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You had paint chips and transmission issues, correct? How are things going these days? Any updates?
I admit, it is all very intimidating. I have service tickets, receipts from the car rental agency where they provided a car, the "final repair attempt" list with the Gm dist. rep's signature (he didn't even have them take it in for a try at repairing, just told me obviously I didn't need to keep this car and offered to let me trade it in), my notes and some other things.
I keep being told I can have witnesses and ask GM's person questions. I'm still trying to figure out what questions would be good to ask them. As far as witnesses, I don't the ones I really need would be able to get off work, so I'm hoping they will do the written statements.
The transmission issue is still there. There's a slight vibration that I feel all the way up to 60 mph or so almost like there is a slight miss in the engine. I kept being told it had to do with the transmission, but I think it might be in the suspension or tires. After asking several times, they finally checked the tire balance and all 4 were considerably out of balance. That took the vibration down some, but the slight one is still there.
There is a ticking/tapping sound coming from the front of the car. I can hear it inside the car. It started early on but has gotten more and more consistent. They say they can't hear it and it's normal sounds. Funny that my sister and others can hear it.
The heater/AC is still acting up. The other day the AC went from blowing on recirculate to blowing with outside air. Don't know why, but then it went back to recirculate.
The doors are misaligned and they haven't fixed them. And there are some other things. I'd like to enjoy driving my Impala, but so far things have not been fun.
The car would vibrate back and forth (on flat or incline levels) when i ease of gas pedal, they said this was perfectly normal for this car and if the car is on an incline and rocks back and forth this is normal for the transmission. I told them about car seems like it slightly misses when flooring it, and was told it was fine and the transmission shifts rougher than any GM car ive drive at low speeds and was told that was normal by the dealership. So when they test drive the car aggresive it shifts smooth, but when driven normally with a light amount of gas like normal people drive it shifts rough and they just cant seem to catch it.
The ticking sound form passenger compartment is from a coolant pipe they will have to replace and it will still give a slight ticking sound afterwards.
OTHER PROBLEMS
A random chime will go off when the radio is on sometimes, can be heard if audio is muted and will only go away if turn signal is activated or if the radio is turned off for 10+ mins. (CANT REPLICATE)
Parking brake doesnt hold for reverse, but will not let car roll foward (WAS TOLD THIS IS NORMAL TOO)
Intermitt. problems with power steering being very heavy at times (CANT REPLICATE)
Remote start still doesnt have good range when approaching from the side of car, 20 ft at best sometimes
IF you go to http://www.alldata.com , you will see all the TSB's for the 06 model, so if they dont fix them, i would recommend you trade car for 08 imapla where they have seemed to work out the bugs by now or a 08 malibu v6, because most of the items you have listed will be at your expense to fix once the 3/36 warranty runs up on the car. As you can see with some GM dealers, if the problem in not in a manual that says its a problem, they will just consider it normal.
Just remember me in about 30 minutes (2:00 p.m. central). I'll let you know how things went first of next week.
I thought it was just introduced in 2006?
Is the 3.6L Aura engine generally considered better?
Another odd thing was that on the test drive, since there were only 4 comfortable seats, she told my witness he had to stay in the office, but took the General Motors rep and his witness (who was my service advisor). I asked a question about whether she heard something or not and she said she couldn't answer or discuss what she felt/heard. But, later when she was checking for the stiff steering, she asked the other two twice if there was anything they wanted her to try. The second time she added, because I can tell you the steering is really stiff. The GM rep suggested his witness try driving the car because he had an Impala just like it and see what he thought. . . and she let him, although she stepped out of the car. When I asked if I got to drive his car to see if it was the same to me, she said no, this was their chance to see on the test drive. . . you'd think he'd had enough chances all the times it had been in the service dept. He said that he felt what I was talking about and then said something about the steering fluid getting hot as you drove and expanding like that was causing it, but later back in the office he testified that it was "exactly" the same as his. I can tell you, I've never had a power steering that went stiff when you were trying to parallel park and cause me to almost hit a car before. And there is a metallic sound sometimes when pulling into/out of parking spaces. I can't imagine they all do this.
When I told them the rep offered me to trade in, later he said I asked the sales manager about it. Thankfully I had my witness with me that was also with me during the conversation and could refute that. The sales manager barely said anything during the whole meeting, and I wasn't looking to trade-in. I may have scored some points when I asked them why they did not try to fix anything during their final repair attempt and he said they'd seen it before and hadn't found anything then so didn't see a reason to look again. I made the point, how could they know it wouldn't show up that time since it was intermittent on some things.
Anyway, there's lots more, but enough of the book. I'll let you know when I get hear the decision.
Of course, one of the main complaints that is intermittent waited until I was on the way home to present itself. Due to heavy traffic and limited speed, some things could not be noticed.
My transmission causes a bouncing/vibration feeling around the shift into overdrive if you are not punching it, or if you have to maintain the 35-40 mph because of speed limits. Service said it was tranny not know what gear to be in. I was honest that they said they could change the shift points, but I'd lose gas mileage. She wanted to know if I ever let them do it and I said no that it seemed more a suggestion than a solution. I had said earlier that I felt that would just change the speed where the problem occurs. Don't know if that hurt me or not.
Of course, when I said something about the vibration, she said I couldn't talk about vibrations, I could only talk about bouncing because it wasn't worded that way on the list of issues.
The first of last week when I was checking fluids again, I discovered that almost all the fluid is gone out of my coolant reservoir. There is only a little bit in the tank where it dips down. Don't know where that went because a couple of weeks before that, there was fluid in it.
I had the spark plugs changed on my 2000 earlier this summer, and ever since I've had sort of a missing/bucking sensation whenever the car is lugged down somewhat (especially when going uphill and trying to maintain a speed in that 35-40 mph range you mentioned). I'm pretty sure mine is related to the plugs (I plan to replace them as soon as the weather cools down a little), but I'd be curious to know if you've had your plugs replaced recently...if so, then that might be related to your problem...if not, then maybe my problem is transmission related instead. But mine is very pronounced and obvious to anyone riding in the car, and I can pretty much induce it at will (having the AC on and going uphill at about 35 mph usually does the trick).
Does that sound anything like what you're experiencing?
I've only had it a year and has just over 21,000 miles on it so it is not due plugs yet.
I now have to go back and ask for a modification and give supporting documentation as to why I think it should be modified. The kicker is that the BBB guy said that would add 2-3 weeks to the process, but that I have to either accept or reject the decision within 14 days. I asked how that could possibly work since I won't know if I want to accept or reject until I know if the modification will be made or not because that would affect my decision. He said I still had to do it within the 14 day window. What a hassle, I should have just sued to start with.
Clark
I know it is not quite the same, but if you bought a microwave that was expected to last for years but stopped working while under warranty and the manufacturer wouldn't or couldn't fix it, would you take it back and expect replacement free of charge or would you think it right for them to charge you a fee for the months you used it? It's the same principle although the $$$ amounts are vastly different.
I would never have contracted with a dealer to pay $4300+ for a year of car rental or lease which is what this amounts to.
Clark
The BBB, I would guess, is going to do everything to protect their reputation while also not stepping on "toes" of members. About twelve years ago, I dealt with a flooring dealer through the BBB. All that they really did was send a letter asking him to respond. When he didn't he was supposed to be given a negative report if someone called. It never happened. When I questioned that, they told me that he had been a "good" member for so long that they hated to lose him. What about the customers they were supposed to offer peace of mind to? In other words, my confidence in the BBB went way down. I would never trust a positive report without also checking with someone else.
It sounds to me like they are trying to straddle the fence. It would give GM a settlement that really doesn't cost them. The car will be considered a buy back, it is likely to be re sold, and you paid them mileage. Go figure. (Yes, I did have a GM buyback at their offering once and jumped at the chance. However, in addition to the leak that the dealer couldn't repair from day one of ownership- a month in I had a wreck that caused extensive damage. When the leak was still there after the months in the repair shop for the accident, I was thrilled to pay them a few thousand dollars to get rid of it.) I would hesitate, though, when the problem was truly a manufacturing issue. However, I can also tell you that court will probably end up being a costly option. (Experience relates back to the flooring issue.)
If you end up keeping the car, have you considered going to another dealer to have it checked out? That was actually one of the suggestions of the cust. serv. rep that I dealt with. (I like my dealership and told them that they were not the problem-----it was and is the car AND TIRES. (See the Impala wheels and tires forum and earlier posts here.) I have also had the power steering issue---completely lost. Thank goodness not on a major thoroughfare.
I wish you well, but as I see it you are not dealing with a situation that is going to result in anything better than the BBB is going to offer. I would imagine a trip to court would cost you more than they want for "usage." (Don't count on GM having to pay it either. My flooring guy paid the court costs, but my attorney fees ate up the judgment. It was worth every bit though to prove that I would prevail in the adversity with big business.)
Our lemon law says that I can recoup reasonable expenses if I sue and win in court. I'm not sure what that would amount to, but there are "lemon law lawyers" that say they accept what the court awards for expenses. Of course, there might be other expenses to develop evidence that might not be included and I would have to try to recover. I don't know if they would amount to more than the $4300+.
If I reject the BBB decision, I can use the decision in court if I wish, and that is spelled out as well in the decision paperwork. Normally it would be of benefit to GM in a case where someone lost in the arbitration and then filed suit. It should be to my benefit if I decided to go that route.
I agree with Chuck that it is a lose-lose situation that they seem to be presenting right now. I'm going to check further and see if this guy is telling me right. I can't see how anyone could be expected to make a decision while there is still an open issue. I'm going to ask for it in writing just in case. As if that would do me any good. I have my modification request ready to send and am waiting for a call-back on this issue before sending it.
I'll get back and let you know what I find out. If nothing else, as you said, it is certainly a lesson.
Clark
So, on the 8th my request was sent back to the arbitrator for her consideration. They didn't say how long she had to turn it around, but I'm sure it is a set time, and I would not think it would be too long. She can either make an adjustment or deny it. I'll let everyone know how that goes when I hear. Wish me luck.
Clark
Thx!
Be patient when you're putting this back together. Getting the air box back together can be a pain but eventually, you'll get the hang of it and it'll pop right into place. Again, it's much easier if you take the "extra" time and remove that air hose in the beginning.
flex fuel option. i run sunoco 89 octane and get 16.5mpg in all city driving, 28mpg all highway. and 20-22 for combined driving. my guess would be to add 1-2mpg. as far as the car is concerned. i love this vehicle to death. the 3900 engine has plenty of kick, especially when getting on the freeway. bose sound system is crystal clear and can be quite loud with no distortion or rattles. x-m is a must just to get opie and anthony show, formatted stations are quite good. the LTZ is a very solid,quiet, confidence inspiring vehicle. two thumbs up jim
I had been having problems with my Intermediate Steering Shaft (ISS) for some time now. I originally noticed it around 25K miles but had been putting off getting it serviced because it's a common problem and on my last car ('02 Monte Carlo SS), it was considered a maintenance issue and nothing was done. But, about two weeks ago, I noticed my car was starting to start a little harder than normal. I had heard this before (on my last car as well) and was pretty sure it was the same problem. Last time it was a defective battery that had lost a cell. When that happens, everything electrical in the car seems to work fine but the car just doesn't have the power to "turn over" or start. It got progressively worse over the week and I decided I was going to take it in on Monday. So, of course, it stranded me on Sunday. :P I got to put OnStar to use and found that for 2 out of 2 times, the GPS function didn't work when I needed it too. Last time, the GPS was broken. This time, I was parked in a drive thru so I'll give them a pass. Aside from the GPS issue, OnStar worked great. They gave me 30 complimentary minutes to use for any phone call I might want to make while waiting for service to arrive, service did arrive in 26 minutes, the jump start did the trick although the car did die as soon as he removed the cables. He re-jumped the car and I was off (and was able to make it home and restart the next morning).
In my service visit, I had the ISS replaced which is significant (which I go into more detail with in the steering/suspension thread), the battery replaced (defective), and also asked for them to check on my heated seats shutting off intermittently (they attributed to the battery problem), and my A/C making a moaning/whirring sound (which they said they couldn't duplicate).
All in all, I was satisfied with the quality of the work performed but terribly disappointed by the customer service received. I was originally bringing the car to them for the battery only and when I made the call, was offered the drop off/pick up shuttle service. I don't like being left stranded without a car but I put my trust in them. When I arrived at the dealership 15 min. after agreeing to this, I was told by the service manager that they may have to drop me off with my own car! I was just a BIT agitated, especially with today's fuel prices. After about 10 minutes of coordinating, they were able to pull their shuttle van out of service since they had not started working on it. POOR communication and organization on their part, to say the least.
Next, I discussed what needed to be done to my car. I explained that my primary concern was the battery. They then asked if I had any other problems. I said if they had time, but I understood if they didn't since this was a walk-in, that I also had the ISS issue, the heated seats, A/C, and also mentioned a TSB about the dash popping/clicking (which never got acknowledged). They enterred them all into the computer and I again stated that I was mostly concerned about the battery for that day and would be happy to schedule another visit for the other problems. They assured me everything would be fine, pulled the shuttle van around, and took me back to work.
At 4 PM, I had not heard from them so I called to check the status of my vehicle. The tech on the phone said he was unsure of the status but would check. He put me on hold for approx 5 min (seriously) and then apologized and said he couldn't find the person working my car but would find the status and call me back. I get off work at 4...so I'm in need of transportation. I wait 10 minutes...nothing...call back and get the same treatment. I wait another 10 minutes, call back, and let them know that I am stranded at work and I either need my car or a rental. It's now 4:45 and their rental partner closes at 5. I am told they will work it out and call me right back. I wait 10 minutes...you guessed it...nothing. I call back and get told that they should've called me. I ask for the number and call the rental company...no answer. I call the dealership and tell them and they put me hold while they try it. Finally, while I'm on hold with them, the rental company calls me.
But, due to the contract they hold with the dealership, they are required to rent only GM vehicles to their customers and the only thing they have available is a cargo van...two seats. Not good with a family of four. I spend another ten minutes explaining to the rental agent that it won't work and he will need to discuss it with the dealership to get them to waive the requirement. They finally decide to come "pick me up" (guess which company) and arrive at 5:40 (again, I get off work at 4). By the time I get taken back to the rental office, they have located a GM vehicle, a Chevy Aveo with low tire pressure. Otherwise, a decent car for what it is. I get the pressure to buy the supplemental insurance which I feel the dealership should offer as part of their inconvenience to me, especially since I didn't ask for any of this. Also, as I mentioned above, I wasn't offered any explanation of the service that was performed on my car. I think that is a major faux pax.
I have dealt with this dealership twice now for service and will likely seek service elsewhere next time. Their location is convenient but the customer service is terrible. The last time I visited, I had dirty hand prints all over my interior. When I mentioned it (calmly in an email to the service manager), I was offered a car wash. :mad:
This turned into more than just a feedback about the service but I guess I just needed to vent. I'll probably use this as part of another email to the service and general manager of the dealership. They came under new ownership about two years ago and initially seemed committed to improving customer relations. It is apparent that now it doesn't matter to them. I don't know if the upper management is aware but if not, they should be.
Anyway, if anyone else is having problems with the ISS or battery in their '06 or newer Impalas, please post!
Please note the model year of your car, whether it is factory original or if you had any replacement work done, and whether or not you're satisified with the quality of the sound as it is now.
Disregarding the hiss, my main complaint is the quality of the sound. Although at first impression it does sound very good, there is a level in the upper mid-range that is non-adjustable with the three levels, that seems to resonate terribly for me. This is not a problem with any other stereo/headphone/etc that I listen to and makes it impossible for me to enjoy listening to this system at reasonably high volumes.
I have seen others mention the same issues with their Bose systems here but they don't necessarily seem widespread. I understand the issue sound quality may be due to personal taste but the residual hiss is objective. If others could verify whether their systems have that remaining hiss (either after service or straight from the factory), it would be a big help to those of us trying to rectify this issue. I'm hoping that their may be a newer amp that was introduced after my stereo was serviced that may also address the sound quality. While I can't expect a service manager to hear how those particular tones resonate in my head, I can expect them to hear the hiss. If I can make them fix the hiss and fix the other problem at the same time, I will be MUCH happier with my car and be able to enjoy listening to music in it once again.
Thanks in advance to anyone who will help! :sick:
I had a problem with the ISS on my '06 LT2 when it had about 1000 miles on it. It now has approximately 18,000 without any additional problem or recurrence. To the best of my knowledge, all they did was lube the ISS. I hope it doesn't crop up again. Good luck on your other issues. By the way, I haven't heard anything regarding Wanda's appeal to the BBB on her lemon-law replacement. Have you?
Clark
Our Bose system is still working A1 OK and I'm sorry to hear you are still having problems.
You said you were going to do a comparison test with new cars in the Dealer lot. Did you ever get to do this?