Section 257.144. Disposition of replaced parts.

(1) Upon completion of repairs, the facility shall, at the customer's request, reasonably clean the replaced parts that are to be returned or inspected by the customer. Portable parts shall be placed in a suitable container. Parts that are not portable shall be identified and stored in a suitable place in the facility for the customer's inspection. The facility shall not bar the customer from removing any heavy or large part by the customer's own means and expense.   If  the  facility  makes  a charge in connection with the return of replaced parts, the charge shall be disclosed to the  customer  in   writing  prior  to   engagement of  the facility.

(2)   For reasons of safety, the facility shall not be required  to  return gasoline tanks or any other container-type parts that have been filled with or otherwise been in appreciable contact with flammable fuels unless those parts are rendered nonflammable. If any returned part presents an actual danger of flammability or explosiveness, the facility shall  clearly inform the customer of that danger.

(3)   In the case of an undisputed transaction, replaced parts shall be held by the facility for not less than 2 business days after the delivery of the vehicle to the customer unless the customer has in fact authorized immediate disposition of the parts. Where there is a question or dispute raised by the customer within 2 business days with respect either to repairs or charges for repairs, the facility shall hold  the  replaced parts not returned to the customer until such time as  the  disputed   matter    is resolved. If the dispute involves a replaced part which the consumer has chosen not to remove from the facility, the  facility  shall,   in  the presence of the customer, immediately affix to  the part   in   question   a permanent mark sufficient to identify the part.

History: 1979 AC.