Dealer took my truck for a joyride what should I do?

[Dcdds]

I have a 2023 lightning pro, with 2400 miles on it. The Frunk stopped opening and the pass app was also not connecting, so 3 days ago, I took it back to the dealer I purchased it from. This dealer has been pretty responsive on the service side in the past, but this time not so much.

They told me it would be ready on Friday, and that a module needed to be installed and part should be her Friday. I get an email later today saying it's ready. No call, mind you, but no big deal. I decided to look to see if the pass app is working and I see that the truck has been driven .1 miles , around the lot I'm assuming mon and tues, and 4 miles today! Is there any reasonable explanation for this?

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[Pioneer74]

Did you ask them about the 4 miles?

 

[rdr854]

I had my truck in last week to replace the rear light bar on the tailgate. The tech came into the waiting area to advise that he would need to drive it in order to reprogram the rear camera since they could not get it to program while in the shop. Took him about 8 miles of driving to do so.

Bottom line is depending upon what was done will dictate whether a test drive is necessary.

 

[WhiteBolt]

They will probably say it was a "test drive" to check everything out.
But I personally know a few Techs who "test drive" customer vehicles to go on their lunch breaks.

 

[Dcdds]

I plan to pick it up early tomm before I go to work. So I may not have time to get answers, since I will be in a rush. I will try to give them the benefit of doubt, until I get more information. Since it was a frunk issue it just doesn't make sense.

The lunch break drive thought, or something like that seems more likely. That thought is hard to sit with!

 

[Blaster]

Why don't you check "my ev driving" in the app and see what kind of data you get - at least you'll know if it was a calm test drive or some non-stop wheel peeling...

 

[RickLightning]

4 miles and you're upset?

 

[pc500]

Meh... I wouldn't care. The more you worry, the worse it'll be.

 

[MrGreyS1K]

Unless you see damages, adding 4 miles would be a non issue. Questioning or accusing a "joy ride", could leave a bad taste in their mouth and could be noted in some way. In your trucks file or mental note.

 

[Amps]

Ha

I will try to give them the benefit of doubt, until I get more information. Since it was a frunk issue it just doesn't make sense.

You probably should read the fine print on the service order you signed before leaving it. I haven't seen one yet that did not give them the legal right to test drive the vehicle.

There is a camera on the Blue Oval badge that may need calibrating. The frunk latch may have been adjusted. Lots of reasons to need to test drive it to make sure everything is working properly. It's for your safety and it is their liability as a service provider.

You say the dealer has been responsive to service in the past, why burn bridges over something so trivial as a four mile test drive? Just hopping on the interstate to the next exit and back would be more than four miles for the place I bought mine.

 

[detansinn]

4 miles really just sounds like a test drive. If you don't even trust your tech on a four mile test drive, how can you trust them to do the actual work correctly?

Establish and build relationships with techs that you trust. I work to know my dudes and dudettes. I am a guy who drops off a case of beer following a major service.

If you're so concerned about potential abuse, install a dashcam. With a dashcam, you'll know for sure, but be aware, running a dashcam during service visits can be a double-edged sword. Most humans don't like being recorded as they do their jobs.

 

[Dcdds]

Thank you all for the feedback. I will let it ride.

 

[Blochead21]

I would agree unless I’m watching their test drive off my dashcam a “joyride” to me would either end with high mileage or damage to the truck.

 

[jimfigler]

I have a 2023 lightning pro, with 2400 miles on it. The Frunk stopped opening and the pass app was also not connecting, so 3 days ago, I took it back to the dealer I purchased it from. This dealer has been pretty responsive on the service side in the past, but this time not so much.

They told me it would be ready on Friday, and that a module needed to be installed and part should be her Friday. I get an email later today saying it's ready. No call, mind you, but no big deal. I decided to look to see if the pass app is working and I see that the truck has been driven .1 miles , around the lot I'm assuming mon and tues, and 4 miles today! Is there any reasonable explanation for this?

Man this is almost bait click. 4 mile "test ride" is not a joyride

 

[Peddyr]

Unless the valets from the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" took it for a spin, I'd say you're good. Just have them replace the gas they used.

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