Stopped by the local Nissan Dealer to pick up some parts and ask a few questions. I thought the responses were a bit interesting (but should not have been surprising).

#1) Asked the parts guy for the washers that go onto the diff fill/drain plugs. He didn't have any. I said "wouldn't you have them in stock for when you perform diff oil changes? He responded to go talk with service. Which I did, and they responded, "don't need them, we only use gasket sealant on the plugs"; so, in other words, even though the Nissan maintenence guidelines say to use them and the parts diagram shows them, this Nissan shop chooses to not use them.

#2) I want to drop the tranny pan to get an inspection. I asked about getting a price quote for the tranny pan gasket and the 22 bolts that Nissan recommends to replace when you drop the pan. Here is the response I received:
a) "Why do you want to drop the pan. We do not do that until 100K miles, and then only if there is a problem. All we recommend is to flush the tranny every 30K miles, thats all you need." Which I interpreted as [we use the tranny flush as a $$$$ generator every 30K miles]. Interesting that even though Nissan Corporate says do not do tranny flushes (per NPSB/07-027), local dealers ignore them and do it anyway.
b) Next: "You do not need to replace the pan gasket or the pan bolts. The gasket is high quality and can be reused." So in other words, they choose not to follow Nissan maintenence guidelines with the replacement of the gasket and the bolts.
c) Next: I asked about the change from Matic-J to Matic-S for the tranny. He stated "use whatever your engine/tranny placard states." He continued, "new Armadas come out with Matic-S, but if you use Matic-S in your 2005, it will void your warranty.

There's a crush washer for the engine oil drain plug but not for the differential. The latest Nissan service release says it's ok to mix the new Nissan trans fluid if the old stuff is not in stock.

Are you really surprised that the dealership is more interested in profit than in doing the "proper" maintenance? :)

thank you for the information i will keep an eye on our dealers here if i have to take mines in.

I just went to the dealership to have my 30k done, but when I made the appt, I was never told the actual price. When I got there, the tech did his walk around and then told me to sign which I almost did, until I saw the price.....$525!!!! Most of the included maintenance involved everything that was already done except the tranny flush which they said was worth about $250 or so. I told them that I could do that myself on base for WAY less. I will say that I can see why many people would end up doing it when the tech said that they recommend that the dealership do it, in order to keep from voiding the warranty. I am in the wrong business.

I paid about $425 CDN for the 30K service (minus the tranny and diff - which I had done already).

I am still not sure what they did for the power steering service for $100 when they didn't even clean reservoir off?

I prefer to do my own service, but the general oil changes generally get done at Mr. Quick Lube.

keg97 - Good comment .... Am I surprised that the dealers are so interested in profit - absolutely not. Am I slightly surprised that the dealers (acting as agents of the manufacturers) choose to accept or ignore (at will) maintenence guidelines from the mfgs - very much yes. As an engineer, I have always been questionable on what the dealer says. Now, with the help of ClubArmada folks, I plan to do more of the 60K work myself at home. The only thing I do not want to tackle is the coolant change and the serp belt change - I need to balance some of my time withthe family!!

Not all dealerships are created equal. The one I work at will not put out that kind of information. That is horrible and completely false.

Jmatic is superceded to Smatic now.

Trans pan gasket should always be changed along with bolts.

IF the dealer uses a trans flush "machine" it will clear more debris and junk out of a tranny than a "backyard" drain and fill.

IMHO

John

The three Nissan dealers I have dealt with are a joke. The one I purchased the Armada from ran down my Armada battery to nothing (left lights on) when it was brand new (dealer prep) and refused to put in a new battery. The second one (local, 6 miles away) Told my wife the warranty work on the hatch was done, she got home and told me it was making "funny" noises. I went out to look at it and they NEVER reassembled it. Parts, trim and tools were on the floor in back. I put it back together and kept the nice Snap-on tools for my trouble. The third dealer, where I bought my wife's 350Z told me I had to get the timing belt changed every year! The 350Z has a timing chain! Needless to say, I have full service manuals for both and regard the warranty as nearly useless and worthless, not to mention paying for an extended one for these morons to screw things up even worse. I would not trust my weed-eater to these greedy incompetent idiots.

Well, it sounds like most dealerships so far! i've had my 04 Armada for about 4 months now, the back up sensors will not turn on, the rear windhsield wiper doesn't work, and the high mount break light is burnt out. I called to get a price quote on the BULB which isn't a bulb its an "INSERT" as the parts guy stated... $104! i was like WTF!!! overall, love the truck but GD!!! I have not had the back up sensors or the rear windshield wiper looked at but i'm sure they're gonna rape me on that! The folks here on the Forum have been very helpful and full of advice, been a member for about 2 weeks!
Does anyone have a remedy for the back up sensor, the switch is lit "OFF" and won't turn back on when i press it. I've pulled the switch, "Thumped" it to see if it was sticking and plugged it back in and nothing... oh and checked the fuses which after pulling and plugging ALL of them back in I had negative results!
FRUSTRATING!!!!!

That sucks Armada_Tony! Did you buy from a nissan dealer or not? I am sure that they only gave you a 30 day warranty also, huhn?
:crikey:

Yeah i bought it from a dealership and of course they only gave me a 30 day warrenty. I bought the extended warrenty but i'm sure it doesn't cover the back up sensors or the rear windshield wiper! i guess i'll find out next week when i take it for my oil change which i could do myself but if i don't take it for the oil change i won't order the brake light that i need that's gonna cost me a grip! I've already been pulled over and was issued a written warning by po-po!
This is whats gonna happen, they're gonna tell me they need to troubleshoot the sensors and the rear windshield wiper which will probably take them 3 hours charge me for that then charge out the a$$ for the parts and charge even more for labor! Dealerships are money grubbin parasites!!!

Yeah i bought it from a dealership and of course they only gave me a 30 day warrenty. I bought the extended warrenty but i'm sure it doesn't cover the back up sensors or the rear windshield wiper! i guess i'll find out next week when i take it for my oil change which i could do myself but if i don't take it for the oil change i won't order the brake light that i need that's gonna cost me a grip! I've already been pulled over and was issued a written warning by po-po!
This is whats gonna happen, they're gonna tell me they need to troubleshoot the sensors and the rear windshield wiper which will probably take them 3 hours charge me for that then charge out the a$$ for the parts and charge even more for labor! Dealerships are money grubbin parasites!!!

I have kind of laid low on this topic for awhile and let people have their say. I know that not all dealerships are the same, nor is the work that is done at these shops. I work in this industry for a living and put in a lot of time effort, including putting things like doing things with the family. What you need to know is that this business is like any other that you will find, we need to make a profit to stay open. You might not think this but I have seen vehicles sold that the dealer loses money on, that is why you are starting to see an abundance of dealers go out of business. Every day I come to work expecting to get into a fight with someone, I'm sure not many of you can say that you will go into work and expect to get your head kicked in by the next customer that comes through the door. Dealers are not making any money selling cars so they need to make something up in the parts area. I know this doesn't sound right, fair, or whatever you want to call it. Just think when the dealer goes out of business where are you going to take the car, another 40 miles or more away because Nissan dealers are not on every corner. Especially now you should be worried about what would happen if the automakers would go out, do you think that Jimmy Bob up the road is even going to know what he is looking at when you take the truck to see him. He might not even have ever seen one, much less know how to install the backup sonar pods. I know it sucks and is very fustrating going to a dealer and not knowing what is the actual price of the stuff that you are buying, but know that it is better that they are looking at it. Just don't come to me telling me that I am a blood sucking parasite, who's sole purpose is to take all you money. Just deal it is never going to end.

RE:
"I have kind of laid low on this topic for awhile and let people have their say. I know that not all dealerships are the same, nor is the work that is done at these shops. I work in this industry for a living and put in a lot of time effort, including putting things like doing things with the family. What you need to know is that this business is like any other that you will find, we need to make a profit to stay open. You might not think this but I have seen vehicles sold that the dealer loses money on, that is why you are starting to see an abundance of dealers go out of business. Every day I come to work expecting to get into a fight with someone, I'm sure not many of you can say that you will go into work and expect to get your head kicked in by the next customer that comes through the door. Dealers are not making any money selling cars so they need to make something up in the parts area. I know this doesn't sound right, fair, or whatever you want to call it. Just think when the dealer goes out of business where are you going to take the car, another 40 miles or more away because Nissan dealers are not on every corner. Especially now you should be worried about what would happen if the automakers would go out, do you think that Jimmy Bob up the road is even going to know what he is looking at when you take the truck to see him. He might not even have ever seen one, much less know how to install the backup sonar pods. I know it sucks and is very fustrating going to a dealer and not knowing what is the actual price of the stuff that you are buying, but know that it is better that they are looking at it. Just don't come to me telling me that I am a blood sucking parasite, who's sole purpose is to take all you money. Just deal it is never going to end."
__________

That is the dumbest thing I've ever read... No wonder dealerships have this kind of reputation...

D Rock, I think purevil is just venting.

Many of us here blast the dealerships for many reasons. Primarily due to experiences with them.

I, fortunately have access to 4 different Nissan dealers within a 40 mile radius an have had great service with my dealer of preference, Herb Gordon Nissan in Silver Spring, MD. Even though I talked trash about Rosenthal Nissan in Tyson's Corner, VA I think they run a close second. I have dealt with the other 2 and have mixed feelings towards their service. All in all, I have had bad experiences and good ones, some dealers are worthless and some are priceless.

I can understand venting and being frustrated, but geez, at least be articulate about it! That reasoning doesn't make sense and to just deal with it because that's the way it is, that's just ignorant. In trying to defend or side with dealerships, he just makes more of a case against them. It's logic like that which makes the whole auto industry seem archaic.

I'm not pointing fingers at Anybody just the fact that "Dealerships" not the mechanics are rediculously priced! You wanna know why the dealserships have to charge so much for parts and labor? It's because of the poor service thats provided by the dearlerships which in turn causes more people to go elsewhere or just do it themselves whether its a new car sale or something as simple as an oil change. With all the interent shops out, it's very easy to find OEM or even aftermarket parts that will work and with a book, some common sence, the ability to turn a screw driver, and time anyone can fix a rear windshield wiper! So, in case your asking yourself why do I/We go to the dealership? It's becasue I choose convienance over spending time away from my family! Which honestly, haveing to go back to the dealership 2 or 3 times cuz it wasn't done right the first time, all the time and gas spent going back and forth doesn't do anything but cause stress and time away from the family.
Why would you expect to get in a fight with a customer? if the customer payed money for services rendered and has to return because the problem was not fixed, I don't know about anyone else but i would be PISSED too and yes you can expect me back with an attitude that's not so pleasant!
SO YES D ROCK WAS RIGHT, in reference to purevils reply THAT WAS THE DUMBEST THING I'VE EVER READ!

Here's my point and I'll break it down:

Most people who I meet day to day feel that they are being ripped off not getting their car fixed, which is very difficult to explain anything to the customer in order to get the issue resolved. Trust me even working in the industry I am not immune to the shoddy work done ie: Taking the Nissan in for the rear air compressor not working knowing that and still charged for 6 hours of diag. time. I've been there and know the feeling it sucks and it's fustrating. My point being is that all dealers are not the same nor are the customers, but thinking all of us are out to get your money is just insane. I would rather have a customer own a car for 5-6 years, and only see them for oil changes and scheduled maintanence. I hate to see the same person back time after time for the same issue or other problems that are not normal wear and tear. It's a crap shoot on the service garage of your choice and these things will happen whether you like it or not. But don't think this is the dumbest thing ever brought up, come work with me for 3 hours and see the other side of things where you are the devil taking everyone's money, I will assure you that you will have a totally new perspective on the whole industry.

I think it is always good to get to know the service and parts guys. I am good friends with a parts manager at GM and the service writer at the same dealership was a Mopar fan so I could talk to him about all things Mopar. I actually had a wheel bearing assembly replaced out of warranty and the service writer put down as being on one of their loaner cars.

That said, I know a salesman who worked at a dealership that sold cars so cheap that they relied on the service department to carry the business. He left when he got a comission cheque for $14 for the sale of a new car. He gave it back and told them they needed it more than him and he moved to Ford (he was at Mazda).

My local VW dealer takes a proactive approach to things, which I like. They are not afraid of replacing parts with new ones if they even think there is a problem.

I also had a dodge diesel truck once that kept stalling and over-reving. It was clear that the governor was malfunctioning (part of injector pump). The first delaer I took it too said there was nothing wrong and redlining the engine constantly, even during transmission shifts, was fine , but they had to bump up my idle so it wouldn't stall all the time like it had been doing. Two weeks later another dealer diagnosed a faulty pump in 30 mintues.

Probably the worst experience I ever had was spending about $1500 on various tuneups and diagnoses to finally find out I needed a $15 Oxygen sensor. But that was back when O2 sensors were new too.

From my years of car ownership I have found that there are few things I can't do myself with the right tools and if going to a dealer, I try to make sure they always understand my concerns. I do understand though that just because I go to a dealer and say something is wrong they must still diagnose the exact problem so they can identify what parts are required. This is mandated by the warranty details most of the time.

I agree that to make a blanket assumption about an industry is wrong, but over the years, there is some validity as to the general impression people have about dealerships. Do I think all dealerships are bad or out to screw people? NO. But it's more of an expectation to have a negative experience at a dealership when it comes to money and paying for a product or service. Good dealerships who operate to satisfy there customers know who they are, and the customers know it too. Unfortunately that is not the case, I live in Vegas where most of the dealerships really suck. I don't need to work with you to feel your frustration, I work in the hospitality industry with restaurants, so I know how difficult it is to work with customers and provide service. Where I felt your comment was lacking is to just basically accept the fact that we should all just deal with the situation instead of making it better. Both dealership and customer can do things to provide a better experience for all, most of us just want to pay a fair amount for honest and up front work, not feel like we're being squeezed out of every possible dime for the sake of profit. I've had good dealerships tell me honestly what work I need and what I don't, those are the ones I work with. The ones who try to run up a service ticket to generate some extra daily revenue can take a hike, it's those places that give the industry a bad name. Dealership owners here in Vegas have run many into the ground, the workers know it and it sucks. Rather than suck it up, I think that there needs to be a general attitude shift for everyone. The only thing anyone can do as an individual is to try and be an upstanding and moralistic person, to hope that everyone else does the same would be nice, but unrealistic. We should all worry about ourselves first before we tell others what to do.