I had a little time today and since I needed an oil change I ran by my dealer of choice. I had a very interesting and informative conversation with one of the service writers. This will probably skip around a little so bare with me if you would.

As to the cp3 and lift pump, replacement of them both around $3500. If you need just the lift pump, putting it in the tank, around $700. He stated that since they started placing it in the tank they've only had one come back and no cp3 issues after the replacement.

They have had one denial of warranty for injectors. After replacing all the injectors and performing several other checks DC wanted to see the computer because the problem was still there. There were signs of a non-Dodge program installed on it. It seems that besides key counts, it also tracks some info in regards to the last flash done to it. When that was compared to DC's records, along with some other data retrieved from the computer, the warranty was denied and the bill was a little over $3000 plus no further warranty. He stated that they know some of their customers use the aftermarket stuff and as long as it's not obvious, they don't go looking for it. Remove it before you come in was what he said but, the regional rep is another matter. He has a binder that is about 8 inches thick and contains every installation and operating manual for every programmer and/or power adder that they can find. If you think you can hide from this guy, think again was his advice.

He mentioned that there was a programmer out there that was supposed to be invisible. He did not say if they could see it or not.

Beginning this year, if you have an engine issue and call Chrysler you're supposed to be placed in direct contact with Cummins. He stated their first question will be, show us proof you changed your fuel filters.

I can't remember if he said beginning late 07 or early 08 or late 08 to early 09 there will no longer be any reference in the owner's manual as to regularly scheduled maintenance. All maintenance suggestions will come from the vehicles ECM via the CEL or another reminder. This will be determined based on several parameters that the ECM monitors. Engine loading, miles since the last service etc. To reset the reminder you start with the engine off, key off. Push the accelerator to the floor twice and release, step on the brake and cycle the key on, then off. If it works for you great, if it doesn't sorry, I'm just the messenger.

I went by parts to check on the cost of brake pads as I have 75k on the OEM pads. OEM for the front $113 and change, $99 for the rear and they do not stock them. They do stock their "Value Line" pads and the parts guy said they're getting about the same mileage out of them as the OEM ones. The cost for the Value Line pads are $51.03 for the front and the same for the rear and they have a lifetime warranty but you must keep the receipt. I like the idea of buy it once.

One of the Jeep models, I can't remember if he said 04, 05 or 06, had another gear built into the tranny. Physically it was there but you needed a flash to use it. (Not sure about this one)

They recently replaced a Cummins engine in a 2500. The engine was pulled from the assembly line and drop shipped to the dealer, $15,000. The interesting part was how they installed it. I believe he said the truck was an 06. They started by undoing the cab. He said they had it ready to lift in 1.5 hours. By lifting the cab they did a total swap, R&R, in 8 hours. I thought that was cool.

They had a couple 4500s and one 5500 on the lot. The 5500 was sitting next to a 3500 and it was about 3 inches taller. Man, that thing was heavy duty all the way around. The spring packs are massive and the brakes are huge! The front tow hooks look like they're probably 1.25" think. I was told that in order to get the heavy duty franchise, they had to buy a new lift. It's a for post portable, just move it to where you need it in the shop, one post at a time.

Several people have put money down on the new Challenger. This dealer is getting one and it's going to be done this way. First person on the list gets a call, "this is XXXXX from XXXXX, the Challenger is here and the price is XXXXX. Do you want it?" The first person who commits and has the funds, gets the car. They are hoping for an early summer delivery and they are expecting the release to be like the Viper. The car will arrive with an AMV (Adjusted Market Value) of somewhere between $20,000 - $30,000 on top of the delivered price. OUCH!

There is a new warranty rider coming. It can be added but I'm unclear if it's attached to the factory warranty or an extended warranty but it is extra and covers side sheet metal dings and windshields. It's supposed to have a "no deductible" option in the plan.

There's probably more I've forgotten so I'll add it as it comes back to me. All of this info is liable to change or be incorrect in some detail or aspect so like I said earlier, I just the messenger. Please don't shoot me.

 

When I was at the local dealer a year and a half ago they were putting a new engine in a 99 and had the entire cab lifted off the frame. The tech said the same thing about it being way faster and easier than trying to pull the engine thru the truck. They had a moveable 4 post lift but it wasn't for very heavy duty work. He said the same thing about 2 hours for one guy to prep the cab for pulling. Pretty cool. Kurt

 

This is not a life time warranty for wear, its a lifetime warranty for defects. You can wear them out and you will have to pay for the next set, but if at any time the friction material separates from the backing or something that has nothing to do with wear from stopping the vehicle you get a new set for free.


Sorry.

 

That's not the way they explained it to me. I specifically asked, "so, when I wear these out I get another set for free?" His response was "that's right, just pay for installation." I said I'm installing them myself and he said "then just save the receipt and bring it and the backing plates with you". I hope you're wrong but with my luck, it'll probably be me.

 

Auto Zone claims a lifetime warranty. Period. I bought their pads for my '01.

IIRC, the cost was a lot less than what is posted here.

 

Haven't heard of any "lifetime" warranty on the V line pads for wear. I love the VatoZone lifetime pads. Vehicles with those nearly always need rotors replaced.

 

Your lifetime replacement on the pads at AutoZone is purely up to the person on duty at the time of return.. If the pads show any sign of being on a bad rotor the claim will be denied, if the pads are not worn perfectly even the claim will be denied.
The lifetime warranty is only good on NORMAL wear. They will not pay for new pads if they can claim any abnormal wear at all..
Ask me how I know..........

 

I put Schuck's "lifetime" pads on our Jetta and got at least one replacement set after wearing them out before we sold it. I just put a lifetime waterpump on the Tahoe. I better reread the details.

 

Caught the sarcasm there! Similiar here in San Diego.

 

I have never had Autozone deny my life time warranty on pads. I have them on this truck, and I use to replace my front pads every 20,000 miles on my 98GMC that I put 330,000 miles on.

 

those lifetime warranty pads are made with a extremly hard metal additive, like said above most break rotors will get damaged by using these lifetime pads

 

"I love the VatoZone lifetime pads."

I'd like to hear you say that when you put on a set and 18 miles down the road they come apart at 70 mph and you have to destroy a $300 rotor to stop your car. And to add a little icing on that, AZ will gladly GIVE you a new set of pads and SELL you a $300 rotor.

Been there, done that, aint shopping AZ again. Also, ours carry fuel filters without one single word of english on the box. Not something I want to depend on.