ohw

When we take our cars to the shop to have work done, anyone know of a way to tell how they treated our baby? And prove it?

Had my ZR to the dealer for warrany work done. Left it to them for a day, and they have to take the car to an upholstery shop. By the time I got the car back, the milage looks reasonable, but my fuel level was down more than I would expected. The engagement point of my clutch seems higher. And the back of the car is covered with black dust, that looks like tire dust. Is my mind playing tricks on me? I don't know for sure, but I don't think so. Someone did a burn out? Any way to prove it?

If no way to prove the past, any way to do it for the next time?

angelzhope720

iTrader: (15)

I don't think there is a way to prove it. That's why I try to do all the work on my Z myself.

DavesZ#3

iTrader: (26)

There is a way to keep an eye on the service dept or anybody else that drives your car. Get a Carchip from Davis Electronics:
http://www.davisnet.com/drive/produc...p_products.asp

It monitors your Z through the OBDII port. Even though I don't really leave my car unattended with anybody, I leave mine plugged in all the time. It's been great for monitoring all kind of stuff on the Z.

tienlo

Fuel down - idling in workshop?
I doubt one or two burnouts would cause the clutch to change feel, more likely a clutch adjustment

ohw

Thank you Dave, is there any installation required for the Car Chip? Or is it just a simple plug in? For a couple hundred bucks, it's worth my peace of mind.

ohw

Idling in shop? well ... I guess it is possible. All they did was to replace the rubber trims around the windows. Would they leave the engine running for the duration? Couldn't say. But as you pointed out, one or two burn outs is not likely to change the clutch feel.

ZIABLO

iTrader: (7)

I've got the carchip. simple, direct plugin.

DavesZ#3

iTrader: (26)

Nope, just plugs into the OBDII port in the car. You can download all the data to your computer with the cable they supply. All you need is a UBS port for that.

Fletch69z

iTrader: (50)

Couldn't the shop just unplug the chip from the port? Even if it recorded it, they could say they had to have access to the OBDII port right?

ZIABLO

iTrader: (7)

yea but that's damn shady. and also it'd be a huge lie that they needed to get to your ODBII

DavesZ#3

iTrader: (26)

True, but 1) you'll know it because the Carchip reports it, 2) based on the service required, you'll know if that's a legit reason or not.

It's not foolproof, but it's better than nothing at all.

lww

And the fact that you're monitoring your car with the CarChip will tell them that you have at least a modicum of automotive knowledge, where they're less likely to mess with your stuff.

DavesZ#3

iTrader: (26)

^^^ True to some extent but most probably won't even know what it is. I had a tech ask me what kind of "chip" I had in my Z, i.e. an aftermarket performance chip of some sort.

ohw

Just ordered my CarChipE/X. Where is the OBD connector for the Z? Can someone post a picture please, if you don't mind? Thank you.

DavesZ#3

iTrader: (26)

It's right under the edge of the dash above your left knee. A few inches below the Gas Door release button.