shattergard

Ac/Heater Blower Switch And The Dealership

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My car is now at Jim Ellis Porsche in Atlanta for the Blower switch repair. To my great dismay I was contacted by the service dept who stated the AC switch is part of a whole unit that houses all of the AC/Heat switches etc.

Simply said, the switch can not be repaired and now I have to buy the whole unit for a $ 1000.00 dollars plus labor costs. This problem all stems from me (the idiot) placing a Alum finish cap over the switch and pushing it on a bit to hard. So a German fancy $ 22.00 dollar cool looking cap now cost me about 1500.00 in labor and repairs.

If thats not bad enough, I also had a slight gas smell in the car and it turns out I need a new Charcoal filter can (I think thats what it is called) It took the dealership 3 hours to trace the smell. Labor and parts 475.00

Ok- enough crying Sorry folks

Jordan

PS> The car has 13500 miles. How does the charcoal can thingy go bad so fast?

993polarsilver

Unless your car is under warrenty, never take your car to the stealer!!! One of the first lessons of Rennlist. Find a good indy shop for the hard stuff and get a set of wrenches and tech manual for the rest.

For the AC switch console, did you try places that do DME and circuit board rebuilds? I had one from a former BMW rebuilt (bad solder joints) and saved $500 bucks over a replacement part. Also, call LA Porsche Dismantlers and see about a used part. There are many options other than getting screwed by the stealer.

3 hours to trace the smell...what a farce. It's a tough lesson, but learn it and never set foot there again.

Father of 3

I would also check into sunset or pelican parts for a price check. First though, check with an independent who knows what they are doing. We have plenty of Atlanta RLers who should chime in on their recommendations. I wouldn't jump to pay $1k to these guys, particularly for something that doesn't impact the driveability of the car.

Good luck.

shattergard

thanks everyone

jordan

ventoGT

Call Pat Collins before you drop that money--he might be able to help you out...Stealership is very expensive for older cars and a lot of their techs don't know much at all [if anything] about our air-cooled cars--

770-448-3338

shattergard

Hi All,

After going back and fourth with the dealership... they agreed to attempting the repair of the switch vs replacing the whole $ 1150.00 dollar unit. Well the good news, Jim Ellis Porsche of Atlanta steped up to the plate and did my repair for $ 200.00 dollars . I must say I have a new found respect for dealership service. I was about to spend the $ 1150 plus labor.. with that said I have no complaints.

Thanks everyone for your help

Jordan

PS. I know if I kept pusing and pushing..they would attempt the repair.

vjd3

Well, there's $950 toward some mods :-)

ventoGT

Good to hear Jordan--the few times I took my car to JE they did me well, so congrats on not getting bent over on that one.

dhicks

But just think.....goes to show waht stealers they are.....if you had not questioned.....they would have stung you for the whole $1,100.......there are two or three really good shops in ATL.....I used to live there.......and they know what they are doing for a lot less $$$.....try and arrange an ATL get together and chat to the locals for the scoop