Teknetics Customer Service and Repair

[eliisawolf]

So, I spoke to Teknetics about my coil issue (sudden falsing, erratic behavior- see post below if interested). I had a conversation yesterday with a real nice guy named Lupe who spent a lot of time going over my "symptoms" before indicating that it was very likely a coil problem. He suggested I send it in for a "field test" and then I assume a repair once the problem was confirmed.

Here is where the trouble started- he transferred me to another guy who was supposed to give me a repair number. I think he was on a cell phone, we had a bad connection, so he took my number and he said he was going to call me back shortly. Call never came. Not encouraging.

Fast forward to today- I called them back and was forwarded to another person who was pleasant. He asked for a serial number (which was not in the battery compartment where he said it would be) and then said I would need to send in the original receipt along with a description of the problem, etc. Of course, I don't have the receipt since I traded my Omega (which I bought new) for the G2 with someone else on the forum. His next statement is what really threw me- "well then they will charge you $55 an hour for the repair". Wow- I could get a used coil for that much and that is assuming that I would only be charged for an hour of labor, not to my mention my shipping cost. What if it takes 3 hours?

I did not expect the repair to be free, but this seems excessive. Is this typical for detector repairs? From what I understand problems like mine are not uncommon with the 11" coil, so I guess I thought they would make a reasonable effort to accomodate. $55 an hour with no assurances doesn't seem reasonable. Is my thinking out of line?

 

[Charles (Sabre)(Tx)]

Dave....Sorry to hear that you are having such difficulty with your problem. I sent my Fisher CZ-3D to FT last year with a broken salt/enhanced switch. I was NOT the original owner. I asked them to check the calibration also while they had it. Make a long story short...after talking to "Felix" and explaining my personal situation...he had the switch replaced, calibrated my unit and put on a new 10.5" coil for free. Don't know if they will do these things for everyone...but sometimes talking to the right person and getting them to understand sure makes the difference. They were very good to me.

I have a G2 with 2 coils (11" and 5"). They both work fine for me so I know they are good coils. I can send you one to try on your G2 just to check out for sure that your coil is the problem or not. I would just ask that you pay shipping both ways...to you and back to me. That might cost you $30-35...but you would know for sure that the coil is the problem. Then again...I know that the money spent on the shipping could have been used for another coil all together. You would probably be better off just taking a chance and buying another coil...preferably a used 5"? The 5" works very well with my G2 and is my coil of choice for it.

Just some thoughts and an offer. Let me know. Personally I'd give FT one more try and ask for Felix...he's been there a while and may be able to help you more.

Charles

 

[Charles (Sabre)(Tx)]

Dave...the Find's accessory classifieds has this for sale.

F/S Teknetics 11 in DD coil and lower rod
Posted by: canes12 [ Send a Message ]
Date: January 08, 2013 09:25AM
IP/Host: 64.12.116.---
Registered: 2 years ago
Posts: 68
11 inch DD coil with lower rod for Teknetics Greek Series machines -
Omega, Delta, etc. $ 75.00 and I ship UPS. Note: this coil has less
than 3 hrs usage.

Should work on the G2 also.

 

[Elton]

Not so different than for any other product on the market.

 

[cometguy]

The coil problem sounds like death by water. I went through the same thing getting mine fixed except I was the original owner. If it is death by water I think they should take care of it. The "waterproof" coil isn't. They know it and we know it. Can you say manufacturing flaw? I think even if you are the 33rd owner and they know they put something out that wasn't right they should take care of the problem. We all take a chance on a used detector but I find myself thinking about those with transferable warranties more and more. Let's hope Fisher gets on board with a warranty that moves with the machine. Let us know how it works out.

Don
HH

 

[eliisawolf]

Charles- thanks so much for the kind offer and the heads up on the coil for sale. I think if I invest in another coil I may look at the 5" or 5x10. In the meantime, I'll take you're advice and try to get in touch with Felix next week. Looks like you had a better experience than me.

Don- Thanks for the support. Interesting that you mention the water factor. The coil definitely hadn't been submerged or anything, but I do remember swinging all day in a lot of thick, very wet grass (pasture) one of the last times that I was out before the problem started . We'd either had rain or frost the night before and the ground was soaked. Perhaps that was the culprit.

Best,
Dave

 

[sgoss66]

Dave --

I have worked with Felix in the past. He's a good guy. In fact, I just talked to him today -- he's finishing up a minor repair on my Gold Bug Pro. Very professional. One thing I will tell you -- he told me this about 10 days ago, when I called to confirm that they had received my unit -- is that the flu hit those guys down there really bad. I think Felix told me he was off of work for much of the time from Christmas to New Years, as were several of the techs. He was very apologetic. He said they got behind as a result -- and I can confirm that they have had my unit longer than is typical (I sent in an F-70 for a repair a couple of years ago, and they were very quick getting it back to me, which seems to be the experience of most folks I talked to regarding First Texas' repairs department).

I have no idea what they will do for you, BUT -- I believe that it's at least possible that if you call and ask to speak to Felix, and then explain to him what happened, that he may work with you. I think he will likely be able to help you out in a way that is fair; while $55 an hour for a repair is not out of line for an hourly labor charge, there IS no repair that gets done to a coil, I'm almost sure. If a coil fails, I'm almost sure they will simply junk it, and have to send you a new one. I would THINK there would be no "labor" charge on it...not positive, though...maybe just a small "troubleshooting" fee? Anyway, I would bet he'll work with you on getting a new one...

By far, though, the EASIEST solution is to try another coil on the unit. If you borrow one, and that coil works, then obviously it IS a coil issue; you could then let Felix know that it's DEFINITELY a coil issue, as you tried a different one that worked, and ask him if there's any way he could help you get that coil replaced under warranty (mentioning that you bought a new Omega, and traded it for a G2, might help, too). Just my suggestions and thoughts...he may not be able to do it, but I'd at least ask.

You said you didn't know anyone with a G2 nearby, but keep in mind that DD coils for any of the Tek "Greek" machines (Gamma, Omega, etc.) work on the G2 also. If you know anyone with a Tek Omega or similar unit, you could maybe borrow one of their coils...

Just some thoughts.

Steve

 

[eliisawolf]

Steve- Thanks for all of the info and the solid advice. I had read on here many times in the past that the Tek people were good folks and you and Charles seemed to reiterate that. My first experience was mixed, but I will definitely try to get in touch again next week.

There are not any detectorists that I know nearby to try another Tek/Fisher coil, but there is a dealer about an hour away that may have something. If I find the time next couple days I will probably take a ride.

Thanks again,
Dave

 

[hershey1]

Calling Felix is a good idea. Where do you live? There may be someone closer than you think that could help. By the way I have never found a serial number on my G-2.

 

[Dave J.]

You don't know what's on the other end of that link. DON'T CLICK ON IT!

Mod, when you see it please ban that user forever. Thanks.

--Dave J.

 

[pasttom]

Hi Dave J, good advice on the spammer! It took me a minute to figure out that the post preceding was a spam. I am a little slow at times I guess. I would add for people to check the number of posts in the upper right corner it recognize spammers or help ID them. Also, on a PC you can put the cursor over the link and RIGHT mouse click then open the properties option at the bottom and see the URL address for that link without giving information the site. In most cases the advice to leave it alone is the best!
Tom

 

[Elton]

Beware of Links in messages ..... NOT GOOD !!!!!!

 

[eliisawolf]

Thanks to all of those who have helped and offered insight with my G2 problem. I did finally get a chance to speak to Felix at Teknetics- VERY nice guy. I mentioned that he was well regarded on this forum and that several of you suggested I get in touch. He definitely alleviated my concerns about multi-hour repair charges and I'm confident that all will work out amicably once the problem is diagnosed. They should have my coil in a day or so, but I'm not sure how long the typical wait time might be. I will keep you posted on the outcome.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[sgoss66]

This is great to hear, Dave.

Please let us know how it turns out...

Steve