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HELP! All four 12V sockets in rear not working

My lates response as I have no van and I was clear on when I needed it back...

Hi guys,

Sorry to be hassling, but I mentioned several times I need the van back for tomorrow. I would also like a detailed list of work done beforehand as I was told very firmly yesterday by Chris that I won’t get the van back until
I pay. As I feel some issues are covered under warranty, and you have not done the work I asked initially, I would very much like this. Covering first visit, yesterday and today.

If you’re not in a position to sort that this evening, I’d be very grateful if you can deliver a van in which I can put 4 dog crates for use until this issue is resolved. If not I may need to rent one and recover the expense form Clark Commercials.

Thank you
Alison
 
Still confused about how it comes they don't work anymore.
Was something done to the van right before they didn't work? Or did you just noticed it much later?
 
Still confused about how it comes they don't work anymore.
Was something done to the van right before they didn't work? Or did you just noticed it much later?
@TripleBee I camped March 2018 (Crufts) then had back issues so didn’t camp etc. got tow bar and wind out awning fitted Sept 2018 (fiasco well documented on the forum). Still couldn’t camp until Sept 2019. That is when I noticed sockets weren’t working. There’s nothing in between that would suggest over use / bad use, etc as there was NO use...
 
So the first thing to check is the towbar electrics I assume?
Maybe they fitted the +12V to the leisure battery? By this maybe disconnecting a +12V wire on that battery?
The towbar +12V should be connected to the starter battery, but as they maybe fitted it under the passenger seat, they thought hey, we have a battery here. Let's take this one?

I am just assuming, as I don't see the van in real life.

Hope someone can and will sort it out for you?
 
So the first thing to check is the towbar electrics I assume?
Maybe they fitted the +12V to the leisure battery? By this maybe disconnecting a +12V wire on that battery?
The towbar +12V should be connected to the starter battery, but as they maybe fitted it under the passenger seat, they thought hey, we have a battery here. Let's take this one?

I am just assuming, as I don't see the van in real life.

Hope someone can and will sort it out for you?
Yes I agree - and after 2 days in the workshop that is what they are doing - even though I asked them several times by email to do that. But, I’m an older female and easily ignored... But not deterred. Thank you
 
Loz has been suggesting that from the start. He's the man. Can't you pay him a visit? I know he likes a pint so a slab of beers and some diesel would be your outlay. Ha. Sorry Loz for trying to arrange you some work. Also I think a lot of those so called technicians are baffled if a computer can't tell them what to do. They can't fault find for toffee. vw guru not includes
 
Loz has been suggesting that from the start. He's the man. Can't you pay him a visit? I know he likes a pint so a slab of beers and some diesel would be your outlay. Ha. Sorry Loz for trying to arrange you some work. Also I think a lot of those so called technicians are baffled if a computer can't tell them what to do. They can't fault find for toffee. vw guru not includes
I know. He’s PM’d me too, bless him. Just to far away.
The good thing is I was able to email his advice to the garage 2-3 weeks ago and said this was what I wanted to be looked at... So any faffing around since will be hard to justify...
Else @Loz might need to recommend somewhere for me and the 4 gingers with the dog trailer to camp
 
I know. He’s PM’d me too, bless him. Just to far away.
The good thing is I was able to email his advice to the garage 2-3 weeks ago and said this was what I wanted to be looked at... So any faffing around since will be hard to justify...
Else @Loz might need to recommend somewhere for me and the 4 gingers with the dog trailer to camp
I don't think the techs or garages like being told what to do. They won't listen. Some of them must be oblivious to the Internet. I'd love to know what the fault is. Where do you live. I don't mind having a crack at it myself. I'm in South Yorkshire
 
Regarding the “dealers” same chain are they a member of a voluntary ombudsman scheme ?

It seems from your correspondence to date they are trying to prejudice the out come of any “investigative” work before the problem is established, let alone establish the problem then advise the remedial actions, most likely to hit you with a bill for the remedial work that no doubt will have been caused by the “use non vw parts”
I have never heard so much rubbish about the fuses, vw do not make fuses ? They are an industry wide standard.
A fuse is a consumable item, designed to protect a circuit from damage by outside influences, if the correct type of fuse if fitted and it’s the correct ampage rated as originally fitted, there should be no issue? If not who changed them, most likely when the tow bar was fitted?
Are they implying fuses are not the correct rated fuse or is this more subterfuge to confuse the issue and imply improper work manship or misuse !
Didn’t their group of companies a) supply the van & b) carry out all work on the van ?
If so it is they are the culprit, who have used “non VW parts” and are in breach of their agreement with VW GMBH & U.K. ?
If this is the case, I would word a strong email, siting your customer rights and threat of legal coupled with a trip to trading standards, ombudsman, local press one VW U.K. and GMBH regarding the underhand tactics, poor advice and general lack of cooperation to assist a premium customer. Make them aware you have taken to this forum for advice and, that should get their attention and leave them in no doubt as to your next course of action!
I have found that some dealers default is deny everything until the customer can prove otherwise, the law says it’s not your prerogative to prove anything, that’s what customer laws were put in place for.
If all else fails start the process of involving the outside agencies, trading standards, citizens advice, ombudsmen (all the free ones first)
 
I know. He’s PM’d me too, bless him. Just to far away.
The good thing is I was able to email his advice to the garage 2-3 weeks ago and said this was what I wanted to be looked at... So any faffing around since will be hard to justify...
Else @Loz might need to recommend somewhere for me and the 4 gingers with the dog trailer to camp
Why not take a trip down and Camp at the Tudor caravan park where have had a couple of Cali meets? next to the canal with plenty of walks.. just 15minutes from me.
 
Bingo, 1930... hmmm, We can’t say for definite but it looks like the tow bar electrics caused the issue... don’t worry about the other issues (already asked to pay for) they’re all covered.
Van will be back Thursday, can we give you a vehicle in the meantime, what do you need...
wow!! What a turn around. Why all the stress? Fingers crossed we’re on the home straight.
@Loz et al you are amazing. Thank you.
 
Fingers crossed it’ll be sorted and you can get back to Cali life :bananadance2 :happy
 
I have found that some dealers default is deny everything until the customer can prove otherwise, the law says it’s not your prerogative to prove anything, that’s what customer laws were put in place for.
If all else fails start the process of involving the outside agencies, trading standards, citizens advice, ombudsmen (all the free ones first)
Our local SEAT dealer are like this, they will blame you and deny there is a problem until you get tough and put it all in writing and threaten legal action. Then they buckle like a tinfoil girder. Sadly a tactic that clearly works with many people and not enough pull them up on it.
 
Social media works. A call from Clark Commercials Aberdeen this morning after I posted on their fb page last night.
Apologies received for miscommunication around various things relating to my vehicle.
An explanation of how they have to follow a detailed / prescriptive diagnostic protocol for warranty issues, in order for themselves to be able to claim from VW factory where relevant.
Also now know what the issue was with my 12V sockets - a disconnected wire...
And have been offered (and accepted) a free service.
Sorry it was so stressful, but glad they finally responded quickly today. I’ll be thoroughly inspecting the van when it returns shortly... fingers crossed no other issues have cropped up in the meantime...
 
The van is back... sadly damaged where they took passenger seat out86754763-ED7F-4E6F-ADAA-45ECC3464C68.jpeg93635D72-22CE-419F-89C7-000E2DACCB21.jpeg234AA490-1E7B-47C1-A747-70986480CC04.jpegC625CF0B-F748-4A6C-A166-C282E4883316.jpegEC2EF378-2E21-498C-98CF-5B4D293C64F6.jpegA1EB0F42-C9DE-40D9-81B2-EDB74D016CD0.jpegF043444F-6CC7-452D-B3D2-937A1A1DE93F.jpeg618414E0-A053-4B1E-99B5-DC29682DDAA7.jpeg0AAC87DF-AEDB-4C6E-8C64-87B6C80C82F0.jpegAAA90B5E-FB27-4D4B-8CC3-72BE92480C85.jpeg, flat leisure batteries, not been reassembled and dirty marks all over...
86754763-ED7F-4E6F-ADAA-45ECC3464C68.jpeg
 
This saga, but particularly the result, must be a contender for the 'worst ever dealer' award. I hope customer services are watching this. That is just atrocious incompetence and vandalism.
 
I thought Dyce was suffering from the recent oil crises

Looks like no shortage of oil at the dealers workshop!

What a disgrace

Incompetent damage, lack of care & competency

Take it straight back


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Always take photos inside and out when leaving the Cali at the dealers so you an show before and after

My dealer smirks when they see me doing this prior to hand over !


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Also now know what the issue was with my 12V sockets - a disconnected wire...
Thought so...
I'm glad it's sorted but what a state to hand it back in!

I think this is the same dealer;
 
Thought so...
I'm glad it's sorted but what a state to hand it back in!

I think this is the same dealer;
When I checked the mileage after it had been into Clark Commercials Edinburgh for the towbar / awning fitting that was a disaster last year, there was an extra 40-50 miles on the clock... so yup, seems like they use our cans as their own. I know exactly what mileage was on when it went in this time...
 
It seems like a regular occurrence, that people have unnecessary and ongoing issues with their dealer / workshop either with the dealer acting in a disingenuous way creating mis trust, simply not having a clue about the high end product they sell and telling half truths to suit their own needs or carrying out substandard and shoddy workmanship, backed up by even worse remedial action !

I’m not surprised this widespread mis trust exists, if this is what they do to your expensive pride and joy following a requirement to carry out remedial works to an issue they caused in the first place.

You only have to look on this forum to find many many instances of poor service and workmanship by dealers who seen not to care about the end user / customers or the product / service they provide.

What does the management of these companies do ? Where is the caring approach that is sold via the corporate BS ?
Ivory towers & counting pallor!

Truly appalling customer service and quality of workmanship, your vehicle clearly did not get inspected by anyone, other than Stevie Wnder, prior to it being returned to you after the remedial work and clearly the recent work was carried out by unskilled labour not familiar with the product they have been tasked to work on and therefore should not have been allowed loose on your vehicle.

I would be making a formal complaint to the company management and copying VW UK regarding the whole saga, there is no room for dealers like this in modern times and environment.

I would insist the van is restored to its pre work condition and to your full satisfaction and the work is carried out by another “ competent” dealer - clearly not this one

More importantly there is no reason why you should be expected to accept this level of ineptitude as a customer of a VW premium product.

I have no doubt the unscrupulous dealer will say you did the damage and spread grease everywhere ! I bring you back to my previous post !





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The manager had been told the panel in the back had been put back and ‘must have popped out’... so I asked him to check the photo’s and explain how the two panels are clearly visible a long way from where they should be with my floor mats all dumped over the top of them... he then realised he’s being lied to by his own staff...

They are replacing the damaged plastic frame of the seat base and giving the van a thorough valet. The batteries have been tested and not fully drained and will be left on charge over night and he accepted that I need to check on their performance over coming weeks to see if any long term damage...
I think he needs wine as much as I do tonight!
 
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