Dealer problem with 2002 650 Prairie.

A short time ago, my 2002 650 Prairie developed a problem where the machine would start extremely hard and after running for a few minutes, would spit, sputter and backfire thru the carburetor. I noticed the oil was over full and at one point the engine ceased up and would not turn over until it had set for several hours. I contacted the dealer, explained the problem, took the machine in and had the service person drive the prairie so he could see the problem. When filling out the paperwork, I told them specifically I did not want any service done to the machine unless it was fully covered by the extended warranty. I even went so far as cross out, initial, and date the dealer disclaimer on the work order … the one giving permission to work on the 4 wheeler. I wrote in its place to call if work would not be covered under warranty. One week went by and having heard nothing from the dealer I called them and was told the gas was contaminated and it was ready for pickup… the total cost 338.00 (not covered by the warranty). I was furious to say the least. I am asking for your opinion before paying this bill… Here is a little history on my relationship with this dealer… Prior to buying the Prairie I took a motorcycle to the dealer to have both tires replaced (they quoted me a price and I agreed). When I picked up the bike, they added 70.00 to the bill to replace the air cleaner, and clean out the carb… I did not give them the authority to do this additional work, but they explained they needed to road test the bike and they said the work was necessary… I reluctantly paid the bill in full but complained that someone should have contacted me PRIOR to doing the additional work. Next came the 650 purchase… I ordered a new machine, complete with hitch, winch, plow, hand warmers, racks… the works…From the start the 650 would not idle correct and would backfire thru the carb… after three trips back to the dealer they finally put in a jet kit and the problem went away… When I purchased the machine, I had negotiated with them to do the initial break-in service for free… 2 months after that break-in service (and less then 10 hours later) the belt began to squeal and slip I took it back for warranty work (the dealer initially said it would be covered by warranty, but when I picked up the 650 I was given a bill for 65.00 and told it was user serviceable, and not covered under the warranty. Seems they put in a shim, but did not return the original one to me. I paid the bill and told them that was the 2nd time I was billed for service that I felt I should not have been responsible for. ( I question if the dealer even checked the belts or other parts when back for the break in service…). OH… I forgot to mention when I first picked up the new 4 wheeler, the hand grips were wired directly to the battery causing it to fully discharge when I forgot to turn off the grips… I showed them in the manual where it said NOT to wire directly to the battery… Needless to say I was beginning to loose faith in the competency of the service dept of this dealer. To be honest, this is why I was so adamant in making sure the dealer knew exactly my wishes… Now back to my current situation… I was told the jets were put back to original and they spent over 7-8 hours troubleshooting to fix this problem. I told them I wanted the jets put back to the ones that were in the machine when I brought it in since those jets fixed my first problem… (this will come into play later)… The owner said he would reduce the bill to 200. I told him I would take the 4 wheeler, ride it over the weekend (it was my anniversary and my wife had surprised me with a 4 wheeler trip in the Pocono’s for our anniversary). I would see how it was running and get back to him. The Pocono trip was a disaster… the 4 wheeler was hard starting and would not idle…. (I bet they did not put back the jets), and since it was rainy and cold, I turned on the hand warmers to find they no longer worked… So here is my dilemma. The dealer says he does not want to loose my business and I should pay him what I feel is fair. At this point I wonder if his entire shop would be better served by paying 0 just to teach them a lesson in customer service. On the other hand, his people put in approx 8 hours and the machine at least will run now… (but it is a shame it does not run as good as once did and the hand warmers no longer work). If the service dept was competent and ran a flow test on the fuel I feel they should have been able to find and fix the problem in 1 hour. One hour labor, and two gallons of gas = approx 50.00. Dealer thinks 200 is a fair price. I would like to get back to the dealer with my decision in a week or so, I would appreciate your thoughts, and I appreciate your time in reading this rather lengthy post.

Dave Schultz

 

Sounds like that dealer has a bad case of cranial-rectal impaction, and since you specifically wrote down what you wanted, you should not be liable for any of the bill, which ended up making your wheeler run worse,to boot. You might even contact Kawasaki customer service to find out what they can do for you,also. Good luck, hope you get it running right soon.

 

What did the dealer say caused the fuel to over fill the crank case ????



On most O2 models...... this is caused by the fuel enrichers ( choke slides ) sticking open. I had all the problems you mentioned that caused you to take it to the dealer to begin with ..... and I repaired it by changing to new stronger springs. (about $15 for parts, and an hour labor)

If they have not changed those springs ..... I expect that your problem still exists, and you will soon experence hydo lock, and over filled crank case again.

 

that sounds familiar, mistake # 1 was not checking here first , we could have told you the problem. mistake # 2 was taking it to your dealer, they usually knew less then the village idiot , yours is a prime example of this.
you will have to learn to work on it yourself anyway or these sad a$$ dealer problems will haunt you the rest of the days of your life. Everything that can ,will or has happened to a 650 is on this forum,always check here first.The problems you are having with your machine has happened to everyone two years ago and it wasn't a dealer that fixed them.

 

Wow, you are a better man than me. I would NEVER return to that shop, and would report the problem to Kaw. I really feel that they do not deserve $50.00. Think of it this way, they tried to screw you on the motorcycle tires, now they are working on the quad and trying to add the bill up. You told them your wishes, they did not listen. You spent how much time and money running the bike back and forth, and even did not get to enjoy your weekend way as much (oh that was VERY nice of your wife) because they did not do what they said. I really would not feel I owe them anything. Anyway whatever you feel is best, I wish you well and hope someone gets the machine working better.

 

Can we say BBB!!!! Better Business Bureau????? Hello, I'de be writing or calling them NOW!!!!

 

I would suggest you contact an attorney and have a letter sent to this dealership outlining your grievences. Request a resolution that is satisfactory to you on all of the problems you have had. CC this letter to Kawasaki and the BBB. If this does not get the job done I would have the attorney file a lawsuit and sue for costs incurred including court costs, attny fees and the whole shot. Many attorneys will take on this kind case on contingency.

Why not list the name of this dealership so others that read this forum know to stay away?

 

Please post the name of the dealer so we all know to stay away. SALES are down and many dealers are looking for ways to make up for lost $$$$$. I would not pay them a dime. Do you feel the gas was bad? Some dealers don't even know what reg. maint. sevices are to be done. I have found that rather than look something up in a manual or Kaws. on line dealer network they would rather just guess. IF YOU DON"T KNOW THE ANSWER, DON'T GUESS. Let us know how it turns out. Good Luck. Irish[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

heres one you take shimes out to tighten the belt lol lol

 

Anyone nitice this post is from Sept. 2003???? LOL [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img]