Dealership tune ups

[dkross]

I just finished changing the plugs in my '00 4.7L Durango thanks to the help that I received from members of this forum so thanks everybody.

My question is this what else does the dealership do in a tune up besides changing the plugs and air filter?

I know they have it hooked up to a diagnostic machine but is there really anything else that they can do?

[WentInsane]

I just finished changing the plugs in my '00 4.7L Durango thanks to the help that I received from members of this forum so thanks everybody.

My question is this what else does the dealership do in a tune up besides changing the plugs and air filter?

I know they have it hooked up to a diagnostic machine but is there really anything else that they can do?
Mostly depends on the mileage and such. They have their specific "intervals" where you are supposed to get stuff done. Usually in the 2-300$ range. Usually involves, plugs, plug wires, air filter, oil change, flushing fluids etc. Like i said depends on the "interval" you are at. You can always call and ask them also.

[ccook210]

tune ups are usually:
air filter
fuel filter
plugs
wires
cap
rotor
pcv


But in your case with the 4.7 your tune up is pretty much just plugs and air filter

[dkross]

I asked once and the answer was vague. They're basic response was we hook it up to the diagnostic machine and make sure everything is okay. So I guess I was just wondering how much the diagnostic machine could do.

Thanks guys.

[Y2KOTA]

Don't they also clean the T/B?

[00 SLT T/A]

I had my 2000 Durango at the Stealership this past week with A/C problems, also had the front pads replaced, and rears adjusted, an alignment. Thank God for extended warranties. My cost $680. Warranty work $1400.

The poor bastard in front of me was there for his 60,000 mile recommended services. Tune up, oil change, rear diff. service, his cost was over $800.

This was for plugs, air filter, wires, cap, rotor, oil change, rear diff. fluid, and diagnostics.

I would have done the brakes on mine had I had the time, unfortunately, I don't right now.

However, I did change plugs, wires, cap, rotor, synthetic oil and filter, pcv, coolant flush and new coolant, 180 degree thermostat, cleaned my K&N air filter.

My total cost was less than $200 and a couple hours labor. Hell of alot more accomplished than what the dealer was going to screw that guy for.

[dkross]

I try and avoid the dealership just because of the high rates. They are currently putting out a coupon for a tune up at $94.95. Since I like working on my vehicles I figure I saved myself $80. I live in Western Colorado, Grand Junction area to be exact, and it is the only Dodge dealer ship for some distance so I think their parts and rates are high.

I do most of the maintenance and repair on my vehicles but this was the first time that I worked on my Durango's engine.

It would make sense to clean the TB since it is right there. I don't know if I had to take off all the air cleaner stuff before the TB but I did and cleaned some.

[eharri3]

Where people get taken alot of times is they fall for vague terms such as 'tune-up' and '60 thousand mile service.' Too many people don't educate themselves on the basics cause it's just easier to take the keys in and say 'do whatever you're supposed to do at x-amount of miles.' When I go in I never ask for vague things like that and I don't ask them what they recommend, I tell them what I want. Otherwise, on top of charging hundreds of bucks for what basically amounts to eye-balling a bunch of different stuff to see if it's worn out, the dealership can throw in whatever non-necessary profit builders they recommend as part of the schedule. I don't say 'tune-up' or '60K mile service', I say I want an oil change and tire rotation, or I want a coolant flush or new diff fluid. If they come back and say I need anything else I say show me or explain in detail.

I know when it needs it and how much it should costs. I can figure out if my brakes are worn myself without letting them charge me for 'inspect brakes.' And if they have my truck on the lift with the tires off and send me back out on the road with a dangerously worn front suspension component, it'll be their ass regadless of whether I specifically paid for the 'check front suspension' line item or not. Of course, I learned these things the hard way after paying for a few too many 200$ oil change/multi-point inspection services on my old Ford back when I was in college. Alot of dealerships charge a ton of money for basic checks that any competent mechanic can easily do in a few extra seconds while the hood is up or the tires are off.

[dkross]

Eharri3

I think you are giving really good advice about being specific to what you want. I am an avid four-wheeler (Jeep, not ATV) and work exclusively on my Jeep. So I know pretty well what is going on with my vehicles and when the dealership does work on my Durango (ball joint recall) they found something that needed to be done. Otherwise, I have said thanks for the heads up I can take care of that myself.