Has anybody ever run into a situation like this? Or ever heard of one? Last june, my 2005 CTD SLT QC got hit by lightning. It spent 2 1/2 weeks in the shop having Misc. sensors and computers replaced. My insurance company was great in handling the claim. After about 5000 (After it was repaired by a dodge dealer) miles I started having some funky electrical issues. I still had a FULL warranty on the truck. It has been in the shop the past 7 weeks, the dealer has been working on it under warranty and cannot fix the problem. All my gauges are going to zero, having a P1652 code, headlights and wipers not working. ABS and Airbag lights going on and off with the chime. I filed lemon law on the truck and as I suspected chrysler denied it being their fault. Then they proceed to tell me that the warranty is now restricted as far as the electrical system goes. They couldn't find a problem with the truck and said that even though they couldn't prove it was caused by the lightning, giving the trucks past history they wouldn't replace it. I'm in the process of re-opening the insurance claim. I really can't argue with the decision, just wondering if anybody has ever been in or knows of a situation like this. JD

 

I had the same problem but on a older ford utility truck, darn thing was not hit one but twice in the same spot right side fender, same problem with the electrical, would die constantly, had to sell her for scrap. I cannot help you with what your problem is, mine was melted harnesses. We replace every one to no avail.

floridagc

 

The truck should have been totaled. Call your insurance company and have it totaled. If they don't get a lawyer. The truck will never run right, for the long haul. Every sensor, every wire, every electrical component was maxed out and stressed way beyong what it was designed for. No different than a flood, actually worse.

 

Geico266 is right. That truck should be totalled. It will never be the same again. Definately get a hold of your insurance company, and if they give you crap talk to an attorney. Good luck!

 

Thanx Geico. The dealership that has the truck has been wonderful in the matter. The Chrysler District Manager for my area pushed hard for Chrysler to replace the vehicle, he said if nothing else just to keep the customer happy, but they wouldn't bite. The dealer is reopening the claim on the truck as I type. I hope this turns out right for us, this truck has been a dream of mine for a long time, and 2 months into it Zap! I knew it would never be the same. JDX

 

What exactly does your Insurance company say? I assume you have contacted your Insurance rep with the latest details stating The Dealer has no hope in fixing your truck. The truck would be a hazzard to you and your family even if they did patch it up somehow short term. No headlights, ABS light on, and all the other stuff that does not work could be a death trap. If my agent argued to total my truck in this case I would be surprised. You need to lean on your insurance.....you pay them every month for stuff like this...

 

I have talked to them in depth about whats going on. They seemed pretty receptive to the issue, but until the dealer actually re-opens the claim their hands are tied. I am going to press hard to get the truck totalled out. I feel the same way about the safety issues, and told them as much. JDX

 

Good! They need to stand behind you on this one...

 

Wow, I started a claim today about 3:30 and by 4:15 a claim adjuster was at the dealer. She got to see first hand what the truck was doing, they are gonna do some diagnostics monday, but the service manager told her that he probably won't be able to fix it with out replacing all the harnesses, and that may not even fix it. I'm pushing hard for the thing to be totalled out. Not too sure how much input I have in the decision. JDX

 

I'm an insurance agent and have also done some adjusting on home insurance claims and when lightning hits the electrical in a house it many times causes odd problems later and especially in appliances and phone systems. Computers almost never work right after getting hit through the electric or phone line, and often times with tv's etc. Your agent should know this, or especially your adjuster.

 

Have an attorney write a demand letter to your insurance company. They are jacking you around b y claiming "our hands are tied until the dealer opens the case". That is BS. They can total a truck anytime. Also, check your insurance policy for a rental car if your's is in the shop. You can collect on it even if you don't get a rental car. Cash in your pocket.

Call them Monday and if they don't have it totaled by noon get an attorney.

 

Lightning is an amazing thing. It scatters and jumps like crazy. It may hit one thing and jump over and hit something else. Your truck can be fixed. Just the whole electrical system may need to be replace. From motors to ECM,PCM, to radio, gauges harnesses(main and sub). It's probably going to be more than the truck is worth. One heck of a bill.

 

Thanx for the input spooler. Any experience dealing with these kinda auto claims? JDX