NSR: Dealer vs Independent shops

[CROSSBOLT]

Neighbor/friend has a 2014 Honda Rancher 4x4 model TRX420-FM2 with a cooling fan problem. Spent 6 weeks at the local Honda shop to repair inoperative fan. EFI workhorse used on an extensive farm starts, idles, runs well, all systems operational except cooling fan. First sign of problem was over temp light and electric steering boost quit (normal for overheating).

Dealer installed O^2 sensor and claimed machine repaired. It was not as it still would illuminate high temp light, power steering light, ps would quit and the fan would not come on. This friend was desparate to use this machine and wanted it either repaired or a fan switch jury rigged so he could actually use the machine. I obliged and inspected the rig for fan motor ability to run, location of temp sensor, location of an EMI filter and location of a fan control unit.

Fan was proved to operate by jumper wires direct to battery. Unable to locate any of the other units thereby unable to continue troubleshoot. Rigged a fused line direct from battery with switch on handle bar.

Service manuals available on line for purchase. Wiring diagram found on line for similar model confirms temp sensor and fan control unit but no identifiable EMI unit (may either be in fan conrol unit or not used).

I assume that a major Honda dealer would have both a relevant service manual and a wiring diagram for every model of Honda product for the last ten years. I also would assume a major Honda dealer would have at least a competent  tech/service manager capable of looking for possible causes of an inoperative fan on a very popular four-wheeler model. My assumptions would be incorrect in this case.

This is the kind of dealer incompetence that angers me to no end plus this same dealer blew smoke at my friend about an O^2 sensor which had nothing to do with an otherwise fully operational machine just to cover the thing being in his shop for 6 weeks. This is the only dealer within 40 miles. Others exist at greater distances. This dealer is where the machine was purchased new.

Now, tell me there is no problem.

[Ruffus]

Here the same drama with our so competent techs.
For that and other reasons I prefer to repair my 2 and 4 wheel rides myself.

[randyo]

?
I spent about an hour out in the lot pouring over which new navy blue beetle I was going to buy. Yeah, they were exactly the same cars -

I had a '68 sky blue beetle, one time shortly after I bought it, I went shopping at a plaza, I came out,...... I freaked out when the key wouldn't turn in the ignition , then realized I was in the wrong car, now, trying to remember where I parked, started visiting every one of over a dozen in the lot before I found mine

[CROSSBOLT]

Here the same drama with our so competent techs.
For that and other reasons I prefer to repair my 2 and 4 wheel rides myself.

Yup. You, me, too!

[CROSSBOLT]

Update:

Recently went to the local shop where my friend received poor tech service and nicely, respectfully and politely requested to see the service manual for his model of four-wheeler. The service manager graciously took me to a very large wall of service manuals and eventually found the one that covered his model and several similar models for 2014. There was very little organization of over 200 books.

That book had color wiring diagrams, a complete sequential test procedure for my friend's EXACT PROBLEM and how to repair it! You know full well that well used service books get grubby with use. Well, this one was very CLEAN with no rumpled pages.

All of this tells me there is a way bigger problem at that dealer than just a lazy tech.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Update:

Recently went to the local shop where my friend received poor tech service and nicely, respectfully and politely requested to see the service manual for his model of four-wheeler. The service manager graciously took me to a very large wall of service manuals and eventually found the one that covered his model and several similar models for 2014. There was very little organization of over 200 books.

That book had color wiring diagrams, a complete sequential test procedure for my friend's EXACT PROBLEM and how to repair it! You know full well that well used service books get grubby with use. Well, this one was very CLEAN with no rumpled pages.

All of this tells me there is a way bigger problem at that dealer than just a lazy tech.

This stuff goes on in every walk of life.
I used to observe co-workers hanging drywall by shooting a couple of screws between the two sheets of drywall. Boss never inspected , but always complimented Itchy & Scratchy on how quickly they could throw up a wall.
That kinda stuff was the reason why I preferred to work alone for 25 yrs, and why I carried the reputation of being "too slow" for the same period.

Stig

[randyo]

the service manager at my local dealership knows that I am on the internet forums for the bike models that I have, when I drop one off for other than routine service, they always ask me if I know of anything that may help with diagnosis and repair.

[CROSSBOLT]

the service manager at my local dealership knows that I am on the internet forums for the bike models that I have, when I drop one off for other than routine service, they always ask me if I know of anything that may help with diagnosis and repair.

My friend is a farmer-type from around here and is not real electrically astute. I offered to help when he voiced difficulty in rigging a switch to turn on the fan. He is not in the category you describe.