36 replies to this topic

[lorry]

what speakers are they?

[yorkshirechris]

Right, just tested the battery

Reading approx 13-13.5v when the keys are out. When the engine is running, it jumped to about 16.9v for a second, and settled down at 14.3v. Stayed at 14.3v on various revving/idle, pretty much simulating driving conditions I'd say.

They're a set of Kenwood speakers which have been tested to be working fine in my mate's Mini, I bought them from him.

[yorkshirechris]

Here we go again...

Got the head unit back from repair from Halfords. The sheet reads "resoldered connections and tested for 4 hours". It doesn't however state that they even found a fault with the connections they'd replaced. And I'm guessing they haven't actually had the HU in a car and driven it around to test it properly. Even though the worksheet they got said "cuts out intermittently whilst driving".

So anyway I put it in the car and guess what... It's still happening. If anything, it's worse. It'll cut out for minutes at a time.

I spoke to the manager over the phone at Halfords today who basically said that the company they send the HU's off to under warranty will only replace or exchange the HU after it's been back for repair 3 times. So basically they're that *melonsing* useless that they need 3 chances to sort the problem out. I said I wasn't happy but got the usual "company policy" response and "unfortunately that's how it is" so I've taken the stereo back again for them to "repair". Surely good customer service would be to just replace the Head Unit?

Anyway, it's gone back for repair. It was quite funny when I took it back, the deputy manager (who looks about 16) came out to remove the HU from the car. He was completely useless. He said, and I quote "if it's too technical then I won't be able to do it". I told him that he will do it because I've made a special trip down for this after the store manager told me he'd be able to remove it for me

He then started tugging at the wires, and asked if I'd sent the wiring back with it? Well no, firstly the wiring is fine, and secondly, I have had to butcher the ISO loom for it to fit my car so I'm guessing the wiring wouldn't be under warranty anymore anyway.

I spoke to the local mini mechanic about it and he's certain it's the HU that's at fault. Even though the meter read 16.9v at one point over my battery (with the engine running), the meter I have reads over slightly anyway, and the radio wouldn't just cut out if this was causing the fault, it would blow the internal or external fuse.

I'm getting a bit *drunk* off with the service from Halfords to be honest and if when I get it back it isn't fixed, am I within my rights to demand a replacement Head Unit?

What about compensation for having the car re-wired 3 times - on advice from Halfords - only to find it was the HU?

Edited by yorkshirechris, 08 May 2009 - 07:47 PM.

[yorkshirechris]

Right so today... Halfords rung me saying it's back from repair (for the second time) and that they've found no fault with it.

So it looks like I'm going to have to go down to Halfords, put it in the car, drive it around the block, and take it back because it will STILL be faulty.

They will only exchange the HU if it's been in for repair 3 times and is still faulty.

Seems like a lot of *peeing* about to me because clearly the HU is faulty, in my eyes they should just change it for another HU to save me and themselves hassle.

[GregH]

My Brother had this.
have you checked the speaker wires because his was a dodgy worn wire and the positive and negative were bridged. two straight connectors and it worked a treat.
greg.

[yorkshirechris]

My Brother had this.
have you checked the speaker wires because his was a dodgy worn wire and the positive and negative were bridged. two straight connectors and it worked a treat.
greg.

Nope I haven't checked them but they are brand new wires and don't pass through any metal holes or anything so I don't see how they'd rub through in a matter of days?

[yorkshirechris]

Right then I called Halfords today and told them how it is.

I took the stereo in because it was FAULTY and they have got it back saying they have tested it and it is alright.

But to me there's no point me going back to Halfords, plugging in the stereo, driving round the block, finding it's still faulty - which it obviously will be because it's not been fixed!!! - and having to send it back for repair again.

So I told the guy that he will just have to return it to the "repair" place for them to fix it properly.

Guess what? They just get better!! I quote:

"Well, you know, when they tested it, they might have done something and it might be fixed"



So there you have it, a Halfords kid telling me that faults just "fix themselves" as if by magic!!!

He has sent it back to them for repair for the third time. It will still not be fixed.

I have a feeling that they will only offer an exchange - and I might not want any of the HU's that they have in stock. They don't stock the one I bought anymore. And I have a feeling they won't offer me a refund. Thus, I have a feeling it might kick off.

What is WRONG with good customer service, or lack thereof?

Edited by yorkshirechris, 18 May 2009 - 05:24 PM.