My HID installation F'd up my Tranny?!!! *really long*
11-26-2003, 05:38 AM
#1
Pizda Boy
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 2,794
My HID installation F'd up my Tranny?!!! *really long*
Yeah right. . .
Here is my problem. Some of you know that my car was stolen exactly one year ago (the night before thanksgiving).
Well, it was recovered on thanksgiving day with a front hit into a telephone pole, my BOSE system gone, broken driver side window, all the cables ripped out under the steering wheel, broken dash pieces, and they killed my transmission (auto)
Even though my car was found the next day, I did not get it back until mid February. . . drove rentals for all these months....The reason for that was because my insurance co. did not want to cover for the transmission cost (even though I have full coverage) they were saying something about the mileage on the car since it's 99,000 miles they, I'm liable for 1% of the cost for each 1,000 miles on the car. . . that put me at 99% of the cost. . . after months and months of fighting with them, we came to an agreement where I will pay 50% and they will pay the other 50%. . .
Got my car back and within a week I discovered many problems with my transmission. . .rpm's dropping when putting my foot of the gas pedal, jumping from gear to gear, etc....
The shop that rebuilt the tranny gave me a 1 year warranty, when I went back to them, they kept putting me off to come back next week, 2 weeks, and so on. . .
In the meantime I found out about Maxima.org and started doing some modding to my car (not much) but one of the things I did was put in 2003 maxima HID's on my car. . . I had it professionally installed and was there the whole time with the guy (he knows what he's doing when it comes to lights).
Well, they finally took the car to get it fixed again. . .My father picked it up, since I had to work. . . I got home got in the car, took it for a drive, and the first place I went to was back into that shop. . . Everything was ok except it jumped really hard from 1st to 2nd (almost like i would have a vb mod) chirped the tires going into 2nd at WOT. . .
I went to them and tried talking to them nicely that maybe they missed something, I don't know, "just drive it" i told them. . .Immediately his words were "good-bye, we don't want to deal with you anymore, the warranty is over" (even though I had another 4 months of warranty). . . well, after many phone calls they said fine bring it over but it's a electrical problem so i'll have to call the insurance co. for it and have them cover it. . . *(at that point something seemed funny because he didn't even look at the car and right away he said it's something electrical)*
Whatever, I let them have the car. . . after 8 days, I call him up last night and he says, it's ready come pick it up but you owe me $400!!!. . .
I say WTF!!!!!!!
(from what i'm thinking, apparently the insurance co. did not give them crap, so this is what he does. . .)
He says it's your fault!!!
He goes to me, When you installed you HID's, in order to get power you connected them to the "transmission computer" WTF!!! I don't even know where the transmission computer is, and why would I do that when the lights have power anyway!!!!
He thinks I must be stupid!!!!!!!
So he also told me that they uninstalled or unhooked *(i don't know exactly)* MY HID's. . . .why would he do that????
I haven't seen the car yet, but. . . from what I'm thinking, he wants to blame this to be an electrical problem because of my HID's. . .
I'm going there at lunch time and I might shoot the guy. . .
What right did he have to rip out my HID's out of the car, when they have nothing to do with a transmission. . . He thinks he's dealing with a 12 year old or something. . . .
He told me that I will not get my car unless I give him $400. . .
What do you guys think??? Time to get a lawyer??? Rent a car and have him cover the charges later on???
Now it's going to take me another 3 hours to hook my HID's up. . . and who knows what he did to them. . . .
I honestly don't think I will get my car back today because the only thing I can give him is a smack across his face
. . . .
How can HID's have anything to do with a transmission???? I don't FUUking get it!!! and this **** has to take everything apart!!!!
I feel better now. . .thanks for taking the time to read this.
Here is my problem. Some of you know that my car was stolen exactly one year ago (the night before thanksgiving).
Well, it was recovered on thanksgiving day with a front hit into a telephone pole, my BOSE system gone, broken driver side window, all the cables ripped out under the steering wheel, broken dash pieces, and they killed my transmission (auto)
Even though my car was found the next day, I did not get it back until mid February. . . drove rentals for all these months....The reason for that was because my insurance co. did not want to cover for the transmission cost (even though I have full coverage) they were saying something about the mileage on the car since it's 99,000 miles they, I'm liable for 1% of the cost for each 1,000 miles on the car. . . that put me at 99% of the cost. . . after months and months of fighting with them, we came to an agreement where I will pay 50% and they will pay the other 50%. . .
Got my car back and within a week I discovered many problems with my transmission. . .rpm's dropping when putting my foot of the gas pedal, jumping from gear to gear, etc....
The shop that rebuilt the tranny gave me a 1 year warranty, when I went back to them, they kept putting me off to come back next week, 2 weeks, and so on. . .
In the meantime I found out about Maxima.org and started doing some modding to my car (not much) but one of the things I did was put in 2003 maxima HID's on my car. . . I had it professionally installed and was there the whole time with the guy (he knows what he's doing when it comes to lights).
Well, they finally took the car to get it fixed again. . .My father picked it up, since I had to work. . . I got home got in the car, took it for a drive, and the first place I went to was back into that shop. . . Everything was ok except it jumped really hard from 1st to 2nd (almost like i would have a vb mod) chirped the tires going into 2nd at WOT. . .
I went to them and tried talking to them nicely that maybe they missed something, I don't know, "just drive it" i told them. . .Immediately his words were "good-bye, we don't want to deal with you anymore, the warranty is over" (even though I had another 4 months of warranty). . . well, after many phone calls they said fine bring it over but it's a electrical problem so i'll have to call the insurance co. for it and have them cover it. . . *(at that point something seemed funny because he didn't even look at the car and right away he said it's something electrical)*
Whatever, I let them have the car. . . after 8 days, I call him up last night and he says, it's ready come pick it up but you owe me $400!!!. . .
I say WTF!!!!!!!
(from what i'm thinking, apparently the insurance co. did not give them crap, so this is what he does. . .)
He says it's your fault!!!
He goes to me, When you installed you HID's, in order to get power you connected them to the "transmission computer" WTF!!! I don't even know where the transmission computer is, and why would I do that when the lights have power anyway!!!!
He thinks I must be stupid!!!!!!!
So he also told me that they uninstalled or unhooked *(i don't know exactly)* MY HID's. . . .why would he do that????
I haven't seen the car yet, but. . . from what I'm thinking, he wants to blame this to be an electrical problem because of my HID's. . .
I'm going there at lunch time and I might shoot the guy. . .
What right did he have to rip out my HID's out of the car, when they have nothing to do with a transmission. . . He thinks he's dealing with a 12 year old or something. . . .
He told me that I will not get my car unless I give him $400. . .
What do you guys think??? Time to get a lawyer??? Rent a car and have him cover the charges later on???
Now it's going to take me another 3 hours to hook my HID's up. . . and who knows what he did to them. . . .
I honestly don't think I will get my car back today because the only thing I can give him is a smack across his face
. . . .How can HID's have anything to do with a transmission???? I don't FUUking get it!!! and this **** has to take everything apart!!!!
I feel better now. . .thanks for taking the time to read this.
11-26-2003, 06:09 AM
#3
I'm with Kevlo...first go and try to work it out...and call out your freaking warranty, and explain that lights have nothing to do with the damn tranny. Also indicate that you wanted to bring the problem in before the HID install if it was before that..and that they blew you off. Then politely ask who your lawyer should address all correspondance...if all fails and just get a lawyer...u might have to include the insurance company...in the suit...if they could have helped you avoid the situation...dunno about that though
11-26-2003, 06:45 AM
#4
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 535
Sam, the reason he unhooked your HID's is probably so he can SAY it was hooked up to the tranny computer. I would go down there and have a chat with him ASAP. do as Nupe said, ask him where your lawyer should have all correspondance sent. Give me a call, I can maybe have my dad write him a letter on his Letterhead. scare him a bit. But deff. talk to him first, let him know that you are not stupid and he is not going to get one over on you. Tell him that the quality of his work is what brought you to him and you are and have been very dis satisfied. maybe ask him if he is descriminating against you because you are foreign. ( just a bite in the a$$) no one wants to descriminate. call me if you need help.
11-26-2003, 06:48 AM
#5
Pizda Boy
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 2,794
thanks Casey. . . yeah I called that ***** and he's afraid to talk to me now . . . I'm bringing a baseball bat with me. . .
And if I need help I'd appreciate a letter from your dad. . . I'll hook you up with some HID's. . .
And if I need help I'd appreciate a letter from your dad. . . I'll hook you up with some HID's. . .
11-26-2003, 06:51 AM
#6
No friggin way can HID's be hooked up to the tranny, what...do you want them turning on when your car changes gear? 
haha WHAT BS!
Make them pay a shop to reconnect your lights. Its like apples to oranges. Has nothing to do with tranny.
If I were you, I'd file a police report on the spot, they are practically robbing you for your $. Thats not how a business runs. Also, I'd sue them and get them to pay you back for the tranny job and then I'd shut them down for good.
But thats just me...my .02.
Good luck!
haha WHAT BS!Make them pay a shop to reconnect your lights. Its like apples to oranges. Has nothing to do with tranny.
If I were you, I'd file a police report on the spot, they are practically robbing you for your $. Thats not how a business runs. Also, I'd sue them and get them to pay you back for the tranny job and then I'd shut them down for good.
But thats just me...my .02.
Good luck!
11-26-2003, 07:30 AM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Innisfil, Ontario
Posts: 446
Yeah i agree with everyone else, get a lawyer. If the warranty is written, he cannot back out of it unless both parties consent to it through writing. Always alway always, make the petty threat to go public. Newspapers love to hear stories of company's screwing over little guys. HOneslty that will really scare him. ALways worked when I did it.
11-26-2003, 07:47 AM
#9
Absolutely contact a lawyer, and make sure you contact your insurance company as well. Let them know that this man/shop is trying to get more money out of you through fraud. The guy attempting to screw you over obviously doesn't have a clue about electronics...
11-26-2003, 07:58 AM
#11
Pizda Boy
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 2,794
thank you for unlocking this thread.....
i just talked to the guy and he goes to me "someone cut into the harness that goes to the lights but it sends a signal to the transmission computer" I told him that i'm not 12 and he's making himself look stupid. . . then he goes "well maybe it's your aftermarket stereo" (which he put in when the car was recovered) "he goes I don't recall putting in the radio but maybe"
he's gonna call me back...i told him i don't want to hear his BS and want my F'ing car back TODAY. . . I will give him 20 minutes and call him back again.
i just talked to the guy and he goes to me "someone cut into the harness that goes to the lights but it sends a signal to the transmission computer" I told him that i'm not 12 and he's making himself look stupid. . . then he goes "well maybe it's your aftermarket stereo" (which he put in when the car was recovered) "he goes I don't recall putting in the radio but maybe"
he's gonna call me back...i told him i don't want to hear his BS and want my F'ing car back TODAY. . . I will give him 20 minutes and call him back again.
11-26-2003, 08:13 AM
#12
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 535
Originally Posted by MaxedOutOfCash
thank you for unlocking this thread.....
i just talked to the guy and he goes to me "someone cut into the harness that goes to the lights but it sends a signal to the transmission computer" I told him that i'm not 12 and he's making himself look stupid. . . then he goes "well maybe it's your aftermarket stereo" (which he put in when the car was recovered) "he goes I don't recall putting in the radio but maybe"
he's gonna call me back...i told him i don't want to hear his BS and want my F'ing car back TODAY. . . I will give him 20 minutes and call him back again.
i just talked to the guy and he goes to me "someone cut into the harness that goes to the lights but it sends a signal to the transmission computer" I told him that i'm not 12 and he's making himself look stupid. . . then he goes "well maybe it's your aftermarket stereo" (which he put in when the car was recovered) "he goes I don't recall putting in the radio but maybe"
he's gonna call me back...i told him i don't want to hear his BS and want my F'ing car back TODAY. . . I will give him 20 minutes and call him back again.
11-26-2003, 08:15 AM
#13
Pizda Boy
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 2,794
Originally Posted by maximagtr420
Sam give me a call, you have my number, the number you gave me always goes straight to voice mail. My dad would have no problem doing that for you. As far as the rest, you are doing a good job, make sure he knows that you will not leave this alone. If he wants to bite you will bite back harder. DO NOT GIVE HIM ANY MONEY. if he tries to act stupic call the cops while you are there and have them write up a report so you have it for the record. I really like what someone else said in here too, threaten with the News. he was right they do love that sheet. Or you could always give the Fox 5 Problem Solvers a call!!!!!!
11-26-2003, 08:16 AM
#14
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 535
Originally Posted by MaxedOutOfCash
thanks man....i'm gonna give him until 1pm to tell me i can pick up my car, if not then i will go there....use my old cell phone number...i got it back....i'll call you around 1:30 or so....
11-26-2003, 10:04 AM
#18
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 88
Here's a great idea
#1) Go to your local stealership and speak to the head service writer. Tell him what is going on and ask him if he would be willing to give you something in writing on the dealership letterhead that states that the lights could not be the reason why this is happening.
#2) When you go to pick up the car if he ask's for any money call the police right away. DO NOT yell at him or anything, be calm walk away and call the cops. Make sure you have a copy of your warranty with you plus your receipt for what you've paid him. If they can't get your car for you at least you have a report of what happened.
#3) If he said that certain parts were bad, ask him for the bad parts and ask for a copy of the invoice that he got when he bought the new parts.
#4) Since you had the lights proffesionally installed you will have an expert witness that could state that they were installed properlly. If they were done before the accident then you would have had this problem before.
#5) Check with your insurance company to see if their check was cashed yet, if not tell them what is happening and ask them to stop payment on the check. It may cost you a couple of dollars to have them do it, but it will make him mad as hell.
#2) When you go to pick up the car if he ask's for any money call the police right away. DO NOT yell at him or anything, be calm walk away and call the cops. Make sure you have a copy of your warranty with you plus your receipt for what you've paid him. If they can't get your car for you at least you have a report of what happened.
#3) If he said that certain parts were bad, ask him for the bad parts and ask for a copy of the invoice that he got when he bought the new parts.
#4) Since you had the lights proffesionally installed you will have an expert witness that could state that they were installed properlly. If they were done before the accident then you would have had this problem before.
#5) Check with your insurance company to see if their check was cashed yet, if not tell them what is happening and ask them to stop payment on the check. It may cost you a couple of dollars to have them do it, but it will make him mad as hell.
11-26-2003, 10:29 AM
#19
There does seem to be some type of control unit. But since it's no longer hooked up, the tranny should work great now right?? I bet it still drives like crap
This drawing is for either a 3-4 gen. Not sure
This drawing is for either a 3-4 gen. Not sure
11-26-2003, 10:48 AM
#22
Not really perse. It just shows that there is some type of control unit. Point being, if he disconnected the headlight wiring, the car SHOULD NOW RUN FINE. That is the 1st thing you should check. I'd go there and demand a test drive before considering anything else. And demand to to be shown exactly where the hid power was taken from.
11-26-2003, 12:36 PM
#24
Pizda Boy
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 2,794
I GOT IT BACK!!!!!!! My father just went to pick it up right now.....i called him and he said he just wants this car out of the way......his made up story didn't work....thanks for all the advice guys, now let's see how the car runs.......
11-27-2003, 07:42 AM
#27
Pizda Boy
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 2,794
man....it is running smoothly...i can't get used to it not jumping....it finally was done right....i am so happy to have it working the way it should....when it was jumping like that i hated driving my car... now i'm in love with it again.......
123
11-27-2003, 09:12 AM
#30
I hate it when they give you the run around. Whe nI had my top end of my engine rebuilt. Bolts were missing they didnt even put my exhaust poipe heat shields in the engine back on. They handed them to me in my hand. And denied having them at first. there are still somethings missing from my car. My splash guards to the engine for the inner side fender well htey denied going in there and taking it off but umm it came to you with everything connected and now its not. I shouldve sued Its been alittle over a year now. Everytime I drive my car it erks me though. Good luck with the ride man. Thats why I DONT TRUST ANYONE BUT THE DEALERSHIP!! Unfortunately thats the only good place to go for my car around here. People here try to jipp you off and stuff.
11-27-2003, 12:00 PM
#32
Pizda Boy
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 2,794
nah, no damage...what i think they did is unhook the hid's and thought i would pay up cause i f'd it up when installing hid's....but when they saw that i know my hid's had nothing to do with this...they quickly hooked the lights back up and told me to pick it up.....bastards tried to trick me.....i opened the hood and I see that the hid installation has been messed with, but it works like it did and that's all that matters.....
i'm also filing a complaint to the better business burea on those bastards.......
i'm also filing a complaint to the better business burea on those bastards.......
11-27-2003, 12:01 PM
#33
Pizda Boy
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 2,794
now i can concentrate on my projectors....i'm hoping to give it a whack tomorrow if nothing comes up.....and there's a slight chance that if all goes well, i'll be on the road tomorrow with the projectors installed......
i'll keep you guys updated.
i'll keep you guys updated.
11-27-2003, 01:15 PM
#34
Tell him his shop lights are connected to the hydroelectric dam.
Then, tell him that your trunk lid is connected to your battery ... it is indirectly. Tell him to learn a thing or two about vehicle wiring before he makes a fool of himself.
Then, tell him that your trunk lid is connected to your battery ... it is indirectly. Tell him to learn a thing or two about vehicle wiring before he makes a fool of himself.
11-29-2003, 04:49 PM
#36
Pizda Boy
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 2,794
well,,,,,,my car is DEAD!!!!!
rode nicely for a day and a half, went to my car this morning and a puddle of tranny oil was underneath it.....the tranny lost all its oil overnight....got in, i was so ****ed off that i drove it home for 2.5 miles.....now it is totally dead....goes forward on every gear and smoke coming out under the hood......i don't care anymore, i know it's bad for the tranny but now they really have a problem on their hands.....getting a lawyer on monday and i'll have him get my money back for the labor i paid the first time....then it's time for a 5-speed swap......
i'm really really disappointed and once again i'm without my maxima
rode nicely for a day and a half, went to my car this morning and a puddle of tranny oil was underneath it.....the tranny lost all its oil overnight....got in, i was so ****ed off that i drove it home for 2.5 miles.....now it is totally dead....goes forward on every gear and smoke coming out under the hood......i don't care anymore, i know it's bad for the tranny but now they really have a problem on their hands.....getting a lawyer on monday and i'll have him get my money back for the labor i paid the first time....then it's time for a 5-speed swap......
i'm really really disappointed and once again i'm without my maxima
11-30-2003, 10:37 AM
#38
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 88
Sue the mother !!!!
Get a lawyer and sue his ***! While your in court ask to have his license revoked. If you need a get tranny guy try Malencheck in Hawthorne. I used him before and was very happy with his work. That really sucks though. I t sounds like he deliberatlly screwed up your tranny. I would have it towed to good tranny shop and have them check it out and get a written statement from them. There is nothing like having that kind of information and evidance when you go to court. Sue the guy for every penny that you and your insurance company paid him, plus the expense of renting a car and compensation for the aggrivation that he has caused you and your family.
12-01-2003, 05:23 AM
#39
Originally Posted by MaxedOutOfCash
well,,,,,,my car is DEAD!!!!!
rode nicely for a day and a half, went to my car this morning and a puddle of tranny oil was underneath it.....the tranny lost all its oil overnight....got in, i was so ****ed off that i drove it home for 2.5 miles.....now it is totally dead....goes forward on every gear and smoke coming out under the hood......i don't care anymore, i know it's bad for the tranny but now they really have a problem on their hands.....getting a lawyer on monday and i'll have him get my money back for the labor i paid the first time....then it's time for a 5-speed swap......
i'm really really disappointed and once again i'm without my maxima
rode nicely for a day and a half, went to my car this morning and a puddle of tranny oil was underneath it.....the tranny lost all its oil overnight....got in, i was so ****ed off that i drove it home for 2.5 miles.....now it is totally dead....goes forward on every gear and smoke coming out under the hood......i don't care anymore, i know it's bad for the tranny but now they really have a problem on their hands.....getting a lawyer on monday and i'll have him get my money back for the labor i paid the first time....then it's time for a 5-speed swap......
i'm really really disappointed and once again i'm without my maxima
**** that really sucks man. I was reading the thread thinking "hey it's cool the car is working again" and then that mess.. sorry to hear it. Definitely get it towed somewhere good (Jeff @ maximum tuning in LI) and have them check it out. As a suggestion on the leaking fluid though, check under the car and make sure all the bolts holding the pan onto the bottom of the tranny are completely on. When I had my vb mod done, one of the bolts wasn't all the way in and so there wasn't a good seal there and my transmission dumped all the fluid overnight.. once I found it and tightended that bolt back up, it was all good..
regardless.. i'm sorry to hear about the problems, good luck suing the he** out of that shop, and definitely report it to the bbb..
wJ
12-01-2003, 07:03 AM
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 134
Originally Posted by max88q
I hate it when they give you the run around. Whe nI had my top end of my engine rebuilt. Bolts were missing they didnt even put my exhaust poipe heat shields in the engine back on. They handed them to me in my hand. And denied having them at first. there are still somethings missing from my car. My splash guards to the engine for the inner side fender well htey denied going in there and taking it off but umm it came to you with everything connected and now its not. I shouldve sued Its been alittle over a year now. Everytime I drive my car it erks me though. Good luck with the ride man. Thats why I DONT TRUST ANYONE BUT THE DEALERSHIP!! Unfortunately thats the only good place to go for my car around here. People here try to jipp you off and stuff.