In May my 2006 Ford Explorer began to overheat, which was particularly troubling because I had only bought it in January. I took it to Ron Bortnick Ford for servicing, and learned that my radiator had literally split at the seam. It turns out Ford now puts out a very substandard radiator that has a penchant for overheating, not venting properly, and thus splitting as a failsafe.
The service folks at Ron Bortnick told me that I would need a new radiator, the isntallation of which would require them to remove the AC condensor, evacuate the AC system, install the radiator, charge the AC back up, etc. This would cost $1,184. I balked. The service person said he'd talk to his supervisor and, magically, 2 minutes later called me back with a revised estimate of $957 — just like that, "saving" me $227.
I called another mechanic in the area who I trust, and was told this was ridiculous — both teh explanation of what needed to be done as well as the cost. According to the standard for replacing a radiator in this model, it was not necessary to remove the condensor or otherwise affect the AC. I later confirmed this to be true through a little research on the internet and in a repair manual. As a result, my wife went to Ron Bortnick to pay the ridiculous diagnostic fee (about $100), and pick up my keys. While there, she was browbeaten about how the AC condensor really did need to be removed, etc., regardless of what another mechanic might have said. With determination, my wife simply paid the fee, got the keys, and got out of there.
The next day I took my car to the other mechanic. Several hours later I had a new radiator installed, with everything working fine (including the AC) for $591 — less than half the original quote from Ron Bortnick (not incluing the diagnostice), and $366 less than the revised estimate.
I'm a Ford devotee, but between the crappy radiator (a quick google search confirmed I am not alone in this opinion), and the attempted service ripoff by the dealer, I'm questioning my loyalty. If GM really can get back on track, and/or if this radiator doesn't last, this may well be my last Ford. It is certainly the last time I'll go anywhere near Ron Bortnick.
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