So I came up to my 30k service and took it in for an oil change, tire rotate, and a fuel filter replacement. I went to the shop that has been doing my work for a number of years. I warned them about the problems with the clips on the fuel filters and explained to them that they needed to be careful so not to break them. A little over an hours and 45 minutes they told me they were having a problem with my truck, I asked them if they broke the clips on the fuel filter. They replied yes. Then they couldnt find the correct part locally and had to order one. Now they have to replace the fuel line from the gas tank to the fuel filter, which entails dropping the fuel tank. When I asked what it was gonna cost me, they replied we will do the labor for free but need to charge for the parts. $190 for the fuel line. I explained to them that I didnt break the clips why should I have to pay for your mistake, there reply was you knew the clips might break when you brought it here. Yeah because I did my homework thanks to the folks on this forum, its my fault for being informed of the problems on a vehicle I own. So here I sit with no vehicle to drive. I will find out tomorrow, if the fixed the problem and what they are going to charge. I may be making an appearence in small claims court.

 

Hey iam sorry to here they broke the clip and I think you are right about paing for there mistake. Hope every thing works out for you. I dont know how they broke the clip if they are a shop they should have seen this type of fuel line before.

 

take them to court and get your money back if they do charge you

 

You won't have much of a case. You knew about the issue with the clips and you informed them of it. Had you just dropped it off and let them break it on their own then you could make them fix it at their own expense. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

 

Man I'm really sorry that happened to you. I understand that you have done business with this guy for a while, but maybe it's best just to do the smaller maintenance projects yourself if your able to. At worst case scenario, if you do break something, you will be at home hopefully with another vehicle as back up to run to the local part house, and you can only be mad at yourself. I always remember what Momma told me... No one else will take care of your things the way you would. But again sorry to hear that keep us updated.

 

Yeah I hear what you guys are saying about doing it yourself, and usually I do, but I'm not a certified mechanic, nor do I claim to be much of a mechanic, I can do the simple things, but I thought this best left to the trained professionals, who had the proper tools to do the repair. And is it really my fault that they didnt do their homework and knew the clips are fragile. If it was my job to work on vehicles, personally I would research problems that certain vehicles have and know what to do.

Ignorace is bliss -- not my ignorance, I was an imformed customer, ignorace on their part for not knowing

 

He came in there with a perfectly servicable vehicle (so I am assuming). Yes he knew about the clips because it is a common occurance. In taking the job order the shop assumed the responsibility of doing the job right. Their mistake their loss. I think he would have a perfectly good case. If shops weren't accountable for their work there would not be any in business, everyone would take their vehicle to that guy named Jimbo with 15 cars in front of his lawn. Sorry about being long winded but I have fought a simular battle.

 

 

I would be willing to bet they did not use the proper tool. The clips do not break if you use the tool correctly. You break them when you try to pull up or force them. with a screwdriver. Just because you know some idiots break them does not mean you should pay for it. You do not need to be a mechanic to do this job. It is extremely simple if you have that $10 tool and a new fuilter.

 

Just spoke with the shop, they will not have the parts until 3pm this afternoon, but will be finished with it today. Not sure yet if they are gonna try and charge me for the parts and labor for their mistake.

 

Whether you told them about the clips or not they broke it(period) you informed them to be careful and I'm sure they gave you the ol' "yeah sure no-problem" speach and because of their faulters they want to throw the blame on you?! If you pay for the repairs I want your address so I can come and kick you in the @ss just kidding, but don't give up make them own up and cover it.
Good Luck

 

Since they broke it, even after you informed them that it was tricky, they should pay to fix it (parts & labor)! It's not your fault that it broke, it's theirs.

 

Did you take it to a dealership or did you just take it to Joe Blows Repair shop?

 

regardless of how it broke and what you told them they are a shop and after hearing what you had to say to them they still took on the task. since they broke it is there fault and responsibility to fix it for free. i would def not pay them for this...i would pay them for the oil change and fuel filter change but def not the charges associated with the broken clip. good luck

 

I don't know what the deal is with people breaking those clips. They aren't hard to get apart, the key is to get all the dirt out of them before even trying to get it apart.
Has anyone found a source for just the clip? They can be changed without replacing the whole line.