Why I Quit working at the Ford Dealership

[@RussShawTV]

I hope these BLIND DEALERSHIPS are listening! SO MANY SKILLED PEOPLE COMMENTING HERE! Yeah, since I’ve uploaded this video more and more of us feel, TO YOU, our skills are no longer VALUABLE! 😡They obviously don’t feel we are an asset for these companies! Like myself and I’m sure many others, in the future. If things don’t change, we will just do something else with our mechanically inclined intellect, skills and experience.

[@victoryfirst2878]

RUSS, can you please tell me where this dealer is located ??? Just wondering what is going on with the master tech pay rate fella. Peace v

[@RussShawTV]

@@victoryfirst2878 this dealership was located in Everett Washington. I made the right choice leaving when I did because this Ford dealership was put down by the big corporate entity that owned it two months later. There was a Ford dealership at this location since the 1970s.

[@MerwinWren]

@@RussShawTV Disgruntled techs, the skilled ones, should seek independent shops or start their own business. The shop I used for the past 22 years found a tech who knew damned near everything about all domestic and Japanese brands working at a JIFFY LUBE of all places. They rescued him and put him to work right away paying much more than JL did. Both the shop manager and him are much happier now.

[@ofwolfandmanii]

I remember getting a job that someone seriously messed up, they did a lower intake manifold gasket and the car was running terribly and they passed the car over to me to figure out what he did, I swear 2 hours in they actually complained that I was taking to long to fix it, meanwhile the dude that caused the problem is making money doing easy work.

[@RussShawTV]

Dang man. I feel ya 🤔 like getting punished for having more skills and experience. The big gappeing ignored problems of flat rate 😡

[@jamesr2888]

I knew a fantastic diesel Ford Tech which I think his videos are still here on KZbin. A new service manager came in & a few months later, he was told to look at a comeback someone else fixed, he said no, let them figure it out. Then was told to look at it or else. He refused & quit. He was amazing what he did. Ford Engineers called him when they needed assistance.

[@RussShawTV]

@@jamesr2888 Wow, that’s really impressive. Good for him! We can’t let these shity corporations walk all over us.

[@Adam-kk7nw]

​@@RussShawTV your going quit wow ... but we have waiters

[@RussShawTV]

@@Adam-kk7nw LOL 😂 dude! They had a parking lot full of waiters. Some of them been there for weeks. Two months after I recorded this, that dealership went out of business. I have some videos of here on my channel as well. One was a car meet up in the parking lot after it closed. It’s sad because that corner had been a car dealership for over 50 years until some, profit over people, distant corporation took over.

[@505fastlife6]

I had got hired as a lube tech/brakes at BM. They were only giving me $13 an hour. Six months in the lead tech left and they had me doing his job but refused to give me more money. There was a Wendy's next door with a hiring sign for $15 that i would see everday. I left that job and got into plumbing and i am much more happy and making more money.

[@RussShawTV]

Thumbs up for commenting! Thanks for sharing your story, I feel you, Dick’s Burgers around here pays $20-$22 an hour starting rate. I switched trades to, it’s weird how many people stick around to get used and abused by these, mostly big corporate auto dealers. And Ford for one is making it harder on independent auto dealers to survive. As a result, encouraging, more shitty big corporations to treat people like numbers instead of humans. Good to hear you got the heck out of that miserable job. you’re an amazing human for doing that! I’m proud of you, so many people just stick around 🤔 like an abused spouse thinking “he will change” it’s been years it just keeps getting worse with these big, shitty corporations. Kudos for finding some freedom brotha man 🎸👍

[@startingtech3900]

@@RussShawTVits a stigma they would rather say they work in an auto shop or dealership than in fast food

[@maxpower9848]

I worked at several Ford dealers starting in 1988 and ending in 2011. I did get up to $36.45 an hour flat rate at San Francisco Ford but it was really hell trying to make the hours and get a decent paycheck. I quit in 2011 now I make $41 an hour working at a golf course!

[@RussShawTV]

Thanks for commenting! I live in Seattle, and the cost-of-living is rising here as well. All while dealerships devalue their technicians, and claim there is a “labor shortage”. I too am making more money and I’m much happier with my current job, putting up light fixtures, mounting TVs and shelves on walls. Basic handyman stuff. Bills are paid and I have more flexibility and freedom. Monday I got a call from the Seattle Mariners saying I want tickets and get to throw the ball around on the field for potential prizes today! I rescheduled with my client for today no problem and taking the family to the Mariners game! ⚾️👍😁

[@fuji302]

Ha! My story was similar. ASSET Grad in 03, Lincoln tech moved to 6.0 tech till 08. Went to a GC. I left the GC work because there were too many hours not wrenching (equipment manager was my title mowing greens and digging holes was what I had to do while trying to keep equipment in shape) for too little pay. I work at a Toro dealer now. I still miss the first dealer I worked at through college. Fairly laid back, good hours and it was still run by the family that started it in the family way. Ford basically shut them down. Ford’s whole system for the techs is broken unfortunately. They would be good to work for otheriwise and if they fixed it they’d have the best shops in the country but fuck em.

[@Jeff-sp7bg]

In San Francisco u better be making 50$ an hour just to survive

[@BSM7702]

damn yup, its funny how life works that way.

[@RichThiele]

I worked at a Ford dealer from 1987-2007 (when it closed) working flat rape. It was fine until the factory started cutting warranty labor times again and again, as the vehicles got harder and harder to work. Was a Ford Master Tech btw. The dealer itself was fine however. Then 2007-2012 became an Audi tech, worst decision ever. That place was miserable to work at and it was flat-rape on steroids. First opening at an excellent indy shop had and a place I really wanted to work at and had applied to in 2007 (no openings then) they called one day and I said "how soon can I start". It was hourly pay with no stress, no pressure. Quality over quality is what they want. Anyways, still retired at 59 this past March. Not because of the pay or place, because of the way vehicles are built these days, just could not do it anymore, both physically and mentally. That aside, the flat-rape pay system is the majority reason why techs are leaving the business and new techs aren't joining the business (JMO) 9:02

[@willyhwang1059]

I buy old cars Because I can’t fathom the thought of having dealership to repair my new car They overcharge customers And underpay their mechanics How good will they treat your cars?

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

I have the very same sentiment. Old cars all the way. Easy for me to say because I'm not totally helpless around them, and I use them for work so a perfect new car really would not fit my needs. From what I hear......New cars are simply to failure prone for me.

[@tonyrice6898]

I was a GM master tech and ASE master tech for 15 years. I left that career to be a large City Fleet Tech. Took a huge cut in pay to do that but was earning a retirement pension and had better medical. I did that for 16 years and became a lead Tech. I am now retired with a pension and so happy I made that decision to leave the car dealership world. I have advised my Son to not be a mechanic and if he wanted to I would only recommend heavy equipment or fire truck mechanic as a career in that field. Never a car dealership!

[@RussShawTV]

Sounds like great advice from an experienced dad 🙏👍 Thank you so much for commenting. I wonder if these car dealerships will ever evolve, not holding my breath.

[@albertschneider5978]

Hello tony glade you are retired now so am I glad I got out of the dealerships went out on my own and retired at 54 years old I remember when you left good for you 🎉

[@JAI45624]

I LEFT AUTO DEALERSHIPS AFTER 5 YRS BEST DECISION I MADE, MANAGER DIDNT WANT TO GIVE US A RAISE BUT HE GOT COMMISSION EVERY MONTH, AND WANTED US TO WORK 6 DAYS A WEEK, NOW THEY HAVE 15 OIL CHANGE GUY AND 1 OR 2 MASTER TECH😂

[@RussShawTV]

These corporations are so blind to there own interests! And I suppose they did like what happened where I worked, they tell customers they have a “labor shortage” 🙄

[@paulsmith5611]

I work at a fleet/rental shop. We are union and hourly with benefits so that helps a lot but...they are going the same direction. It's more profitable to focus on quick turnaround/easy volume repairs and cut master tech job than to do serious repairs. The problem, of course, that management refuses to admit that most of these cars have serious problems. Engine problems, electrical, transmission, intermittant CELs, etc. We used to have 8 journey/master level techs now we have about 3.5 (technically 4 but one old guy struggles) plus lube and "B tech" guys. Two of the master techs being over 60 years old soon it will be down to me plus one other master level tech. And we have thousands of cars and trucks of most every make and model. I don't specialize on anything so I'm really not a "master" of any brand. I'm swamped with difficulty and volume. We have cars sit for months with serious problems, or I just don't have time to get to them at all, but management only looks at profit. Meanwhile the quality of car is poor due to staffing. I would not advise anyone to buy a used car right now, especially if it was a rental car. Years ago rental cars (at least at my shop) were properly repaired and maintained but not anymore.

[@PaulSchaub-p6d]

I worked at a Ford Dealership in Central Illinois from 1993-1998 in the Parts Department. I delivered parts, took internal and external orders from customers before I was made a full time parts counter salesman. I was promised commission from monthly parts sales but never received any of it. I walked into the parts managers office and asked why I wasn’t receiving parts sales commission like I was promised and was told we can’t afford to give you commission because the owner of the dealership is cutting costs in all departments of the dealership. Needless to say I left 2 weeks later when I verbally told him consider this my 2 weeks notice. Took another job at a company a friend of mine worked at that needed CDL DRIVERS as they helped me get my CDL. Best decision I ever made.

[@RussShawTV]

I’m glad you were able to break free my friend. And not let these corporate users and abusers use you any longer. ✊

[@dysanmf2h]

But we all do need good honest mechanics. Ok not at the dealers but working for your own. I guess either it's not easy.

[@dysanmf2h]

You guys should team up from one dealer and start your own business.

[@fido139]

I know a guy that worked 40 years as a GM service manager. Hint, he refuses to buy GM anything.

[@therovingrobin5938]

Hmm...my experience with Ford taught me to stay away from the blue oval...worked for GM and am a staunch Chevy guy... specially when you're a mechanic

[@Username1237]

You knew a guy , who knew a guy, Why are you commenting here ? 😂

[@conanastinkho3412]

3:07

[@supersam1914]

I left a Benz dealer in 2008 I was making 13.50 an hour to work on 100k dollars cars lol . I’m a operating engineer now I just laugh when I think about how hard I worked back then

[@RussShawTV]

Sounds like it was a great decision! My daughter used to work for a company called Funko here in Everett, Washington. They also treated their employees like garbage. she left that company a few years ago, but gained a lot of logistics software skills. But like my she said they kept people around because it was a passion thing. Working for the company that makes Funko pops is pretty cool. I think it’s the same for cars. What if that’s why so many people in the automotive industry stick around to get used and abused? 🤔

[@PHLster]

Twenty three years ago, I no-notice walked out of a job at an Audi dealership when I was going to end my month putting a brand new engine in a new model year car that nobody had worked on in the shop yet for less take-home money than if I had spent the month mowing lawns. This shop had a “guarantee” that if you didn’t turn more than 100 hours a month, you’d get $10/h on the clock. And then they overstaffed the dealership by just enough that nobody ever made 100 flat rate hours a month.

[@RussShawTV]

Thanks for commenting just another blind corporation devaluing their skilled workforce.

[@tmic4790]

Before I drove my 2013 Escape off the dealership lot in September of 2012, I brought to the dealerships attention that it looked like the front doors were going to hit the rear doors upon cracking the back door just open and closing the front door at the same time. With four seal compression the doors were going to hit. A mechanic looked at the car and said it was going to be fine. All 4 doors were painted at least twice because they hit 5 times chipping paint. One side was painted a 3rd time after the doors hit again after previously painting. They did not fix the door gapping. Just repainted?? About 12 recalls on my car. Once I was told the car had to be parked because of potential fire. They had to come up with a fix. Car sat for about a month. After I had my doors repainted 5 times I relocated doors myself since Ford could not handle or manufacture car with proper door gapping.

[@RussShawTV]

Dang! 12 recalls!? Did you take it to the same dealership all 12 times? Sounds lazy like painting the doors was easier. Yeah, the Ford Escape had a lotta issues. That’s why I’m surprised Ford used the Escapes powertrain on the Bronco sport. When I worked at the dealership during the pandemic before the shop manual had information on the bronco and the bronco sport. If it was a bronco sport, Mastertech just told us to look up the Ford Escape. Same engine transmission, etc.

[@franklegarda6510]

When people are making a few dollars less than you flipping burgers it's just not worth it anymore putting up with all that stress and injuries

[@RussShawTV]

Yes, my coworkers were good people, service and shop managers too. Sad they weren’t paid enough and the the corp went out of business on them. Wonder why?!? 😡

[@frankmiller668]

Dude, you did the right thing. My deceased good friend was a master tech for Ford with diesel qualification, he also took on being the shop supervisor is dead at his toolbox at 57yrs of age due to the stress of his job. My budy did not take very good care of himself, but I'm sure the job position did play a factor in his life. For many years I watch him struggle to be paid a living wage. A change in the dealership he went to work for did help, but that is also when the high stress level started. You did the right thing. take care

[@brianspangenberg9598]

I have a friend who was a top notch Ford dealership service manager back in the eighties. Poor guy was put through the wringer by the owner, sales manager, etc.. He became agoraphobic and didn’t leave his house for a year. Finally under medication and therapy he went back back to work doing auto detailing.

[@RussShawTV]

Dang, I can see how it can be traumatic for sure. I’m doing gig work now I work like half the hours and make twice the money. Life is much better these days.

[@father5946]

@@RussShawTV What kind of gig work? I just got out of a crappy dealership myself and need ideas.

[@michaelhorn4540]

I can't believe I stayed as a flat rate mechanic for almost 25 years never knowing what I was going to make week to week. I look back now and can't believe I actually supported a family on that and know I should have chosen a better career a week after I started!

[@RussShawTV]

I can relate. Realizing I had been duped, didn’t feel good. But the fact that you supported your family is something to be proud of. Supporting a family in this world just getting by can be tough. Just getting by is better than a lot of folks have and can give to their families these days. So in that regard, I am proud of you, brotha. But things can be better. If you’re miserable I would encourage you to seek new opportunities. I’ll be 56 years old in June. I enjoy my job now a lot less stress and better money and opportunities. It started with that leap of faith I took two years ago and leaving that place good thing I did too, because it went out of business two months after I quit.

[@turbotom416]

back 2011 to 2013 I was at a dealership where I was at work 60 to 70 hours per weak and got paid for 20 to 25 hours per weak because I never got to do a brake job or oil change, they said I was above that type of work, I had a lot of time to play games on my computer, when I leave a job their notice is when I'm loading my tool box.

[@RussShawTV]

LOL Yes me too loaded up the toolbox. I’m out. I’ve noticed non-dealership trained mechanics don’t tend to stick around places like that very long.

[@turbotom416]

@@RussShawTV I'm a Chrysler Master since 1987 they need me more than I need them, I just keep working to see what they come out with next

[@RussShawTV]

Nice Master Tech Tom 🔧👍 I’m a KZbin tech and felt like they needed me more then I needed them, sadly.

[@miguelventura7651]

I think you made the right move. I was a😂 GM dealership tech. I also left that position...reason being. I could no longer afford it. This was back in early 2000s. Advice to you ...work for yourself regardless what you are doing. Good luck

[@fordtechlife]

Thats why we wheels on our tool box 🧰 👊🇺🇸🙌🚗🔧

[@RussShawTV]

Word 👍 And two months after I posted this…. Ford Dealership in Everett WA USA After 51 years GONE?! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ2VgKSIZ5dlqpY

[@irvingsantiago6701]

Thats why my tool cabinet and carts have small, worn out wheels! No money? No work I'm out, have a mortgage to pay mouths to feed. Management can have the drama and I have food and drink at home with people that appreciate me!

[@royplaster2301]

After the wheels are done? I buy a new one 🎉

[@timr31908]

The cars are so hard to work on these days it gets harder every year and my God they're making $20 an hour at Subway... I'm so glad to be done with a stressful.. and health hazard dealing with all the toxic chemicals brake dust antifreeze motor oils rear end fluids transmission fluids battery acid and a whole lot of hidden bulshit that will stress you out....😮

[@RussShawTV]

Not to mention the thousands of dollars of tools you expected to buy as these dealers find ways to weasel us out of our paychecks, more and more every year. 🤔 Not my circus not my monkeys anymore. 🔧 I did learn a lot of great things though that I will carry with me throughout my life. Good luck to you, my friend and future career and work opportunities.

[@dysanmf2h]

So I better keep my Honda CRV 2008, that I bought new back in 2008.

[@dysanmf2h]

It's really sad that dealerships are in fact dealerships that you must avoid them when ever possible.

[@ivantuma7969]

You gotta love when dealerships charge up to $190/hour for labor in some markets - while apprentices earn $15-$20/hour pulling brake calipers, flushing cooling systems, and servicing transmission and differential fluids (and spending their own time getting diagnostic certs).

[@RussShawTV]

You’re absolutely right and sadly the system tends to favor people who are shady. It rewards people for getting work done faster, not for doing things, right! 😡 I do mostly handyman electrical kind of work now. I work on an app that bills up to 40% to the client but my hourly rate is still, my hourly rate no matter how long it takes me to finish the job. I even get to tell Clients that before I book the tasks. (I’m more about quality of work than I am speed) but also the more I do things the faster I get at doing them the right way. As in any skill set. Like my work much better now.

[@codybertram6122]

Almost every shop I’ve ever worked at I put in a two day notice. I’m leaving today because you can make a similar wage in low end management or many driving jobs even non cdl pay better with less stress and no tool bills. I haven’t gone back after doing overhauls on diesels for 18 an hour 5 years ago. But they wouldn’t pay more because I didn’t want to go through the bullshit schooling when I was already working 60 hr weeks and doing big jobs like head gaskets, overhauls, injectors turbos trannys you name it. I’ve also had shops tell me to leave that day when you go to put two weeks in so I’m out that industry all together. They are targeting the people who have a passion for it.

[@RussShawTV]

Thank you so much for commenting Cody! I hope these BLIND DEALERSHIPS are listening! SO MANY SKILLED PEOPLE COMMENTING HERE! Yeah, since I’ve uploaded this video more and more of us feel devalued like our skills are no longer feel we are an asset for these companies! Like myself and I’m sure many others, in the future. If things don’t change, we will just do something else with our mechanically inclined intellect, skills and experience.

[@codybertram6122]

@@RussShawTV in all seriousness if one was to work his way up to his own shop he could make very very good money. It’s just the hassle off people and liability then coming home from work to go back to work. That would’ve been my goal to have at least one or two open bays back home to cycle customers through. Then that industry is worth it. It’s about building and making a name for yourself if you want to seriously make any money in that industry

[@RawLastHopeGaming]

I am in the same boat, toyota dealership. Same pay same shit. Warrant on a 5 hour job into 3 hours

[@RussShawTV]

RawLopez! Thanks for commenting, the best advice I could give you is to change trades altogether. That’s what I did my age 56. There’s no way I’m going to continue to pursue a career in this field. 🤔 Value is an interesting thing, being able to serve people in our community with our skills. But it seems these big corporations don’t care about people or us. It’s just money and numbers on a spreadsheet. My friend hope you can get out there, explore some other opportunities and stay Raw ✊😁 ✌️peace my friend

[@dakota47v8]

Welcome to the real world of technology my friend ..... I'd recommend trying working for a tire installation place much less stress... In today's era we are all but a number and everyone is replaceable ..... Find your passion of what makes you happy to do and do it even for less money and enjoy life for it is short... I'm sorry it didn't work out but thru the years of watching your you tube channels I have seen you bounce back time and time again bc Your Russ Shaw aka Dr Shaw !!!!!!! Take some quite time and relax then regroup then listen to that inner voice and find your next mission...😎

[@RussShawTV]

Dakota! Hey man have you been? It’s been a minute I’ve missed you commentin! Yeah it took a lot of faith to just up and quit with no unemployment options and gas prices on the climb. This is actually delayed a few weeks. More content to post on getting to work adventures soon. 😁👍 Good to see you again in the comment section my brother from another mother 😁👍🙏

[@natenix5371]

I worked as a mechanic in the 80's I couldn't believe a license mechanic got paid so little. After a few years working for two shops and a dealership by the name of Mel Farr in Detroit I decided to throw in the tile try something new. Working at a hospital making way more money just cleaning floors.

[@RussShawTV]

Thanks for Sharing Nate!

[@javierrodriguez-vo8yr]

Thanks for sharing your dealership experiences.

[@RussShawTV]

Thanks for leaving a comment. It was good experience working there and having access to Ford’s data as a dealer tech. But I learned pretty quickly the pitfalls.

[@baitykris1]

Good luck on whatever comes next. The dealership should take this video as feedback. No excuse for them to not have working equipment

[@RussShawTV]

Thanks Kris! Yeah not only was there a pile of broken computers but the ones that did work took like 10 minutes to boot up and crashed far too often. And we were constantly reminded that Time is money. Yeah my time while you keep the money by not upgrading technology. I’ve heard the computer software system is pretty much like that nationwide. Login to each job with your seven digit employee number on a screen that looks like it was developed in the late 1990s. Just an incredibly bad antiquated design that is far from user-friendly.

[@jvillain9946]

Why would Ford need working equipment when their vehicles are never actually going to run.

[@josephkovalcik8266]

I'm a 67 year old retired journeyman machinist. I put in two years vocational school plus six years apprenticeship to become a journeyman. My career including vocational school ran from 1973 to 2006 when I had to quit because of disability. I started out in a good union shop making good money, then the shop had to shut down due to crap Reagan pulled. The best place I worked was at Lincoln Electric in Euclid, Ohio, I would have retired from there but I was working away from home. All the shops I worked in were pretty good, as long as you knew what you were doing they left you alone. The biggest hassle was overtime. I look at my training as equivalent to a four year college degree. Skilled laborers in many companies are underpaid, on the up side I never had a hard time finding work. You find a-hole companies where ever you go, if your good you'll find the right place.

[@AgentAbel]

I work at 28/hr flat rate. I used to get 100-120 hours a paycheck years ago. Nowadays, since winter of last year, management slashed warranty diag time on customer pay ROs from 1 hour to 0.5 hour, and if it's warranty it's 0. Work load died down. When it picked back up, any diag work that did come in had 5 concerns of diagnosis (so it should pay 2.5 hours technically speaking), you'd only get paid worth 1 diagnosis or 0.5hr. And every car is diagnosis in some form. The gravy work was dead, since there's so much crap coming in, it doesnt make up for how much time you lose doing diagnosis for 0.5 hour. My paychecks have since suffered, and ive never made a paycheck over 80 hours since February doing the same work i did years prior, while working physcially 120 hours. Which means that with my 70 hour paychecks at 28/hr being there for 120 hours, i earn an hourly ~17/hr. And no one believes me when i say i want to quit and go to a different dealer of the same brand.

[@RussShawTV]

Yeah, dang, sounds like it’s time to go. It’s one thing for these shitty corporations to do this to working class people. It’s another thing to be like the battered housewife thinking, one day he’ll change. If we continue to just let these companies treat us like this then it becomes masochistic. I know it’s scary, and I wouldn’t recommend what I did. I was fortunate to land on my feet, but I just walked out one day! I had no plan or nothing. I don’t recommend that, but it’s so easy to get stuck in a horrible situation that feels like disrespect for yourself, the trade, your family and an abuse of your life skills. Best of luck to you, my friend. 🔧✊ I sincerely hope all things go well with you as life moves forward.

[@GL0697]

The main issue in the industry is how we bill, or in this industry (NOT BILL FOR TIME!) I'm glad techs are finally saying no. If your a shop owner, service manager, or anyone who deals in regulating the shop labor rate, please raise your rates and pay the technicians accordingly.

[@RussShawTV]

This 🔧👆👆👆👆🔧

[@keithfoco]

25 years as a technician, I am finally getting out. Im done. between the warranty BS you have to put up with and the struggle with getting enough hours to make a decent paycheck, it was too much. I am starting a new job in commercial refrigeration next week. Its hourly with overtime and they actually pay you what you're worth.

[@RussShawTV]

Good for you, Keith! Yes, I am Electrical handyman now. Electricians deal with much less stress and for the money I feel more valued for what I do. It’s just sad these big corporations devalue automotive skills. You would think they would value the skills we bring to the table. But over and over again comment after comment on this video. Their actions tell a different story.

[@keithfoco]

@@RussShawTV for sure! My little brother is an electrician. He loves it and feels valued. I'm hoping this new adventure of mine is the same. Good luck out there!

[@keithfoco]

20 years ago these consultants scoured the country and went to every dealership. These guys promised streamlined processes, better work environment, etc...what we got were no raises, terrible benefits or lack of benefits, etc. One of the biggest things these guys did was limit tech and advisor pay. Once a tech made so much money the dealers would change pay scales or whatever to keep our pay at a certain level. It continues today. They did this to advisors also.

[@sinohoeung]

l feel you man, i went through the same thing

[@TnD_Adventures]

Coming from a 38 year veteran with Ford, You are a part of what we are calling 'techmagedan" I could write 2 paragraphs of what's wrong with dealership fixed operations these days. And I can imagine it was a Lithia store!

[@RussShawTV]

Wow 38 years TY for your service. And 🤔 Lithia store?

[@TnD_Adventures]

@@RussShawTV Just wondering if you worked for a Lithia Ford dealer, I left because of their corporate status. I was a shop foreman when Lithia purchased the dealer, They did not understand the value of dispatching and training techs to build a future, The one thing I learned was Lithia got paid first, Then the managers!

[@RussShawTV]

@@TnD_Adventures I work for someone named Swickard Auto Group who owns a bunch of dealerships here on the West Coast Oregon based. Same kind of corporate BS. Don’t really care about people just look at numbers. It seem to me they didn’t give a rats ass about the human aspect of the business. Didn’t put any money into equipment or computers. Didn’t pay techs a competitive wage in this area. And then wondered why the dealership wasn’t doing well, even during the pandemic of all times. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@RussShawTV]

@Jerry Boden cartel is a good way of putting it. A thought provoking interesting analogy.

[@gelobledo]

I worked at a Future Dealership. It was a whole lot of BS. Now those bastards are buying up all the dealers in California. And if you have any issues and get fired from one of those Future places you will have a hard time finding another dealer job due to them monopolizing the Dealerships

[@edwardmurray8507]

Just watched this one dude, not sure how I missed it cuz I do have your vids on notification. Sorry it didn't work out dude, but I guess it is a blessing in disguise... I would MUCH rather be out in Vicky the van, doing those jobs, feeling like you're helping people out too! At least you're trying dude, so many people have this "world owes me a favour" attitude and it gets them nowhere, but you know when you're not happy in your job and you have made a change for the better instead of sitting there getting upset over it and doing nothing. Good for you Russ 👍👍👍 P.s. can you ask your son to buy another old Jag please? Because I miss the Jag content 🤣

[@RussShawTV]

Thanks man! Yes attitude is everything ✅ Life is better this is business is much better. Better than going to the same dingy building every day. Out darting around in ol’ Vicky working in peoples warm houses mostly. I like it.

[@edwardmurray8507]

@@RussShawTV 100% Russ, going to the same place everyday sucks, being able to dart around is varied and fun... Makes the working day go much quicker. Thinking along the lines of your mechanical ability, is there a market for small local mobile car repairs and servicing? Could you establish as a mobile guy, tools in the back of Vicky, doing brakes, oil changes etc on people's driveways? Everyone wants someone they can trust and not everyone has the time/ability to travel to the auto shop/garage.

[@RussShawTV]

Yes and now my workday is what I decided is. I rarely work eight hours or more in a day now. Worked 8 hours on Wednesday (commute included) made more than I would have made two average days at the Ford dealership.

[@patrickmichael3384]

Hey! This area you’re driving from at the beginning is the same area where I live; Everett, WA!

[@RussShawTV]

Yeah man I live in Everett too in the Pinehurst area. That’s one really nice thing about working there was my commute was around five minutes in a car, I could bike there in 10 to 15 and I could walk there in about a half hour. 😆😎 There’s another video on my channel where we did a car meet up on the premises before they threw the fences and no trespassing signs up. I didn’t organize it, but 🤔 I believe it was on my birthday actually 😁✌️

[@LonelyTigerGrowl]

Phorito anyone?

[@freddyeltigre2327]

Yes I was a mechanic and worked for dealerships. Beware of the smooth talking shop Managers. Remember you are paying 4 to 5 times more for labor and parts. I'm in my later years but because your older they think you can't think. At 80 I still do my brakes $460 and that's for the better ones, then $2,200. at the dealer. Oh always check your oil and filter after your oil change, I've been ripped off a many times in that department. Check before you leave shop!

[@RussShawTV]

Hey, thanks for commenting Freddy! I hope I am healthy enough to keep doing my brakes at 80 years old 👍🔧😁. Work wise, I no longer work in the automotive field. I am a full-time gig worker now, mostly doing light electrical residential gigs. The Pay is much better and I get to focus on quality work over speed. I would never work for an automotive dealership ever again.

[@freddyeltigre2327]

I left the automotive at 22 years old and got a trade in Millwrighting , that work was really hard and demanding but rewarding in a lot of ways as well!@@RussShawTV

[@Rockstopmotion]

I went in for tune said it was 565 the after they said it 962 plus mention my water pump was leaking which was 3500 alone to fixed i did the tune up and they didn't reset the oil light. I had 2017 ford taurus police sedan

[@RussShawTV]

I don’t know about winning, but I realize that Ford the scoreboard was broken.

[@damderrick]

Damn $15hr on flat rate, thats brutal for a newbie. Techs are the lowest paid out of all trafe skilled jobs

[@RussShawTV]

Yes, I think people stick around because it’s a passion thing. Like a lot of people have a passion for cars and so these companies take advantage of that. I work mostly with electricity now, not nearly as sexy as knowing how to fix sports cars for example. I can still fix a sports car. I just don’t do it for a living anymore. 😁✌️🔧 Thanks for commenting, Derek

[@triduck]

I'm not experienced in car repair nearly enough to do anything flatrate work related. I'm in the quick lane getting paid hourly. I'm slowly building enough skill to atleast do an inspection and oil change somewhat decently. Flat rate is pretty crazy. My dealership also does kia and the kia technician in the next bay to me replaced the same model of engine in 3 or 4 kias the first 2 weeks I was there and recently he replaced a few kia telluride engines too. If quick lane is dipping your feet into the pond the kia technician beside me is doing cave diving expeditions and fast enough to make it look like he's doing it casually

[@RussShawTV]

Thanks for commenting. It’s important to understand what you’re getting into. 🤔I would KIA management about how they pay recall and warranty work before you invest a bunch of time into this career. I would encourage you to stick around for a few years, though, you learn a lot about problem-solving and a heck of a lot about cars. I don’t regret my time working as a professional mechanic. I learned a lot a lot of skills that I’ll keep for a lifetime.

[@triduck]

@RussShawTV I do find the job pretty amazing. The dealership is also a ford dealership. They have the kia dealership across the road but no shop there. In 2 years they will have a dedicated shop there. They also have a chrysler dodge and jeep dealership down town. A mazda in another city and a ford dealership as well as a kia mitsubishi dealership in Saint Joseph Missouri. When there's no vehicles in the quick lane I do make my way to the othere technicians and talk to them. There's a diesel technician who seems to like me alot and has 30 years experience. The previous service manager has been fired and the shop foreman is the service manager and the diesel technician is the shop foreman and they are looking for a an extra diesel technician. There's a kia technician that does alot of troubleshooting and had to deal with one that would bog down and after being shut down at operating temperature wouldn't start. I even remember talking to him and he was bleeding the cooling system on an ev6. He finished the job and turned it on just for it to blow up the rear motor. Lifting f-350s is probably the scariest thing i do on a regular basis. When they get lowered on the locks they shimmy around a little bit. Atleast I get to see my favorite tool truck salesperson. He was the only one that went to the college. He is rigid in his routine and will talk to everyone and show the front page deal. Don't buy much from him and I'm not a mac tools fan I'm a fan of his truck because of how active he is. I got a few years to find out more about the dealership.

[@robertjackson7590]

In the West Texas oil field you'd make more money with a CDL driving a truck than most shops as a mechanic.

[@RussShawTV]

I’m a long way from a Texas oil field up here in Seattle Metro area. But I hear you CDL driving jobs do pay more than fixing the rigs that ppl get a CDL’s to drive. 😂😅🫤

[@JimVincitore]

Very cool! Keep the vids coming!

[@RussShawTV]

Thanks Jim! It wasn’t that cool at the time, though😅I abruptly quit my job with no plan on how to pay the bills afterwards. 🤷🏻‍♂️💵 That’s how fed up I was 😡 but it all worked out two years later I’m doing fine. 👍😁

[@PedroGomez-gu4io]

All car dealerships have the same cancer. I was asked by former managers to go back and turn wrenches on VW s and GMC brands. I just laughed at them and declined their offers. I have the balls to tell them no.

[@RussShawTV]

If you’re valuable enough, you can say no 🤔 unless it’s some of these corporate dealers they don’t know who’s valuable and who isn’t all they look at is numbers on the spreadsheet. A lot of these corporate dealerships you wouldn’t have a job anymore you said no. Which was fine for this corporate dealership because it went out of business two months after I quit. After I quit, I offered a job at an Infiniti dealer for $40 an hour because I told him I wouldn’t do flat rate. Not a dealership, that’s when I started dipping my toe into residential electricity. A few years later, I’m between $80 and $90 an hour. 😁⚡️👍 Keep up the good work, Pedro and don’t let them boss you around. ✊

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

I'm throwing in the towel from the other perspective. I am in charge of small houses but for years have not been able to find anyone would would like to work on them. They sit.....So the decision was made to sell off the houses. It seems like a shame, because working on houses is 100 times easier and healthier than working on cars. Good luck to all!

[@MerwinWren]

As a customer, I won’t go near a dealership for service. The independents are more knowledgeable about older cars which are better made than newer ones. I went to a dealership one time to verify a problem that would require an expensive repair and ended up paying $200 for their guessing game with pointless attempt after pointless attempt to fix the problem. They clearly didn’t know what they were doing yet still charged me $1600 for the effort. I ended up having my independent mechanic change the engine outright because the difference between changing the timing chain, the real problem, and changing the engine was only $2K. Problem solved and have a practically new 20 year old car. Dealerships only for warranty repairs, but I don’t see that in my future since new cars are simply computers on wheels that track your every move.

[@johnnycassell4338]

Being a mechanic is a truly horrible job.

[@RussShawTV]

@@johnnycassell4338 I didn’t mind being a mechanic. It was the lack of value dealerships place our skill set that really set me off. May sound weird, but I enjoy fixing cars, working on my own cars more these days. I do electrical work now, which pays a lot better. Equally dangerous, but I don’t have to buy and store thousand dollars worth of tools. And if some engineer screws something up, I don’t have to fix it for half the price 😁⚡️🔧

[@charlenefriess2128]

I'm 70 years old, on SS and still working. Had to go to dealership for water pump for 2013 ford fiesta. On pickup, with a bill of over $300, the guy who pulled the car up said to me " You need to give this car a bit of love, on your day off, just do it" I just drove away, went to work at my nursing job. Yep, my car needs love, I do too. Will never go there again.

[@RussShawTV]

Congratulations at still working at 70 in the nursing job. Sounds like a rewarding work. Honestly $300 for a Ford fiesta water pump is a great deal these days. Plus I owe used to work with a probably charged you $500. But yeah, if you wanna do it yourself, it’s not that difficult. I’ve did a hand full of those working at the Ford dealership.

[@bobthebuildersmother_263]

I was at a dealer for a little over a year. I quickly saw where things were going and got out before i got stuck there. Parts taking forever to show up. Customers taking forever to approve repairs. Lazy advisors that can't sell services. Constantly being asked to work for free. If you know, you know. Lube techs that are making more money than me cus there being spoon-fed gravy work. while i get heavy line and diagnosis All of this nonsense that is completely out of my control eating into my paychecks every week. The stress and always being tired. And of course, being flat rate. I'm glad i quit, man. STAY AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP.

[@RussShawTV]

Sounds like you made the right decision! And that’s what it is a decision. It takes courage to not get stuck in a place like that. I think for some folks, it feels safer and easier to piss, moan and complain then It is too get out there and seek better opportunities. Glad you got out 🔧🫵😎

[@TheSuperbluebear2010]

Sorry, using wife's account. I obtained a Ford Masters in the 80’s in Dearborn MI. I quit 10 after putting that education to work. Last employment was Dutler Ford, Walker Michigan, middle late 90’s. They fired a honest manager and replaced him with dishonest assistant manager. Instantly I began losing income and customers began losing as well. I see things haven't changed much in the dealerships. Not to mention Ford quality is tanking big time.

[@RussShawTV]

Sad but true. Sorry to hear about your experience with Ford. Unfortunately, the business world in our country has lost its soul and reason that it serves people. Sign of the times I guess, it’s the story of a lot of folks in corporate America these days.

[@cptdavidwebb]

Awesome video. If you were playing a piano during the video, you would be killing me softly playing My Life song.

[@RussShawTV]

Sorry to hear that, but I’m glad I struck a cord so to speak David. Life is full of strange choices

[@Andy-ql9wh]

The gap will get wider and wider and the white collars still wont raise pay and benefits, and still wonder why . I was at a manufacturer school, I asked the instructor( he was an engineer of course) about the tech gap, I said it was 58000. He said it was more like 68.000 or more. later in the class warranty repairs came up. it was said that they should concentrate on building a better product the first time and not rely on the techs to fix their poor engineering for nothing. I swear his response was "then what would we need you for" I guess they are finding out what they needed me for. I took my 42 years of experience and started my own, and told them to go *&uk themselves. they made their bed , now they can lay in it as far as I'm concerned. and I'm not the only one. I've never looked back. the best thing I ever did was get out of the toxic dealership environment. I just wish I would have done it a lot sooner.

[@RussShawTV]

Wow, what a great eye opener of a story. Thanks for sharing. Man “what we need you for” Talk about disrespectful of the skills we bring to the table, right? I’m glad you started your own business and got out of that toxic environment. That’s awesome! I hope others reading this comments are listening.

[@johnnix4094]

In the old days we got 50% of the labor charge plus a 2% parts kicker. As real estate costs increased, the mechanics cut got smaller and smaller. Eventually they wanted you to work for 20 bucks per flat rate hour while they charged 120. My tool expenses averaged 50 bucks per week. No thanks.

[@RussShawTV]

Corporate America has changed things. Ain’t like it used to be, unfortunately. Thanks for commenting and share your story, my friend.

[@The-You-Doober]

I left the business in 2005. Best thing I ever did.If there is something I don’t want to fix on my own vehicle, I pay them to do it. It’s easier for me to make money than work on it myself these days. Then when they screw it up, they have to make it right.

[@RussShawTV]

Thanks for commenting You-Doober! 😁👍🔧✌️

[@oscar66810]

I listened yo your whole video. I had a hard time listening to it and not get upset. I can understand your frustration. As someone who struggled finding a job and finally getting one. I did everything in my power to prove I was worthy of the job. It was washing dishes. Grunt work, but I was the best dish washer. A lady spot me one day cleaning tables and asked me what my name was and who my supervisor was. She came back and offered me a job. From then I have moved up and have a decent life. Sometimes, you just have to go thru the fire. Will people take advantage of you, absolutely. Justice will come to them. You worry about feeding your family and paying bills.

[@RussShawTV]

Thanks for your input. That’s a big part of wisdom is learning to know when to stick through the fire and when to get out before the whole thing burns down. Two months after I quit this job, this dealership went out of business. Other techs found work at neighboring dealerships me, I do gig work now. Made this video almost 2 years ago. I was able to take two days off this week. I don’t even work four hours a week and make way more money than I did at this dealership. I have more time in my life, I make way better money now, and I am much happier.

[@seantanner4485]

hmmm you work 4 hours a week and make enough to live on. but you only had 2 days off this week??? okay

[@RussShawTV]

@@seantanner4485 wait, what? I wasn’t making enough to live on, on a regular basis doing this work. That’s my point and why I left.

[@seantanner4485]

your post says . you were able to take two days off this week but you only work 4hrs a week? maybe I'm reading that wrong?

[@RussShawTV]

@@seantanner4485 I watched the video all the way through again. I worked 40 hours a week + when they wanted me to stay late, for not a lot of pay and the GM marched wanting us to work Saturdays maybe you misheard. 🤔 Thanks for letting me clarify

[@dieseltechjoe]

I think over time dealerships are going to get what's coming to them. The older experienced techs will eventually retire out. The younger ones which who the dealership refused to trained and the experienced guys were too busy to slow down to train will be what's left. The shop will be full of unfixable cars and the place will be a revolving door of new techs. I'm already seeing this happen at other dealers now. They're hiring people at $35+ flat rate and the guys aren't fixing anything and still can't make a living. Even at that rate. My Brother a 13 year tech just got offered stupid money and went to work at one of those shops. Spent 2 months fixing those unfixable and forgotten cars. What happened to these shops in the first place? They started out as your friendly neighborhood dealership. The owners sold to bigger corporate ran dealerships and those mastertechs started to get treated like a number. These corporate dealers usually treat their techs like bums even tho most of us have a toolbox full of tools worth more that the cars these shop managers drive, so we can do their work and make their paychecks possible. I'd like to see these big corporate dealerships go out of business and it'll be hard to feel sorry for them if they do.

[@RussShawTV]

Yes, that’s what happened to this dealership. They went out of business about two months after I shot this video. Needs to be a mom and Pop dealership for many years until some big corporation took over, and like you say just started treating people like numbers on a spreadsheet. Sad because they had been a Ford dealership on this corner in my town since the early 70s. The owners were going to sell to a Chrysler dealer. And rumors are that Ford said no. And it still remains in abandoned location empty to this day. Hope you are well, my friend and have a great set of holidays.✌️

[@apollomedia7210]

Bend over and take it? That is disrespectful. That dude needs to learn manners.

[@RussShawTV]

The place went out of business, two months after I left so. I think that’s one way of teaching him respect 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@montyM89]

That’s crazy how skilled guys are not getting paid. I wanted to become an auto technician.

[@RussShawTV]

I wouldn’t want to discourage you from the trade, if you’re young, the time I was an auto technician/mechanic I did learn a lot of great skills been able to carryover into my current job. And hopefully things will start to get better, but starting a career as an auto tech will enhance and deepen your intellect, problem-solving and mechanical skills for sure. Not to mention learn things that you will use on your own car for many years to come.

[@locluke979]

It pays better in Canada, most ford dealers are paying over 100k a year.

[@hardknokker]

New Car Dealer Sales Repair & Service . . . Been there, done that for 15 years, I know it well. Started out as an engine repair apprentice for $3.25/hr in 1982 at a busy So Cal Ford dealer and worked my up to service manager at a high line European joint in Seattle. You spend long hours working 6 days a week in a thankless, dog-eat-dog business about which no youngster ever said; "Daddy, I want to grow up to be an automotive service advisor at a Ford dealer" . . . People seem to just wind up in it and wonder how the hell they got there...

[@RussShawTV]

Just “winding up somewhere” is a good piece of philosophy. I was never a guy to keep climbing the ladder. Not saying that’s a good thing my life might’ve turned out different if I stuck with something. I only stuck around the auto mechanic world for about two years. No regrets though I did learn a lot. And I do have a passion for cars but in my mid 50s now I couldn’t see myself continuing to keep doing that kind of work. Thanks for the thoughtful comment Kaboomer love the channel name.

[@eddygoodwin7089]

Did you ever have issues with the shop charging diagnostic fees for vehicles under warranty?

[@RussShawTV]

I remember there was some skirmishes over if techs would get paid for Diags or not. As you know, sometimes it’s more complex, and simply plugging in a code reader. Another reason I quit, was seeing guys who’ve been there longer than me do what they called “financial forensics” they would keep track of their jobs on a notebook besides having to log everything into the computer, I thought, what a horrible waste of time to make sure you get paid. But that’s how bad trust was eroded. The dealership itself had a lot of negative reviews, mostly over billing. After I recorded this video and quit abruptly, that dealership went out of business two months later. It has been there for over 50 years. But that’s what happens with big shitty corporations take over.

[@eddygoodwin7089]

@@RussShawTV wow! Thanks for explaining that to me, I appreciate the level of detail. I guess what goes around comes around.

[@victoryfirst2878]

RUSS, can you please tell me where this dealer is located ??? Just wondering what is going on.

[@RussShawTV]

If you look around my channel, you’ll see that this dealership went out of business about two months after I quit. It was called Epic Ford in Everett Washington owned by a big corporation. It was bought before it used to be a more of a family owned dealer.

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@RussShawTV THANK you Russ for letting me know Sir. The family business usually are not that bad but far from perfect. You video is right on fella. Peace v

[@RussShawTV]

@@victoryfirst2878 I’ll be curious to know what your story and experiences my friend and new subscriber.

[@destroytheilluminati770]

the flat rate system only benefits the dealer and the manufacturer you are doing warranty work for, been there done that, went off on my own and opened a repair shop, (30+years) havent looked back since. i'm 58 and semi retired, hired 2 good guys/mechanics and only come in to wrench myself when we get piled on with customers/work My Nephew has had nothing but problems with the Ford Trucks he bought

[@isaakd881]

I'm fully ASE certified, and I hold a Canadian Red Seal. After all my time in the trade, I can tell you it is broken...

[@RussShawTV]

Hopefully you find a better more fulfilling trade in the future. I feel I have with residential electricity. Been doing this day and day out for almost 2 years now. Diagnosed and fixed another electrical issue today, much like in my automotive days. Less stressful and money is better too. Peace buddy✌️hope you’re in a better place.

[@shaunspins]

They switched us to signing in with a keycard. Now half the staff forgets to sign in and out and I hear about machines not working to allow one to sign in or out. Before we just had to sign our names on a sheet each day. New system to me seemed a way to not pay us. At least now you might not have to answer questions about the Bronco, I would like to hear your thoughts on the Fender Bronco guitar compared with Fender Mustang and Fender MusicMaster guitar.

[@RussShawTV]

We had to sign in on an app Paylocity and sign into Ford‘s antiquated computer system and out each day. The Paylocity app was really easy and it’s what recorded our time in an time out. The computer is how we signed into jobs and out for flat rate. And it was old clunky and took sometimes 10 minutes just to boot up. 😑🤷🏻‍♂️ Fender and Ford like them horses 🐎

[@EddieLeal]

Did you guys use the Ford IDS / FDRS software?

[@RussShawTV]

Yes 🤦🏻 talk about an antiquated overly complicated system. Was slow as molasses on the garbage computers they gave us to work with. 🤔 Part of me wonders this, not upgrading is making it convenient for the corporation. Screw techs out of our flat rate time. Either that or Ford corporate values it’s I.T. employees as much as it values it’s mechanics.

[@EddieLeal]

@@RussShawTV I worked at a toyota dealership for a spell as a tech, $18/hr. Sketchy , did not feel comfortable working there. Seemed like these folks were ripping customers off with maint/services they didn't really need. I'm all for making money but not like that. Tough times for everyone. We all need to make money to put food on the table. Customers deserve good honest service. Once you lose customers trust they will take their business elswhere.

[@RussShawTV]

@@EddieLeal I do gig work now 😁putting up a video soon. Did a job yesterday that I was able to take my time with due to the cold temperatures effecting the speed of the Task. A year ago as an auto tech I would’ve been pressured to work faster. Do a shitty job and send it. I like my job so much better now. I get to be more attentive to the customer. And we are more influenced to do a good job and communicate well, not just to do things fast. One thing I did learn from being an indie mechanic is “under promise and overdeliver”. We are rated 1 to 5 stars on our job but we also get to rate our customers as well. Putting that video up today 😁👍🔧

[@EddieLeal]

@@RussShawTV I've been doing gig work for over 4 years. Lyft and Uber.

[@RussShawTV]

@@EddieLeal I did Uber / Lyft for five years. Didn’t work out so well for me even as a mechanic. Probably should’ve bought 2014 Chevy sonic. Blew the engine at about 150,000 miles. Kept watching my income go down dramatically every year. When the pandemic happened I found it a good time to get out. I do TaskRabbit now videos, got on the channel here about both of those experiences. I made like $287 today in about three and a half hours. I’m much happier now. 😁👍

[@jerrykurl69]

$20 an hour? Wtf? What were the top end techs (gravy suckers) making?

[@RussShawTV]

Not sure, didn’t ask. Definitely more than I was making. Although they talked about “financial forensics” making sure they even got their flat rate, having to keep track of the books on the computer and the books in a notebook?! That’s another reason I quit just a bit over 2 years ago now.

[@1FiftyOverland]

I worked at what every said was the best Ford dealership in my area, it was dog shit. After 14 years I left the industry. *****NOTE: I was Ford gas and diesel master technician *****

[@RussShawTV]

Well, I’m glad I was only 14 years. Sounds like you made the right decision, that sucks that after making it to master technician. They still didn’t value your skills.

[@MrSamPhoenix]

$15 an hour flare rate?!? Damne that’s low

[@RussShawTV]

That’s not flat rate that’s what happens when you don’t do your recalls fast enough.

[@johnsmith-dm2tq]

Question, 2009 escape awd, and 4wd. same thing? 6f35 trans. is it all in the p.c.? i was going to replace my trans but the awd scared me away, mine says 4wd. neither car has any buttons or levers they both rely on the p.c. to engage all the wheels. also some have p.r.n.d.1.2. and some have p.r.n.d.L. but all 6f35 awd and 4wd's are sold interchangeably. if you can help shed any light on this that would help me find a trans for my suv that would be appreciated.

[@RussShawTV]

Sorry don’t work their anymore. 🤔 I wouldn’t recommend changing the transmission as the computer may they have major issues if you do. Either way it’s going be major surgery. The Ford escape had all sorts of problems. Even written up in consumer reports as not recommended. You could do all this work and have that engine fail soon after. Not sure how many miles you got out of yours. But it, as your friend, it sounds like 🤔 if it were me it’s time to move on and stop throwing money into this F.O.R.D. money pit. Peace my friend best of luck ✌️

[@mattlenz8554]

Broken computers are such a pain everything is on the computer even shop manuals

[@mattlenz8554]

Btw the diesel field is way better as far as working as a mechanic. There isn’t flat rate

[@RussShawTV]

Yes, in the slower they are the more you watch your flat rate drain down the sands of time 😅😂🔧

[@RussShawTV]

I switched trades and got into electricity. I am mostly an electrical handyman diagnosing, residential electric issues, putting up light fixtures, smart switches, and because of some of my curiosity at Ford, the Tesla Gen 3 EV charger.

[@mattlenz8554]

Nice! Ya I wonder what the future holds for ev.

[@RussShawTV]

@@mattlenz8554 they were pushing EV Certs, big-time around the time I left. I got to see some of the first EV crossovers a.k.a “mustang” although I feel calling it that is sort of blasphemy. 😂🔧🔌

[@darrylleigh7514]

Some people are not cut out for flat rate. You have to know what you are doing and do it quickly. I spent a lot of time learning systems on my on time. Great flat rate techs are all about efficiency not about clocking in like government employees.

[@RussShawTV]

@@darrylleigh7514 I made my flat rate on customer paid jobs in many cases. I could beat flat rate on other things. Spending your own time to learn the antiquated computer system? It was 2021! Maybe just out of school and excited about the trade and working on peoples cars, I think that’s part of it. The passion some of us have for cars and trucks is used against us so we can get shafted to do cheaper labor. You spend time away from your own life and family to learn a system that could have been upgraded decades ago if the company actually cared about the efficiency for employees and customers, while it charges $200+ an hour for what you do. That doesn’t sound like a fair exchange in the business relationship to me. It feels more like getting swindled and pimped. I was new to the dealership stuff and the weird recall jobs that were sent my way. 🤔 You failed to mention you don’t get paid the same for warranty and recall work, and at least government employees aren’t settling for getting shafted by the man. In that case you’re right, I’m not cut out for getting ripped off and abused like some nameless number on a spreadsheet, instead of whining about it like an abused spouse, thinking it will change someday, I got out! To each their own.

[@darrylleigh7514]

@@RussShawTV I didn't spend my own time on their system. I spent it on vehicle systems. CP is 1.5 times warranty. No one can change that. Warranty sucks that is why I got really good. I could match or beat warranty times without being a hack. Becoming very talented without being buddies or running my mouth got me to where I could command a higher wage or go somewhere else. I can control my future not them.

[@RussShawTV]

@@darrylleigh7514 This video is more of a warning for those thinking about getting involved in this trade in working for a dealership. While you’re learning the warranty and recall work, you’re not making your flat rate and you’re not making as much as you should in my opinion. More like you’re treated as a college student in a hazing ritual. Glad it worked out for you, but for me I’m not giving another ounce of my blood or sweat to any crappy shitty corporation who’s not going to value the skills I bring to the table enough to compensate me and my family adequately. I switched trades into electricity, electricians don’t get shafted while they’re on the job. They’re not asked to fix the designers and engineers problems for less money than they would make otherwise. As matter fact, the automakers are the only one that does that in the dealership world. I don’t know any other industry out there that would force its employees to work for less money to fix its mistakes. Again, if you’re cool with that, that’s great. I just felt like I was getting swindled and pimped every day and that’s why I got out.

[@bambam23-vi1kl]

35 years in the mechanic business. Worked 1 time for a dealership, Never again.

[@RussShawTV]

Smart! Thanks for commenting 👍😁

[@thesoccertrotter1]

That's the problem with better paying jobs not paying much more than minimum wage.

[@RussShawTV]

Yes, some of my more conservative friends say it’s “entry-level jobs” no, it’s not! It’s a big corporations, paying the absolute minimum they can, and hoping people still show up. We don’t have a “labor shortage” we have a country that’s ran by corporations who buy up the competition. And instead of having to deal with antitrust laws, they by the politicians, who make the rules. I do get work now and I’m much happier.

[@RussShawTV]

I felt bait and switched by how flat rate works. Nobody told me when I joined the dealership that I would be paid a lot less for warranty and recall work.

[@isaakd881]

I was told the same thing about warranty work.. I was told you just have to eat it... we all know the labor time is almost 50% compared to customer pay...

[@RussShawTV]

Bend over and take it! Is what I was told. By the reaction count on this video, it looks like less and less of us are willing to “eat it” or “bend over and take it” anymore. Thanks for sharing and. I wish you all the best in this new year with better adventures in the future.

[@Memorylanemodelcars2]

I Left As 62 yr Old Master Tech by 2017 Ayality Control on New parts was Gone ,75-80 Oercent if Tine Bew Oart us Defective But US Techs Don't Find our until after Parts Are Installed You Gotta Do Job Again But Without Pay! Discovered This With Brake Booster on My Own 96 Mercury Cougar XR-7?. Plus You Can't but Sparkplugs For Mid 70s Cars anymore To Make older Cehickes Ve Sxraoed instead of Fixed its Stupid But TRUE I'm Moving to Writing Books and Becoming a Published Author

[@RussShawTV]

Thanks for commenting! Yes, it seems these big corporations are hitting an all-time low. Not that they couldn’t get lower, but that’s what it takes for us to find something better to do with our intellect and skills. Writing books!? That’s awesome! Do you have a specific topic you’re writing about? I wish you all the best on this new endeavor and chapter of life. ✌️😁🔧

[@eric726]

Seen someone was making 13 hr.... how about 9.10 hr with 25%.... hrly below state minimum wage.... so you know what that ment.... had to pick apart every single litte scrap that came through those doors. Crazy...

[@RussShawTV]

Yeah, it should be criminal.

[@jasev587]

You should look at sales.

[@RussShawTV]

Sorry, I can’t sell something with a Recall Record that shadows every other American car maker. Especially when the tech’s have to fix those recalls and financially get screwed it the process. That’s the main reason I quit. Tech’s have to pay for engineer’s mistakes and lose money for their families. It’s effin disrespectful. You’re either going to value money or value people. The weight will get to you over time.

[@jasev587]

@@RussShawTV 17 years @ Ford, Senior Master Tech here, earned the old school way. At the end of the day, I left 10 years ago for basically the same reasons.

[@RussShawTV]

@@jasev587 sounds like Ford is in for some real trouble. Unless they change their attitude towards valuing people and adjust their leadership style as a result.

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

the last dealership was demanding the mechanic pay them for any parts that warranty kicked back. also if you broke a part they would demand payment.

[@RussShawTV]

The stories of horrible business practices continue. Where I worked we had to keep detailed notes and pictures, especially for recall and warranty work of the parts we removed and the parts we were replacing them with. If we didn’t keep such notes or if the notes got lost because of the antiquated computer system, not to mention the mostly broken computers we were forced to use because of “security” we would not get paid for the time and in some cases like you said, be charged for the parts that they weren’t able to verify were installed in the vehicle. A master tech encouraged me to save them in my phone in case the computer loses them. Another, long list of reasons I don’t wrench anymore.

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

@@RussShawTV they would have us replace windshields and they break occasionally. then they would demand full retail payment for it. so glad I sued and left

[@RussShawTV]

@@narcissistinjurygiver2932 I’m glad you did too! Sounds highly illegal 😡

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

@@RussShawTV it was criminal extortion. I ran a union fight against them and cost them big time.

[@donerickson7869]

In 99 i was making 20 bucks an hour streight time as a fleet tech 15 an hour on flat rate is criminal.

[@RussShawTV]

It’s only a criminal if you stick around to take the abuse in my opinion. Truth is, it’s getting harder and harder for working class people to get by. That’s why I do gig work now. Being independent is the only way I feel here in the Seattle area one can actually make an affordable living.

[@nrich5127]

This "problem" is nation wide - their business plan for the service department is seriously flawed and techs are leaving in substantial numbers. These dealership owners don't understand service nor how to use a calculator. If you pay your techs $10 an hour more and the job takes 4 hours , the client would pay $40 more but you would still have experienced techs working for you. More techs equals more jobs completed and happier clients. In the long term your service dept will gain a good reputation cause the techs have experience. Greed killed the Golden Goose.

[@RussShawTV]

Depends, with warranty and recall work I don’t think I would’ve stuck around for an extra $10 an hour. Honestly, I make way more money now and residential electricity, just doing fairly simple electrical handyman stuff. There is a cool factor to being a mechanic and working on cars, having a passion for cars. I think it’s part of why these companies are able to abuse their labor pool the way they do. Where I worked a big corporation that owned multi dealership across a couple of states, just controlled things from a distance. And looked at people like numbers on a spreadsheet, which is pretty much how most corporations in America do things these days. This dealership closed two months after I quit, it had been there for 50 years! Back in the day it was a mom and Pop dealership. But now it didn’t make enough money during the pandemic so all those people lost their jobs and our city lost a big chunk of sales tax revenue. In my country, I feel we’ve lost the sense of community and relationships and the value of humanity at work. There’s a hole in the boat. I’ve heard that analogy when it comes to the working class, it keeps getting worse and worse every year eventually, the economy is going to sink the wealthy and the top 5% hoarding all of the resources and wealth. While lawmakers continue to allow these corporations to buy their competition because they themselves are bought and sold. Here in the United States we are no longer ran by Democrats and Republicans ran by corporations who hold the puppet strings of lawmakers. It’s sad, I’d like to be more optimistic. People are too blind pointing the finger at the red or the blue and being outraged to actually see what’s going on.

[@mikecarton2866]

Guessing you are driving a chevy head liner falling off.

[@RussShawTV]

Ha I drive a Chrysler work van with a headliner falling off. 😁🔧⚡️ I found a fix for it though. My other car is a Pontiac hardtop convertible coupe. Nothing against Ford as a car maker. I would drive a Mustang for example or an F150 if I can find one older than 2010. I just don’t think I would buy anything new they produced recently. A lot of car companies are having to make smaller and hotter motors to comply with today’s emissions standards. I don’t think these motors are going to stand the test of time like cars produced in the early 2000 and before.

[@rev.lazarus906]

which state is at Ford dealership in?

[@RussShawTV]

Everett Wa, about two months after I left the dealership closed. Sad because it had been there since the 70’s! 🤔 but that’s what happens when corporate America buys a bunch of different dealerships and tries to run all of them without any kind of value for people’s hard work.

[@jamesr2888]

When you spoke about the antiquated computer system, what did you mean by? The actual computer themselves (you showed 4 lol). Or are you talking about the dealer's computer system? The DMS (dealer management system). If so, do you know what the name of it was? I have to know. ;)

[@RussShawTV]

🤔 I can’t recall the name of Ford’s computer management system. All I remember is having to log in and out with my seven digit employee number. EVERY SINGLE TIME. I remember each job I did, or even operation on the same vehicle I had to sign in and out of in order to get my flat rate. Typing in my seven digit employee number having to look up time shop time myself on many occasions, and add it to the job. The confusing way we wrote parts into our jobs. Antiquated was the best word I could find. I get that Ford needs to keep track of all the stuff, but it could be done in a much more efficient manner using today’s technology. I feel Ford’s system is/was (when I left) at least 20 years behind modern time management, including even the simplest apps I can download on my phone for free. Also I remember the computers were slow. Not just the computers, but many times the network also cutting into flat rate time. AND many of the techs did what they called “financial forensics“ they actually kept a notebook wrote down their times with a pen or pencil to make sure they were getting paid. Another reason I left. Like I had time for all of this when the company easily has the technology to make this better, but chooses not too!

[@willitnitro8506]

I can say with comfortable authority after playing with many, CDK is horrible. My account has been messed up since day 1, and noone on staff can figure it out. The it guy is stumped. Ya gotta work the dang thing like a dos prompt, enter text code for everything, log yourself into the job, get the work, assign yourself to the line, and then if you did all that right you can start your line, but you cannot add any parts or make any progress without first starting your inspection. Even if the vehicle is not in your possession, still have to start the inspection. AWFUL Tech metric makes it looks like Waldo designed cdk

[@josephludwig1126]

Only one person at a dealership gets better money. I only made $13 as a ASE master tech. To have to know all the systems, Techs should be making $150,000

[@RussShawTV]

@@josephludwig1126 dang I find that hard to believe, I guess it depends on what state you’re in. Here in the Seattle area most master techs make at least $60 - 50,000 a year, which you’re right, is a pittance to what they should make.

[@ronaldwilletts6906]

Worked at Ford, LIncoln Mercury shops for 35 yrs. Tough life. Never made a living wage until the last then yrs. Had to work nights and weekends doing barn jobs. Seemed like the more you knew, the less you were paid as you got all the tough warranty shit jobs that other techs couldn't handle. Would not recommend it to anyone.

[@RussShawTV]

@@ronaldwilletts6906 well, it’s impressive. You stuck around for 35 years, I’m glad you were there for the people that needed service on their vehicles. 🙏 As far as the big shitty corporations seems like that’s just getting worse. An the recalls are more numerous every year.

[@natelove187]

Explain how bad Ford engines and transmissions are? I know it’s bad. I here the complaints

[@RussShawTV]

It depends on the vehicle. Ford Explorer is a very reliable vehicle so are the older F150’s. The Ford edge, escape the newer focus’s Fusion’s have a lot of trouble and I would say are below average quality. I have a lot more faith in Ford’s older stuff than their newer stuff too. For example the older Ford Explores engines and transmissions will go hundreds of thousands of miles that’s why they make police cars out of them. But beyond 2015 the electronic steering racks go out around 100,000 to 130,000 miles which is going to set you back about $3500 and the module has to be programmed at the dealership. And they’re putting these problematic 2.7 L V6 engines in many of their vehicles today. 2.7 EcoBoost engines from 2016 to 2017 have a significant defects with the cylinder head valve guides.

[@natelove187]

@@RussShawTV The ECOBOOST engine are horrific. Let’s hope Ford go back to natural aspiration engine or have better luck with pure electric ⚡️, or none turbo hybrids

[@southerncross3638]

The public thinks you make $150.00 an hr. in reality, you make about $25.00

[@RussShawTV]

@@southerncross3638 the dealership I worked at charged $200 an hour for my time. With warranty and recall work I was making about $20 an hour.

[@selfoblivionalex6262]

Ford cars are about the easiest to work on compared to others at least there's that.

[@RussShawTV]

It’s not really whether they’re easy or hard to work on. It’s the fact that Ford Motor Company doesn’t value the skills that automotive technicians that work for them bring to the table. Been self-employed for over a year and a half an hour since leaving and I’m much happier and making way better money 🛠️👍😁 Thanks for commenting 😁

[@Golfing422]

I know what I’m hearing. I’m hearing a dude who won’t make it in a trade. I’ve worked Saturday all my life. I agree with how he feels for himself. It’s not worth it if you can’t do it. I work in a trade. I can’t imagine leaving this to work in a gig. I prefer stable, gainful employment to a no benefits gig.

[@RussShawTV]

You know huh?! LOL couldn’t make it in the trade! Wow! Dude, I’m right here! This dealership was horrible after being taken over by some big multi-dealer corporate machine. Garbage company treating people employees and customers like garbage and as a result, went out of business two months after I quit. How’s that for “stable gainfull employment” 🤦🏻And benefits? You mean the barely existing benefits that Ford (at least my dealership provided) where the co-pay and pay out-of-pocket was still made it mostly unaffordable to go to the doctor? Or god forbid the Hospital?! I had a coworker who got back from the hospital and his responsibility was over $3500! Dude! I pay less as a gig worker in Washington state with the healthcare authority for the self-employed then I had to shell out as an employee at this place! FYI I got callback from Ford corporate for Tech placement, I got callback from both neighboring dealerships, where most of the techs went after its closure called offering me work. I am not interested. Speaking of trades, I do electrical work now. Bills are paid less stress. Honestly, I think it’s Ford. Ford is doing everything they can to put out of business, mom and pop indy dealerships and as a result, (in my opinion) screwing their customers out of getting their car serviced from more personable dealer companies who care better for their employees. (see article below) 🤔 Maybe I should do a follow up video. Point out how HORRIBLE most of these corporations healthcare is and how much MORE you could actually get paid if you went in to a different trade. I can do it, and as a mechanically inclined dude, I can do and quickly learn other things to. And so can you. Despite your uninformed judgement of me, I hope you are doing well and hope you flourish as a Ford tech and prove me wrong. Thanks for commenting… www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/ford-just-made-a-stunning-announcement-heres-what-it-means-for-customers.html

[@fubar4fpv]

we pay illegal aliens more than you

[@eric726]

Left a shop 2 weeks ago. For exactly the same reasons. Wth is going on with this industry? No respect, pay is sht, gotta work your butt off and stay 110 percent. Put our bodies and minds through hell dude just for these shops to take advantage, no more. I wont ever work in a shop setting again. Put those 2 weeks in . Gone in 3 days 😅, thought about going mobile for years now , i took that thought and made the leap. To all the great techs/mechanics rev am up its mobile time!!😊

[@RussShawTV]

That’s awesome Eric I’m glad you got out of there! Absolutely right, these corporations do not respect our skills, life, energy, and what we bring to the table. I’m glad you chose to leave that place and do something more hopeful with your talent and abilities.

[@allenhanks7719]

Be self employed . You will win in the end.

[@calholli]

He would be in the same boat. He quit because he had to redo a job that he made mistakes on.. and not get paid for it. Well, when you own your own business-- it's the exact same story.

[@robo5877]

I’ve been a Ford Tech since 1987. My body is a wreck In hindsight, I would’ve found a different occupation a long time ago!

[@RussShawTV]

Yeah, we are exposed to a lot of toxic chemicals and have to bend our bodies in uncomfortable joint taxing ways. Since 87, I would count your blessings you made it this far. I know a couple auto tech guys who past away from cancer and mesothelioma, being around break dust a.k.a. asbestos all those years. Truth is, I was only an auto tech for a short period of time, a few years if that. even though I’ve been working on cars most of my life since I was 14. I like the gig work I do now because I have the opportunity to spend as much time as it takes to do a job right rather than having some corporate boss come down on me to do things fast as possible. Speed should be something that comes naturally after doing a good job over and over again many times. Take heart brother! Today is all you got, the breath coming in and out of your lungs right now is the one constant. Love who you love, be present in the moment with an attitude of gratitude is one thing I try and carry around with me. Peace brotha and thanks for commenting. ✌️🔧👍

[@robo5877]

Thanks man I appreciate that

[@alexgoldstein7997]

" you have to use our computers which are actually broken" That's insane.

[@RussShawTV]

It was frustrating the big corporation wouldn’t spend money on updated equipment. Also this dealership went out of business a few months after this video was posted.

[@trt581]

Don't ever buy a Ford they have the worst customer service in the world.. I got a 2022 Ford Maverick recall for airbag issue .Ford customer service wants the customer to call every few weeks to see if the parts in ...they're not going to call me when the part gets in , because they don't have enough people to reach out to the customer to let them know the parts are in.. When you tell Ford that this is a terrible way of doing business, they get angry with the customer.. lol ... This is my second recall... Lol

[@RussShawTV]

Ford has so many recalls. Every time I see another Recall come through my feed or on the news, I think to myself 🤔 some auto tech is going to have to fix that now for a big hit to their flat rate. But NOT ME! 😂 It’s sad that Ford would tell customers they have a “labor shortage“ Ford is one of the oldest richest corporations in the world. They don’t have a labor shortage!They have a not “paying people enough” problem. 😡

[@mateofernando5066]

FORD = Found On Road Dead

[@peterpeter5666]

auto industry in general is a joke for the employee. underpaid overworked and treated like crap most of the time. as a tech for 40 years if i had to do it all over again , theres no way in hell i would be an auto tech

[@RussShawTV]

I agree, Peter. I’ve heard a story from mom and Pop dealerships where the employees are pretty happy but those stories are a few and far between. These big corporations keep swallowing them up for example seems to be incentivizing corporate entities to buy multiple dealerships. Which I think is where the deeper dragon lies. It’s not just the automotive industry. It’s that corporations don’t see human beings as anything more or less than a number on a spreadsheet.

[@peterpeter5666]

@@RussShawTV agree work for a tiny 3 bay shop atm just me and the owner. we have tons of work and its like a neighborhood shop where we serve the community. 95% of our referrals are word of mouth . were always book two weeks at a time . its hard sometimes but no heavy trucks to deal with pay is good

[@RussShawTV]

@@peterpeter5666 that’s awesome Peter. And it feels a lot better doing that good days work without the machine getting in your way. Or like, where I worked, having commission service managers write service for things that don’t even need to be done.

[@markferraro5250]

I hear you it a torture chamber Very true

[@RussShawTV]

Yes, Mark sounds like he got some front row seat, knowledge.

[@yordansanchez1990]

Amigo flat rate will collapse When EVs take over

[@RussShawTV]

Yes either that or a more competitive working market. One of the reasons this dealership went out of business back in May. 🤔 anyone worth their salt, would leave in short periods of time.

[@zemoney954]

❤😂GREAT VID WE ARE DEFINITELY UNDERAPPRECIATED! LONG AGO !SOME OF THOSE BIG WIGS NEED TO BEND OVER AND TAKE IT!!! NO LUBE !😂 MOST MY MANAGERS COULD NEVER F!X $#!+... LIES TO TELL TO US AND CUSTOMERS!!! CRAZY HOWMUCH SOME PPL THINK TO TRUST MOST SHOPS AND DEALERS AND WILL PAY ANYTHING!!! SOME SHOPS YOU CANT EVEN SEE THE SERVICE BEING PERFORMED! SMFHSMH

[@RussShawTV]

Truth be told this place went outta business 2 months after I quit. I got out just in time😅. I agree with you 🤔And they wonder why they had a “labor shortage”.

[@kevingervais7678]

Ramble on my friend....

[@RussShawTV]

Yes, like the old Led Zeppelin tune! “Ah, sometimes I grow so tired But I know I've got one thing I got to do… 🎶 Ramble on And now's the time, the time is now!” I have, doing gig work, and I’m much happier.

[@randykorbyn7313]

42 years of it my happy day is when my tools come home and stay there . And if i had it to do over no way in hell .to much bs With the whole industry as a whole. Pay . And so on .

[@RussShawTV]

Amen Randy! 🙏 My tools are home with a belong. And you’re right it’s not just Ford, every dealership has warranty and recall fleeing of the workers techniques. Not my circus not my monkeys anymore.

[@8alakai8]

good walk and never go back to fixing cars its bad pay

[@RussShawTV]

Thanks for the input. The only folks I know making money in the automotive business are folks who own their own shops. And some that do gig work. I no longer do automotive gig work. You’re right it doesn’t pay as much.