Service tip:Electrical problem
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
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Service tip:Electrical problem
Nothing pisses a person off more then dropping there baby off becausefor an electric problem and when they come get the bike the bill is higher then Cheech & Chong. Remember this, if you don't make itclear on what you want them to do theycouldrack up more hours then you assumed it would take. Here is a tip to make sure you and your service advisor are on the same page.
We know electric problems are often difficult to find. Tell your advisor you will ok 1or2 hrs of diagnostic time and if the problem is not found in the allowed time you want him/her to call you and go from there. Findingthe electricproblem could take more time then fixing theelectric problem. Makesure your advisor writes your wishes on the repair orderbefore you sign it so there's no surprises when you show up ready to ride after a hard days work .Your repair order is considered a legal document and a leg to stand on for the both of you. Hope this helps some of you guys and gals.
We know electric problems are often difficult to find. Tell your advisor you will ok 1or2 hrs of diagnostic time and if the problem is not found in the allowed time you want him/her to call you and go from there. Findingthe electricproblem could take more time then fixing theelectric problem. Makesure your advisor writes your wishes on the repair orderbefore you sign it so there's no surprises when you show up ready to ride after a hard days work .Your repair order is considered a legal document and a leg to stand on for the both of you. Hope this helps some of you guys and gals.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 790
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RE: Service tip:Electrical problem
That sounds like a two edge sword. If the tech is only allowed to work onit for a while and then has to wait on permission to go futher I don't think he would leave your bike in his station while he waits. I would think they would move it somewhere else and work it back in when you gave the ok. Sounds like a time wasting process to me. If you are that concerned about the cost Maybe you could do some of the check out yourself to help eliminate some of the process.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,728
Likes: 1
From: Olympia, Washington
RE: Service tip:Electrical problem
You either want the problem fixed or you don't. I understand the logic you're operating by, but the bottom line isthat whether you get an "ok" or not is really immaterial to the issue. The real question is: how much am I willing to spend vs. whether I want to, or have, the knowledge to do the diagnostic or fix the problem myself. If the answer is "no" to both questions, be prepared to open your wallet.
There's no set time to figure out diagnostics on a potential problem. You keep working until you figure the problem out. Ain't no different if you go to a doctor's office with a mysterious problem. They'll keep testing until they get an answer. On the flip side, if someone in a shop tells me it took them eight hours to figure out my battery is dead and that's why my bike won't start, we are damn sure going to have a conversation.
There's no set time to figure out diagnostics on a potential problem. You keep working until you figure the problem out. Ain't no different if you go to a doctor's office with a mysterious problem. They'll keep testing until they get an answer. On the flip side, if someone in a shop tells me it took them eight hours to figure out my battery is dead and that's why my bike won't start, we are damn sure going to have a conversation.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,168
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RE: Service tip:Electrical problem
one word- MULTIMETER
i use a fluke brand. electrical problems are not that hard to find and repair (for me, i was in the 12 volt industry for 12 years) should ya need help finding an electrical prob-drop me a pm, i will try to help all that ask.
i use a fluke brand. electrical problems are not that hard to find and repair (for me, i was in the 12 volt industry for 12 years) should ya need help finding an electrical prob-drop me a pm, i will try to help all that ask.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 790
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RE: Service tip:Electrical problem
I seem to remember lilmike9 is a service writer and is probably trying to give good advise. In some cases if you can't fix the problem yourself you have to trust the shop to be honest and do a good job.
RE: Service tip:Electrical problem
Along with what lilmike9 says, a good advisor will get a pre-authorized time alotment, say 1 or 2 hours up front. 90% of electrical problems can be diagnose and repaired in that time frame. It's only the oddball intermittant issues that take longer. Also keep in mind that most electrical problems are very easy to fix-it's finding the cause of the problem that is the bear.
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