I'm looking for advice on how to deal with a botched radiator replacement that resulted in an overheated engine this morning.
Here are the facts:
Yesterday, I had the local Honda dealership replace the radiator in my 2005 Pilot - it had apparently developed a pinhole leak, but was functioning fine. I opted to replace it rather than have it blow up at some inconvenient time. I picked up the car after the replacement, drove home, and parked it for the night. All was well.
This morning, I left the house for a 4 hour trip to Madison, WI for business. About 10 miles into the trip, I noticed there was no heat coming from the cabin vents. I watched the engine temp needle slowly start to climb higher than I've ever seen it go before. So....I know there's a problem - no warning lights yet. I find the next exit and pull off, watching the needle climb higher. By the time I can safely stop the needle pins itself on 'H'. I immediately shut the engine off and open the hood. The coolant reservoir is dry. I call the Honda dealership and am advised to get a free tow back to their site. "It might be an air pocket, but let's tow it to be safe." my service rep says.
3 hours later, I'm told the problem is fixed. I find out that the technician 'forgot' to install the lower radiator hose clamp. The word 'forgot' is even included in the technician's printed service report (I was surprised to see that).
So...I head out again , and make my 4 hour drive to Madison with no noticeable problems.
Question: How should I handle this error with the dealership?
I'm concerned about possible damage that may have occurred at freeway speed with little to no coolant. I'm also concerned about the level of quality of other work that I've had done recently (brake fluid replacement, tie-rod end replacement, power steering high pressure line).
What would be a reasonable line to take with the service department in this situation?
Thanks for any tips you can provide.
Best to you and yours,
crybdr
Here are the facts:
Yesterday, I had the local Honda dealership replace the radiator in my 2005 Pilot - it had apparently developed a pinhole leak, but was functioning fine. I opted to replace it rather than have it blow up at some inconvenient time. I picked up the car after the replacement, drove home, and parked it for the night. All was well.
This morning, I left the house for a 4 hour trip to Madison, WI for business. About 10 miles into the trip, I noticed there was no heat coming from the cabin vents. I watched the engine temp needle slowly start to climb higher than I've ever seen it go before. So....I know there's a problem - no warning lights yet. I find the next exit and pull off, watching the needle climb higher. By the time I can safely stop the needle pins itself on 'H'. I immediately shut the engine off and open the hood. The coolant reservoir is dry. I call the Honda dealership and am advised to get a free tow back to their site. "It might be an air pocket, but let's tow it to be safe." my service rep says.
3 hours later, I'm told the problem is fixed. I find out that the technician 'forgot' to install the lower radiator hose clamp. The word 'forgot' is even included in the technician's printed service report (I was surprised to see that).
So...I head out again , and make my 4 hour drive to Madison with no noticeable problems.
Question: How should I handle this error with the dealership?
I'm concerned about possible damage that may have occurred at freeway speed with little to no coolant. I'm also concerned about the level of quality of other work that I've had done recently (brake fluid replacement, tie-rod end replacement, power steering high pressure line).
What would be a reasonable line to take with the service department in this situation?
Thanks for any tips you can provide.
Best to you and yours,
crybdr
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