[Dr_Perhaps]

Re: From buzzing shifter to buzzing shifter and no 6th gear (mac)

Quote, originally posted by mac »

Here is the Volvo Tech-Notes Service Bulletin: Perhaps you should print this and make them look up the Tech-Notes bulletin #43-40 to have it adjusted correctly

I think they did look this up (it's listed on the work order). So there isn't a knowledge problem, just an ability problem...

 

[Dr_Perhaps]

Thanks for all the comments. It's back at the dealership...hopefully they get it right this time.

 

[Dr_Perhaps]

Re: Similar problem....

Latest update:

They fixed the no 6th gear problem and the buzzing seems to be gone. One oddity though: 5th and 6th gear now feel "farther" over when shifting. I'm going to live with it for a few days before I decide to have them make another adjustment. It doesn't really bother me because I don't care about making speed 4th-5th shifts.

Also, last trip they replaced my squealing brake pads...with the same pads

...so they have the new pads on order. I knew these kinds of problems would exist with the first model year...but they are aggregavating nontheless (especially because it's a 30 minute drive (one way) to the dealership).

 

[Dr_Perhaps]

Re: Similar problem.... (JRL)

Quote, originally posted by JRL »

The new style, (hopefully non squeak), rear pads are on national back order. I'm been waiting impatiently for mine for a month. JRL

My dealer claims the new pads will be in in a week or two...

 

[Dr_Perhaps]

Re: Similar problem.... (BarryH)

Quote, originally posted by BarryH »

Go check out the B6 S4 forum on audiworld.com. They're estimating that about 30% of the delivered cars have had catastrophic failures of the engine, transmission, or both. Some cars have been out of service for over 30 days waiting for parts. I took delivery of a new BMW two weeks ago. The all-window auto-up function only works on three of the four windows. The dealer also screwed up the initialization of BMW Assist. My V70R came from the factory without the fuel cross-over pump connected and almost stranded me 500 miles from home. You know what? Cars break. They're mass-assembled with thousands of parts and a percentage of those parts fail. I had two Acura's, the pinnacle of Japanese quality, they broke too. The standard to which we on this board hold Volvo is unrealistic. We didn't buy Maybachs - we bought the high-end version of a mass produced sedan and wagon that can be purchased for $30K.

I don't think it's unrealistic to expect vehicles to perform as advertised. I recognize that they are complex machines, but it does get to be a bit much. Yes, all cars have problems, but some have more than others. One only has to look at the many different indices of quality to realize that Volvo has some work to do.

Notwithstanding that, I bought my car with both eyes open. I knew it was a complex, first model year vehicle and that Volvo doesn't have the highest quality levels. I still enjoy my car greatly. But this does not excuse the problems that occur. I understand it but don't accept it (and I wouldn't think Volvo would either).

 

[Dr_Perhaps]

Re: Similar problem.... (JimLill)

Quote, originally posted by JimLill »

How much of this is Volvo and how much the dealer? Any new model will have these 1st run gremlins. Volvo was certainly pretty quick to get on top of the shifter issue. However, as demonstrated by all the cars delivered with the shipping spacers, there seems to be a RTFM issue at the dealers. I conclude that other problems are tainted by the same thing. It seems that some dealers assign their best service guys to "service for profit" and let the newbie guys handle PDI and new delivery follow-up.

I agree that many of these kinds of problems stem from the dealership experience. I am always amazed by how much I have to follow up with them to get details on my car. It's maddening. I know that dealers are independent businesses, but why does Lexus generally have such outstanding service (and Saturn for that matter) whereas other "premium" dealers struggle so much?