Service: 40,000KM

Service log 6 (Major "hospitalization"):

Issues with GenToo;
1. Water dripping in front passenger foot area,
2. Rear right light not working,
3. Rear locks with rattling sound,
4. Wiper arm discolouration.


Service items;
1. CM6-CPK.PCS: Procare Smart Gen2/Persona 1.6 Campro Automatic (RM120.00)
2. PW811750: Spark plug - BPR6EF-11 (RM38.00)
3. PW811577: Oil filter (RM12.22)
4. PC140107: Radiator Coolant 1L (RM28.34)
5. PDOT-4Z: Brake Fluid DOT 4/0.5L (RM18.00)
6. PW811783: Gasket-plug - Oil Drain (RM3.32)
7. PE70006325: Syntium 800 10W/30 - 3L (RM75.00)
8. PE70006333: Syntium 800 10W/30 - 1L (RM26.00)

Total parts: RM200.88
Total labour: RM120.00
Service tax: RM5.40
Daring card: -RM20.18
Rounding: 0.00

Invoice total: RM306.10

In regards to the issues;
1. Replace o-ring, vacuum refill gas due to hvac unit o-ring improper install (remove+refit dashboard)
2. Refixed connector
3. Refixed actuator
4. No warranty

And on previous issues:
1. Rear Seat Head Restraint Replacement (52154110) - PW894151 RR
2. Front Seat Back Assy. Replacement (52113010) - PW894139 LH
3. Instrument Panel - General

Service: 30,000KM

Service log 5:

Issues with GenToo;

1. Fuel filler door not aligned,

2. Rear headrest leather developed 'bubbles',

3. Water dripping at front passenger foot area, suspected aircond,

4. Noise when using power windows,

5. Front passenger seat leather over cutting.

Service bill;

1. CM6-CPK.PCB: Procare Basic Gen2/Persona 1.6 Campro Automatic (RM66.00)

2. PW811577: Oil filter (RM12.22)

3. PW811783: Gasket-plug - Oil Drain (RM3.32)

4. PE70006325: Syntium 800 10W/30 - 3L (RM75.00)

5. PE70006333: Syntium 800 10W/30 - 1L (RM26.00)

Total parts: RM116.54

Total labour: RM66.00

Service tax: RM2.97

Daring card: -RM8.15

Rounding: -0.01

Invoice total: RM177.35

In regards to the issues;

1. **Adjusted

2. To replace part: O/R 134558 (PW841869-X0628)

3. **KIV

4. Lubricate all Pwr Wdw (Runchannel)

5. To replace part: O/R 134558 (PW894155)

Balanced & Aligned

As the title suggested, finally found time to send GenToo to the pros for a proper balancing and alignment of its tyres. Been complaining of the steering vibrations from time to time, and every time I bring GenToo back to COE surely the 'supposing' people from Silverstone who's in charge of the whole balancing and alignment will be missing or the equipment won't be functioning. Well, it seems that lady luck's not there for GenToo to do balancing and alignment back at Proton

So, after looking far and wide, finally found a suitable place for GenToo to get his paws and boots balanced and aligned. It was a tough thing to do as balancing and alignment isn't as simple as it seems. There's on wheel off wheel balancing, and also positive and negative chamber. Though the rule of thumb is still always to get the wheels spinning in a proper manner and the proper direction to even out wear and also provide the best comfort and handling.

The place was introduced by a fellow Gen2 CPS owner, pedanglaut at Bandar Baru Bangi. He's very familiar with that area and have been a regular at this particular tyre shop and bets his money that this is the best place to do balancing and alignment. So we woke up early, and went to the meeting point at a Petronas station early in the morning. This was adviced because we're not the only people going there given its a Saturday.

We met up and begin following him to this shop since I have no idea where it is. It was actually kinda easy to go to since I've been there now. So, after about 5 minutes drive, we reached the place and the name of the shop was Ah Man Tyre Auto Service Sdn. Bhd. There we saw lots of Government Perdana Executives and even some of the police Wajas there, waiting for their tyres to be done. So, we parked and went into the shop to meet the boss. After a lil chat, he says it'll take about 2 hours to get my car done since there's lots of cars there that day.

Pedanglaut then suggests that its best when my turn comes, he informs us so we can have a look at how things are done. We then went of in pedanglaut's car. His was a modified Gen2 CPS manual, so he showed what his car is about for a while then went to a shop nearby for drinks. The shop had a signature drink made from ice cream soda with ice cream and lime jelly. Sadly, was too busy enjoying the drink and chatting, that we forgot to take pics and the name of the drink.

After getting to know each other a lil better and since GenToo was still in queue, we stopped by a Proton showroom to check out the newly launched Persona Face Lift. It still looks like a Gen2 especially the CPS now with the new front bumper. Like the LED side mirrors though but loves the design of the one on GenToo now. Maybe we can DIY a hybrid of the two someday. While there, the tyre shop called.

We rushed back to see what the proper way to do balancing and alignment is. There, they prefer the on wheel balancing method as it is said to be more accurate and lasts longer. Usually a car doing balancing will have its wheels taken off, brought to a machine which will spin it and then weights added to places so the wheel is balanced (spins flatly). As for alignment, the car will be lifted with sensors attached to the wheels and measured using a machine to see what angles are the wheels in and whether they are aligned.



At Ah Man, basically, both are done with the wheel still on and the car partially jacked. To align the tyre, the car is raised at either end and a machine brought to measure them. Adjustments are then made and the measurements taken again. Here, the boss told me that the alignment for rear tyres are ok while the front tyres are off and that they had corrected it but that wasn't the reason why my tyres were shaking at speeds exceeding 80km/h.



Next goes another machine that will rotate the wheel while it shines a flash of light at the tyre to do the balancing. One side of the car was lifted, and the front tyre will be spun using engine power while the rear will be spun using the machine. While spinning, the machine flashes light at the wheel like a photographer. Then a reading is taken, weights are added or removed based on the readings obtained.

- Applying weights to balance the wheel.

After all four wheels have been done, GenToo was left there waiting for the boss to take it out for a test run. While waiting, one of the less friendly and worst looking employee slammed a car jack to the left front of GenToo's wheel! He just pretends nothing happened and no word of apology came out. Seeing me furious at that, pedanglaut went over to the boss to complain. The boss then shouted at that employee and only then he mumbled the apology. Fortunately, that was the only negative experienced at that place.

- Scratched part of the front left rim.

All in all, it took a lil more than 2 hours, alignment costs RM15.00 with tax of RM0.75 while the balancing costs RM9 per tyre with tax of RM1.80. I find it quite reasonable since that's the price I got when sending my C.L.K. for balancing and alignment earlier. The boss even touched up and polished the scratched part of my rim and apologises repeatedly so no hard feelings. Hopefully the employee will soon learn to appreciate cars and love them the way we do~

So, this is a shop recommended for everyone who wants to align and balance their tyres. Just be there when it happens to prevent sh*t from happening.

Ah Man Tyre Auto Service Sdn. Bhd.
No. 153 & 155, Jalan 8/1,
43650 Bandar Baru Bangi,
Selangor Darul Ehsan.

Tel/Fax: 03-8922 2328

Happy Anniversary

Today, GenToo celebrated his 1st anniversary with us. It sure didn't felt like a year, I can still recall the day when I went to bring him home. How time flies when you're having a good time! It wasn't much fanfare since we only remembered like 2 weeks ago! It's not our fault as there's no indication of the anniversary and like I mentioned, didn't even notice the time passing.

When I say no indication, it's not like God gave a sign on everyone's anniversary. But more like what everyone will do during their vehicle's anniversary, the mad rush for insurance and road tax renewal! Since no one actually keeps looking at the small sticker on the windscreen, and annually is when you expect your insurance agent to still remember you and become your best friend.

We were having none of it. No one spied on the sticker on the windscreen and no one called to ask us to renew the insurance for GenToo, thus, no one remembered. Once we realised, luckily there's still 2 weeks left to settle things. So, firstly we went searching for the right insurance company for GenToo so that his road tax can be renewed. It's not an easy task since there's like hundreds of insurance policies out there for you to choose to cover your ONE car!

After a long search, finally gave up since we have no idea of what to look for and where. Luckily we have a colleague, Mr V, who's a pro in this field and advised us. Mr V says that, basically when looking for insurance for your car, 3 major things are to be considered. 1st, how easy is it to claim, 2nd, what's the breakdown assistance coverage, and 3rd, reputation of the insurance company.

We were then 'enlighten' by Mr V in that the insurance terms and condition is all being controlled by our Bank Negara, so basically all the charges is the same, meaning the price you pay will be the same which ever insurance you decide to purchase. That's the reason why people look at the gifts you get when you buy insurance. After a day of careful consideration, finally managed to narrow it down to 2 companies, Allianz and Lonpac before deciding to call for more info.

Called Allianz first as they are the most reputable in Malaysia. Rohaida, an agent entertained my call, answering any queries we had about their policy and what are we expected to pay. After a long hour finally the call ends and we can call Lonpac. At Lonpac, Helmi from their Customer Service answered. He also answered every query we had and explained how the charges will be like. So, after hearing from both companies its time to choose which will be best suited for GenToo.

After a time consuming discussion, basically we decided to go with Lonpac. Reasons being, the RM300 breakdown assist per event, better and more polite customer service, and the best part, 5% discount if you walk in. These were things that Allianz were not able to offer according to Rohaida. So, since we were going to pay the same amount of money, might as well go for the one that gives us more value for that money.

Woke up early on the 10th, just to settle everything. Since I don't have to work on that day, I don't have to waste an annual leave. We decided to go to the Lonpac Head Office at Jalan Sultan Sulaiman since it's more convenient and we believe that the service would be better. Once there, we were unable to locate the parking to Bangunan Public Bank, and end up parking ironically at the Takaful Malaysia building next door.

Once we got to Lonpac, we were greeted by a sweet pregnant lady, Mazuin, who was very nice and friendly to help us get all the paper work done. She was even kind enough to check the value of GenToo with a few used car dealers and with the Claims Manager. We then passed the relevant documents to her and within 15 minutes, everything was done! That's what we call efficient! Paid the amount agreed, and we were off.



The next day, went to the post office to renew the road tax. It's so convenient that this can be done at any post office, and since now they can be located in shopping complexes, there's no reason anyone can't make time. There, as usual there will be a small queue. But all in all, it again took less than 30 minutes to get everything done! They charges a fee of RM2, which we will defintely pay to avoid the travelling of more than 50KMs just to get to go through a painful and confusing 'slow death' of waiting at JPJ!

So, on our anniversary, we got GenToo a bunch of goodies from Lonpac, a nice and relaxing car wash, and an extension of 1 year to GenToo's 'license to speed'! And in return, GenToo provides us the joy and exhilaration while driving with confidence and nice sound system without sacrificing comfort. So, a win win situation where both will surely look forward to more anniversary celebrations.

Service: 20,000KM

It's that time again..where Gen2 have travelled far and wide. So, the usual maintenance have to be done. As usual, decided with the 8.00am service appointment (it takes the people there at COE a lot of time to service a car).. As usual, left home at around 7am..but to my horror, the road was packed with cars! So it was bumper to bumper all the way until Jalan Kewajipan where there was a lil breather. Since I know that it'll take a long time to service, I went with another car..leaving Gen2 all alone there (by now he should be familiar with that place already, and he's a big boy).

When we arrived, we were 15 minutes late. As usual, it takes them around 15 minutes to notice us then came a nice lady to attend to us. Her name was Kamalliah, and she seemed to be quite friendly. So, I informed I was there for the usual 20, 000KM service and that the replacement headlamps are ready also to check on the status of the front leather seat. She noted and took the warranty slips given earlier. She then asks whether there are other problems which is when I highlighted the centre air vent was broken;



and that the inside right rear door handle was loose and caused a VIP (mother) to be very upset when she can't open the door to exit;

left:

Also, due to the previous incident, got to replace the wheel cap and the tyre valve caps. She says the replacement wheel cap needs to be bought while she'll see what she can do with the tyre caps. It's nice to see that they're willing to help a customer out without asking him pay everytime. Regarding the service, it as a service package. All needs to be done except for one (can't remamber what that special one was) because that one step was not needed. I think she's a new staff, hence all the 'by the book' procedure.

After that, handed over the keys and was told that they'll call when the car's ready (but will sms instead everytime). So, after 5 hours, yes 5 hours! The car was ready for collection. Imagine for a normal service, they need 5 hours just to get it done, that's almost 1/4 of a day gone if I were just to sit there waiting. What was done;

Material Section

1. SW300; Screen Wash : RM5.20
2. PW811941; Element Air Filter : RM21.34
3. PW811783; Gasket Plug - oil drain : RM2.27
4. PW811750; Spark Plug - BPR6EF-11 : RM34.20
   
5. PW811577; Oil Filter : RM11.00
   
6. PE700009116; Syntium 800/15W-50 SM 4L : RM97.00
   
7. PC140107; Radiator Coolant : RM 97.00
8. MS991159; Auto Trans Fluid (SPIII) 5L : RM139.09
   
9. CM6-CPK.PSC; Procare Smart 1.6 Campro (A) : RM126.00
   
10. BF500XT; Brake Fluid Dot 4 : RM 39.32
    
11. PW861175; Cantre Cap Big : RM13.91
12. PW855534; Lamp Assy, head RH : Warranty
    
13. PW855533; Lamp Assy, head LH : Warranty

Customer request:

1. Centre a/vent broken - ***fixed***
2. RR LHS Door handle loose - ***readjust striker***
3. Tyre valve cap missing - ***not supply***
4. Replace part - ***replace both h/lamp due top dusty***
5. To supply wheel cap - ***done***
   

Total Paid : RM502.25

I didn't know my head lamps got replaced because they were dirty since I complained that there were water marks on the inside of the lamps. And that the guy at the tyre department was stingy not to spare some valve caps to the service assistant. So, all in all it was an expensive and long 20,000KM service but at least they settle every issues and I'm again a very satisfied customer.

Service: 10,000KM

Woke up real early today, just so can bring Gen2 for his 10,000KM service. Appointment was at 8.00am, but was up by 6.30am. So, got ready and then clean out the car and by the time I left for the service centre, it was already 7.15am. Took the scenic route along Jalan Jurutera, which runs beside a river, before entering LDP heading to Subang.

Traffic was quite clear, until the traffic lights from LDP towards Jalan Kewajipan. Then all the way along Persiaran Tujuan - Persiaran Setia - Jalan TP 2, got 'challenged' by an old Corolla. It was fast, but Gen2 was fast-er. So, I was infront all the way, pulling away a lil as we enter bends (thanx Lotus) but on the straights, it was faster (CPS was not engaged as RPM was below 3500) but not fast enough to overtake.

Got to the service center, which is Proton's Centre of Service Excellence, the 'mother' of all Proton service centres (so I thought!). Waited for 15mins before was attended by a Service Advisor. It's just a routine 10,000KM service, so not much hassle there. But when asked whether there's anything else, hehehe;

• Glove box vibrate when on a/cond (max)
• Fix back fuel lid clip
• FRT LH Seat (Back) - warranty
• A/cond got smell
• Fuel gauge not accurate
• Both side headlamp water mark

then service assistant, Kurie said that since there's so many complaints, the car may have to stay overnight! -.-" I replied that if there was a replacement car, I wouldn't mind. But sadly there wasn't, so we agreed upon what can be done, be done and the rest be attended to on the next visit.

So, I waited there at the Customer waiting area. It was a nice place, with comfy seats and a glass pane looking into the service area but it's no where as good as the Perodua service center at Puchong where u get Astro, coffee or tea, and tid-bits while u wait. At Proton, all you get is a TV with lousy reception and a hot/cold water dispenser! What a disappointment!

I manage to read newspapers and also Proton's Annual Report (it's almost 300pages thick!). Found out that there will be more facelifts for the Gen2 and Waja, also for the Persona and Saga. A new Perdana and Waja is in the pipeline and that 180,000 units of the CamPro is made yearly. Nothing much is revealed in the report, nothing you can't read about on blogs and forums.

After waiting for two hours, got bored. The two internet connected PCs were occupied, so was thinking bout what to do when this nice guy approached. He is a trainee there, and was waiting for his turn to get into the workshop. We chatted for a while, found out he just got here from Terengganu, this and that. We even discussed how nice Perodua's customer service was compared to Proton! :P Then it was his turn, and I got bored again.

By that time, was a lil hungry. Remembered that there was a cafe upstairs. Made my way there for a plate of fried rice and a cup of teh tarik, all for RM2.80. The rice was so so and the tea was not 'kao' enough but enjoyed it and it helped me pass time. Since the showroom was near the cafe, decided to go have a look at the new Saga SE. Met a nice lady, Ms Suzie. Chit chat again about the cars there, then got to test drive the 2009 version of the Saga.

I drove the Saga before when it was first launched, and hated the slow throttle response, so since there was upgrades on the 2009 version, why not give it a try then. First thing you'll notice is the door sound, which sounds a lil more solid compared to then. The car was also quieter, but the best is the throttle lag is gone! Totally disappeared! It's better than the Gen2 because it's as responsive as the Kelisa and it corners great (although Gen2 is still much better in this)!

It's 12pm and my car is still in the workshop, sitting all alone at the far end. I decided to ask the workshop manager what is happening as it seems that my car has been abandoned by the foremen there. He rushed here, rushed there, call here, call there and found that since I complained on my aircond, Gen2 is waiting for the aircond 'master'. He's busy attending to the Exoras so Gen2 was left waiting. It seems that the Exora has a faulty air-cond temperature sensor (the aircond injects the cold gas all the time as the sensor is not registering the right temperature according to the setting). The result, a very very cold car!

Actually everything is already done so, after cari pasal a bit and using the customer-always-right theory, the manager then asked the 'master' to have a look. He look see, look see flash his torchlight here and there then conclude got mouse/rat got into Gen2 and died! OMG, just imagine. Everytime you breathe in my Gen2, you're breathing in a dead mouse/rat! Ewwwwwwwwwwww!

Upon closer inspection, found that it's not a dead rat/mouse, instead;

YUCKS!! Mummified lizard! And it's not those normal lizard, it's those like you see on National Geographic, just smaller. All doors are open, aircond at full blast, the 'master' starts to disinfect the whole car. >.<

Then at 1pm, dad called to check on status by that time they are finalizing the paperwork for my car's release. An sms confirmed my car is ready for collection, and the bill amounted to RM130.05 (full bill breakdown here).

Conclusion:

• Glove box vibrate when on a/cond (max) *** Adjusted
• Fix back fuel lid clip *** Refix clip
• FRT LH Seat (Back) - warranty *** Not ready yet
• A/cond got smell *** (Got dead cicak!)
• Fuel gauge not accurate *** Adjusted fuel neck (+ got free full tank petrol, ^^)
• Both side headlamp water mark *** Order, claim warranty.

Happy to get Gen2 back, but sad that Filp Flap is no longer, flip flapping.. >.<

2nd Service

2nd Service @ 5000KM..

Phoned up the people at Proton's C.O.E. to make an appointment to go for 2nd service. More info here: http://www.geocities.com/jullian_vipers2/

Appointment was at 8.00am. So after registering the car there, waited for about 4 hours while watching TV3 (don't even have Astro!) at the Customer Waiting area and also going breakfast with my dear dear (the cafeteria was nice, ^^). Juz a regular 2nd service, changed engine oil, gasket plug and oil filter. Again complained about the leather seat problem, and again, Proton say no stock. What I complained are as below;

Customer's request (makes it sound like you're the one with the problem, not them!):

1. To check whole d/board vibrate when a/cond more than half speed***tune up engine

2. To check d/board rattling noise when driving - LH area***retightened d/board bracket

3. TO check radio reception all channel s/times slow & s/times loud***refixed antenna cable

4. alignment & balancing - steering vibrate 110km/h

5. check engine s./times hard to start**retightened battery terminal

So, basically everything is loose (*** are the corrective steps taken). Didn't manage to do balancing & alignment because the SA, Sazali, said that I complained too much. Also they are short of staff, so if I wanted the balancing & alignment to be done, I would have to leave my car there! -.-"

So, as a summary.. Only problem 2 & 5 are solved, and oil changed in the 4 hours there.. Met another Gen2 CPS owner there, a salesman, and he recommended that the service centre at Shah Alam is wayyy better! So, will try that out next time~ Heard that the C.O.E. is undergoing restructuring with appointment of a new manager, so hopefully things will be better and FASTER next time (because most of the time, can see that the car was just sitting there staring at the wall!)..

p/s: Claimed the Smart Tag in terms of cash (RM100) from my Sales Assistant~

1st Service

1st Service @ 1000KM..

Called SA to make an appointment to go for 1st service. More info here: http://www.geocities.com/jullian_vipers2/

After sending the car there, waited for about an hour while chatting with SA there and a free drink to get the car serviced. Juz a regular 1st service. Complained about a few stuff, such as boot bulb, door paint, leather seat problem, and most important is the rear washer. The bulb was replaced, or should I say placed as the reason given for it not working is because there was no bulb (omg, they forgot the bulb when making the car?). Then the rest was to claim warranty.

After the service, claimed my full tank from SA and then send him back to the showroom.