Some of you may remember, my beloved Max was in an accident several weeks ago. Well, I finally got her back from the body shop (after 2 times in there), and she is fixed. The second time I got her back on Friday, my satellite radio does not work (Sirius, factory install). I took her back to the body shop and told them they did something to my satellite radio and they claim ignorance. Told me to go to the dealer. Took her to the dealer and they say they have seen this before -- car comes out of body shop and sat doesn't work. They say, not their problem, it's the body shop's problem. They will not fix under warranty because of the body work done.

Now, I am in the middle, fighting to see who is going to pay. Body shop says that in other cases, the radio was blown out. From what? They don't know....welding, maybe? They aren't sure.

So, has anyone else ever heard of this and do you have any ideas for me?

For reference, my accident was at the rear quarter panel passenger side, and the receiver for sat is mounted in the trunk under the headliner of the trunk at the passenger side (if that matters). Also, the sat worked just fine after the accident and between body shop visits. Just doesn't work now after the last bit of work they did.

Jane

 

I hate dealerships. In my opinion, the dealership needs to proceed with working on the Sat Radio. That's why you have a warranty which legally binds them to review the problem, not just assume the body shop screwed it up. If they determine there is an problem caused by the body shop then the dealership has two options:
1. stop work immediately and return the car to you.
2. fix the problem and bill the body shop.

Just my opinion.

 

I would argue aggressively and refuse to pay, or contact my insurance about the work. Last resort, tell the bodyshop your lawyer will be contacting them. And inform how you'll tell everyone in the area, friends and family about their service.

Also call Nissan about the dealer's refusal to even look at it to be sure it's not covered under warranty.

 

Well, the dealership says they will be glad to look at it, but they won't cover me for a rental car nor will they cover what's wrong with it. I have an extended warranty, but apparently, they will not honor it because of this body work. I have a call in to the body shop, but they have not returned my call.

I called the insurance company who handled my claim for the accident and have filled them in on this. If I don't hear from someone tomorrow, I will take more aggressive action.

Funny thing is.....I could just go to another dealership and play dumb. Just go in there and tell them my satellite isn't working. Give me a rental and call me when it's fixed. Free and clear. I may have to do just that, I guess.

Jane

 

I would consider that, but depending on how the work was done, the dealer may notice. Or they may look up your VIN and find the accident.

As far as warranty, I would demand it is refunded. They still need to provide drop off and pick up service.

I sure hope your insurance goes to bat for you. If not, I would sincerely threaten to go elsewhere for my insurance. Then decide about trying another dealer. If not, call Nissan and explain how you expected better service and want a refund on the extended service.

your best bet is your insurance going after the shop. Hopefully you won't need to go further.

 

Yeah, I definitely think you should bring it to another dealer. That is what I did. I had a problem with my power seats and one dealer automatically blamed the installations of my subwoofer, claiming that whoever installed it, crossed the wires or something. And had told me that I would have to pay them, just for them to look at the car and if the problem was covered under the factory warranty that they will refund me my money. Of course, I took my car back. Then I decided to take it to another dealer and this dealer just took my car in without any questions or assumptions. And fixed my car under the warranty.

My suggestion, take it to another dealer and just tell them that your SAT radio has not been working and you don't know why.

 

The thing is it's not MY insurance....this is the insurance company of the girl who hit me (State Farm). I guess if I HAVE to get my own insurance company involved, I will, but so far I haven't. What a mess!

 

Yes quite a mess!

I am not a fan of the other dealership move. I would think they would see the work done and then you may be right back where you started.

Simple fact is that the body shop caused your sat to fail. They are responsible for fixing it at their expense, whether they like it or not. I would stay on them and take whatever steps are necessary.

 

Well don't get your insurance company involved since they did not file the claim. For your sanity I would just go to another dealer to get it fixed. So what if they look up the vin and see that it was in a accident that has nothing to do with your sat radio. I would them go an demand a refund of your extended warrenty. That is the whole reason that you bought it. Good luck I know how frustrating this ordeal can be.

 

Thought I'd give an update.......LOTS of calls to body shop, insurance, dealer, etc. What it boiled down to is that nobody wanted to look at it. I went to a new dealer, they fixed it. It wasn't the receiver, it was the antenna. No telling if it happened at the body shop or not. They weren't in that area, that I know.

Now, the bad news. The new dealer gave my car a "courtesy wash" and now it's all scratched up. I am furious! I picked it up on my lunch hour and didn't inspect it there. When I got back, I took a look and saw the damage. I am *HOPING* that it's all surface and can be buffed out. The dealer is having me bring it back in after work. WHAT NEXT! First the accident, in the body shop for two different times for over 3 weeks! Then the radio. Now, scratches!! AAAARRRGGGHHH!

I LOVE my black max, but DAMN it is so hard to keep looking good!

Jane

PS: This is the first time my car has ever been through a car wash.....kind of pisses me off. Had I known they do this courtesy wash, I would have had signs all over my car to NOT WASH IT!

 

yeah, u gotta watch out for that. it's scary to see the buckets and same rag they use. not sure which is worse, that or the automated. They should be able to buff it out. ask how long the person has done it that will work on yours.

well, happy you got it fixed and it was an easy one. I would send a letter to the other dealer informing them it was a simple warranty fix and they now lost your and your family's business.

 

oh thats great...i could reread that line over n over n over again...we'll look at it but even b4 we do we won't cover it...NOW THATS GREAT SERVICE....

 

Speaking of SAT radio....Do you know how to install Sirius radio without going to the dealer?