KC Smog

Review: The technician did not know how to do the service correctly.

The technician at KC Smong failed my car's smog test. His reason was that my car ignition timing was off by 4 degrees. I took my car to a auto shop to fix the problem but the the technician at that shop said that my ignition timing was correct. I went back to KC Smog. The technician, (his name is Pancho Marquez) said that it's still off by 4 degrees and failed me again. I took a third shop and explain the situation. The third shop technician also said that my car's ignition timing was correct. He thinks that the KC Smog technician did not connect the "jump" cable which is behind the car's computer. Without connecting the "jump" cable, it shows that the car is ignition timing was off by 4 degree. I told this to the KC Smog's technician and he said that he has been doing this for 15 years and knows what he is doing. He did not want to listen to me. I told this to the third shop technician. The third shop technician said that the KC Smog technician is doing wrong but he said that he will adjust 4 degree higher so that I can pass the smog test first. So he did that and my car pass the smog test. I had to bring my car back to the third shop to adjust back the ignition timing to where is suppose to. This cost me almost all day as well as almost $50 extra for no problem in my car. His technician license should be revoked.Desired Settlement: I want KC Smog to pay for the service fees I paid at the other two auto shops plus my time.

Business

Response:

Initial Business Response

Company states that the consumer is welcome to bring his vehicle back to be rechecked. They are willing to go over the results and discuss his options.

Final Consumer Response

(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)

I already went back to the KC Smog and my car has passed the Smog test. But in order to do that, I had to ask another auto shop to adjust the timing so that I can pass the Smog test by KC Smog and then I had to go back to the auto shop to adjust back to where it suppose to be. The KC Smog did not know how to check the timing correctly. I have a note from the other auto shop that the timing was correct before making any changes. I don't want to waste my time going back and test it again when my car already passed. I knew exactly what the KC Smog technician was doing wrong but I couldn't do anything else but try to do the technician way so that I could pass the test. I didn't want to waste my money trying to go anther Smog Test shop. I want the KC Smog owner to pay for his or her technician's mistake.

Review: On Saturday, February 22, 2014, I went to get a Smog test at KC Smog. After the test was completed, [redacted] (mechanic) explained that my car did not pass due the timing. On the drive back home, my car felt as if it was accelerating/ jerking and I noticed the 4WD sensor light and the service engine soon light on. I was unable to drive my car Sunday through Monday due to the 4WD sensor.On Tuesday (2/25), I called the shop and spoke to the mechanic at which time he stated it was not their fault and hesitantly told me to bring the car into the shop. Upon my arrival, Mr. [redacted] (owner) and the mechanic worked on my car at which point the 4WD sensor and service engine soon light turned off. While there, the owner and the mechanic told me that I should not to drive my car on 4WD. When asked what to do if the 4WD sensor turned on again, they assured me that it would not turn on. I left the shop and I could feel the difference with the car no longer being on 4WD.On Wednesday (2/26), my car was fine but on Thursday (2/27), the 4WD sensor came back on. I called the shop again and I spoke to the mechanic who stated that my car had other issues and the wet pavement may have set it off. The mechanic stated it was fine to drive on 4WD, which confused me as he and the owner had previously advised me otherwise. On Friday (2/28) I was not able to drive my car. Frustrated with the situation, I called KC Smog again on Saturday (3/1). The owner initially answered the call and then handed the phone to the mechanic. The mechanics first words were, "You haven't exploded yet?" and then went on to say it was not their issue. He also stated that he had already explained the situation and that if I didn't understand it was not his problem. I tried explaining that the 4WD sensor was not on when I had originally brought my car in but the mechanic refused to listen. I am extremely frustrated and still need to get my car fixed. The mechanic at KC Smog has no customer service skills, and is extremely rude.Desired Settlement: I would like to get a refund for $37.75 (amount paid for smog) so I can take my car to get a smog elsewhere. I would also like to get reimbursed for getting the 4WD sensor removed because the sensor turned on after I took my car in to KC Smog.

Business

Response:

The consumer was told at the time of smog that she could bring the car back in after it failed for a free retest for up to 30 days. We realize that the time has passed by a couple months but are willing to allow the consumer to bring it in until May 15 for the free retest. We will not be refunding any money.