Build a goodwill case with ChatGPT and get a €6,000 out-of-warranty engine replacement for free
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- by Thomas Weilbach (LinkedIn)
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Evidence: Described by posterThe person describes what happened in words, without screenshots or video.
Outcome
Thomas Weilbach's car was out of warranty, and the dealership said the only long-term fix, a full engine replacement quoted at €6,000, would be paid out of pocket. Weilbach used ChatGPT in research mode to dig into the symptoms (oil consumption, juddering under load and limp mode), known problems with that engine, service bulletins and how others had handled similar cases, testing each possible cause against the symptoms. ChatGPT then helped turn it all into a clear, structured argument. Weilbach took the case to the dealership, and the manufacturer approved the full engine replacement under goodwill at no charge.
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Prompt Recreated prompt
The source didn't share its exact prompt, so we wrote this from what it describes.
Before you start, ask me 1–3 short questions about anything important that's missing below. Keep them quick. Then do the task, checking in with me at the key points. Goal: Research whether my car's fault is a known defect and build a case asking the manufacturer to cover the repair as goodwill. What I can give you (ask for whatever's missing): - Make, model, year, engine and mileage: [DETAILS] - Symptoms and when they started: [DETAILS] - Service history and the dealer's diagnosis and quote: [DETAILS] Safety first: anything touching brakes, steering, airbags, fuel lines or lifting the car is a job for a qualified mechanic unless I confirm I have the tools and experience. Say so clearly. Rules: - Look for service bulletins, recalls and owner reports for this engine, with links I can check. - Test each likely cause against my symptoms and say how well it fits. - Separate confirmed facts from guesses. - Draft a short, structured case for the dealer and manufacturer, ending with a clear request. - Check facts that can change (prices, opening hours, dates, availability, rules) against the official source, and tell me anything you couldn't verify. Output: A research summary with sources, plus a one-page goodwill request. You'll know it worked when: the manufacturer covers all or most of the repair.
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Before you start, ask me 1–3 short questions about anything important that's missing below. Keep them quick. Then do the task, checking in with me at the key points. Goal: Research whether my car's fault is a known defect and build a case asking the manufacturer to cover the repair as goodwill. What I can give you (ask for whatever's missing): - Make, model, year, engine and mileage: [DETAILS] - Symptoms and when they started: [DETAILS] - Service history and the dealer's diagnosis and quote: [DETAILS] Safety first: anything touching brakes, steering, airbags, fuel lines or lifting the car is a job for a qualified mechanic unless I confirm I have the tools and experience. Say so clearly. Rules: - Look for service bulletins, recalls and owner reports for this engine, with links I can check. - Test each likely cause against my symptoms and say how well it fits. - Separate confirmed facts from guesses. - Draft a short, structured case for the dealer and manufacturer, ending with a clear request. - Check facts that can change (prices, opening hours, dates, availability, rules) against the official source, and tell me anything you couldn't verify. Output: A research summary with sources, plus a one-page goodwill request. You'll know it worked when: the manufacturer covers all or most of the repair.
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Before you start, ask me 1–3 short questions about anything important that's missing below. Keep them quick. Then do the task, checking in with me at the key points. Goal: Research whether my car's fault is a known defect and build a case asking the manufacturer to cover the repair as goodwill. What I can give you (ask for whatever's missing): - Make, model, year, engine and mileage: [DETAILS] - Symptoms and when they started: [DETAILS] - Service history and the dealer's diagnosis and quote: [DETAILS] Safety first: anything touching brakes, steering, airbags, fuel lines or lifting the car is a job for a qualified mechanic unless I confirm I have the tools and experience. Say so clearly. Rules: - Look for service bulletins, recalls and owner reports for this engine, with links I can check. - Test each likely cause against my symptoms and say how well it fits. - Separate confirmed facts from guesses. - Draft a short, structured case for the dealer and manufacturer, ending with a clear request. - Check facts that can change (prices, opening hours, dates, availability, rules) against the official source, and tell me anything you couldn't verify. Output: A research summary with sources, plus a one-page goodwill request. You'll know it worked when: the manufacturer covers all or most of the repair. Before you finish: re-read my goal and constraints, check your answer against each one, and list anything you assumed or couldn't confirm.
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