Car Antenna Damaged During Car Service

LzDave on 11/01/2016 - 20:07
Last edited 12/01/2016 - 11:10 by 1 other user

I took my car today to have the car serviced. I do not want to disclose where, but it was not at a dealer; (it was something like Kmart tyre& auto or Ultra Tune or something else.)

I got the car after the service. The (electrical) antenna was working perfectly fine until I took the car for service. After the car service, it goes up but not all the way (making sound as if it is trying to go up all the way but stops) and when I switch off the radio it goes down but makes that annoying sound.

I will try to contact them tomorrow (I discovered this after 5:30pm)and see what they say.
What are my rights if they deny responsibility and would not accept to repair it?

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  datafellows on 11/01/2016 - 20:16

  No knowledge of your rights but if they were not working near that area then I might just ask them that what happened and if they are nice they would have a look and do a quick fix but if they would refuse I would just let it be.

  I'm just trying to figure out what could have they done to damage it and would lean to feel that it just broke and they did not break it… maybe :)

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    zDave on 11/01/2016 - 20:33

    I don't know what have happened, obviously, because i was not there. However, I remember that when i got there I had the radio on. So I guess when they started the engine, the antenna must have started to go up. If they had anything obstructing it, it may cause this damage.

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  Kevan2 on 11/01/2016 - 20:22

  It will depend on the need to protect the reputation of the servicing group/

  Two thing I would do 1. See what they did, and what was to be done if it service book. From there you will see if there was a time when the radio was on. I would suggest you left radio in on position; as I always do.?. Plenty of scenarios.

  m and the last Be nice. You can get angry when all else fails, but there will be no need we hope.

  Good luck/

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    zDave on 11/01/2016 - 20:36

    You just reminded me now; i paid extra for a service book stamp, but I forgot to leave it in the car!
    Yes, I had the radio on when i drove there - so the antenna must have started to go up when they started the engine. I guess they must have drove the car to test it (I think the service book requires that, right?)

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      Kevan2 on 11/01/2016 - 22:41

      Yes that's how I see that, on a lift, small space, the outside person trying to push it down.

      You now have a good reason to call, the log book stamping, not just calling to say you done it. Oh by the way the A. Does not seem to now to be working as I recall, can you please have a look at it now. Thanks.

      Luck.

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      Cheeper on 11/01/2016 - 23:04

      "I guess they must have drove the car to test it (I think the service book requires that, right?)"
      Rarely… unless they use it to do a munchies run.
      Usually they just change the oil and have a quick look around. Next…
      Oh, they usually try to hit you with their value adding spiel… you need new wipers, you need an injector service, etc…
      Don't think that you had a qualified mechanic servicing your car.. usually they have just one on site and a couple of general labourers that do the oil change.
      Someone may have cleaned or wiped the antenna and it has now become sticky? It is not bent from what you say? Give it a light spray of silicone lubricant and see if that sorts it.
      The workshop MAY have done something but then they may not have? It could be just bad timing. Those antennas do get sticky and need a clean and lube occasionally.

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  zDave on 12/01/2016 - 16:44

  +1

  Thanks Kevan and xywolap.

  Kevan, I followed your suggestion and called about the stamping and another note in the bill (which I knew was incorrect) and then, by the way, there was something strange with the antenna when I got home. They said they had nothing to do with it, but I asked him to have a look.

  When I got the book stamped i showed him the problem. There were two panels stuck (for some reason) and there was a slight bent (did not cause this problem). As it was an electrical one it was making that sound every time it comes down more than the times it goes up. They got some oil (!) and applied it at the joints, saying I need to change the rod. After a couple of tries up and down it worked much better.

  Thanks again gents :)