never reach most Canadians.

[@johnplump3760]

I have been watching foe a long while. No dealers!! I have trouble shot computers for many years. Sometimes you have to look for the obvious. You do a great job doing this!!

[@omnicode]

That dealership experience is....savage......Wow.

[@fixitman8028]

God bless you Ivan. You’re a good man who’s honest and trustworthy. Sadly hard to find. Keep doing what you are doing

[@KnoxHanks]

I like your videos, Ivan! It's educational to watch 🙂 I don't have any good experience with dealership shops. One time they broke the threads on the oil pan for the drainage bolt on a near factory new Skoda. The pan was aluminium and the bolt too. They probably used a power tool to tighten the bolt. They had the audacity to try to charge the cost of replacing the pan to me. After a heated exchange with the shop supervisor they admitted that they had caused this. After this I took care of the oil change myself and I promised myself to stay away from dealership shops.

[@odyshopody9387]

No.... Listen Ivan - I was an Audi master tech in the bay area at the dealer downtown San Francisco for 20 years, R8 certified the whole lot. There are no rules that because he found corrosion he has to follow a certain recommendation / troubleshoot route! - We were trained to diag. in a certain way but you at liberty to use your brain to find a solution as you see fit. He messed up. He failed to recognize that the connector wasn't fully connected and this caused him to burn time in a different direction, but he still should have realized that the connecter was essentially a broken wire. You should have been refunded and offered a job! Dealers take money - they don't give it out.

[@flatdaddio]

100% correct! You are better off buying a few tools, learning and diagnosing your car yourself!! I found that out after spending over $900 and have a shop tell me they don't know what's wrong. I ended up figuring it out myself!! I should have saved the money and did that from the start!! 😂 Can't wait to see what you find on this one!!

[@nestortreeface2905]

Ivan I salute your integrity on this one. You are willing to cover an expense caused by inadequate practices within the industry. You explained it as an expense to expect operating in your field. Information costs. Every challenge has wisdom and I really enjoy following you on each diagnosis you present. I've 'lurked' for a few years on your content but this comment was triggered by your natural acceptance of supporting your customer. It really is how it should be done. Keep learning. Keep sharing. You are making a difference.

[@drrm123]

Welcome to the VW AG. I have a 2012 VW CC that will never see a dealership’s repairs bays. I already bought my own scanner. Sure takes a lot to get you animated from all your videos I’ve watched. But this one sure had you upset. Service departments of dealers sure hate to return money. And never think anyone knows more than they do. LOL you don’t want to get banned from another dealership 😂😂😂😂. Keep up the great work and the videos coming, can’t wait to see how this one turns out. Still waiting for you to make a road trip to California.

[@jeffmiller6100]

Exactly why I walked away from My dealership Technicians Job in 2000. It's all about Profit.. Nothing Else. Great vid Will be interesting to see Your final Repairs

[@ginder77]

Just as an observation at the beginning of the video I noticed the rear wiper isn’t in the park position. I remember seeing a south main auto video where the rear wiper motor went bad and wouldn’t park which pulled one of the networks down or some other odd issue. Something to keep in mind Ivan. Keep up the great work and videos!

[@reneneron2971]

Did you pay by credit card? I would file a dispute.

[@pootthatbak2578]

I think if you read the tiny tiny small print on the back of the estimate, youll find out youre screwed. Stealerships have lawyers😮

[@reneneron2971]

@@pootthatbak2578no harm in trying. Fraud voids a contract.

[@baxrok2.]

Fiasco. Thanks Ivan!

[@imfloridano5448]

Remember this "Blame First, Apologize Later!!!😂🤣🤣😂 Works every tyme

[@vpimike2646]

Wow, I owned a 2014 VW TDI when the Diesel Scandal settlement was announced. The car ran so well that I was tempted to keep it despite the lucrative buy-back offer. But after reading about some of the complications and expenses associated with maintaining these cars, I decided to take the money. After seeing this, I am so thankful that I made the right choice.

[@quattrohead]

Me too, but a 2012 with around 80kmiles on it. It had some weird programming issues like the reverse camera would blank out if you went too fast, it would not change down gears on a left turn up hill until it almost stalled. Both of these were repeatable. Every few months, the drivers seat would be rammed all the way forward, never saw it happen....would it have crushed me ?? Also the XM radio sounded like a crap AM signal ripped from a rubbish MP3. But, it went like you know what off a shovel and had remarkable fuel economy. I did 711 miles on one tank of diesel in 11.5 hours non stop on a trip. I made money off VW for that one and now drive a 2014 Highlander with 230kmiles on it and EVERYTHING WORKS still, radar cruise control, lane departure, heated/cooled seats, radio sounds great.

[@grad0n]

My brother made the right choice to keep his 14 q7 tdi, get paid, get thousands in free service/replacement/updated parts. He has since removed the factory designed failure points and is running better than ever.

[@hufman9807]

Yellow wire was a "certified" audi repair

[@robertsmith2956]

I can see where you could plug that in wrong. 🙃 I would love to sit in a room with the nut who thought it would be great to have water inside an alternator.

[@davidclapham1066]

I feel your frustration brother, some of these places are absolutely shameless

[@robertwillingham8037]

I would like to preface my comments with 28 years of MB dealer, 10 as a foreman and now 8 years as a shop owner of tech experience. Ivan I am glad you may have a little diifferent perspective after the visit with the dealer tech. I understand that your channel was built around a no parts required approach / philoshiphy "low cost". This approach can be but isnt always the absolute best for both parties, the servicing facility and the owner. The aging euro cars were abandoned by the educated consumers due to high costs of ownership. The discussion ins't whether there charging to much it is are charging enough? If you and others IE Eric O are resolving issues that others cant then fair compensation is due. If you are offering premium service then there should be an expected cost associated with it. Food for thought and all the best!!

[@tomlombardo85]

Ivan, always love your videos and learn something every time. "Audi from hell" is near and dear to my heart. My daughter has two of them ! The second one is to drive while the first one in being repaired....🤦‍♂

[@mattburns2968]

They left that unplugged for a reason! Dont let them lie to you.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Sell another pump? 🤔

[@thirzapeevey2395]

Many years ago, a Honda dealership purposefully poked a huge hole in a friend's muffler during a 90,000 mile service. They saw a little old lady bring in a car, and figured she would never crawl under the car to look. I had been driving the car, and knew it hadn't had a problem, so I crawled under it to look. I saw an 1 1/4 hole in the end of the muffler with tool marks around it where they had bent the edges back with pliers. I took the car back to them and read them the riot act. The service manager would not meet my eyes, and tried to tell me that the only way they could tell if the muffler was bad was to take a sharp object and poke at it. It was an aluminum lifetime muffler. I told him that sharp object didn't bend the edges back to make the hole bigger. I thought he should have at least put a new muffler on for free, but my friend was too polite and wouldn't press him.

[@robertsmith2956]

@@dans_Learning_Curve Or a pump and air shocks if you drove it off the lot.

[@haroldhawkins9370]

Nice video Ivan.

[@Marcos-ri4he]

Right to repair ACT!!!!!

[@Skandalos]

You know it's current year when you need a boroscope to check the alternator on your car.

[@IBenZik]

This reminds me of a Honda shop I took my 750K-4 with leaking front shocks and they did a towel wipe repair. I had to change the front seals myself. And this was supposed to be warranty work.

[@wallebo]

I have a 1989 Honda Crx HF with over 377,000 miles on the odometer. It has never been to the stealership for just these reasons. I would be way past upset if I spent over 620 dollars for them to tell me that it would take another 4,000 to fix the problem. Naturally, after 35 years I would like to have a new car, but I don't want to feel as if I have no choice but to deal with the stealership. At least with my Honda I can fix it myself and have done so since it new.

[@franklaumen77]

😮 Need part 2 badly!!

[@hugh007]

Once had a pinion seal leak and took it to the dealer. They gave it back and vibrated like hell. Brought it back and they said my driveshaft was bent. Hundreds for that and a 10 day wait. Same condition. Knowing it didn't vibrate BEFORE the pinion seal change, I jacked up the rear, spun the wheels and saw the pinion moving in an ellipse. They must have hammered the pinion flange and bent it. I went back with evidence, left the car and they said it was tire balance. Good guys: no charge. Looking underneath there was a new pinion flange installed. No refunds for the new, long awaited, new driveshaft - they said "That was bad too"! Decades ago but I never go to a dealer.

[@karlkoenigstein4138]

I’m 5 minutes into this and I know this is gonna be a heckuva ride!

[@robertsmith2956]

Start with a lightbulb on the control module in the trunk......

[@lvsqcsl]

With the exception of changing the moisture absorber canister and I did need to change the rubber "springs" in the back after 30 years, the air suspension on the 'ol Marquis still operates like it should. I hope it continues.

[@marcokahny709]

Ivan watching you work on these newer problem cars makes me want to keep my 2000 Nissan quest until they don't make tires that fit it anymore 😂

[@TheFallenAngel13524]

Took my charger in for a loud noise that sounded like a high pitch exhaust brake only when it down shifted from 3rd to 2nd that would continue until you went back to 3rd or 1st. An hour later they told me they were unable to replicate. I argued for a bit and finally they sent the master tech to pick me up so i could drive it and replicate the sound. I got it to do the sound every single time it down shifted to 2nd. The guy kept saying he couldn't hear it and finally admitted he was hard of hearing and it's probably my after market exhaust. I was pretty pissed when i found out they had a guy going deaf trying to diagnose a sound issue who couldn't even hear something so loud it echo'd off of buildings.

[@Mr2004MCSS]

This video is a good reminder of why I have invested money to buy tools, service information, and subscribe to Scanner Danner's premium website and watch his videos, Ivan's, Eric O's and others to try and learn as much as possible so that I can do some of this stuff myself. Trying to find someone who knows what they are doing in trying to diagnose these more complicated vehicles is almost impossible for the average person. When you said that you were taking it to the dealer, I figured that it wouldn't have a good outcome. Looking forward to the next part of this saga.

[@tetttettamilli6761]

@Ivan - 😲😳 ...Just absolutely speechless. Drama like this - who needs reality TV....?! Can't wait for part-2.

[@gunnar1911]

As a TDI owner, VCDS is absolutely a must.

[@richard1835]

Thank you PHAD

[@Ronick-Q-46]

I gave up going to dealerships years ago, plus I would never buy an Audi or BMW. Sorted out a problem they couldn't, no surprise.

[@dieterschaub8765]

German Engineering from Hell...

[@wald-meister6705]

In Germany, no customer would pay the workshop twice for the same problem. If the problem occurs again or is not solved after the first workshop stay, then the workshop has to find and fix the problem the second time at its own expense.