NJ Dealer did not return parts as requested.
 

I have a Ford Expedition, that had a cracked exhaust manifold. I dropped it off at the Dealer thursday morning, signed a service agreement to limit repairs to $100(also getting an oil change), then boarded a plane to Florida.

Dealer told me verbally thursday evening that repair would cost almost $1000... When I protested lack of warranty on the manifold, I told him he could do the repair, but I wanted the parts.

Wife picked up truck on monday and payed by CC, I came back late tuesday, and realized they didn't give her the parts. When I called this morning, I was told that the manifold was disposed of.

I thought by law they had to return parts if requested, but I cannot find.....

I think laws vary state-by-state, but I believe you're right. Parts must be returned to vehicle owner if so requested. I came across a reference just last week.... Lemme think where that was... I don't know what the penalty is, though, if the dealer/mechanic does not comply.

Send THEM an invoice for the old manifold ...say about ... $500?

charge your card back immediatly..they DO have to return old parts if requested. Tell them that if they cannt get the parts from their dumpster you will charge the card back as you feel they are performing unneeded repairs, call ord and file a complaint (this will tank their CSI, even on a older car) and that will cost them about $4-7000 in the monthly service payout from ford.

Here Dad, use this to go forward with Nick's advice...

http://www.lemonlawclaims.com/new_jersey_automobile_repair_regulations.htm

SUBCHAPTER 26C. AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRS

13:45A-26C.2 Deceptive practices; automotive repairs

"3. Commencing work for compensation without either:
i. One of the following:"
.
.
.

"7. Failure to return replaced parts to the customer at the time of completion of the work provided that the customer, before work is commenced, requests such return, and provided that the parts by virtue of their size,
weight, or other similar factors are not impractical to return. Those parts and components that are replaced and
that are sold on an exchange basis, and those parts that are required to be returned by the automotive repair
dealer to the manufacturer or distributor, are exempt from the provisions of this section."

Quick question.

Did you know it had a cracked manifold before you brought it in or did they tell you that's what the problem was?

I knew it was cracked. I had thought it would be covered under the emissions laws.

I just got a phone call, even though I was told yesterday the mechanic put it out for scrap and it was gone, today they claim the mechanic has it, and I can come pick it up.

You know what that means.

When State Farm paid for my accident repair, part of the exhaust replacement included a new O2 sensor. SF rep. told me to save the old one, that they may want to see it. I told this to the service advisor at the BMW dealer. Of course, they didn't save it. But he told me they'd have no problem producing one for the SF rep. if they really wanted to see it.