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You mentioned that they replaced some hydraulic cylinders. I haven't look at the mechanics of the top too closely, are is there actually a hydraulic system in there?? I'd just seen the electric motors from my quick look.
Good luck!
I have done a bit of mechanical stuff and have a pretty good logic about mechanical things. I think the real problem is that dealers do not anyone that really knows the system. Also, this problem has something to do with driving the car on the road and not testing in the shop. These guys told the wife they had the top up and down multiple times and even kept the car an extra day to do more up and down testing. I believe them about that. But the last two times I got it out of the shop, once the car was driven on the hi-way then the top would not function. Is there something about a voltage problem too high on the hydraulic pump? Maybe a short in a sensor wire some where? I have no idea. I do think that for some reason the pressure gets too high in the system and blows a seal in a cylinder. Whatever it is, I think they are fixing the result of the problem and do not know the actual problem. I also think there is some kind of system reset, on this last time they did not actually replace anything according to the invoice. It says they adjusted all four locking points and added a shim. It didn't even say anything about filling the fluid or replacing a cylinder. I found that strange as the svc manager had told us that the hydraulic fluid was empty again. The invoice does say that they "bled" the hydraulic system.
I thought about the lease option, but around here I have heard too many horror stories about people turning in a car and 6 months later getting a bill per the lease agreement saying they had to replace "normal wera items" such as tires, brakes, etc. In one of these cases the guy had replaced the tires 3 weeks before the car was turned in. As long as you lease another vehicle things seem to be fine. But if you don't they seem to want to charge you for the "prep" for them selling the car.
I will keep the group informed on my progress.
I also had the "shaking" problem you talk about. My dealer does have free oil changes every 5000 miles for the life of the vehicle. That also is the millage for tire rotation and balance. so much for anything free. I mentioned the problem, sometimes it is better after a tire rotation/balance, some times not. But, it always comes back. I do think it is a desgn problem some where, but have just learned to live with it until something happens.
The GM rep called at 5 til 5pm on Wednesday. The wife was about to give up on her as the main problem through this whole mess has been no one keeping us informed of the status on the car.
On Wednesday the rep kept talking about how GM and Pontiac wanted to do the right and make her happy, etc. She said the dealer thought they were on the right track. My thouhts are that it is about time.
The dealer called Friday and said the car was ready. The wife went to pick it up and the service manager says all the stuff about it is fixed now and all. Then proceeds to tell her, "If you want to get out from under this car, this is what you need to do. The car has 26K miles on it now. When you get 36,001 miles come in and we can get you into another car", RIGHT. First that would get them off the hook for the 7yr/100K extended bumper to bumper warranty they sold me when I bought the car. Second, GM would be off the hook since the bumper to bumper 3yr/36K warranty would be gone. That would just leave the 5yr/100K powertrain warranty. that is, if it is transferable. I am not sure about that. All of this is me talking, not the service manager, about the warranties that is. I guess me buying another car at 36,001 miles would be a great answer for the dealership, but what about the poor customer that buys it used?
The GM rep called the wife Friday afternoon and asked if the top was working now? The wife told her it was, but a big "clunk" when the top hit the windshield frame when putting the top up. I drove it for the first time today and the wife was right about the clunk, but I don't think it is excessive. We will just have to wait and see. The also makes more or a "creaking" noise going down than it did before. Again, we will have to wait and see.
The GM rep asked the wife what to would take to make her happy, that GM and Pontiac wanted her as a return customer. To be honest, we do not have the attitude of never buy another Pontiac or GM car due to this. Things do happen and there can be problems with a car from any maker. What makes the difference is how the maker handles it. I think th secret is t get a problem to GM/Pontiac instead of the dealer. Most dealer are there to make money, period. Unless you have some kind of special clout with a dealer I would not expect too much from them on a re-occurring problem.
To get back to the GM rep, the wife told her what would make her happy. First, she does what another car. We gave the dealer that option. I don't remember if I mentioned it but the dealer treated us like we bought a car we were not happy with. The service manager turned us over to, I assume, their best salesman, you know the type. any way in the end the deal was not only would they give us 4,500.00 less than the loan balance, but the price for the new car did not include the 2,000.00 for the extended warranty I paid for this car. If that isn't bad enough they wanted 2000.00 more for the new car than I paid for this one a year ago. In the end it would have cost us about 12,000.00 for them to "HELP" us. I don't think so, not in this lifetime. I was born in the dark, but it was not last night. the wife and I have been buying new cars since 1968. You learn a little in that time. Besides, who is to say a new one would not have the same problems. No, I have the remainder of the factory 3yr/36K bumper to bumper and the 7yr/100K extended. I put a lot of miles on a car as I drive about 80 miles to and from work. the wife and I have decided I will not drive the G6 to work. She puts about 5K a year on a car so it should go close to the 3yrs. Then I have the extended warranty. Sorry for taking so long to get to it, what we want that is from GM.
The wife told the rep she wanted the top operating part of the car covered for as long as we own the car because it is an existing condition that Pontiac and GM are aware of. that is lain from the posts here. Also the extended warranty plan requires a $100.00 deductible per service. The wife explained that because the dealer checked the car out of the system before she picked it up it would have cost us 600.00 if we were under the extended warranty. Also that we would be provided with a loner for problems related to the top as long as we owned the car. The GM rep is calling back next week with an answer but said it sounder fair to her. We will see when she calls back next Wednesday. I will keep the group posted on it.
vagator
I have another problem. When I get into traffic where I slow down to say 5-10 mph, when I hit the gas there is a slight lag then a clunk from the tranny.
I feel the tranny is getting damaged. Too bad that Pontiac is using old technology that does not work well in this car. By now you would think they know how to make a silky smooth tranny.
The car is a disappointment since it does not excell in any area. Laying claim to being the least expensive does not do any good if its also the poorest built and engineered.
I guess getting rid of it before 36K or 3 yrs would be best for most people due to reliability and needing the car on the road. I have a bit of an advantage there. Besides the G6 I also have a mini-van, Jeep cherokee, 2 full size vans, and a motorcycle. No, I think they will be working on this one for 7 yrs or 100K miles. I think the dealer would love for me to take a bath on it. But then they would pass it on to some customer as a used car. I also think GM will figure out the top problems eventually and fix it right. With just the wife driving it, she puts about 5K a year on her car, I will get the full 3 yrs of factory warranty. If it gets to be a real pain, after the convertiable thing wears off for the wife, I will just use it as a hardtop. I know it isn't the ideal situation, but it better than taking a big loss of dollars. I am also stubborn enough that I have decided they ARE going to keep working on it until it is right. The dealer can take it up the a*s on the labor cost.
As for the hesitation I am thinking it is due t the servo that operates the fuel body. I haven't really looked at the setup but most cars today use servos instead of a cable to open the fuel body valve. It also may be due to the EPA stuff. It may be designed not to dump gas too fast to keep emissions down.
I can't help you on the tranny. Actually, I wish they would put a 5 or 6 speed manual in there. I think it would be better on gas and more fun to drive. About the gas mileage, I have the 3.5 v-6 and seem to get better mileage than most I read about here. I get around 24 in town, and 28-31 on the hi way. I do use the cruise almost all the time on the hi way. I know what you mean about the technology. I am an ole "GOAT" guy. I loved those cars. But then GM went with the same cars with different nameplates , what a shame. With the exception of top problems, the wife has been pretty happy with the car. If they would put a 350 small block V-8, RWD, and a 5 speed in it I would be a happy camper. But then they would want 50K for one I guess.
Good Luck,
gator
there is just too much compromise in the G6 HTC. I have the larger engine and get 23ish hiway and 17 ish in town.
But it is not a quick car. The stereo radio and speaker system plain ole sucks.
They could have made this into a halo car for a couple of grand more. I looked at new tires that would be more performance oriented. Most everything is.
but it is what it is.
New, out the door, leather and every option it was sub $30k, including the $0 deductible extended warrantee from GM. That is less than the first year's depreciation on a new Vette or a new M3. I look at it this way... I just passed my one year anniversary of ownership, so if I had bought the M3 or similar, I would be down the same amount of money....the G6 is free from here on out.
New, out the door, leather and every option it was sub $30k, including the $0 deductible extended warrantee from GM. That is less than the first year's depreciation on a new Vette or a new M3. I look at it this way... I just passed my one year anniversary of ownership, so if I had bought the M3 or similar, I would be down the same amount of money....the G6 is free from here on out.
Like I said, If they can get the top fixed right I have no other gripes with the car. It is fun to drive and I didn't expect a vette or a muscle car. I have the tan leather and love it. my biggest problem has been with the dealer trying to get me to buy another for more than I paid a year ago and wanting me to pay 4,000 + on the loan on this car. I wish you continued good luck with your.
I have to say this has been my favorite car ever (at least so far). I love having a HTC and I have never had more compliments on a car I have owned. Most people are so shocked if the top is up and I put it down. They say, "I didn't know it could do that! That is so cool." I love the look of the car, top up or down. I did lease it to play it safe. But if it continues to run well I'll be buying a new one when the lease is up!
As said before, we like the car, except for top problems and it was over a year before problems started. The car does a lot of attention when people see the hardtop go up or down.
Best of Luck
I for one, would appreciate your refraining a post if it is just more bashing. It has been suggested you get rid of the car and you won't do that either. :confuse:
Honestly, I, for one, don't want to hear it anymore?!
If they fix it, fine tell us about it. There are a lot of happy folks with their G6 Hard Top Convertibles, let's hear from them now! :mad:
Love it still and people still comment on it. Chicago here so has been through all seasons... Love the car no problems at all...
Joe
On the positive side, zero problems with my car. The great thing about G6 convertibles is they seem rare. I've owned mine for a year, and I still have not seen another one on the road, at least not with its top down. People still pull up at lights and say, "nice car" or "what kind of car is that?" (Always when the top is down, which is 95% of the time.)
A "less" minor problem. I "assumed" my black on black GT would match ALL the pix. However, I failed to note that the black side molding was not on my car.... Found out after signing it off.... Actually was told by dealer parts folks that not only was there NO molding for a G6 HDTPConv in 2007 but never made available. Just found out that molding DID come on the 2006 models. Service/Parts actually told me that the brochures "lie" and I should not have paid attention to them...
Other than that, I thoroughly enjoy the car in all other aspects. Also own a Grand National ( '87 ) a C-4 Vette - two Del sols for play and a Malibu Maxx. ALL others have far less if any road noise problems !!!!
Other than that--
but it is a nice daily drive. And I see many on the road.
I looked at the BMW and for around 20k in difference I made the judgement it was not worth it.
But I stil think Pontiac shoudl have a better tranny and better mileage especially in this day and age. The Stero is a product of the bean counters and they could have offered an upgrade and as well an MP3 jack.
to those that don't like negative things posted, i hope they never have problems. I came back to this group to see if my problem was rare as the dealer kept saying, and found it wasn't. If you back in the group far enough you will see my first posts from when i got the G6. I must say that I don't understand someone not wanting to hear about problems they may have in the future. I don't think I have been THAT negative. The forum as a whole has a high rating of the car and positive posts.
I really don't understand it. But with that said, there are some that are paid by product makers to try and keep negative posters about their. But that is neither here or there. My top is still working good so far. BTW, t is covered by the 3yr/36,000 mile warranty.
vagator
When I suggested that the service manager AND the sales managers go to this site, they were initially reluctant to do so. However, once they saw the large number of comments on the G-6 top, attitudes changed immediately. The Owner of the Dealership asked that I do NOT send any negative dealership comments in on my GM requested survey. The car is in the shop. They now admit to hearing the "noise" and acknowledge a problem with the top. To date they "re aligned" the moldings along both sides of the the roof, one side off to the degree that water leaks would be evident. I have a "loaner" for the duration and will see just what answers they will come up with in order to address the malfunctioning of the top. Will let everyone know.....
Have a good day
Besides this, no other issues with the car. The top works each time. Gas mileage around town isn't good (14 or 15), but highway is acceptable (26).
Now that it is getting colder I am beginning to hear more rattles in the top.
I know GM can build a real good car--my 99 vette is fantastic. But now 7/8 years later it appears GM is not progressing and learning on design, engineering and customer service.
I bought this car using the GM rebate card which I am no longer using. Do not want to be locked into a GM car.
Those of you with G6 GTP... do you have the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A? These are "summer" performance tires. A hard rubber compound, larger tread blocks. Designed for stability, control... not snow and ice.
You should consider moving to an all-season tire.
Put the same tires on the G6 and any other FWD car and it will do just as well.
Now for those of you upset that GM put a summer tire on GTP's, that's a hard tradeoff for them. If they put all-seasons on, the people in the south who want serious handling and drive aggressively will call the tire choice mushy. If they put a summer tire on, northerners complain about snow traction.
Every buyer has different tastes when it comes to tires - I wish there was a way the manufacturers could ship the cars without tires and install them according to customer taste at time of purchase.
For those of you running the 225/50-18 size and needing snow traction, these would do very well for you:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Bridgestone&tireModel=Blizzak+L- M-25&partnum=25HR8BZLM25&vehicleSearch=true&fromCompare1=yes&place=0&speed_ratin- g=S&speed_rating=T&speed_rating=U&speed_rating=H&speed_rating=V&speed_rating=Z&s- peed_rating=W&speed_rating=Y&speed_rating=(Y)&minSpeedRating=S
They're a real winter tire. Which means twice a year you'd have to swap them with your other tires, but the cost isn't great, and the benefits during winter are tremendous. Plus your tires will last twice as long, considering you only use them part of the year.
Or you could switch to an all-season tire.
Check with tirerack.com for alternatives--a few months ago all that was available was the OE tire--now there are several alternatives. All upgrades.
I do not think that with fwd one needs to change to a specific winter tire.
But tirerack rates the tires for you so you can make your own choice
has anybody upgraded the tire yet?
My top is still working so far. The wife is working with GM to get the top stuff covered for as long as I own the car. So far the dealer just wants to go 7yrs/100K miles. That is what I have with the extended warranty anyway. The only thing they are REALLY offering is to pay the 100.00 deductible and provide a loaner. We will see how it all works out in the end.
Good Luck,
VaGator
Christine
And for the record my top has started rattling as well, primarily on the drivers side. I haven't taken it to the dealership yet. However, when I do I will be taking along the information from these postings. Thanks to everyone for their postings.
I was also curious if anyone is having a problem with the fan & temperature controls. The "auto" mode on the fan knob works sporadically and the temperature setting doesn't seem real accurate. I can have it set for 70 degrees in the "auto" mode and it won't shut off when it reaches temp. And sometimes the "auto" mode won't work at all; I'll have to turn the heat/cool on/off manually.
Other than the rattling top and the flaky temperature controls, I have been very happy with my new car!
As far as the temp controls, I don't know what to tell you. Everything is controled by computer these days so who knows what is up. :confuse:
We didn't get extended, maybe we should have. I'll let everyone know what happens. Thanks for the interest. Giff2
The dealer offered to pay the deductible on extended for 7 years or 100K on top problems. The wife is not happy and still working on it.
Merry Christmas to all,
va gator
Thanks for your imput!!!
Rattle/ticking type noises over bumps in colder weather from mid-roof area; Rattle/ticking type noise over bumps from the front top of the windshield header area;
Creak/pop type noise over bumps from rear quarter panel area;
Seal itch type noise;
Snap/ticking type noise over bumps from rear quarter glass area;
Snap/knocking type noise over bumps from rear shelf/tonneau panel/flipper door area;
Creak/pop/thump type noise over bumps in rear wheel well area;
Creak/pop/thump type noises over bumps in rear trunk area.
They told me when I picked the vehicle up that the tech working on the car said that I should put silicon on a rag and wipe the moldings down every 2 weeks. I am working on confirming the type of lubricant so that GM does come back and invalid my warranty due to using incorrect libricant because the moldings are now too soft.
I will say that my car yesterday afternoon and evening was so quiet. It was great, I know can enjoy the stereo and xm even more. It is about 28 degrees here this morning and I will find out how it does after sitting all night and is really cold what it sounds like.
I will update if and when I get more info.
I had an opportunity to talk to the individual that worked on my convertible roof.
He recommended that I keep the rubber moldings lubricated. I will need to wash them with soap and water and let it dry.
Don't put the pure silicon spray on the molding near the glass (side windows).
I will get into this later in the posting. He uses the Pure Silicon sprayed on a clean rag vs. the Dielectric Lubricant.
So the molding between the roof, around the seals of the trunk when it opens to take the roof into the trunk. The panels that fold in the back behind the back seat in the desk of the back window is another location. Also the top of the windshield where that molding use the silicon spray.
The part of the roof that has the rubber pin (don't know what else to call them) that fit in the top of the windshield. He recommended keeping them lubricated with petroleum jelly.
They used a product by Kent Automotive Super Slick Dry Lube which it says "Clean, non-staining, non-silicone, dry lubricant for use on plastics, rubber, vinyl, fabrics, and metal surfaces.' He said that he used this product on the stripping around windows otherwise if you use silicon product it gets on the glass and it is hard to get off the window.
They recommended that I do this to keep the squeaking under control. That if you live in an area that is out in the country where is really dusty, that I might need to clean and lubricate more often but depending on if the car is parked outside vs. garage. Part of the key is that you clean and make sure that the stripping is dry and then use the 3 different products depending on where the stripping is on the car. I probably could provide more details if needed. I hope that this helps. Let me know if this does not make sense.
Thanks!