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ScoobsMcGee · 01-04-2022, 12:06 PM

The Alfa has an issue with remote start when the temp gets below about 60* out. The exact error the car gives is "remote start disabled." While thinking it was a setting I needed to turn on and looking for where to do so, I found a TSB and multiple threads / posts talking about the exact circumstance on the exact car I have. They all claimed that flashing the BCM with the latest firmware takes care of it. I called late last year and scheduled an appointment with the closest dealership for tomorrow. When scheduling I had a great chat with a service advisor who said they've come across that exact issue before and he was familiar with the TSB. He told me it should take about 30 to 45 minutes to run the update. After the BRZ came up in conversation, we had a decent chat about his wife's Forrester XT that he's thinking about swapping a 6 speed in to.

Today I called to make sure everything was okay with the appointment and that I was going to show up on time. This time I spoke with the service manager (which I didn't know until he said in the below conversation), who was already trying to upsell me. He said that they wouldn't flash the BCM without diagnosing the issue first, and diagnostics should take 1.5 to 2 hours. I can appreciate not jumping to flashing a BCM based on a TSB supplied by a customer, but after the below chat I'm a bit cautious as to how this service visit is going to go.

Service Manager on phone: "We'd also recommend a 4 wheel alignment."
Me: "I'm not sure if that's really necessary, but how much do you charge for that?"
SM: "We charge $270 for a 4 wheel alignment, it should take about an hour."
Me: "Oh, no never mind, not for that price. I know you don't set the prices, but that's a bit silly."
SM: "Actually I do set the price, I'm the service manager. We're not just a mom and pop tire shop."
Me: "I'm good, thanks."

For context, most mom and pop shops around here charge $90 to $100 for an alignment. I do not recommend going to them blind for any performance car. The most I've every paid was $195 at a shop that does track prep for Porsches. The last alignment on the BRZ, at a tuning shop that also checked the rebound settings and ride height, was $160.

I don't know if anyone on this thread needs to read it, but no matter what car you own, never pay $270 for an alignment. Also I doubt an alignment is needed on a car with 9400 miles and no abnormal tire wear or any other indications of wonky toe or camber. Nor have I found anything to hint at it being normal maintenance or common for QVs.

01-04-2022, 12:06 PM	#82501
ScoobsMcGee Junior Senior with Cheese Join Date: Aug 2014 Drives: BRZ Location: Nowhere Posts: 3,006 Thanks: 6,837 Thanked 7,049 Times in 2,345 Posts Mentioned: 13 Post(s)	The Alfa has an issue with remote start when the temp gets below about 60* out. The exact error the car gives is "remote start disabled." While thinking it was a setting I needed to turn on and looking for where to do so, I found a TSB and multiple threads / posts talking about the exact circumstance on the exact car I have. They all claimed that flashing the BCM with the latest firmware takes care of it. I called late last year and scheduled an appointment with the closest dealership for tomorrow. When scheduling I had a great chat with a service advisor who said they've come across that exact issue before and he was familiar with the TSB. He told me it should take about 30 to 45 minutes to run the update. After the BRZ came up in conversation, we had a decent chat about his wife's Forrester XT that he's thinking about swapping a 6 speed in to. Today I called to make sure everything was okay with the appointment and that I was going to show up on time. This time I spoke with the service manager (which I didn't know until he said in the below conversation), who was already trying to upsell me. He said that they wouldn't flash the BCM without diagnosing the issue first, and diagnostics should take 1.5 to 2 hours. I can appreciate not jumping to flashing a BCM based on a TSB supplied by a customer, but after the below chat I'm a bit cautious as to how this service visit is going to go. Service Manager on phone: "We'd also recommend a 4 wheel alignment." Me: "I'm not sure if that's really necessary, but how much do you charge for that?" SM: "We charge $270 for a 4 wheel alignment, it should take about an hour." Me: "Oh, no never mind, not for that price. I know you don't set the prices, but that's a bit silly." SM: "Actually I do set the price, I'm the service manager. We're not just a mom and pop tire shop." Me: "I'm good, thanks." For context, most mom and pop shops around here charge $90 to $100 for an alignment. I do not recommend going to them blind for any performance car. The most I've every paid was $195 at a shop that does track prep for Porsches. The last alignment on the BRZ, at a tuning shop that also checked the rebound settings and ride height, was $160. I don't know if anyone on this thread needs to read it, but no matter what car you own, never pay $270 for an alignment. Also I doubt an alignment is needed on a car with 9400 miles and no abnormal tire wear or any other indications of wonky toe or camber. Nor have I found anything to hint at it being normal maintenance or common for QVs.