Brake doesn't work after serviced by Canadian Tires
18-Dec-2010, 08:42 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 5
Brake doesn't work after serviced by Canadian Tires
Hi all,
I'm really frustrated by Canadian Tire right now. It would really help if someone could shed some light on this non-sense.
Here's my story. After what seemed to be a simple routine engine oil change, I drove my '03 Civic LX home and parked it nicely. First thing I noticed was that my car stopped making the loud beep when I lock it the second time. I thought it's weird but I moved on and got some rest. Later that night I had to go and take care of something, so I started my car, released the hand brake, and pushed brake and tried to switch to gear D, as I always have. But I couldn't, because the gear handle was locked at P, as if I was trying without pushing the brake. I tried numerous times with various forces on the brakes and the gear handle, but it just won't move. Then I noticed that the rear brake light wasn't coming on when I step on the brake. I turned on the head lights and the tail lights came on. So it's not just the light bulbs. When I inspected under the hood, I found a piece of tool left behind by whoever was working on my car. It was just on the edge close to the latch of the hood. I figured that if they left behind their tool, who knows what else they might have left behind unfinished.
So my conclusion is that something is wrong with the brake and it's not functioning at all, which is why I couldn't switch to D gear in the first place. I still don't know what's up with the beep sound, but what puzzles me the most is why I was able to drive home from crappy tires without any problem.
I'm planning to call them back first thing in the morning, but I am not sure if I should let them get their hands on my car again...
What should I do here? Are they going to charge me for towing and inspection and what not? This in my opinion is clearly their fault and they should be responsible to fix my car but I'm afraid they might be saying "oh but you were able to drive it back home so it's not our fault, and old cars can sometimes break down." I'm not sure what to say to this.
I'm really frustrated by Canadian Tire right now. It would really help if someone could shed some light on this non-sense.
Here's my story. After what seemed to be a simple routine engine oil change, I drove my '03 Civic LX home and parked it nicely. First thing I noticed was that my car stopped making the loud beep when I lock it the second time. I thought it's weird but I moved on and got some rest. Later that night I had to go and take care of something, so I started my car, released the hand brake, and pushed brake and tried to switch to gear D, as I always have. But I couldn't, because the gear handle was locked at P, as if I was trying without pushing the brake. I tried numerous times with various forces on the brakes and the gear handle, but it just won't move. Then I noticed that the rear brake light wasn't coming on when I step on the brake. I turned on the head lights and the tail lights came on. So it's not just the light bulbs. When I inspected under the hood, I found a piece of tool left behind by whoever was working on my car. It was just on the edge close to the latch of the hood. I figured that if they left behind their tool, who knows what else they might have left behind unfinished.
So my conclusion is that something is wrong with the brake and it's not functioning at all, which is why I couldn't switch to D gear in the first place. I still don't know what's up with the beep sound, but what puzzles me the most is why I was able to drive home from crappy tires without any problem.
I'm planning to call them back first thing in the morning, but I am not sure if I should let them get their hands on my car again...
What should I do here? Are they going to charge me for towing and inspection and what not? This in my opinion is clearly their fault and they should be responsible to fix my car but I'm afraid they might be saying "oh but you were able to drive it back home so it's not our fault, and old cars can sometimes break down." I'm not sure what to say to this.
18-Dec-2010, 09:48 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 120
that's freaken retarded!!! i would say try going down in person and talking to the manager or call them up before getting it towed down. The manager might agree to pay for the towing if its their fault. your best bet is to talk to them
I hope everything gets resolved asap!
I hope everything gets resolved asap!
18-Dec-2010, 11:43 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mississauga
Posts: 1,672
Hi all,
I'm really frustrated by Canadian Tire right now. It would really help if someone could shed some light on this non-sense.
Here's my story. After what seemed to be a simple routine engine oil change, I drove my '03 Civic LX home and parked it nicely. First thing I noticed was that my car stopped making the loud beep when I lock it the second time. I thought it's weird but I moved on and got some rest. Later that night I had to go and take care of something, so I started my car, released the hand brake, and pushed brake and tried to switch to gear D, as I always have. But I couldn't, because the gear handle was locked at P, as if I was trying without pushing the brake. I tried numerous times with various forces on the brakes and the gear handle, but it just won't move. Then I noticed that the rear brake light wasn't coming on when I step on the brake. I turned on the head lights and the tail lights came on. So it's not just the light bulbs. When I inspected under the hood, I found a piece of tool left behind by whoever was working on my car. It was just on the edge close to the latch of the hood. I figured that if they left behind their tool, who knows what else they might have left behind unfinished.
So my conclusion is that something is wrong with the brake and it's not functioning at all, which is why I couldn't switch to D gear in the first place. I still don't know what's up with the beep sound, but what puzzles me the most is why I was able to drive home from crappy tires without any problem.
I'm planning to call them back first thing in the morning, but I am not sure if I should let them get their hands on my car again...
What should I do here? Are they going to charge me for towing and inspection and what not? This in my opinion is clearly their fault and they should be responsible to fix my car but I'm afraid they might be saying "oh but you were able to drive it back home so it's not our fault, and old cars can sometimes break down." I'm not sure what to say to this.
I'm really frustrated by Canadian Tire right now. It would really help if someone could shed some light on this non-sense.
Here's my story. After what seemed to be a simple routine engine oil change, I drove my '03 Civic LX home and parked it nicely. First thing I noticed was that my car stopped making the loud beep when I lock it the second time. I thought it's weird but I moved on and got some rest. Later that night I had to go and take care of something, so I started my car, released the hand brake, and pushed brake and tried to switch to gear D, as I always have. But I couldn't, because the gear handle was locked at P, as if I was trying without pushing the brake. I tried numerous times with various forces on the brakes and the gear handle, but it just won't move. Then I noticed that the rear brake light wasn't coming on when I step on the brake. I turned on the head lights and the tail lights came on. So it's not just the light bulbs. When I inspected under the hood, I found a piece of tool left behind by whoever was working on my car. It was just on the edge close to the latch of the hood. I figured that if they left behind their tool, who knows what else they might have left behind unfinished.
So my conclusion is that something is wrong with the brake and it's not functioning at all, which is why I couldn't switch to D gear in the first place. I still don't know what's up with the beep sound, but what puzzles me the most is why I was able to drive home from crappy tires without any problem.
I'm planning to call them back first thing in the morning, but I am not sure if I should let them get their hands on my car again...
What should I do here? Are they going to charge me for towing and inspection and what not? This in my opinion is clearly their fault and they should be responsible to fix my car but I'm afraid they might be saying "oh but you were able to drive it back home so it's not our fault, and old cars can sometimes break down." I'm not sure what to say to this.
thats your problem right there. Never ever bring your car over to canadian tire for any kind of job. Most people learn the hard way like yourself.
I remember my aunt also went for an oil change and those guys came out with so a list of so many things that were wrong with the car and a 700$ quote to fix them. She obviously said not , but 2 days after she left the shop the car broke down...
I honestly believe those guys break things on purpose so that you have to bring the car back ...
My advice is dont come back to canadian tire, take your car to a different mechanic and get it fix.... I wouldnt go back there because god knows what bs they are going to tell me and they may even want to charge me more to fix my car....
19-Dec-2010, 12:22 AM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Sauga
Posts: 396
wow..sorry to hear that bud,
honestly, the best bet is to speak to the manager. if they dont cooperate, then have it checked up by your mechanic or for that matter Honda dealership and find out if its a electrical or mechanical problem. but that is strange how you car would jus completely shut off like that. Also try researching to see if your model cars had any recalls on the brake line etc...it could probably just be that the car was already having brake problem and you didnt know or just happen to be a coincidence. but, one thing for sure, i would never bring my car to a place like canadian tire, believe me..i went to buy a car battery and they tried to tell me that my car needs a tune up, when I just had a tune up on my car the month before. good luck..let us know what happened
honestly, the best bet is to speak to the manager. if they dont cooperate, then have it checked up by your mechanic or for that matter Honda dealership and find out if its a electrical or mechanical problem. but that is strange how you car would jus completely shut off like that. Also try researching to see if your model cars had any recalls on the brake line etc...it could probably just be that the car was already having brake problem and you didnt know or just happen to be a coincidence. but, one thing for sure, i would never bring my car to a place like canadian tire, believe me..i went to buy a car battery and they tried to tell me that my car needs a tune up, when I just had a tune up on my car the month before. good luck..let us know what happened
19-Dec-2010, 12:11 PM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Waterloo, Ontario
Posts: 1,074
lmao "i got an oil change now my brakes dont work" you know.. cuz an oil change has nothing to do with your brakes... you know that right? especially at ct, theyll drain the oil, put a new filter on and put new oil in, look at a few things, and put a new sticker on your windshield.. thats it. notice how i said LOOK. it doesnt mean they will take the wheels off and **** with your brakes. seems like now-a-days everyone wants to pass the blame to someone else and not take responsibility for it. things happen, mechanical parts fail, get over it, its life. its YOUR car. get it fixed
i hate when customers blame mechanics for something they didnt even do/touch and think its the mechanics fault.
/rant
i hate when customers blame mechanics for something they didnt even do/touch and think its the mechanics fault.
/rant
19-Dec-2010, 12:15 PM
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 5
Thank you all.
I called up one of the service reps and then their manager, but basically they are not taking responsibility. They say it's not their fault since I drove my car out of their parking lot. They say something must have happened between then and now. But my car has been very nice and problem free.. I doubt their explanations... but problem is I don't have any evidence either, except the pieces of screw driver bits left behind in my hood. To that, the manager says it's totally possible they might leave their tools behind, but that's it. He says simple engine oil change will not have caused this kind of failures.
Well one good thing is that I was able to move the shifter to N by following some instructions on my Honda Owner's manual. I had to read the whole thing last night. The rear break light still doesn't come on, and I still don't hear the beep when I lock my car twice, but they agreed to take a look at my car for free. But if any problems are found, I guess they are probably gonna charge me.
I suspect that simple electronic failure might be the cause of all this. Maybe some fuse got blown up in that little box with lots of connectors (I saw it the manual, already forgot what it's called. But it controls all exterior electricity)
Anyway, I'm about to drive to them and hopefully I won't get into trouble for driving without functional rear break lights...
In case they don't own up the problem and try to rip me off or something, does anyone know a good mechanic I can trust? I've owned this car for less than a year, so I haven't found any yet.
Thanks all again.
I called up one of the service reps and then their manager, but basically they are not taking responsibility. They say it's not their fault since I drove my car out of their parking lot. They say something must have happened between then and now. But my car has been very nice and problem free.. I doubt their explanations... but problem is I don't have any evidence either, except the pieces of screw driver bits left behind in my hood. To that, the manager says it's totally possible they might leave their tools behind, but that's it. He says simple engine oil change will not have caused this kind of failures.
Well one good thing is that I was able to move the shifter to N by following some instructions on my Honda Owner's manual. I had to read the whole thing last night. The rear break light still doesn't come on, and I still don't hear the beep when I lock my car twice, but they agreed to take a look at my car for free. But if any problems are found, I guess they are probably gonna charge me.
I suspect that simple electronic failure might be the cause of all this. Maybe some fuse got blown up in that little box with lots of connectors (I saw it the manual, already forgot what it's called. But it controls all exterior electricity)
Anyway, I'm about to drive to them and hopefully I won't get into trouble for driving without functional rear break lights...
In case they don't own up the problem and try to rip me off or something, does anyone know a good mechanic I can trust? I've owned this car for less than a year, so I haven't found any yet.
Thanks all again.
19-Dec-2010, 12:23 PM
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 5
Well one thing I didn't bother to mention here is that I told them to look at the weird sound coming from the front of my car. My car makes weird ticking/gurgling sound when it's cold outside and when it's warming up, and when I start to accelerate from full stop. It's only when I'm at the lowest gear. As soon as car goes to the next gear, it doesn't make that sound.
I don't know what else they might have touched while they were changing my oil. They said they tried to look at what's making the sound, and came out with no solution. As I mentioned earlier I found a piece of tool under my hood! And they did take more than 2 hours to call me when they said it's only gonna take 40 minutes. I just think it's more reasonable to think they might have screwed up something than to think it's just bad coincidence.
I don't know what else they might have touched while they were changing my oil. They said they tried to look at what's making the sound, and came out with no solution. As I mentioned earlier I found a piece of tool under my hood! And they did take more than 2 hours to call me when they said it's only gonna take 40 minutes. I just think it's more reasonable to think they might have screwed up something than to think it's just bad coincidence.
19-Dec-2010, 05:21 PM
#9
Inactive
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: N/A
Posts: 4,641
Holy crap I love people like you. Not to sound like a dick, but honestly man...you don't have to blame the shop right away, nor express your anger on a public forum before the issue has been resolved.
Now if it was something serious, and a different mechanic was to say it wasn't a simple wear and tear failure or anything like that, then you could ATTEMPT to point fingers, but now, don't you feel like a douche, you made such huge scene for a blown fuse.
Regarding the "TOOL" that was left behind, **** happens, hell I've left tools under the hood and found them later...not a big deal.
Moreover, how do you think parts break? Slowly...cel comes on telling you that such and such part is about to give? No...it just breaks. So stop crying, and move on. And don't go to ctire...for other various reasons.
Now if it was something serious, and a different mechanic was to say it wasn't a simple wear and tear failure or anything like that, then you could ATTEMPT to point fingers, but now, don't you feel like a douche, you made such huge scene for a blown fuse.
Regarding the "TOOL" that was left behind, **** happens, hell I've left tools under the hood and found them later...not a big deal.
Moreover, how do you think parts break? Slowly...cel comes on telling you that such and such part is about to give? No...it just breaks. So stop crying, and move on. And don't go to ctire...for other various reasons.
19-Dec-2010, 06:00 PM
#10
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 5
Holy crap I love people like you. Not to sound like a dick, but honestly man...you don't have to blame the shop right away, nor express your anger on a public forum before the issue has been resolved.
Now if it was something serious, and a different mechanic was to say it wasn't a simple wear and tear failure or anything like that, then you could ATTEMPT to point fingers, but now, don't you feel like a douche, you made such huge scene for a blown fuse.
Regarding the "TOOL" that was left behind, **** happens, hell I've left tools under the hood and found them later...not a big deal.
Moreover, how do you think parts break? Slowly...cel comes on telling you that such and such part is about to give? No...it just breaks. So stop crying, and move on. And don't go to ctire...for other various reasons.
Now if it was something serious, and a different mechanic was to say it wasn't a simple wear and tear failure or anything like that, then you could ATTEMPT to point fingers, but now, don't you feel like a douche, you made such huge scene for a blown fuse.
Regarding the "TOOL" that was left behind, **** happens, hell I've left tools under the hood and found them later...not a big deal.
Moreover, how do you think parts break? Slowly...cel comes on telling you that such and such part is about to give? No...it just breaks. So stop crying, and move on. And don't go to ctire...for other various reasons.
Yes I realize it was just "a blown fuse" but now I know **** like this can happen to my car anytime without much warning.
You do not sound like a dick. But honestly you didn't help at all. You're the one who is being disrespectful by calling me a douche and a crying baby. If you really wanted to help, please point me in right direction as to why I keep hearing this ticking sound I mentioned earlier, otherwise change your banner to DTP can't help with all your car needs.
19-Dec-2010, 06:41 PM
#11
I'd say that the tool left behind, was partly responsible for the blown fuse. I wasn't there so I can't say for certain but it drove home, then when you went to lock it, the horn failed and then you notice the brake lights. I'll give you a break here cause clearly you're a n00b but really I think that a car is the biggest expense of your life as it's certainly not a good investment like a house and yet it took you this long to read the owners manual about your car? Had you read it and payed attention, you may have notice that your horn and brake lights are the same fuse. In future learn from this, when your brake lights aren't working and the horn doesn't sound when you lock the doors with the remote, try the horn and check the fuse.
I think it's silly that people spend as much as they do on cars but never try to learn anything about it. Just put gas in and drive. I used to work at a CT and I know that not every tech in shop was a good one, but there were a few who knew what they were doing. I've found that to be the case in every shop I've ever worked in, from small little private shops to larger dealerships, so why can you say CT is the problem. Any shop it's a gamble. Now sure at CT if you're just there for an oil change, then you're gonna get some young guy who likely isn't even a registered apprentice and he might not know his elbow from your drain plug or maybe he's great at being a lube tech and makes more then half the tech's in the shop. I recommend shops that will let you talk with the tech, don't be in there over their shoulder harassing them while they work, but go in and talk directly to them. That will also help prevent the failure to communicate the issue that the service staff on the counter may have injected. Get to know the tech and if they do a good job next time go back and ask for that same tech.
Martin you should change your banner. "DTP can help with all your car needs...unless your a gonna be a problem customer cause that no tech can fix"
I think it's silly that people spend as much as they do on cars but never try to learn anything about it. Just put gas in and drive. I used to work at a CT and I know that not every tech in shop was a good one, but there were a few who knew what they were doing. I've found that to be the case in every shop I've ever worked in, from small little private shops to larger dealerships, so why can you say CT is the problem. Any shop it's a gamble. Now sure at CT if you're just there for an oil change, then you're gonna get some young guy who likely isn't even a registered apprentice and he might not know his elbow from your drain plug or maybe he's great at being a lube tech and makes more then half the tech's in the shop. I recommend shops that will let you talk with the tech, don't be in there over their shoulder harassing them while they work, but go in and talk directly to them. That will also help prevent the failure to communicate the issue that the service staff on the counter may have injected. Get to know the tech and if they do a good job next time go back and ask for that same tech.
Martin you should change your banner. "DTP can help with all your car needs...unless your a gonna be a problem customer cause that no tech can fix"
19-Dec-2010, 09:00 PM
#12
Inactive
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: N/A
Posts: 4,641
jeongkyueum - *facepalm* not even gonna start with you...
ol Dusty - I seem to have no patience...so yes that name would work.
Its just annoying when people talk **** for no reason.
ol Dusty - I seem to have no patience...so yes that name would work.
Its just annoying when people talk **** for no reason.
20-Dec-2010, 12:19 PM
#13
Inactive
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Where my car is.
Posts: 5,460
I'll just say that if you're going to own a car and rely soley on other people (mechanics) to service and maintain it, and not bother to learn anything about it first... then be prepared to pay a lot of extra cash. Not all mechanics are competent. It's reality. If you don't want to learn, then be prepared to pay.
Anyone who owns a car should learn the basics. Something like diagnosing and changing a fuse should be something anyone can do on their own. If something electrical doesn't work, fueses are first place to look.
And yes, I agree with what ol'dusty said. If you must let a shop work on your car, find a shop that will let you watch and/or speak with the tech directly.
Anyone who owns a car should learn the basics. Something like diagnosing and changing a fuse should be something anyone can do on their own. If something electrical doesn't work, fueses are first place to look.
And yes, I agree with what ol'dusty said. If you must let a shop work on your car, find a shop that will let you watch and/or speak with the tech directly.
03-May-2011, 08:15 PM
#16
"I hate when customers blame mechanics for something they didnt even do/touch and think its the mechanics fault." --JDMej1
Totally right, I see it all the time being a Service Consultant for BMW.
Check this out: Chances are if you're taking your car to CT for an OIL CHANGE you probably have next to zero knowledge when it come to servicing and maintaining your car.... right? So what's to say your car was messed up BEFORE you took it in, (and we all know ****'s gonna break eventually) and it fails the next morning?
I had a guy come in for a basic oil change on Friday, today it gets towed-in for overheating and no coolant. Guess who's asking me if it's something my tech did... the custy.
Puh-Leeze.
Totally right, I see it all the time being a Service Consultant for BMW.
Check this out: Chances are if you're taking your car to CT for an OIL CHANGE you probably have next to zero knowledge when it come to servicing and maintaining your car.... right? So what's to say your car was messed up BEFORE you took it in, (and we all know ****'s gonna break eventually) and it fails the next morning?
I had a guy come in for a basic oil change on Friday, today it gets towed-in for overheating and no coolant. Guess who's asking me if it's something my tech did... the custy.
Puh-Leeze.
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