Dealership Scamming?

[FarNorthGal]

I've ran into a slight issue that I have found is common (web search) I had a vibrating/buffeting noise when operating my AC. Took it into the dealership and they said they replaced the blower motor on warranty, but found mouse debris, firewall insulation, etc in the motor and its due to a hole in the vent system (from factory). Even after the motor was replaced, it still made the noise, just not as bad and the air came out much better. They then said they'd have to pull the dash out and apart to clean out the debris in the vent system and cover the hole with mesh. Here is where I get confused, I've looked up the layout, parts, etc for this part of my Nissan and if they replaced the motor, they'd would of seen the debris on the intake side of the cabin filter (that I took out and cleaned the debris and replaced after) and have to take the dash out and apart. I have a feeling they didn't replace the motor at all. Hopefully this makes sense, but I think I got the system clean myself at the cabin filter (vaccumed out). What also baffles me is that the debris was on the oppposite side of the cabin filter that the motor is on. If mouse had gotten into the motor, wouldn't there of been holes from where they went through? My cabin filter was completely intact.


Any ideas, help, etc?
TIA!

[ImStricken06]

put it this way, if it smells like fish.... it must be a fish. a fluke to be specific. and to me this does sound a tad odd.

[FarNorthGal]

That's what I was thinking. Just wasn't sure if I was crazy! The one thing I've found is customer service at the senior/corporate level sucks! I sure hope they have fun explaining how they changed the blower to me with the info I have now.

[TaiLuu]

I don't trust dealerships in general. I usually mark with a sharpie on the things that I know they'd have to replace when things ever gotten wrong with my Rogue. Ex: When they change my oil, I usually make the oil filter with a letter/number.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Yeah that sounds odd.

Its a little late now, but you can always ask them to save the parts they removed for your inspection (or tell them you have some sort of mad scientist project at home you like to keep stuff for).

If the junk is on the other side of the filter, #1 you should be able to smell it. #2, at full blast, you should get some junk coming out of your vents. Do you have either?

[FarNorthGal]

Yeah, too late now to ask for the parts , but I will keep that in mind for future visits. The nest/debris was on the left side of the cabin filter when I pulled it out, not on the blower side (if all the diagrams I have seen are correct, like the one on nissanpartszone.com
left side = gas pedal/dash side
Part # 27274L is he cab filter
Now I am debating wether or not to pay the $1000 quoted to get the heater box cleaned. I can't quite tell if it's a 'bad' smell as its harvest season right now and all I can somewhat smell is the crops being taken off and my allergies are in high gear.As for junk coming out of the vents, no. the only time I had junk come out is when I pulled the cab filter out, pulled as much debris as I could and vaccumed, then turned on the fans on low. Even then the debris only came out of the cab filter area.

[ras_oscar]

If you want old parts back be sure to tell them when you drop off the car, and be sure they write it on the work order. Otherwise, you'll get the old " aw shucks, we chucked them in that big foul smelling dumpster out back. Wanna get your silk shirt stinky?"

[FarNorthGal]

What I should do next time is whip out my coveralls, steel toes shoes and my journeyman parts certificate and say 'Id love to watch your tech perform this work!'

[sx moneypit]

Tell them after they get it torn down you want to inspect it.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

yeah you're part of the audubon society and want to know what type of animal got all up in there by studying the nest.

[nissangirl74]

What I should do next time is whip out my coveralls, steel toes shoes and my journeyman parts certificate and say 'Id love to watch your tech perform this work!'

Even though I'm sure their insurance company will NOT let them let you watch in the shop, I'd definitely ask to see any parts that need to be replaced.

[Rogue One]

Tell them after they get it torn down you want to inspect it.

AFAIK, every state has a law/code essentially requiring the return, upon request, of any parts removed. I don't know what state the OP's in, but here's two examples:

California: IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR ACT OF 1974, A CUSTOMER IS ENTITLED TO...
2. A DETAILED INVOICE OF WORK DONE AND PARTS SUPPLIED.
3. RETURN OF REPLACED PARTS, IF REQUESTED AT THE TIME A WORK ORDER IS PLACED.

Delaware: TITLE 6 SUBTITLE II CHAPTER 49A. AUTO REPAIR FRAUD PREVENTION
§ 4906A. Replaced parts -- Requirement for return to the customer.

An automotive repair facility shall offer to return all replaced parts to the customer or a person acting on his or her behalf, except parts which are returned to a manufacturer or distributor, hazardous materials or other items which the automotive repair facility is otherwise required to properly dispose of or recycle. Nothing herein shall require the auto repair facility to retain replaced parts after final invoice.