First trip to dealer for service after 4.5 years of ownership

[Mark_888]

I am not going to mention the dealer name because I am not sure what actually took place, (as I will explain below) and don't want to cast any negative dispersions on the dealer at this point. I may change my mind later.

I have owned my 2009 V6 sedan since January 2009 and up until today I have done all the oil changes myself (always using Mobil 1 synthetic, and 0W-30 Advanced Fuel Economy for the last 3 years). I have used genuine Hyundai filters. All oil changes have been done at about 5,000 mile intervals or less, even though I am quite sure that I don't fall into the "severe" service interval category. I have also replaced the air filter and cabin filter at regular intervals.

Today I took my Genesis into the dealer, primarily to get the DOT-4 brake fluid TSB done, and also another outstanding TSB for the airbag system. Since it was about time for an oil change (4K miles since last one), I thought I would let the dealer do that also. But I brought my own oil with me (one 5-quart jug, plus a half-full one quart container, for a total of 5.5 quarts as specified for a 2009 Genesis oil change). As usual, it was Mobil 1 0W-30 Advanced Fuel Economy synthetic oil.

Being the paranoid person that I am about dealer oil changes, I made sure absolutely sure that the work order stated that the customer supplied oil was in the trunk was to be used, and I also pasted two identical stickers on the oil filler cap (on both sides of the flange) that said "use customer supplied oil in trunk." Both stickers were still on the oil filler cap when I got home.

The price estimate for the oil change (all the other stuff was covered by warranty) was $25 because I supplied the oil. In the waiting room the price of an oil change was listed on display as $35 (and a whopping $99 for a synthetic oil change). When I picked up my car, the price was about $58. I noticed that they had charged me for 5W-30 oil, and also for the filter and the drain plug (I guess they put a new drain plug on). I mentioned to the cashier that I supplied the oil, as was indicated on the work order, and should not be charged a part charge for the oil (which was about a $35 parts charge in addition to labor and filter, etc) and the price should not be $58.

One of the persons in the cashier area agreed there was a problem, and went into the shop area to talk to a technician or a service manager (not sure which because I could not see who she was talking to). After about 5 minutes she came out and said the price will be adjusted for the fact I supplied the oil, and the final price was about $23. Sounded fine. They also mentioned that they only used the 5 quart jug and left the 1/2 quart of oil in my trunk since they did not use it. That sounded OK, because I know that on the 2009-2011 V6 if you actually add 5.5 quarts, the dipstick shows at least 1/2 quart above the full line on the dipstick (it is unclear if that is because the oil filter is on top and drains into the crankcase, or whatever--this has been discussed in detail elsewhere in this forum).

About 5 hours after I got home (about a 25 mile drive from dealer), I decided to check the oil level. Here is what I found:

1. The dipstick level was at least 1/2 quart over the full line, and maybe more than that.
2. They spilled oil onto the engine around the oil filler cap, and also around the oil filter cap (on top of the engine for 2009-2011).
3. The Brake Fluid level (they replaced with DOT-4 per TSB) is about an inch below the max fill line (not sure if this is normal or not).

What concerns me is if they only used the 5 quart container (they returned the other half quart to me), how is the oil fill level at least 1/2 over the fill mark? I know from changing the oil myself, if I actually put in 5.5 quarts that would happen, but they only supposedly only used the 5 quart jug I supplied. Now I am wondering (since the originally charged me for the oil on the involve) whether they used their own conventional oil instead of the Mobil 1 oil I supplied. And I am wondering if when I mentioned the erroneous charge for 5W-30 oil supplied by dealer, maybe they just took the 5 gallon oil container out of my trunk and left the 1/2 quart there (if they only used 5 quarts, it would not show more than 1/2 above full on the dipstick). I now am suspicious as to whether I actually have synthetic oil in my crankcase.

Because I am not sure what happened, the aggravation of having the dealer change my oil and not knowing what they really did (did they use my synthetic oil or their conventional oil?) is irritating to say the least. I have done all the oil changes myself prior to today, but even I take my car to quick oil change place, I can watch what they are doing and make sure they are putting my supplied oil in the crankcase.

Let God be my witness that I will never again let a dealer change my oil. All you people who talk about problems with warranty claims if you don't have the dealer change your oil are full of cra-.

Regarding the brake fluid TSB replacement, my brakes are now noticeably softer (require more pedal force to stop) than before. I almost rear-ended someone right after I left the dealer. WTF? As I mentioned, the brake fluid level is almost 1 inch below the max line, but not sure if that a problem (seems doubtful that would cause my brakes to be softer).

 

[Gurkha]

I have had similar experiences to you over the years at different (not Hyundai) dealerships. For years now I only deal with shops that I can actually watch them as they change the oil. No more wondering what really went in.
My Genesis has only been to a dealer for warranty work (DRL's) once.
I am still debating whether or not to go in for a DOT 4 brake flush. The softer pedal as you describe has happened to me before on another car after a flush.

 

[Mark_888]

I have had similar experiences to you over the years at different (not Hyundai) dealerships. For years now I only deal with shops that I can actually watch them as they change the oil. No more wondering what really went in.

I think maybe my mistake was the stickers that I put on the oil filler cap instructing them to use the customer supplied oil in the trunk. I probably should have written it in Spanish, since they probably use illegal aliens to do oil changes. They advertise in the waiting rooms that they now have "quick" oil changes, so I suspect that they don't have the regular techs do it.

 

[Gurkha]

There probably is some air in the brake system after the flush if your pedal is softer. I would go back and get them to fix it and top off the fluid as well.
Print the TSB in Spanish and give it to them

 

[waveman]

If there's a simple way for you to confirm that the oil in your car is synthetic, you're done. If not, someone would have to test it. You could talk to the service manager about your concerns and see what he says, though I doubt that the dealer would pay to have the oil tested. At that point, you'd have to decide whether you wanted to pay for it yourself and then return to the dealer if the test showed that the oil isn't synthetic.

 

[Mark_888]

If there's a simple way for you to confirm that the oil in your car is synthetic, you're done. If not, someone would have to test it. You could talk to the service manager about your concerns and see what he says, though I doubt that the dealer would pay to have the oil tested. At that point, you'd have to decide whether you wanted to pay for it yourself and then return to the dealer if the test showed that the oil isn't synthetic.

There is no way I am going back to the dealer. I have changed my own oil many times and can do it again. I would be curious if there was some way to test. I wonder if ExxonMobil would do that, since I suspect a lot oil chage places counterfiet their oil.

 

[waveman]

There is no way I am going back to the dealer. I have changed my own oil many times and can do it again. I would be curious if there was some way to test. I wonder if ExxonMobil would do that, since I suspect a lot oil chage places counterfiet their oil.

I'm sure you can get it tested, but I don't know the cost. (I suspect someone here will know.) If you do get it tested and it's synthetic, you can rest easy. If it's not, you could change it yourself and have peace of mind. In the latter case, you'd have grounds to get some concessions out of the dealer, but if you're never going to go back to them for anything, that wouldn't make a difference.

Anyway, good luck no matter what you decide.

 

[Mark_888]

I'm sure you can get it tested, but I don't know the cost. (I suspect someone here will know.) If you do get it tested and it's synthetic, you can rest easy. If it's not, you could change it yourself and have peace of mind. In the latter case, you'd have grounds to get some concessions out of the dealer, but if you're never going to go back to them for anything, that wouldn't make a difference.

Anyway, good luck no matter what you decide.

Even if I tested it and it turned out it that it was not synthetic (which I don't know at this point), they would not admit it. At most they would give me a free oil synthetic oil change, which I don't want from them, since I would have my doubts again about what they were putting in my crankcase when I can't watch them.

 

[Mark_888]

My dealer just sent me an email and asked that I fill out an online survey of my service department experience. I explained the whole situation as described above, so we will see what happens.

 

[Retry]

Even if I tested it and it turned out it that it was not synthetic (which I don't know at this point), they would not admit it. At most they would give me a free oil synthetic oil change, which I don't want from them, since I would have my doubts again about what they were putting in my crankcase when I can't watch them.

One way to tell if it's synthetic or conventional would be to draw some out of the engine (there's too much in there anyway) and set it on fire along with some conventional. The conventionial oil will burn readily and the synthetic will hardly burn at all. Your dealer probably wouldn't accept the results but you would know.

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[stuofsci02]

It's disappointing for sure. If I were you I would just do another oil change with synthetic and move on. Life is too short.

 

[Mark_888]

It's disappointing for sure. If I were you I would just do another oil change with synthetic and move on. Life is too short.

That is what I am planning to do, regardless of what the dealer says (even if they respond to my survey and offer me free oil change).

 

[Mark_888]

I changed my oil this afternoon using Mobil 1. I drained 6.25 quarts out of my crankcase (supposed to be 5.5 quarts for the V6) so it is very unlikely they used my oil I put in my trunk and told them to use (which was only a 5 quart jug of Mobil 1, not counting the 1/2 quart they returned to me unused). Plus, they grossly overfilled it with their oil (maybe they thought it was a V8). The dealer was Ed Voyles Hyundai in Marietta GA (just outside Atlanta). I will never visit that dealer again.

 

[homeofstone]

I changed my oil this afternoon using Mobil 1. I drained 6.25 quarts out of my crankcase (supposed to be 5.5 quarts for the V6) so it is very unlikely they used my oil I put in my trunk and told them to use (which was only a 5 quart jug of Mobil 1, not counting the 1/2 quart they returned to me unused). Plus, they grossly overfilled it with their oil (maybe they thought it was a V8). The dealer was Ed Voyles Hyundai in Marietta GA (just outside Atlanta). I will never visit that dealer again.

FYI I have had really good service from Rick Case in Duluth(N.E. Atlanta). I also do most of my oil changes, but Rick Case Hyundai has done some using my oil and they did it correctly. I had them do my transmission service last month at 85k miles. I did not purchase the car from Rick Case but they treat me very well, loaner car etc. You may want to try them if you need dealer service.

 

[thebells]

I would also add that Jim Ellis has impressed me as well, although my first-hand experience is limited to one oil change thus far....just bought my car and not from them. Their local reputation is pretty good for most things; sales, service, etc.

Their parts department does also match legit Hyundai internet pricing so if you ever need anything fairly quick, give them a try. Just bring a printout of the OEM part from the website of another Hyundai dealer and they'll match it. They recently matched hyndaiaccessorystore.com for me on rubber floor mats and trunk liner.