New Part or Hokey? - 02 XC70

Post by **scot850** » 10 Sep 2024, 23:36

So to try help with the diagnostics on this car, I ordered an Intermotor cam position sensor from Rock Auto on clearance.

The part finally arrived tonight a day late. It arrive in a box with a crank sensor also from Intermotor.

First thing I noticed was the box for the cam position sensor was really beaten up and looked like it had been opened. On opening it I got a real surprise. It was a Volvo part in the box made by OEM supplier Denso. The part number is an older part number that has been changed up so the part must be old. I did a quick resistance test comparison with the original in the car and this and they were identical. So either are both bad or good. Part looks clean, the O'ring (which the original out of the did not have) does look new.

On the other hand the crank position sensor (also Intermotor) is in a sealed bag in a box that looks pristine.

: Box as it arrived

: One of a few labels on the box

: Contacts look like they may have been used

The dampness is contact cleaner trying to clean up the contacts.

: Volvo info on part

I refitted the original as it has tested ok as far as I know and no different to this one. I will contact Rock Auto for clarity.

Neil.

Post by **BlackBart** » 11 Sep 2024, 10:25

“New Old Vintage” NOV

Post by **br0dy519** » 11 Sep 2024, 10:35

I got this with a purge valve from them. genuine volvo, worked fine.

Post by **scot850** » 11 Sep 2024, 13:05

Thanks for the info guys. I'll lean to the maybe ok, and put the original back in. This can sit on the shelf for now!

Rock Auto as normal are unhelpful. Basically said the part was on clearance and so no warranty?? I can find no reference to that on their site. It stated in the delivery paperwork 30 days returnable. Problem is the cost to return is higher than I paid for it. There was no other SMP/Intermotor options at the time, but this part is now available but not on clearance. I'm not willing to waste another $50 to buy one of those to see what is in the box!!

Neil.

Post by **BlackBart** » 11 Sep 2024, 14:00

I think RockAuto is a bunch of warehouses with overstock or random parts supplies. If your number triggers a match to something in their system, it sends it to you. If you're lucky and it is the correct, new part, you can get a deal. But I'm sceptical. And as you say, there are no people on the other end of the phone.

Post by **kcodyjr** » 11 Sep 2024, 14:12

Contacts have definitely been used.

Someone bought a new part, put their old one in the box, and returned it to get their money back.

Someone at RockAuto screwed up and didn't notice, or didn't care.

You got blatantly ripped off and I'd be lighting up the Better Business Bureau's phones like a Christmas tree.

Post by **br0dy519** » 11 Sep 2024, 15:12

kcodyjr wrote: ↑11 Sep 2024, 14:12 Contacts have definitely been used.

Someone bought a new part, put their old one in the box, and returned it to get their money back.

Someone at RockAuto screwed up and didn't notice, or didn't care.

You got blatantly ripped off and I'd be lighting up the Better Business Bureau's phones like a Christmas tree.

Never thought of this. Maybe I got lucky.

On the clearance thing, yes maybe you bought a "closeout" item. It's stated on there the warranty thing. There's ways to work around Rockauto shenanigans. I always pick up my stuff in Detroit, and have learned that having a different county as a ship-to vs. bill-to has caused issues. I use paypal now to avoid that.

Post by **scot850** » 11 Sep 2024, 23:19

I had not had any issues until the last 2 purchases. It is unfortunate. I generally stick to known brand stuff like brakes and shocks from there.

Neil.

Post by **jonesg** » 12 Sep 2024, 01:49

br0dy519 wrote: ↑11 Sep 2024, 15:12
kcodyjr wrote: ↑11 Sep 2024, 14:12 Contacts have definitely been used.

Someone bought a new part, put their old one in the box, and returned it to get their money back.

Someone at RockAuto screwed up and didn't notice, or didn't care.

You got blatantly ripped off and I'd be lighting up the Better Business Bureau's phones like a Christmas tree.
Never thought of this. Maybe I got lucky.

On the clearance thing, yes maybe you bought a "closeout" item. It's stated on there the warranty thing. There's ways to work around Rockauto shenanigans. I always pick up my stuff in Detroit, and have learned that having a different county as a ship-to vs. bill-to has caused issues. I use paypal now to avoid that.

you have more clout using a credit card, i never buy from paypal vendors if possible.
if a bank will not do business with a vendor neither would I.

Post by **scot850** » 12 Sep 2024, 14:52

I refitted the original and so far, so good! I only use a credit car as Paypal seems to have many issues not wanting to pay people for some reason.

Neil.