New problem after car service

kiaeneto` · Post by **kiaeneto`** » Wed Sep 13, 2023 4:53 pm

Hey,

I had a major service at Arnold Clark today and when I've picked it up I've noticed the car rumbles / trembles when the engine is on, it happens every 10 seconds or so and lasts about 1 second. This happens when the car is idle and in motion. My car didn't have this problem this morning, and when I took it back to the garage they said the only explanation would be the coil pack was disturbed when they changed the spark plugs, so it'll need replacing. They've quoted me £180 for this for the part + labour.

Does this sound right? My car didn't have this problem this morning when I dropped it off, seems kind of ridiculous I should pay out an extra £180 for a problem they presumably caused

Or do I just need take it on the chin since there is always risk involved when a service is taking place, or what?

Cheers

wine~o · Post by **wine~o** » Wed Sep 13, 2023 5:27 pm

Main dealers are always a rip off for servicing /parts. It is better to find a good local mechanic and stick with them. Wont affect warranty if service is carried out according to the manufacturers spec. Changing the spark plugs shouldn't "disturb" the coil pack as there will be no elecktricky on when the plugs are replaced. the car will be switched off at the ignition.

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Wed Sep 13, 2023 5:28 pm

I would have thought that it is their responsibility to sort this at their own cost as the car is not working properly after they have serviced it. It would be interesting to hear what your local Trading Standards Officer has to say. However, the age and condition of your car is a factor that has to be considered. If you are resourceful you can check how much a coil pack is here https://www.eurocarparts.com/ignition-coil They are relatively simple to change see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3YOEDO-oMs or check out a small independant mechanic.

DWD

kiaeneto` · Post by **kiaeneto`** » Wed Sep 13, 2023 5:47 pm

Thanks for the replies so far. I'm willing to take any action to fight the cost of repair, so this is a good start. I've sent a complaint off to them so will see what they come back with. It's a 17 plate Corsa with 52k miles, so it's not particularly old. If it comes down to it, I'll replace the part myself. My main concern is that the issue isn't the coil pack, and I start spending a lot of money unnecessarily trying to find the cause of the problem

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Wed Sep 13, 2023 7:38 pm

It does sound like a coil pack and they will have pulled it off to remove the plugs for the service maybe. Check the invoice if they charged for spark plugs. A mechanic will have an error code reader that will tell him which cylinder is misfiring.

DWD

aeromech3 · Post by **aeromech3** » Thu Sep 14, 2023 2:48 pm

Years ago my Son told me his car had a rumble from the gearbox, took him at his word, short of time I found and fitted a replacement, when I then went out for a drive it still rumbled But from the exhaust touching the underside.
A spark plug fires in one cylinder 2.5 times in 10 seconds at idle (idle 600RPM/60=10RPS, each plug fires every 4 revs).
Would check the plugs are tight and leads secure.