[smark]

If she can’t afford a vehicle diagnostic fee of 155 buck. She’s not going to afford a lawyer. Her car, is not a lemon. she just needs to make sure, the MB service, is covered under, Toyota extended warranty plan she paid for.

The car, is just throwing a code. I hope the MB dealership honors her extended warranty plan.

 

[cagney57]

If she can’t afford a vehicle diagnostic fee of 155 buck. She’s not going to afford a lawyer. Her car, is not a lemon. she just needs to make sure, the MB service, is covered under, Toyota extended warranty plan she paid for.

The car, is just throwing a code. I hope the MB dealership honors her extended warranty plan.

Toyota told me last year when I bought the car that they knew MB was the only one who could repair this car and diagnose it, and at first we thought the one MB dealership only 5 miles from me would be doing any work, but they said they no longer deal with Smart Cars....I was not charged last year through MB for diagnostics and repairs so I am confused as to why I have to this time. My theory is Toyota does not want to foot the bill as this car is costing them more then they want to deal with.

I had a piece of a plastic cover loose under the car last month and Toyota charged me $25 for a $.50 metal screw to reattach that. They wanted $75 but they reduced that.

 

[cagney57]

Just got a call at 9am from Toyota telling me they will be paying for the diagnostic fee at MB...my concern is this:are they paying for it because I made such a stink or because they finally figured out they are responsible? I am grateful I do not have to pay for it and thankful to this board for letting me voice my concerns without any negative remarks and just total understanding.
Now all that is left is crossing fingers that any and all repairs are covered as I should hear from MB in the next hour as to what my gold plan covers...car goes up there tomorrow.

 

[jzchen]

Check your signed contract and all documents related. Pretty sure you could make a "stink" if they sold you a useless warranty. The ones I've dealt with also have clauses for getting a refund/returning it, based on time since purchase and any payouts they've made.

Considering the car has had issues I hope it does cover your car, because that's what insurance is for and you paid for it. You should not have been sold insurance that is questionable whether it covers your car or not.

EDIT- DUH read the title Jesse! Any OBDII scanner with up to date software should be able to pull the codes. Last time my friend had a check engine light on his Mercedes I got an Autel unit from the local Walmart, after updating the software it was able to read the codes....

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[the big e]

^ he’s got a point.

 

[cagney57]

Check your signed contract and all documents related. Pretty sure you could make a "stink" if they sold you a useless warranty. The ones I've dealt with also have clauses for getting a refund/returning it, based on time since purchase and any payouts they've made.

Considering the car has had issues I hope it does cover your car, because that's what insurance is for and you paid for it. You should not have been sold insurance that is questionable whether it covers your car or not.

EDIT- DUH read the title Jesse! Any OBDII scanner with up to date software should be able to pull the codes. Last time my friend had a check engine light on his Mercedes I got an Autel unit from the local Walmart, after updating the software it was able to read the codes....

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MB said that no Toyota does not have the right equipment to scan and code a smart car or a Mercedes and to buy one for just one car they are just way too expensive...at least that is what the service manager said from MB.
Even my signed sale papers say that all repairs are to be made at Toyota(I guess that also means my gold plan) and if they do not have the ability to repair then it is on them to find a place that can do it at Toyota's expense under my gold plan.
The car also still has factory warranties on it for drive train, emissions, corrosion and most go from 30,000 to 60,000.
That only covers 25/25% parts and labor and that is why I purchased the Gold package.
My car has 21,000 plus miles on it right now and at 1,500 miles per year driving...the time will expire before mileage.
I got the codes that Toyota could not get at Auto Zone, with one of their cheap gadgets for free.

 

[jzchen]

As a reference the reason I edited my text is per the following:

Any problems that cause a "check engine" light will cause a smog check failure, at least here in CA.

This means any check engine error is a concern regarding increased vehicle emissions/smog.

By CA law you are allowed to get repairs at any licensed repair facility for emissions related problems. You can not be forced to go to smart/Mercedes for these kind of repairs.

Hence codes related to smog/check engine are universal and even AutoZone can read them. One fair warning though the code I pulled on my friend's Mercedes with the Innova scanner at AutoZone did not seem to be the correct one/problem.

The ones I pulled with the updated ($40) Autel (from Walmart) unit seemed correct and we proceeded with just clearing them. (He was shifting from R to D even though the car was still moving backwards).

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[cagney57]

As a reference the reason I edited my text is per the following:

Any problems that cause a "check engine" light will cause a smog check failure, at least here in CA.

This means any check engine error is a concern regarding increased vehicle emissions/smog.

By CA law you are allowed to get repairs at any licensed repair facility for emissions related problems. You can not be forced to go to smart/Mercedes for these kind of repairs.

Hence codes related to smog/check engine are universal and even AutoZone can read them. One fair warning though the code I pulled on my friend's Mercedes with the Innova scanner at AutoZone did not seem to be the correct one/problem.

The ones I pulled with the updated ($40) Autel (from Walmart) unit seemed correct and we proceeded with just clearing them. (He was shifting from R to D even though the car was still moving backwards).

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I am in Ohio and since I have the Gold Plan for 3 years and Toyota being responsible...the plan states if any other mechanic works on the car or if I do it myself it can void the plan...as they can say that any further problems could have been caused by improper repairs. So I am sort of stuck. I have checked with other mechanics in my area and none that I have spoken to have no idea what to do with a Smart Car. Nor have the parts or care to order them....

 

[jzchen]

(I was typing this response around the same time as your just prior response and didn't see yours until after. It still very likely applies so I'll leave it).

Oh, and I know you're in OH but most manufacturers just build one model that meets all 50 states emissions standards, which then includes the requirements set forth by CA as it is the strictest regarding emissions....

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[jzchen]

I am in Ohio and since I have the Gold Plan for 3 years and Toyota being responsible...the plan states if any other mechanic works on the car or if I do it myself it can void the plan...as they can say that any further problems could have been caused by improper repairs. So I am sort of stuck. I have checked with other mechanics in my area and none that I have spoken to have no idea what to do with a Smart Car. Nor have the parts or care to order them....

With this info, and sounds like you are in a rut. (I'm sorry and disappointed in your experience at a Toyota dealer):

I would not want to keep a warranty that sends you on the runaround trying to get your car back into shape. If the text doesn't clearly state protection for your car issue that you currently have, (which it sure doesn't sound like it), go and try to get the warranty money back. Use that money towards the repair or another product that does cover a smart.

If you ask nicely and they don't see the error of their ways selling you a freaking Toyota Warranty for a Smart Car that doesn't work. Start making that "stink". Post a review of the sales department with exactly what happened to you. Hopefully their PR team will catch it and try to make amends...

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[sokoloff]

Don't give up without a fight. That seems to be your course of action. We are all behind you. Want any of us to call someone, let us know.

Len

 

[Jo e Lefors]

If the dealer doesn't want to fight. They may just refund your money's on the contract and call it a day.
It may be a voidable contract on their part if they refund all the money put in. It may be more advantageous for them to do that than the fight.

 

[the big e]

^ that’s true.
Ask for a refund if they don’t want to do any work.

 

[cagney57]

Got my loaner on Monday the 11th at 9:30am ....it is a 2019 Hybrid Toyota Camery...no offense but not liking it much at all and so glad I do not have somewhere to go everyday...hate driving it and it steers like a truck.
MB did not call me all day so first thing in the morning I will be calling them to see what is up.
The more I look at the symptoms this Smart Car is having, it looks like to me after weeks of research it could be ECU or called ECM....either way they are thousands of dollars unless MB can reprogram it(but it could be bad period). Good news though, my Gold Plan covers it totally.
It is even listed under electronics so they can not say it does not....I have papers proving to Toyota since January 2021 that the car was not running right, it was still kicking me in the ass when I stop or go, gas mileage is getting worse and worse, going through a tank of gas before the month is over and getting about 20 miles to the gallon as I was getting about 32 last year. It sometimes acts like it wants to stall or you can feel it stutter when you go to take off.....Told this all to Toyota, they scoped it and said no codes and car was running good like it should...that was in January. Course no codes...it was intermittent and they said if engine light was not on, nothing was wrong(even though they are idiots and do not have a proper machine.)
Thank you all again.

 

[the big e]

Something seems fishy with that but then again mine threw multiple codes yet never turned on the check engine light.
I’m talking multiple misfires yet no light.
Someone is trying to weasel out of it.
They do keep a record of all codes that’s thrown till they are cleared regardless of it triggering the light or not.
Mine got so bad it even shut down the number 1 cylinder yet no check engine light(yes the light does work as it passes the bulb test at start up(about the only time I seen it come on)
Mine had a bad head gasket and worn timing chain tensioner.
Only the chain and tensioner is covered on my service contract.
Had both replaced and the car ram like new.
Morel of the story these cars can throw codes without ever turning on the check engine light.

 

[cagney57]

Something seems fishy with that but then again mine threw multiple codes yet never turned on the check engine light.
I’m talking multiple misfires yet no light.
Someone is trying to weasel out of it.
They do keep a record of all codes that’s thrown till they are cleared regardless of it triggering the light or not.
Mine got so bad it even shut down the number 1 cylinder yet no check engine light(yes the light does work as it passes the bulb test at start up(about the only time I seen it come on)
Mine had a bad head gasket and worn timing chain tensioner.
Only the chain and tensioner is covered on my service contract.
Had both replaced and the car ram like new.
Morel of the story these cars can throw codes without ever turning on the check engine light.

Well Toyota does not have the proper diagnostic machine to read Smart Car codes and I believe they did not want to pay MB the $155 each time they would have to send it up there as it would have been at least 14 times,not counting the 2 other times it did go up there.....As it stands now my car has spent almost as much time checking in for issues then I get to drive it....seeing that I drive the car about once or twice a week and Toyota has seen this car at least twice a month every month for the last 7 months. And it only has 21,000 miles.
I think they were happy when the car was sold but I think they made a mistake selling me the gold plan as it is going to exceed the value of the car if this keeps up.....value is between $3,500-$9,000 depending on mileage and condition and I paid the high end.

 

[the big e]

Cagney
Mind posting the mileage?
I can pull up the blue book on your smart for you.
Honestly if it was me and I was in your position I would definitely see if I could get a refund on the service contract if they don’t want to even attempt to get the car fixed since they are reimbursed by the warranty anyway on the costs.(warranty doesn’t sound like it’s worth the paper it’s written on by the way they are treating you)

If you was closer to the tn area I have a buddy(or two) who could check the engine codes for you(he did it on mine and helped me clear the code mine had for the failed fan) plus the dealer I got mine from has a mechanic that can work on these cars(also made good friends with him)
I know they as well as I would help you fix the issue.
Heck there is clones of the scan tool that Mercedes uses online if your brave enough(plus others) that will pay themselves off over time in what you save to go to the dealer to get codes pulled.
Try to talk to the owner of the Toyota dealer to see what they can or will do(if they will at all) to help get your car fixed or refund the money you gave them for the seemingly useless service contract.
If you paid for it when you financed then talk to the bank(this is if things don’t work out at the dealer.

 

[the big e]

did a little figuring on the cost for them to do that.
$2,170
Yet they haven’t found the problem wow just wow.
I wonder why are doing that so many times odd very odd.

 

[1983JZR3W]

Does your state have the "Lemon Law"? It may be time to check into that. Basically, if your car is in the shop for the same repair a certain number of times and not properly repaired, the dealership is obligated to buy the car back from you. I know we have that law here in Florida, but not sure if it is in force in all states. Look into it, may be the answer to your problems. Good luck.

 

[the big e]

^ they do.
Edit(found one)

Michigan Lemon Law FAQs

A number of Michigan drivers come to us with excellent questions about this state’s Lemon Law. In response, we’ve put together this FAQ to answer the most commonly heard questions on the 1-800-LEMON-LAW Hotline. How does the Michigan Lemon Law work? Michigan’s Lemon Law covers drivers whose...

www.lemonlaw.com

It’s not technically covered under lemon law but under the Magnuson-moss the op is protected.
To the op the link I posted should be a lawyer in your area that should be able to help you out on this.
Site says free claims
Keep us posted.