Expert: Mark Haben - 7/1/2008

Question
I was in a head on collison in this vechicle. When I got it back the first thing I noticed was the alarm barely had any sound when I activated it. About two months after repairs my car slowly started having electrical problems. My gauges started droping and then shooting back up, the radio followed by cutting in and out (as if a cd was skipping) Everyday something new arose. To the point i would shut the radio off so I didn't have to here it cutting in and out and the radio would automatically start coming back on. It also started doing a delayed start. Where I would start it and it would sit there for a minute like no power was going to it , then all of a sudden it would start. I've taken it back to the dealership, they said that I needed a new igniton switch and igntion cylinder and that it wasn't part of the accident. So they changed them out only for me to get my car back doing the same thing! They said today there was a main ground wire that wasn't hooked back up to my battery, when it was fixed after my accident. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THEM FAILING TO HOOK THIS WIRE BACK TO MY BATTERY AND ME DRIVING IT AROUND FOR A COUPLE MONTHS CAUSED MY IGNITON SWITCH AND CYLINDER TO GO BAD???

Answer
Hanna-

Anything is possible. I am sorry that you have had to incur these expenses after the crash. My best advice to you is to have your service advisor get in touch with the adjuster or appraiser and see what they can determine regarding the charges. You may even suggest a conference call with the yourself, the body repairer, the service advisor, and the insurance company. These are the times when, as a customer you have to hope that you have made good choices when selecting  a shop and an insurance company etc. Hopefully they will come together and find a solution for you. Good Luck !!! Mark