1996 Saturn SL2 - purchased used in 1998 - battery draining - problem unresolved

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on August 2, 2002:

From:

RE: 1996 Saturn SL2 - purchased used in 1998 - battery draining - problem unresolved

Saturn SL2

I purchased a 1996 Saturn SL2 in 1998. I've constantly had problems with the car since I bought it (basically the same thing...somthing draining the battery). I've had to the dealership on several occasions, but they say they cannot find anything wrong with the car.

Apparently there is something wrong because when I go to start my car, it will not start (I have an alarm on my car also, and the doors will not even unlock...I have to manually unlock the door to get into it). Anyway, recently (Tuesday 7/30/02) I went down to the garage to go to work and the same thing happened. So I had to call someone I work with to give me a ride. In the meantime, I finally got hold of someone from Saturn (of Trevose, PA) and they had me call Pendell Towing, which I did. I had to leave my garage door unlocked. Tuesday, I called Saturn at least 10 times (if not more) and asked for someone to call me back...never to get a return call. At 4 PM I called back and the service tech I spoke with told me they were charging me $23.00 for the battery to be charged. I asked why and they said their tech told them I left my parking lights on all night. I advised that first of all, I just bought a brand new battery from them last year because the same thing happened then, and the last time I drove my car was Monday afternoon so why would I have to turn my lights on (not too mention, I have day-time running lights).

I always make sure I turn everything off in the car before locking and setting the alarm. If by chance I did leave the lights on, when the car door is open the car goes "ding, ding, ding" and who could not hear that! I stated that Saturday I was driving and someone advised me that my break lights were not working (only the top one worked) and when I checked them on Sunday (in my garage, with the door shut...they worked).

I stated that the tow truck guy could have accidentally turned the parking lights on since he had to get into my car to pull the car out of the garage (the car was pulled into the garage and not backed in). He said this is true, but I still have to pay the $23.00 because their tech said I left my lights on. I called back 2 minutes later and spoke with the general manager to explain the situation and as soon as I said my name, he said "oh, you're the one who left her lights on all night long". Needless to say, I re-explained the above to him and he still said I had to pay the $23.00 and I advised that I was leaving work now and I will be there to pick up my car.

When I got there, I went to the cashier who told me my bill was $97.98. I was confused so I asked for the general manager, who took me into the service area (embarrassed me) and told me they were charging me for towing because my "extended warranty" had expired. I asked why I was not notified, because I did not have any money on me (I had to borrow the $25.00). He said he just looked it up and found out. Is there something I can do, because this seems to be an on-going problem and because I am a female, I think they are taking advantage. Sincerely,

Helen Deegan

e-mail: Email User

2nd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19154