We recently had our vehicle looked at by Anderson Ford - jerwin1797
We recently had our vehicle looked at by Anderson Ford after the battery warning light came on. Prior to bringing it in, we had already taken the car to another mechanic (T.O. Haas) who ran diagnostics and determined the alternator was functioning correctly. They suspected the issue was related to the active grille shutter system and mentioned there was a technical bulletin recommending dealership service for that specific issue.
With that information in hand, we brought the vehicle to Anderson Ford and explained everything we had been told.
After inspecting the car, Anderson Ford informed us that the alternator needed to be replaced along with additional parts, with an estimate well over $1,000. We explained again that the alternator had already been tested and that another mechanic believed the issue was related to the shutter system. We even offered to have Anderson Ford speak directly with the mechanic who had diagnosed the issue so they could compare notes.
That offer was declined.
Instead, we were essentially told to trust their diagnosis.
The interaction left us feeling dismissed and talked down to, which was especially frustrating since we were simply trying to provide relevant diagnostic information that might help identify the real problem.
At that point, we decided to take the vehicle back to T.O. Haas and ask them to investigate further.
They found the actual issue: a wiring problem related to the shutter system that had allowed water intrusion. The repair was completed and the battery light issue was resolved.
Total cost: under $250.
The alternator — the repair Anderson Ford insisted was necessary — was not the problem.
Had we followed Anderson Ford’s recommendation, we would have spent over $1,000 replacing a perfectly functional part and still would have had the original issue unresolved.
Mistakes can happen in any repair shop. What was most disappointing was not simply the incorrect diagnosis, but the unwillingness to listen, collaborate with another mechanic, or consider information we provided. A little humility and open communication could have prevented a lot of frustration.
Unfortunately, based on this experience, we cannot recommend Anderson Ford for diagnostics.
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