Victory Motorcycle Forum banner

Dealer warranty issues - Fuel Injectors - need advice

6K views 33 replies 16 participants last post by  indy_colts_fan 
#1 ·
I posted this in another vic forum, if i made a mistake doing so, please take it easy on me.

Bike started running funny about a month ago. Called the dealer and they told me to bring it in. Prior to taking it in, I replaced plugs and wires. After diagnosis by the mechanic, we determined it was more than likely a bad injector. It's sat at the dealer for three weeks now. I received a call today and they finally looked at it and the issue was in fact a bad injector in cylinder one.

The dealer asked if I wanted them to proceed with the repair. I asked if that part was under warranty. They said "Yes and No". No, if they pull the injector and it appears "fouled" or "went bad, by something I may have done to the bike". Yes, if they pull the injector and determine that it just went bad. In short, I argued with them for an hour over them stating "I could have possibly done something to make the injector go bad". They proceeded to claim it could have went bad by adding the fuel controller (it was dealer installed and dealer tuned on their dyno by a certified tech) or using non-91 octane fuel, etc, etc. I told them they are crazy. I called their bluff, stating they wont warranty it, cause they don't want to fill out the paperwork involved.

They claim the cost is going to be $900, $200 for the injector and estimated 6 hours of labor. I told the dealer to hold off for 24hrs while i get a second opinion. I spoke to a very experienced Buell and Harley mechanic and they both said the injector more than likely failed on its own accord, not by any fuel controller or any action I may have done.

Is this action typical of dealer service depts? I've purchased several toys over the years from this dealer and they have a good reputation. I'm pretty upset that it took them this long to diagnose the issue and then want to charge me for something that obviously should be warrantied.

What would you do? Tell the dealer to fix it under warranty regardless or do I tell them to pack sand and purchase the fuel injector and replace myself (I'm very capable of doing so. I took it to the dealer under the impression the work would/should be warrantied).

Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
See less See more
#3 · (Edited)
I'm going to say more than I know, but here's my thinking about the possibilities....
+ Is there a code that the dealer saw that indicated a bad injector or was it a visual observation?
+ Did you fill up at a gas station that was taking on fuel? The crud and water that's being stirred up could clog an injector.
+ Do you ride at low RPMs to "protect" your engine? That can load up the cylinders.
+ Before taking it to the shop, did you give it a good hard ride, grabbing shifts above 4500 RPMs in an attempt to "clear its throat?" I would have.
+ I wish you had come to us for that second opinion when it was a first opinion, maybe others here or KevinX, our resident Vic engine expert, would have chimed in with his great advice. He can be reached at his shop in FL, KMC (I think) or via a PM. Also wise with Vic engines is Lloyd at Lloydz Motorwerks.
I got off that other forum as fast as I got on. The first thing that happened there was getting flamed. I don't put up with that crap. Many others here say the same thing. This is a very friendly and helpful forum.
 
#12 ·
+ Did you fill up at a gas station that was taking on fuel? The crud and water that's being stirred up could clog an injector.
While that could be the case, I sincerely hope the fuel filter would catch it first.
 
#4 ·
If this was my bike and had been there 3 weeks for diagnosis ..... The dealer would already have a brick thrown through their front window . Secondly , if it wasn't warranted they would have an even bigger issue , probably having the Police remove me for assault .....
 
#6 ·
How about you remove the aftermarket fuel controller and any other aftermarket parts that are alleged to affect the injectors and then take the bike to another dealer for the warranty work. If they ask about fuel octane, tell them you always used the specified grade.

G'day,

Vinish
 
#8 ·
How about you remove the aftermarket fuel controller and any other aftermarket parts that are alleged to affect the injectors and then take the bike to another dealer for the warranty work. If they ask about fuel octane, tell them you always used the specified grade.



G'day,



Vinish

Almost always an intelligent well thought comment from you Vinish... I appreciate that about you.
 
#7 ·
I will add this....In the 6 years I've had my XR, the dealer has never seen it in their shop. I do all my own work and I'm no MC tech. I just know which end of the screwdriver is the handle, check the manual, and ask questions if need be. I do that mainly cos I do not trust others with tools in their hands and my stuff. I had a machine repair biz for over 40 years and the work I saw done by others, especially "factory trained techs" was beyond inept.
 
#10 ·
If it took them 3 weeks to get around to troubleshooting it maybe you can remove the "add on stuff" And take it back to same guys in a few weeks. They probably would forget all about the "add on" stuff.
 
#11 ·
If the same dealer in fact performed the controller install and dyno/tune, it's on them regardless. They did the work. But in the end I have to agree taking it elsewhere may be in your best interest. Good luck!
 
#13 ·
Two things come to my mind
1] If they held it for 3 weeks, to diagnosed and then you let them do the job you might get the bike back by the winter...

2] ''If'' they put it in their computer as non warranty' Owner caused ' It might go on' like they say in the military. Your permanent record..
 
#15 ·
You never said how did come up with its a bad injector.
Did the do a voltage test or use their digital wrench.

It could be a bad tuner or fuel pump a short in the wiring.
I have never work on your model bike but 6 hours seems outrageous
 
#16 ·
thanks for the insight folks!

After a two hour conversation with the dealership, they agreed to warranty the repair. I used some of the points you all made to make a strong case against their actions/motives. So hopefully in a few days, I will be back on the road.

To answer some of the questions;

Why did I take the bike in? I went out one morning to go on a ride with some fellow riders. When I went to warm the bike up, it would just turn over. In order to get it to start and idle, I had to hold the RPM's around 1300. If I attempted to idle the bike, it would sputter and die. So my first instinct was to replace the plugs and plug wires. It wouldn't start without holding the throttle, but eventually would idle. Once idle, you could tell the bike was only running on one cylinder. After inspection, the front cylinder was noticeably colder than the rear. Also, there was no pressure coming from the front cylinder exhaust pipe ( have AF sweeps). So I searched the forums and made the assumption it was TPS or injector. At that point I made the decision to have the dealer perform the work under warranty repair.

Why was my bike at the dealership for three weeks? When the bike started acting up and running on one cylinder and I couldn't diagnose by myself, I called the dealer and made a service appointment. At that time they were a month out on service work, due to staffing issues. They apparently had some mechanics leave and had trouble finding experienced replacements. I was told I could bring the bike in and they may be able to get to it earlier, so since it was not operable, i took it in.

Why didn't I take it to another dealer? The next closest Victory dealer is 200 miles away. Hell, I even tried to take it to Harley.

How do they know it was the injector? The mechanic hooked up a diagnostic tool to the bike and it stated injector failure. I assume they will swap out the injector and diagnose any outstanding issue from there.

Why did they quote me 6 hours of labor? According to what the service manager said, that is the estimated time Victory allows to change out injectors. Yes, I have the factory air-box and I can only assume the majority of the allotted time is the removal and replacement of this piece.

Hopefully all goes well from here on out. The dealer hasn't been great to work with up to this point and it's the little things that have put me in this mind set.
 
#17 ·
Good news and well written too. Many times, persistence pays off--glad you stuck it out with the dealer. Do keep us updated.
 
  • Like
Reactions: visionjohnny
#18 ·
Im beginning to grow even more frustrated. It's been 7 days since I gave them the go ahead to start work. The dealer has told me they are waiting on parts. Finally today, I asked what parts they are waiting for and they said a "data link cable". I asked what that was for and and the service tech said "its necessary to fix your bike".

So i did a little research on my own and according to the service manual the data link cable, might also be part of the diagnostic kit, used with their digital wrench to access ECM data.

I cant get any info from service manager. Am I correct in thinking the data link cable is for their Digital Wrench diagnostic?

That being said... would they have needed that cable to diagnose and find out the injector was the non-working component? Is there another way they could have found out?

What Im getting at is, I've been teased by the service dept all week, expecting a injector to come in, be replaced and get me on the road for my summer road trip (leaving Saturday)... is it possible they havent even looked at the bike and are waiting on diag tools to get a full insight? Id like to discuss here, before I go raise some hell at the dealership tomorrow.
 
#21 ·
Enough was enough. I had to have one of my buddies (who spends $$$$ there) call the GM and get him involved. Within ten minutes, I got a call back and was promised my bike back or a loaner by Friday.
(fingers crossed)

Funny how money, truly does talk!
 
#22 ·
Are they really a Victory dealer? Or just an independent shop? If they are a dealer they should already have a "data link" for your bike. It should just be the cable that connects to the bike to let them connect to a diagnostic computer. So how in the heck did they tell you before it was an injector if they didnt have the scan tool to diagnose. My next call would be to a district or area rep and tell them what kind of BS has been going on. No friggin excuse for this stuff.
 
#23 ·
Yes, they are a true Victory/Polaris Dealership, one of the largest in the state. Thank you!!! Im not crazy. You had the same thought I did. How does a Victory dealership not have the proper diagnostic equipment on hand and ready. Also, why did I get told a week ago that it was an injector.

Ive already taken to social media. My next step is to contact Victory again and see if I can get a Regional contact and let this situation be know.
 
#24 ·
Heard back from the dealer. They replaced the injector and the bike still ran terrible. After thinking it was a timing issue, they pulled the timing cover to inspect. All components looked great. Upon inspection, they noticed the foul smell of burnt oil.

They immediately questioned my oil change intervals. Thanks to good record keeping, I was able to show them I had 150 miles on the recent oil change.... victory oil none the less.

Last word from service was they need to pull the entire motor... leaving me bikeless for who knows how long. Their promise for a loaner never happened either (not like I lost sleep over it).

Im going to start another thread regarding the new found issue to hopefully find some pointers to pass onto service.
 
#27 ·
so, sounds like im being taken advantage of. Im heading in there Saturday morning to check things out for myself and I think I will have them put it back together and I'll be making the 150 mile trip down to another dealer.
 
#29 ·
Mr. Colts fan , this is your dealer , we realize your bike is simply running a little rough , but we deem it necessary to pull your motor , we believe you need new crank bearings ...... Are you shitting me , are these guys serious ????
 
#30 ·
Upon inspection, they noticed the foul smell of burnt oil.
Not to sure how this equates to a ruff running problem. You can get this kind of smell from running hot to be sure, and over extended oil changes. But if oil changes have been on time with good oil and filters, I might look towards an oil cooler problem. Still it does not equal a ruff running engine. To me only a couple things figure into not running smooth. No spark, no fuel or no air. I mean holy crap they got to have a fuel injector somewhere in that damn deal they could plug in and try!!!! I mean if they are that ignorant and have to try parts changing method because of no skills DAMN they got parts access. Zippy the monkey could do this.
I mean you go to extremes and low or no compression (ie bad head-gasket) could be a problem, but thats kind of out there.
so you go to your Doc with a stomach ache. He says no problem we will do a heart transplant. YIKES
 
#31 ·
Hope the dealer 150 miles from you isn't renegade in Logan Ut. Tri City in Centerville has fixed a lot of attempted repairs from renegade.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top