Service done on my 2014 Scion Tc that I just bought (24 000K). I told the manager that among other things the engine idle “grazes” a little. The idle is around 550 RPM (according to the specifications it should be between 600 and 800 RPM). The car is entrusted to the (young) mechanic for cleaning of the mass air flow meter (trottle body). When I return to see him, he tells me that he had difficulty reinstalling the collar that holds the air supply hose to the mass air flow meter. Besides, he was struggling with this collar when I returned.
I leave with the car which does not work better. I tell myself that after driving a few hundred kilometers everything should be back to normal. I buy an injector cleaner that I add to the gasoline (according to the manufacturer's recommendation) and off I go for 2000km.
No better on the way back. Stopped at the dealership to ask to allow more time for the next maintenance scheduled in 2 weeks to resolve this problem. Then I tell myself that I will make a stop at the independent mechanic who took care of my cars before. Bad luck it's the holidays. Back home. I'm not a mechanic but my job is to take care of people. So I have some experience with problems and their resolution. I take out my few tools including a mirror to check the mass air flow meter which is located a little behind the engine. Surprise! The hose that attaches to the mass air flow meter and supplies it with the amount of air required for it to function properly is not securely attached. The collar is installed incorrectly and air is entering between the pipe and the mass air flow meter. I reinstall the pipe and miraculously, the engine idle is now close to 700 RPM.
I tend to rely on mechanics, especially when it's the dealership. They know their cars, should have the training and tools to do the job, and their work should be checked before the car is handed over to the customer. I don't want to have to check their work when leaving their studio.
The lack of experience of the mechanic in this case is no excuse. Virtually all of the work done by this mechanic will need to be done by another. I know that everyone is starting somewhere in life but someone has to ensure the training and supervision of those who are inexperienced and therefore not very competent.
I would never trust a dealership with my car when it comes to work done, even on warranty work. I avoid them unless it’s a recall item or needs warranty work.
That being said, I have never stepped foot inside a dealership for any service or even to buy parts in over 27 years!
