Should I / can I reject the van 4 months in or battle on?

[davidathomas42]

Well...

The thoughts today came in should I finally reject this motorhome 4 months in.

You will probably have seen my multiple issues threads running.

I have used the van this weekend after the glow plug repair (£1235) paid by the dealer. Well Billed to them. Don't think its paid yet

It's still having starting issues when hot (Not when cold) Failed to start 20 times today while sat outside the dealers after calling in to book in AGAIN to have a PCB board fitted to try and get the Truma back working after it failed in November! (no space and probably end up fixed at my appointment with Truma on he 20th or March and have to bill the dealers for that too.

The gearbox issue seems to have mostly calmed down but has moaned at me once in 200miles (GEARBOX FAULT TAKE TO DEALER) then continued to operate normally. Prior to going to the repairer it did it dozens of times. (they did not touch the gearbox as it wouldn't fail after the plugs repair)

Last night when parking up I had to restart the engine to move onto levelling ramps. It failed to start twice then did on the 3rd time but thru the engine warning light on which remains on. I have a reset tool I can use but shouldn't have to. It did that before the glow plugs were replaced too. I was hoping that would have sorted it.

So........ The Truma will get fixed. But the engine and gearbox are still a big question mark.
I could probably manage with the faults but my sister went half on the van with me and has not used it yet due the issues. I dont want to give her the keys for her planned trip end of March and say its all grand except this and that and dont do this or that. It will spoil enjoyment.
I also dont want it sat in repair forever. Ive already had 3 months lack of full enjoyment with it. Paying insurance road tax and storage i'm not using

The sticky wicket on saying to the dealer give me my money back is I paid £29,995 for the van and I have spent nearly 6k on upgrades. Gas Low. Full reupholster. Alloys. Mattress. Stereo for Reverse Camera. I cant imagine any response on the than NO if I contact them and say I am bringing it back and want £36k transferring to my bank.
I am also not sure where a Judge would land in a CCJ application if I took them to court for it. I have done that before to hand a car back and won and also for repair costs. But not for something I have essentially modified.

Thoughts?

At this point I would just like my money back. But that may be as drawn out as trying to fix stuff. And I do really like the van. Its layout is perfect. Not to mention its all new inside now and is what I picked. It's Auto. And its fully paid for which is nice. I have looked at what I would get for the money I have laid out and nothing excites me. So i think id end up without a motorhome again until I have 50-60k to get a more modern one.

 

[Grianan]

Major stress. I hope you get a resolution.

 

[Southdowners]

there are a few possibles with the warm non-start. The starter motor has been known to become too weak and obviously the crank sensor. Then there is a possibility it is a crappily installed alarm/immobiliser, with the immobiliser inhibiting the start

All can be repaired/rectified cheap enough by a decent garage or vehicle electrician. My answer would be to take the van to a well respected professional garage and send the dealer the invoice. If they don't pay, take that to court and you have an excellent chance of winning. Rejecting the van and seeking back all costs, you are bound to lose

I agree with TheBig 1. Especially in view of the extras you have had fitted and the revamp of the interior you are extremely unlikely to recover all your costs at court.

Although it's frustrating I would get the work done and, if necessary, take the dealer to court to recover the cost of repair.

Good luck!

 

[davidathomas42]

there are a few possibles with the warm non-start. The starter motor has been known to become too weak and obviously the crank sensor. Then there is a possibility it is a crappily installed alarm/immobiliser, with the immobiliser inhibiting the start

All can be repaired/rectified cheap enough by a decent garage or vehicle electrician. My answer would be to take the van to a well respected professional garage and send the dealer the invoice. If they don't pay, take that to court and you have an excellent chance of winning. Rejecting the van and seeking back all costs, you are bound to lose

It’s been to one already. I can’t see it been the immobiliser as it always starts first time every time when it cold. When hot it’s fuxhed!

Crank sensor possibly. I have no idea with this one.

I know they won’t give me my money back and they are Fiddlesticksin usless at getting anything done quick.

As you say I’ll just have to drop it somewhere else reputable and forward them “another” bill. It’s gonna end up in court for sure as dealers don’t like paying for stuff. Almost feels a waste of time even going to see them next week as they haven’t replied to my bill I delivered Tuesday or my text Friday morning.

Maybe I just crack on Monday ringing round garages

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

I think you will find that most garages of good repute are really busy and booked up for several weeks.
Good luck with that.

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[Paul.L]

It’s been to one already. I can’t see it been the immobiliser as it always starts first time every time when it cold. When hot it’s fuxhed!

Crank sensor possibly. I have no idea with this one.

I know they won’t give me my money back and they are Fiddlesticksin usless at getting anything done quick.

As you say I’ll just have to drop it somewhere else reputable and forward them “another” bill. It’s gonna end up in court for sure as dealers don’t like paying for stuff. Almost feels a waste of time even going to see them next week as they haven’t replied to my bill I delivered Tuesday or my text Friday morning.

Maybe I just crack on Monday ringing round garages

David

Have a word with Isaac Lightfoot in Ilkeston.
He's a very good mechanic who.specialises in French and Italian vehicles.
He will be able to advise/diagnose at the very least.

https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Automotive-Repair-Shop/Mark-Lightfoot-Ltd-396823020375450/?locale2=en_GB

 

[Ianto]

Feel for you with this problem. I had similar issues with our last motorhome. However, I must say that All my issues (and there were many) did get resolved by the dealer under warranty. It was just the hassle. (new fuel pump/fidge/Leaking boiler/Leaking roof light/ Injectors. ) All sorted ,but still stressfull. And with brand new Ford. I have already had 6 new injectors but following mails to Ford UK, I have got an extended warranty and make sure I use Ford Service to get the Free AA Cover which helps should I need it. But it still puts a damper when things go wrong. Hope you get it sorted to have some quality time in the van.

 

[TheBig1]

This thread is a good read for helping diagnose the starting issue, zac had a long battle with his

2017 Rapido 10000 dfh on a Fiat Engine,Intermittently Won't Start after stopping

My motorhome is a 2017 Rapido 10000 DFH (tag) on a Fiat engine So i am hopong some of you might be able to shed some light on this issue as it is quite baffling. My MH has been in Newark for a week getting some warranty work completed and was due to be dropped back yesterday (Sat) after being...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[davidathomas42]

This thread is a good read for helping diagnose the starting issue, zac had a long battle with his

2017 Rapido 10000 dfh on a Fiat Engine,Intermittently Won't Start after stopping

My motorhome is a 2017 Rapido 10000 DFH (tag) on a Fiat engine So i am hopong some of you might be able to shed some light on this issue as it is quite baffling. My MH has been in Newark for a week getting some warranty work completed and was due to be dropped back yesterday (Sat) after being...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Thanks. Had a scan through that thread. mines not a starter issue as it starts up to 1000rpm every time then just slams dead. (always starts when cold) but the mention of a throttle valve in that might be worth looking at. I am getting a code on my own EOBD reader when it throws the engine management light on after a few attempts. I cant remember which code but ill pull it tomorrow and do some investigating.

Decided ive messaged the dealer last week and called in so im just going to leave them now. Its too much stress going up and getting fobbed off essentially. i'm going to leave it another week then nudge for the £1000 i'm owed for the Truma replacement and if I hear nothing again after a week or so just send them a CCJ application. And then repeat the process for any engine costs.

I can use the van currently so long as I go A-B and dont switch the engine off en-route. And drive steady as the auto gearbox still flags up transmission failure and can kick itself into neutral if your accelerating hard etc. Not ideal but I can get around with it.

The main hassle for me is I bought it 50/50 with my sister in October and she's yet to get any use from it. This weekend she broke down in it on Thursday trying and has paid hundreds extra for a self catering cottage to still be able to go away. Not fair on her at all. Thankfully she was close to her home. I landed in Turkey to loads of panic messages and voicemails. Not great for me when my head is in the game of transporting hundreds of passengers to and from holiday.

Anyway.... We will push on.

 

[denisejoe]

They did. Thats who fixed the glow plugs for me. They still had the issue with it not starting when warm. They have not had the first bill settled yet despite asking for payment a few times.

Why did you end up paying when they sent it in

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[davidathomas42]

Why did you end up paying when they sent it in

The bill I think was £1235. That was for removing the head and re-tapping to fit new plugs (plugs supplied by me costing £75)

The dealer was trying to get the RAC warranty people to pay it even though they were faulty on delivery so essentially insurance fraud. Thankfully they did email the repairer saying if the RAC dont cover the repair bill they will pay for the work. I dont think they expected it to cost anywhere near that.

When I rang the repairer to collect it they queried who was paying again as it cant leave until paid. I said ill pay for it but you need to contact RAC to file a claim and hopefully they will pay me back or worst case ill get the money back from the dealer directly or through court. When I arrived they were very good and said we have an email from the dealer saying they will pay it if the RAC dont so keep your money in your pocket and we will sort it (I didn't need telling twice). Anyway not even 5 min after leaving they rang to say the RAC wont cover it (no surprise).

Fast forward to Tuesday gone when I took the dealer the £960 Truma bill to repay me he asked if I had paid for the Glow Plug repair as they are getting emails for payment from the repairer for it. I happily said no they would not take my money and the RAC kicked it back as you know............. Seems they thought I had paid for it and were just ignoring it hoping they would not have to pay me back for it. So at present they owe the garage £1235 and me £960 and there is still a fault with the engine and gearbox which is a very unknown repair cost. It's all gonna get interesting this.

As I say i've tried to work with them very steadily and calmly and they just drag their heels and fob me off essentially. Im just going to get stuff done now and after a reasonable time has passed keep sending them court paperwork for payment. Hopefully thats less stress for me nearly 6 months in.

Ive said before I feel they are just way understaffed for what they are trying to achieve. It shows every time I go.

 

[mitzimad]

It's a shame that it's illegal to take people by the lapels and drop a twenty-five-pound head onto the bridge of their nose. Not that this action would get you anywhere, in fact, it would make thinks infinitely worse, but for a short time, you'd feel a lot better.

is that an exact weight or are you guestimating

 

[davidathomas42]

Currently broken down after going to try to bring it back home from my sisters after it failed on her Thursday

I lost all gears on a hill. Managed to get 1st after a few mins. Failed to change up so had to switch the van off to try and resent its brain and now it won’t restart again

 

[Happy Jim]

Currently broken down after going to try to bring it back home from my sisters after it failed on her Thursday

I lost all gears on a hill. Managed to get 1st after a few mins. Failed to change up so had to switch the van off to try and resent its brain and now it won’t restart again

Large scotch and a loud scream in a dark corner is the order of the day. Hope it lets you get home at some stage soon.

 

[davidathomas42]

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[corconx]

May I ask who your dealer is? I feel for you. Hope you have breakdown cover

Carol

 

[davidathomas42]

I waited 90min for a recovery truck but it did start just as he was arriving. So he followed me a couple of miles to my mates house where it’s now parked up. It jumped out of gear driving up his driveway outside the grounds keepers house (it’s a big property ) but went back into gear and limped to a corner of his driveway where it now sits.

Beer poured and I’ll decide plan of action tomorrow. All I wanted to do tonight was park it outside the dealers gates without the key so they can experience some of the hassle I’ve been having with it.

 

[davidathomas42]

May I ask who your dealer is? I feel for you. Hope you have breakdown cover

Carol

I had been holding off saying that to be fair until
It was resolved. Bit screw it now. Timberland Chesterfield just off J29 M1

 

[davidathomas42]

Update.... Well not really

0830 this morning I sent the Dealer the video of the thing broken down and what was happening trying to select gears etc. He replied saying ring me after 1030 which I did.

He said i'll call my mechanic and see if we can get it in and ill ring you right back.........Fast forward to closing time and heard nothing! as usual.

But I have booked to see a solicitor on Thursday to take them to court. So times up. It can sit at my mates place for now as loads of room and ill take it through the legal system as hard as I can.

Oh well... No van life for me it seems.........

 

[Bognor Saint]

Bump

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[scotzsue]

Bump

There is a more p to date thread about his, sorry don't know how to do a link

 

[StephandJohn]

There is a more p to date thread about his, sorry don't know how to do a link

It took me a while to find out how too do this. Find the post you want to quote. Scroll down to the bottom of that post on the right, click on the quote sign with the arrow (the other one is for if you want to do multiquotes) the quote will come up in the post reply box and you type your reply beneath it.

 

[capster1958]

It took me a while to find out how too do this. Find the post you want to quote. Scroll down to the bottom of that post on the right, click on the quote sign with the arrow (the other one is for if you want to do multiquotes) the quote will come up in the post reply box and you type your reply beneath it.

It took me a while to find out how too do this. Find the post you want to quote. Scroll down to the bottom of that post on the right, click on the quote sign with the arrow (the other one is for if you want to do multiquotes) the quote will come up in the post reply box and you type your reply beneath it.

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

Has some of this thread disappeared? I thought the Op had taken the van to a garage to have it OBD scanned and had checked with his insurance cover to take legal advice.
???

 

[Ianto]

Any update on this van ?

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[davidathomas42]

Any update on this van ?

I had left it with a garage to repair in Sheffield. They plugged in a diagnostic tool last week and came up with a few faults. Lamba Sensor. Crankshaft Sensor and a couple of other minor ones. I instructed them to fix them and also look at the earth strap that people on here had mentioned to me.

Unfortunately on checking on it Tuesday they had done no more work to it and said it would be May before they got chance. Seems everywhere is solid. They turned a guy away at the door while I was there simply saying we cant take any work on for at least 6 weeks and even then its unlikely (decent business to be in I guess)

Anyway I had listed it for sale pending repair. I had lots of people after it but couldn't sell it as it was so Tuesday I rang the most interested parties to update them its not for sale due time delay on the repairs.

Well to my absolute shock I had 2 people make bids for it as it sits! I stressed its not working but they were adamant to have it and I ended up delivering it yesterday to one of them. I drove it 17miles to the buyer to park on his drive. Drove fine all the way. I just knew once it was switched off it wouldn't restart until the engine was cold again so in arrival I again checked with the buyer that he was happy and I turned it off for the last time on his drive. Got paid. Wished him luck and left.

Hes got mates in the Motor trade so was happy to try and pull favours to get it 100% again. All the work I put into the interior and all the extras like GasLow and Solar. New TV's. Top of the line Stereo paid off it seems as im only out of pocked for the Truma heater and running costs like insurance etc. (I am still going to chase the dealer for that £1000)

So thats where were at....... I didn't sleep at all the night before I delivered it as I only sell stuff thats 100% and immaculate. But with people knowing its got issues and still fighting to take it I cant really turn down real money and delete a headache for me as I go into my busy summer season at work where I wont get to use it anyway.

Ill miss the van. The layout was perfect. I'd made the shower area twice the size by undoing the idiot design form new. And internally it was all brand new and top quality. Me and the girly loved been away in it. Had it been faultless we would be in it all the time.
But sometimes I guess you just have to accept other things in life need to take priority and brain space.

Oh well.... Its a result of sorts.

 

[Swifter]

That’s good news in the long run although I can feel your disappointment. I guess it just wasn’t meant to be . Don’t give up on your dreams ,I am sure another lovely van will come up in the future .

 

[davidathomas42]

That’s good news in the long run although I can feel your disappointment. I guess it just wasn’t meant to be . Don’t give up on your dreams I am sure another lovely van will come up in the future .

Im sure it will. Only issue is I see billy basic vans that are 1 to 2 years old. Which is as old as id want to go now to keep a manufactures warranty on the Van side going for £60k+

The one I really want was £155k. (Burstner Elegance I 920)

But. I like the life. So who knows when the next one will be purchased.

 

[Paul.L]

I bet the stress lifted the moment you sold the MH, David.
I assume you made out an invoice/contract of sale, listing the fault/faults, noting 'vehicle sold as seen and described'? . . .The last thing you want is for the buyer to come calling/complaining.

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

Seems to have been the best outcome for you and best of luck if you ever purchase another Van. Its a pity we didnt know what the issues with the engine and gearbox were.

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[davidathomas42]

Not as such but lots of texts backwards and forwards with it all

I bet the stress lifted the moment you sold the MH, David.
I assume you made out an invoice/contract of sale, listing the fault/faults, noting 'vehicle sold as seen and described'? . . .The last thing you want is for the buyer to come calling/complaining.