Thanks for the offer Matt!

My GF took her car into the dealer this afternoon since it appeared to be the only option. Turned out to be a bad O2 sensor. Fortunately, it's covered under warranty and she won't have to pay anything now. Not even the $42

This seems like a common enough problem that Jiffy lube's scanner should have been able to read it. I don't know anything about OBDII, but I wonder why it would be hard to read a O2 sensor code?

Yesterday, I called another Hyundai dealership and they wanted $49. I'm still amazed that dealers can get away with charging $42 for 5 minutes worth of work. I was prepared to write Hyundai Motor Corp. if I had to pay 42 bucks just to be told to tighten the gas cap next time

 

Count your lucky stars they only requested you pay $42 or $49. Most dealerships will charge $90 for a scan.

Now to be devils advocate. Dealers or any shop can charge an hour's worth of labor to scan your vehicle because it does take time out of their day to do it. When you go see an attorney, do they not charge you an arm and a leg for 5 minutes? Or do you expect them to give out free advice? It's all about time. If the dealership or shop has to take time out of their day to diagnose a problem YOU have, then be prepared to pay for it.

I seriously don't see how writing to Hyundai and complaining about a charge is going to do anything. It's a service. You need it, so be prepared to pay it.

Why is it that people think because a dealership or shop has a tool they need, that they have to do it for free? Seriously, I don't know what you do for work, but I don't think you go to work for free. People pay for your time also. Expect the dealership or shop to be paid for their time.

 

I can definitely see your point. My main complaint was that the car is almost brand new and under warranty. It seems silly to me that Hyundai would be the only one able to scan a code, apparently just to force the buyer to pay $$$. Plenty of other places are willing to do it for free (Autozone, Advance Auto, Jiffy Lube, YOU)...so why can't the dealer cut the customer a break and take 5 minutes to make them happy?

As far as me working for free... I do it all the time! As a exempt, salaried Engineer, any time I put in over 40 hours is free. Do I have to do it? Not necessarily. I do it to keep my employer happy with me

In any case, I'm not completely disagreeing with you Peter. In fact, I appreciate you explaining your point of view and giving me a different perspective