I guess you all missed the part where I said the majority of the conversations should be with the service writer, the shop foreman and or the service manager. These are the guys who get paid to interact with the customers. The technician is paid to work on the vehicle and likely looses money when he stops and talks to the vehicle owner. Not a perfect system, but its the best one out there. Many technicians will take the time to talk to you. Remember, you are taking $30.00 an hour out of his pocket when you do this. Is that the way you want to start your relationship with the guy fixing your car?
Also remember,
Ford directs many warranty repairs. If a shop has too many warranty claims, Ford will restrict their ability to repair without approval. If a repair is over $XXX.XX Ford requires the dealer seek approval before repairs.
And no, you likely did not have an oil change messed up by a journeyman mechanic. Ford, Chevy, Toyota, etc. shops cannot pay union rates to a mechanic to change oil and compete with the lube shop down the street. They pay a guy the same rates as the shop down the road so they can compete. Unfortunately this is usually not the Top Guy in the shop. Most shops have a single four post lift dedicated to oil changes. Drive the car on, drop the oil, fill, drive off, repeat.
When I have an issue which I cant figure out I DO lean on a Ford technician. Its worked every time so far. It does help to have family and friends who are excellent Ford technicians.
We ALL have misdiagnosed issues with our cars. I thought I blew a motor when it turned out to be a bad choice for transmission oil. The oil blew out the overflow and soaked the side pipe on the right. As the exhaust pulsed, the smoke was sucked past the exhaust tip. Others have misdiagnosed Steering issues which became very expensive. We break our toys, fix our toys and move on.
We bring our cars to a shop which may have less experience on that specific model then many of us and expect perfection. My local dealer has looked at my Boss and had no idea what to do. They never saw or heard of the CJ Pulse wheel and stated so. No harm, no foul. I called guys I knew had a solution, also Ford technicians and they fixed my issue. I've pulled into the local Ford store near VIR, explained my problem and they had me in and out in less than an hour. I only missed one session. That's great service. Ford service departments vary greatly. YMMV.
You can paint with a broad brush if you want to. I guess I just ain't in the mood.
Off my soap box. Sorry for hijacking the thread. Wont happen again.