FOG Lights not working. Possible Switch issue

[m3_2010]

Hi All,

I have a 2010 Mazda3 GT Sport. I had the car in the dealer the other day for regular service and they missed the fact that the Fog lights would not come one. Switch it on, fuse is good. I have changed the factory bulbs out for an aftermarket PUTCO bulb.
I went back to the Service department today to get this diagnosed to be told there would be a fee even though the warranty is still in tact (3 years, 80,000 km).

I am told by the Service Manager that I have tampered with the vehicle by changing out these bulbs, so he will not cover the diagnosis or parts required to fix the issue. He made mention of the fact that warranty is on the bulbs for 3 years 80,000 km, which is news to me as in the past I have had to replace bulbs out of my own pocket.

I will be going to Mazda Canada to dispute this issue.

Can anyone help me out with respect to how a bulb could cause a switch to become defective without the fuse blowing? The Service Manager said it might not be the switch but the wire harness could be damaged. He couldn't properly explain it as he is not a former mechanic. Since this new Manager has been in place at this dealer, I have had nothing but issues with diagnosis's not being handled correctly where I have to come back in and show the licenced mechanics the actual issue.

He has told me that the vehicle has been flagged with Mazda Canada and all other dealerships will know about this if I come in there for service. Also advises that each part sent back under warranty is carefully inspected.

I feel this manager has a grudge against me, but that is my opinion. Has anyone else heard of a situation like this. He was kind enough to offer me 10% off the diagnosis (What a champ).

[Shawn]

Put in the stock bulbs and go back to the dealer. Tell him that his dealership is being flagged on the internet and the all other Mazda owners will know that he is a dick.

[n00bMeiSter]

What dealership?
Try going to a dealership where the workers know what they're doing, like QEW Mazda or Dave Woods Mazda

[cwp_sedan]

You put in aftermarket bulbs, then you have a problem, and you expect Mazda to solve your problem? I'm not sure what you were/are expecting.

The service manager is right, unfortunately. You put in non-factory/OEM replacement bulbs and expect them to service your car like it's stock. You will almost aways have problems with a dealer with aftermarket parts. Do I think the bulbs caused a problem with your switch? No.

If you have the same problem with you factory bulbs, then I would complain about it. Swap the bulbs back to the stock ones and see if you have the problem first. If you still do, then take it in to a BETTER dealership for service.

[FLIPDADY]

Very easy for a bulb to cause a malfunction and not blow a fuse. Example putting in a 100W headlamp bulb into a system that is designed to handle 55W. Happens all the time and should not be covered under warranty. Socket gets melted and worst case the harness is fried. Take it to another dealer but put your OEM bulbs back in.

As for you car getting flagged I doubt they actually did that. If you want I can double check if there is anything on your file. Shoot me a PM with your VIN#.

[Aitch]

1) As mentioned, best bet is to put in the stock bulbs and if the problem persists, go to another dealer. Obviously going back to the same dealer they'll know about the aftermarket bulbs.

2) Definitely when there is a fault in a system where an owner-installed aftermarket part was in place, the dealer can easily deny coverage and be within their rights to do so. Denying coverage on something like an O2 sensor based on these fog lights, for example, would not be possible.

[Booter22]

What dealership?
Try going to a dealership where the workers know what they're doing, like QEW Mazda or Dave Woods Mazda

dont you mean Budds Mazda :P but if your out this way do keep us in mind. as others have mentioned i would suggest switching the bulbs back to stock and seeing if there is still a problem. maybe both bulbs have blown at the same time, always a possibility, pull them out and have a look. otherwise if not put the stockers back in see if they work and if not drop into another dealership.