Latest news with #AustinConroy
Motor 1
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
'Never Fails:' Dealership Salesman Calls Out Customers with Fuel Pump Recall. They All Make the Same Mistake
In a viral sketch, a routine recall appointment turns into a comedy of confusion when a dealership's service advisor tells a confused customer that they can't touch a fuel pump scheduled for repair work unless the tank is nearly empty. The bad news for the 'customer'? They drove in on a full tank with no forewarning that the tank needed to be mostly empty. Automotive creator Austin Conroy (@dealerplateguy) plays the part of the befuddled customer and frustrated service technician in the clip, which has been viewed more than 1.2 million times. The clip opens with the 'customer' cheerfully announcing that he's dropping off his vehicle for a fuel pump recall and will wait in the lobby. An off-camera service writer confirms the appointment and offers an oil change as well, setting the tone for what appears to be a smooth transaction. But things quickly spiral when a technician (Conroy again) asks a question that reveals the core issue: how much fuel is in the car? 'There's no way I can complete the fuel pump recall with a full tank of gas,' he explains. Certain fuel pump repairs or replacements require access to the tank or pump assembly, which becomes significantly more difficult or possibly unsafe if the tank is full. Technicians may need the fuel level to be at or below a quarter tank to safely relieve pressure or remove components. Communication Breakdown These requirements aren't always made clear to customers in advance. Recall letters can overlook important details, and service advisors may not always confirm the specifics when scheduling appointments. The result is a service visit that feels like a bait-and-switch to customers, even though the shop may simply be following manufacturer protocol. For dealerships and service centers, this kind of scenario highlights the importance of proactive communication . A simple phone call or reminder text explaining fuel-level requirements could prevent wasted visits and improve satisfaction. Likewise, customers are best served by calling ahead to ask if any special prep is needed, particularly for recall or warranty work. More on Recalls Ford Just Issued Another Massive Recall. And It Doesn't Even Have a Fix Yet Nissan Just Issued a Major Recall for Its Funky Variable-Compression Engine Via email, Conroy told Motor1 , 'I think this just highlights another frustrating part of service at the dealership for not only the dealership but also the customers. The fuel level requirements of some of these fuel pump recalls are extremely tough for customers to be able to judge correctly with the timing of their schedules and driving habits. I think dealers need to put themselves in the customer's shoes and realize they may have to get creative on how to get these recalls done. This could include things like pick up and drop off from another location, and maybe even mobile service if possible.' What Happens if You Ignore a Recall? It may be tempting to put off recall work, especially when it seems like a minor issue or the process becomes frustrating. However, doing so can have serious consequences, particularly for fuel systems. If a faulty fuel pump fails while you're on the road, it can lead to sudden stalling, loss of power, or difficulty starting the engine. That's a safety risk, especially if it happens while merging or turning across traffic. Deferring recall repairs can also impact your vehicle's resale value and its ability to be traded in. Some dealerships may flag unresolved recalls as a liability or even refuse to accept the vehicle until the work is complete. Checking for an Open Recall If you've never received a recall notice, that doesn't necessarily mean you're in the clear, as notices can get lost in the mail or sent to a previous address. Fortunately, it's easy to check your vehicle's status yourself. The best method is to visit the NHTSA Recall Lookup Tool and enter your 17-digit VIN. You'll receive a list of all active safety recalls that apply to your specific vehicle. Many manufacturers also offer recall lookup portals on their websites, which may include additional service bulletins or warranty extensions. It's also smart to make sure your contact info is up to date with both your vehicle's manufacturer and your state's DMV, since that's how most recall notices are routed. Now Trending Driver Takes Honda to Walmart to Get Air in Tires. Then They Take it to a Honda Dealership 'Quick Sue the Sun:' Toyota RAV4 Driver Parks Car in Front of House. Then It Starts Melting Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Motor 1
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
‘It'll Be $450:' Man Tries to Get a New Key for His 2022 Toyota Camry at the Dealership. Then He's Sent to the Parts Department
A viral TikTok is making the rounds, parodying the frustration of a driver stuck in a dealership labyrinth just trying to get a replacement key fob. There's confusion, redirection, a VIN number scavenger hunt for the stranded 2022 Toyota Camry, and, of course, a bill that quickly climbs over $500 before labor even enters the chat. It's funny because it's true, and if you've ever lost your key fob or tried to get a spare, you know the pain. The clip from automotive-minded creator Austin Conroy (@dealerplateguy) has been viewed more than 1.2 million times. It is likely resonating with viewers because of the absurd lengths drivers must go to these days when trying to replace a simple piece of equipment. A $500 Problem in Your Pocket Replacing a car key used to be a quick stop at the hardware store. Today, it's more like minor surgery on your vehicle's security system. Depending on the make and model, replacing a lost or damaged key fob can cost anywhere from $250 to over $750, according to data from J.D. Power . Luxury vehicles and newer models equipped with keyless entry and start systems are especially pricey. A replacement fob for a standard vehicle, such as a Toyota Camry , can easily cost $450 just for the part, plus additional expenses for the emergency key blade, cutting service, battery, and programming. All told, it's not unusual for the total bill to surpass $500, with labor pushing it even higher. So, Why the Steep Cost? Modern key fobs are far more than simple remote-control devices. They're packed with encrypted chips, rolling code generators, proximity sensors, and sometimes even wireless charging systems. Many include emergency blades that must be laser-cut to match the car's locks—a precision job not every shop can handle. The electronics are designed to sync securely with a vehicle's engine control unit. This requires programming tools that are either dealer-specific or only available to certified locksmiths. In many cases, programming must be done through the OBD-II port using proprietary software that verifies the fob's encrypted ID with the vehicle's onboard systems. Think less 'Bluetooth pairing,' more 'digital handshake with the engine.' And that's before you add convenience features like remote start, power liftgate activation, or panic alarms, which can further increase both complexity and cost. Is There a Cheaper Option? Aftermarket key fobs do exist, and they can be dramatically cheaper. But it's a buyer-beware situation. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) fobs are typically guaranteed to be compatible, come preloaded with the right firmware, and are covered by manufacturer warranties. Aftermarket fobs can work, but may lack features, be less durable, or require more trial-and-error programming. More on Keys Toyota Salesman Finds Thousands of Dollars of 'Missing' Keys. Now He's Exposing Dealerships for Failing to Give Buyers the Spare 'Never Knew This:' Honda Civic Driver of 3 Years Reaches for Key Fob. Then She Realizes It Has a Little-Known Feature According to locksmith and car tech forums like r/locksmith on Reddit, even experienced technicians sometimes encounter pairing issues with non-OEM units. Some insurance policies may also be voided if non-approved components cause problems with vehicle electronics. Why It's So Complicated You can't just walk into a store and grab a new fob like a remote for your TV. The key fob must match the car's exact trim level and security system, which often can't be identified without the VIN. Once the correct fob is located and ordered, which can take days, it needs to be cut , loaded with a working battery, and programmed. Each of those steps may be priced separately and handled by different people at the dealership or shop. The best way to avoid the stress and sticker shock is simple: Get a spare fob before you need one. If you only have one key for your car, getting a backup now will likely be cheaper and more convenient than dealing with a full replacement after it's lost. Many locksmiths can program a duplicate at a lower cost than the dealership, often in the $100–$250 range, depending on the vehicle. Some insurance policies, roadside assistance plans, or vehicle warranties cover lost key fobs , either through reimbursement or direct replacement, though this varies by provider. It's worth calling your provider to check. You can also find key fobs online, but keep in mind that many vehicles still require a professional to program the unit once it arrives. Not all cars support DIY pairing. Motor1 reached out to Conroy via an online web message form. Now Trending 'Gimme A Break, Nissan:' Woman's Car Says She Has Low Fuel. Then She Sees How Many Miles She Has Left on Her Current Tank 'Works Every Time:' Woman Gets Pulled Over by a Cop. Then She Turns on Country Music Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Motor 1
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Here's Why Mechanics Hate Sending You Videos. And Why They're Wrong
First, it was photo evidence. Then it was inspection reports. Now your car's oil change comes with a bonus feature: a mechanic begging you to approve repairs on camera, like OnlyFans for alternators. Online creator Austin Conroy (@dealerplateguy) flexes his parody chops in a recent TikTok video that paints a picture of how unenthused and checked-out repair technicians can be, especially when forced to make a video detailing needed repairs on a vehicle. "I did recommend some things on your vehicle. If you could just go ahead and buy those because that's really the only reason I'm gonna get paid to do this," Conroy deadpans, looking and sounding like a hostage reading from a script in the video that's been viewed more than 600,000 times. "On first inspection, your car is blue," he says. "I did note that your tires are black. There was definitely some oil in your car.' Why Do Technicians Have to Do Videos Now? Comedy aside, Conroy's clip is a deadpan roast of a very real industry trend: the rise of service inspection videos. Once reserved for high-end dealerships and overly suspicious customers, these short clips are now popping up everywhere . Industry leaders like Cox Automotive say the videos help to improve trust and transparency, which has been on the decline for customers in recent years. In theory, a technician records a quick walkaround of your car, highlighting any worn brake pads, cracked belts, or mysterious leaks. It's like getting a FaceTime from your mechanic, while also getting pitched on a new air filter. The goal is to help customers understand (and approve) recommended repairs without the usual suspicion that comes with a paper estimate. For years, Cox has seen the use of video as a best practice for dealerships that want to perform well in the digital landscape. The reason why is simple: visuals sell repairs. Instead of trusting the advisor's pen-and-paper estimate, customers can see the questionable brake pad wear or stray oil leak. Data show that attaching video to multipoint inspections results in a 70% lift in revenue per repair order and fosters 53 percent greater customer loyalty. Analysis from Affinitiv emphasizes that videos are incredibly persuasive. By giving customers visual proof, shops sidestep the usual 'yeah, but do I really need it?' skepticism, turning hesitation into approval. Behavioral science teaches us that processing fluency—how easily we understand something—influences how much we trust it. Studies show that smooth visuals, clear annotations, and confident delivery can amplify perceived credibility. That means a well-shot video with a friendly tone may feel more trustworthy, even if it's still a marketing pitch at heart. The inspection trend took off during the pandemic, when contactless service became the new normal and dealerships needed ways to sell repairs remotely. Tools like Xtime Engage, AutoVitals, and Uptake now allow mechanics to shoot, annotate, and send short inspection videos as part of a 'digital-first' customer experience. 'Oh, I'm Sure the Techs are Loving This lol' But as suggested via Conroy's comedy work, not every technician signed up to be a brand ambassador. Many are flat-rate employees, meaning they only get paid for billable repairs, not for time spent filming monologues about your cabin air filter. As the automotive-minded folks on Reddit have noted, that's more free work without any guaranteed benefit. Conroy's clip was heavy with commenters bemoaning the trend, including repair techs who see them as added free labor. 'Video inspections are the worst thing to come to the industry as a tech,' one wrote simply. 'I just record the car for 5 seconds and call it a day,' added another, showing there's a lot of box-checking and little oversight going on. But one supporter saw the videos as a plus for his employment: 'As a tech, THIS IS AMAZING!!! you can speak and persuade the customers in the videos more than the advisor who has never worked on a car, I can't tell you how many upsells I've had from videos, maybe make better persuading videos and yall won't hate them.' Motor1 reached out to Conroy via direct message for comment. Now Trending 'Big Gap Here:' Man Buys Hyundai Elantra. Then He Realizes Newer Models All Have This Design Flaw That Leads To Rust Enterprise Customer Skips Protection Fee on 2025 Toyota Corolla Rental. Then She Gets the Bill Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
