FL Factory Service (Gaffney)

[Gary RVRoamer]

We just completed an M3 Maintenance at the factory service center in Gaffney [29k miles on our 2004 chassis]. I did not need an engine oil change nor transmission service (per Allison's recommendation, not FL's) and it still came to about $850 for filters, lube and coolant replacement. FL would have liked to change the tranny fluid & filter too but I'm sticking with Allison's 48 month change interval for synthetic on my 3000MH tranny.

I spent another $550 on a replacement starter motor and a front wheel brake sensor. Was having an intermittent no-start problem, would turn the key and nothing happened. Try it once or twice again and it would work OK. I had already had the chassis batteries load tested, so was not surprised when they diagnosed the starter as bad. Starts like a champ now! The brake sensor problem was found after I reported a dangling wire behind a front wheel. The good news is that my extended Service contract will pick up $450 of that.

I was a bit disappointed in lack of interaction with knowledgeable factory people - we were kept pretty much isolated from the techs (usual shop procedures anywhere) and there did not seem to be what I would call a service advisor around either. Basically a lady clerk filled out an M3 service form and added my problem reports to the work order and that was pretty much it. A second guy (next day) was a more knowledgeable, but did not seem to be an expert. But the service was all professionally done in a clean and neat facility (unlike my local FL Oasis shop) and completed on schedule, so it was a good experience.

The "campground" at the Service Center is just a gravel yard with about 20 50/30A power poles, but is convenient and clean. Water & a dump station are available at the entrance to the yard.

[Gary RVRoamer]

We just completed an M3 Maintenance at the factory service center in Gaffney [29k miles on our 2004 chassis]. I did not need an engine oil change nor transmission service (per Allison's recommendation, not FL's) and it still came to about $850 for filters, lube and coolant replacement. FL would have liked to change the tranny fluid & filter too but I'm sticking with Allison's 48 month change interval for synthetic on my 3000MH tranny.

I spent another $550 on a replacement starter motor and a front wheel brake sensor. Was having an intermittent no-start problem, would turn the key and nothing happened. Try it once or twice again and it would work OK. I had already had the chassis batteries load tested, so was not surprised when they diagnosed the starter as bad. Starts like a champ now! The brake sensor problem was found after I reported a dangling wire behind a front wheel. The good news is that my extended Service contract will pick up $450 of that.

I was a bit disappointed in lack of interaction with knowledgeable factory people - we were kept pretty much isolated from the techs (usual shop procedures anywhere) and there did not seem to be what I would call a service advisor around either. Basically a lady clerk filled out an M3 service form and added my problem reports to the work order and that was pretty much it. A second guy (next day) was a more knowledgeable, but did not seem to be an expert. But the service was all professionally done in a clean and neat facility (unlike my local FL Oasis shop) and completed on schedule, so it was a good experience.

The "campground" at the Service Center is just a gravel yard with about 20 50/30A power poles, but is convenient and clean. Water & a dump station are available at the entrance to the yard.

[rebelsbeach]

Good to hear of your positive visit to Gaffney...

From what I've heard, the gravel lot at FCC Gaffney is leaps and bounds above where they used to put you....

[hondo122]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rebelsbeach:
Good to hear of your positive visit to Gaffney...

From what I've heard, the gravel lot at FCC Gaffney is leaps and bounds above where they used to put you.... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I'm a rookie and seen campgrounds that wish they looked that good

[diesellabs]

Did you tour the factory while you were there? See anything interesting going down the line?

[Gary RVRoamer]

No, we did not. The new Service Facility is not at the factory site - it's on the new community college campus west of town and I85. I'm not even sure just where the factory itself is.

[diesellabs]

Yes, the new service facility is about 3-4 mi. from the factory (it used to be colocated). East of I85 on Hyatt St, next exit south. I got the impression from Pat (?) at the service desk that they might run a shuttle up to the service facility if a group wanted to take the tour... Maybe next time...

[John Mc]

We took the factory tour while we were there for service in March. They are no longer reassembling the Sprinter vans in that factory. The area that was being used for the vans is being set up for inventory, and they are getting ready to put a new assembly line in the area where the parts racks used to be. I don't remember what the guide said was going to be built on the new line (senior moment), and I couldn't tell what the old service area was being used for.

[edgray]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">We just completed an M3 Maintenance at the factory service center in Gaffney [29k miles on our 2004 chassis]. I did not need an engine oil change nor transmission service (per Allison's recommendation, not FL's) and it still came to about $850 </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
GARY: will you please post what IS included in the M3? Pricing would also be helpful. I'm doing a "generic chassis" seminar during Branson National, and will appreciate the additional info. ED

[hondo122]

Here's a link http://www.freightlinerchassis.com/p...aintenance.pdf

[1rooster]

Gary,

I also stopped at Gaffney for or first service ('06 Discovery) on April 12th. After the service a technician came out to the waiting room to explain that I needed some additional work performed. After ALL of the work was completed the tech came back out and went over the ENTIRE work sheet with me. He made some helpful comments. I thought that the facilities and service parking were very nice (for a service center).