Dealership's service
On May 19, I noticed a fluid leaking from under the hood of my Opel Blazer. Upon inspection, I determined that the fluid was coming from the power steering pump, indicating a ruptured seal which is a normal occurrence and relatively easy to repair. Since the car was purchased from Hangtuah Fatmawati, I had the car delivered there for repair.
Approximately two hours after delivering the car, I received a telephone call from Pak Yani, whom, I believe, is the chief mechanic in the garage. He indicated that the entire power steering pump plus the pulley had to be replaced. Being fairly familiar with automobiles, I knew this to be untrue. Upon further questioning, it turned out that Hangtuah did not have the seal kit to do the repairs needed, and the "solution" was to replace the entire unit at a quoted cost of over Rp 4 million. Upset at this brazen act of deceit, I left instructions to do nothing further with the car and that I would have my driver pick it up the following morning and deliver it to a mechanic that I could trust.
The following morning my driver was told that the "power steering pump was disassembled and it would take two and half hours to put it back together". After "insisting" that Hangtuah release the car, my driver was told that it was "dangerous" to drive the car, and that it should be towed to the garage of my mechanic -- for a fee, of course. I was finally given to Pak Armadi (?), who identified himself as the manager. I just wanted my car fixed. "Somehow", (completely "unintentional", I am sure), the snap pin was left off the shaft of the power steering pump, resulting in the shaft and pulley becoming disengaged and falling out while driving the vehicle to my mechanic's garage, and the loss of the accessory drive belt as well (which I had just replaced one month ago).
So... not only do I now have to replace the pump and pulley instead of a simple seal replacement, I also have to replace the accessory drive belt. Yes, Hangtuah, you got your revenge. But at what price?
DAVID L. GIDDINGS
Jakarta