Hey guys, two days ago the "service engine soon" light came on. Had an appointment at Agincourt today and they fixed the issue under warranty (throttle position sensor / throttle body). The service advisor then said part of my intake tube was sliced and wanted me to order a new one for just under $200. I asked how this was possible and she asked if I had recently changed the engine air filter (Oakville Infiniti did it 10,000 km ago during maintenance). She said it was most likely due to a poor re-install of the Z-tube since you have to remove it to reach the air filter.

She had the slice patched up until the part arrives. I could not find any slices or patch work along the top and sides of the tube (perhaps it is on the underside? but did they need to look there to replacethe throttle body?). In hindsight, I should have asked to see the damage.

What should I do? Is the dealer BSing me to make a sale? Thanks in advance.

 

Take the whole Z-Tube off to inspect it, it's not too hard to get it off. If there is a tear in the tube, put your stock one back in and buy a used Z-tube off here.

 

I personally would take the Z tube off and inspect it from the bottom and from the inside. The only thing that I can think of that could have spliced is the rubber part, not the tube itself. Take a look at that. If it does need replacing, as Mmagic76 said, it'll be cheaper on the site or from a vendor in the States.

 

^+1 Exactly.
I would love to know if this is dealer BS!!!!

 

I agree too.

The Z tube is a pretty durable looking unit.

 

Thanks guys. The dealer patched it up (assuming they aren't bsing) and said it was fine for now. Unless replacing the throttle body requires looking/removing the tube, I don't see how its possible they could see under it, let alone why they are looking there...?

Do you think I can just go with it until my next scheduled maintenance (which will be done at Oakville) and have them check it out?

Or better yet, anyone in Toronto willing to meet up with me and take a look? I'm a complete mechanical noob and also have no tools. Will bring you a case of beer

 

To be fair, replacing the Throttle body would require the removal of the Z-tube.

However, the Z-tube itself only retails at around $100 CDN MAX in most GTA retailers...

 

I would shop around for a used Z-tube (used ones usually go for $60-$70) and replace your supposedly defective stock tube with it. Heck if we were having one of our mini meets and the weather was warmer, I'm sure one of the guys would show you how to change it there (it's a pretty simple change-out and doesn't take long)

 

Alright that sounds great! Thanks again for the advice everyone!

 

WOW $200
for a little more you can get a pop charger and another ztube.

 

Oh btw besides the crazy dealer markup, overall my first service experience with Agincourt was a positive one. Linda was very efficient, kept me in the loop on the status of the car, and had me in and out in the quoted time.

 

I had the same problem my car was only have like 18,??? something k..the dealer replaced for free..

 

The throttle body sensor right (or the sliced intake tube)?
Yeah the sensor problem was a little scary...couldn't accelerate with traffic around so quickly turned the engine off and turned it back on.