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Comments
I am really sorry to hear about the battery issues you are having. I would like to look into this for you. Can you private message me your full name, address, phone number, Vehicle Identification number, and approximate mileage on your vehicle please? My email address is socialmedia@gm.com "attn Crystal" in the subject line. I look forward to hearing from you:-)
Sincerely,
Crystal L - GM Customer Care
I had the car a week before it happened again. Same issue, engine would not turn over but all the lights worked. The car has now been in the shop almost another 2 weeks. This time they were able to re-create the problem the first day, but has not had the problem since then.
I have been told they are bringing in a GM service rep to check out the vehicle. In the meanwhile, my wife has now lost faith in the vehicle (we have small children and she doesn't want to get stranded with them) and we will probably have to go out and get a different car.
GM - stop messing around and just fix the issue.
I am sorry to hear about the issues with your Enclave and can understand your frustration. I would be more that happy to research this for you. Can you private message me your full name, address, phone number, Vehicle Identification Number, approximate mileage on your vehicle, and involved dealer please? My email address is socialmedia@gm.com please put "Attn Crystal" in the subject header. I look forward to hearing from you.
Crystal L-GM Customer Care
During the next four weeks the wife noticed that the charging gauge would sometimes work it way down to 13 instead of staying around the 14 mark. If it stayed there too often, I would have to jump the car off again. I would go have the battery tested and it would test good. Two weeks later, I am jumping it off again. Now I take it to a shop (non-GM) and he says that the battery fails some "reserve cranking amps" test on his Snap-On tester, but all else is showing good - He could not recreate the near 13 volt output from the alternator. He would not diagnose further since he declares the battery bad.
I take his report to where I bought the battery and they say the battery is good, but they do not have the same test he had, but they swap the battery out for me again. First replacement was an H6 the second was just a regular size 48. Two mornings later, I have to jump it off again.
Sometimes when I start the car it will drop to 13 volts within 2 minutes other times (like when I take it to a mechanic), it will always stay above 14.
Yes like the other people my wife now hates this car because she does not trust it and we have had to fix the transmission ($3800), the waterpump ($400), the powersteering pump ($400), and the system even scratched the OEM Navigation disc. This transient but persistent issue is like having a paper cut on every finger and working in a salt mine. Becoming very :mad:
BTW - Who creates a gauge where the marks are 1.25 each.
FWIW - Those of you who posted here earlier, it would really benefit the rest of us if you would post what your fix was. As for mrytleman's solution - my wife is not that patient when she is ready to get out of the car.
We're sorry to hear that you're having some issues with your Enclave. I see that you've been working with other shops, and haven't had much luck finding out the problem. Please let us know if you need any assistance locating a dealership for a diagnosis.
Amber N.
GM Customer Care
This forum indicates that I am not unique in this issue and therefore someone should have a found a solution for this "common" issue. Even maybe GM acknowledging the one guy saying that the backup camera and sensors are being turned on as you shift through reverse to park and are not being turned off could be a true cause. That sounds like a firmware update to the computer and everyone could be happy with nearly no expense from GM.
There is an issue out there on this vehicle and either GM is trying to cover up the issue or they are only dealing with the cars still under warranty and do not care about 2nd owners. I like GM products, but not GM's problem resolution policies.
I did send an email to socialmedia and never heard back from there, but I guess no answer from them is as useful as the reply on the forum though.
Thanks.
So, you may want to try again.
Thanks
I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing problems with your new Buick. Please keep us posted on your service visit. If there is anything we can do to help please let us know.
Amber N.
GM Customer Care
I just discovered this board and wanted to share my Enclave experience. I always research the bulletins and the GM boards to see if another owner has been able to identify the root cause and how the dealership remediated and fixed the issue. My first job was selling Buick Cars as a Sales rep in MI, and I would strongly recommend the GMPP (http://www.gmprotectionplan.com/) plan to any new car buyer and Enclave owners that plans to keep the car longer than their payment book. I don't switch or trade out vehicles every 2 - 4 years. I have VOLVO's that I still own an maintain from 90, 95, and 99.
The Enclave has been heads down a better value than the Lincoln Navigator I bought New and replaced with a New Enclave. Significantly better gas mileage, equivalent amount of interior room as the NAV, and a lot less wind noise in the compartment. Also, the NAV was 55K, and the ENCLAVE CXL was 45K, and I added 5K of aftermarket options and was still able to participate in the 0% interest rate. Value wise, I've been impressed with the business case for Buick.
However, resolving customer service issues after the sale, I would suggest is an opportunity to improve the Buick brand and enhance customer experience. Within 24 hours of purchasing the Enclave, I contacted the dealership and Buick customer service regarding a issue with how the dealer recorded the sale, and the color of the vehicle was different than depicted. The dealer mentioned it was too late as they had electronically titled the vehicle with the state of MI, before I even signed the sales agreements. Buick Customer Service basically redirected me to the dealership, and after a few months of back and forth with the Dealer we reached a resolution and I bought the GMPP (Protection Plan) at a discount.
As it relates to escalating potential service and safety concerns to the dealers service shop, and the service shop management team, as well as Buick Customer Service, and reaching out to executives via LinkedIN, I am less than impressed with that overall experience. The initial response or return call or email from Buick Customer Service and management is alwayspositive, but there was very little follow-up in my case, and found myself having to serve as the admin for customer service and dealership.
I've taking my Enclave to three different Buick shops, including two in the ATLANTA area, and one in MI. An independent tech was sent out to the shop in ATL, and conducted their own investigation regarding the following issues:
E.G. It's possible, in my opinion, for a safety alert (door open) to not be displayed, or the Service Air Bag light to come on due to the Passenger Presence System issue that has already been reported when you have a cell phone with blue tooth enabled. I documented my initial concerns and suggested that this was a safety issue that deserved managements attention.
Unfortunately the independent tech did not recreate the same scenarios I had documented. The independent tech use to work for GM. I received a letter saying Buick was not at fault. I had a not severe accident due to the PPS issue, and submitted a claim with Allstate. Allstate tried to pursue the subrogation path with GM, but that resulted in GM admitting they had no liability and Allstate not being willing to invest any more time on the matter, and telling me to move on with life. Two years later the same problem exists. Since then, the two issues reported above are still open even though GM decide to close out my case.
NOTE TO GM SOCIAL: What I gauge from reading all the comments on this board, is that owners are frustrated with the responses have received. Owners are frustrated with the let's try Solution A, B, C service shop approach as it relates to why their car will not start. Redirecting owners to a Buick service shop is not a solution, as it will always result in some form of an un-reimbursed expense (whether that be loss of time, mileage, and money). Is the Battery Saver Active capability not working as originally designed the root cause of these issues?
I reported the same issue to my service shop and I was told that I needed a new battery, and I paid for it in order to sure my wife who primarily uses the vehicle for our two kids does not run into an issue. Then I get a call or a text (always it appears when I'm traveling outside of ATL to visit a client) from my wife, that the Enclave (which was parked in the garage for two days) won't start. In my mind, it could not be the Factory OEM battery (but I went ahead and spent the $200 with the dealer) as the car was designed with a battery saver active capability, that would prevent you from running the battery dead. E.G. Radio is running, lights were left on by is mistake and car is not completely turned. The car designed shut down to preserve the battery from running out to any device load being a drain.
http://www.enclaveforum.net/index.php?topic=9901.msg145451;topicseen
She is now plugging battery tenders in each night which should not be required but she feels better that the car will start when needed.
I will forward my documentation along to the Social Media address, VIN, etc, but I believe that any owner who takes the time to share their experience is trying to remain loyal to the Buick Brand as well. However, a key driver to whether you retain the loyalty of the owners in this forum, is how you address the issue. Or as my Grand Dad would say, "you can hide the fire, but what do you plan to do with the smoke."
Buck Brand Owner Since 2009
I just experienced the most awful car ride. The car started to shut down..as I was driving with my kids in it. I gave the car to my husband and it stranded him at work the next week. I have 6 years of car records showing I am stranded yearly.
We contacted GM...they offered no assistance unless we buy another GM product. GM advised we should trade in the car...even though they know the car is defective.
Anyone else having the no start issues???
For every prior issue noted above, I initially visited a GM Certified Dealership. I have tried almost every one in Calgary, each time with a "deer in the headlights" response to any of the issues. Each time I would present possible trouble-shooting tips, offering information on the inherent problems cited from various forums on the internet, they would refuse to acknowledge any of the noted problems responding as if it was the very first time they had heard of the specific issue. I actually directed a few of these so called "Certified Experts" to check out one of the Enclave Forums, but was met with resistance. Finally in frustration, I took it upon myself to google each of the noted issues, and then fixed them myself (except for the transmission and water pump problems).....and trust me, I'm no "Expert" mechanic!
My point is that I share and sympathize with all of your posted frustrations, and will not be buying another Buick.
If I learn of any solutions to the "no-start" issue, I will advise. Until then, thanks for allowing me to vent!
I eagerly await a GM Customer Service Rep to offer symPATHETIC and helpful words of support.
Engine Running With Key Turned Off
By techeditor on March 1, 2008 8:06 PM
On an Enclave, Acadia or Outlook, the engine may continue running with the ignition key turned off. This can happen if circuit 5985 (the ignition 1 circuit going to the ECM) has 5 volts or more on it when the ignition key is turned off.
Check circuit 5985 at the ECM for voltage (5 volts or more) with the ignition key turned off.
If voltage is found on circuit 5985, remove the fuse for the BCM and the TCM one at a time, and see if the engine turns off. If the engine does not turn off, and there is still 5 volts or more on circuit 5985, check circuit 5985 for a short to voltage concern. If the engine doesturn off when pulling the BCM or TCM fuse, replace the module that caused the engine to turn off with the fuse removed.
Water Intrusion
By techeditor on April 1, 2008 4:00 PM
This information supplements an article in the March 2008 TechLink entitled Engine Running With Key Turned Off, which involves voltage on circuit 5985 with the key turned off. The condition described below can be a cause of this voltage.
The owner of an Acadia, Enclave or Outlook may comment that the engine continues to run after the ignition is turned off, or that the engine will not start. This may be the result of water intruding into the instrument panel (IP) BEC. Before proceeding with other diagnosis and repairs, here are some suggestions.
Water from the right front sunroof drain hose exits the vehicle (fig. 13). If it then re-enters the vehicle through the front of dash sheet metal, it can drip from the right side dash onto the IP BEC.
AÂ Â Water exits through drain hose
BÂ Â Water reenters and drips onto IP BEC from sheet metal
The seam must be properly sealed between the plenum upper and plenum reinforcement. This may be inspected from underhood through the opening in the cowl panel
If there are voids in the bead of sealant, use medium-bodied sealant p/n 12378500 to reseal.
The area to be sealed may be reached through two openings, and the seam must be sealed for its entire length (fig. 15).
AÂ Â Access opening
BÂ Â Access opening
CÂ Â Length of seam sealÂ
TIP:Â Sealant may be applied with the fingertip or with a plastic trim tool.
I eventally read a post by an Electrical Engineer that found a water leak into the under dash area caused a green crusty to grow and make a voltage path in a fuse box located by the glove box. Under moist conditions, caused high humidity or water leak, there is a circuit that back feeds voltage into the circuitry that is suspose to tell the electronics that the engine is not running, this voltage above 4.5 volts makes the compute think the engine is still running. With the engine running the starter will not function to prevent stater damage. The Engineer actually simulated the condition by applying d.c. voltage to this circuit giving the back feed and made the failure happen.
In my case I carried a booster battery to allow me to always get the car started.
Finally during after a 14 hour trip of driving thru nearly solid rain I found about 1/4 inch of water in both front seat foot wells. Then I really started looking fo the water leak.
I taped the sunroof leak points with duck tape. The car was later setting out in a heavy rain and found it still leaked water into the floor mat area. The only leak area left from above was the top of the windshlied at the point where the roof grooves met the upper corners of the glass. Sealed this area with a good sealant, and no more water leak. Dried the carpeting and that was the end of my starting problem.
Hello all,
So not sure if anyone is still checking this thread about the Enclave not starting and dying so frequently. Well hope this helps some of you out. I’ve had a 2010 now in the shop 5 times. And let me say two different Buick/GMC dealerships not worth my time. Total disappointment by GM to never want to purchase another GM vehicle again. Always saying it was a battery that has died. Sorry changing out three batteries in two years. Clearly something is wrong. Finally referred to a electrical specialist shop and they found it. It’s the Onstar system. Have them disconnect it. Done deal. Should never have the problem. Hope this helps save some frustration. Now to go after these dealerships and try to get some money back from them for lying to me and wasting my time. Good luck all
Next you mention replacing batteries here: When I read that it raises some possibilities that without testing and proving first hand what was going on aren't really going to help the conversation. The fact that three batteries died and needed replaced suggests that there was a small parasitic drain occurring that might have been random (not always present) which would make it impossible for anyone to find unless they kept the car long enough for it to occur. At the same time, we cannot rule out some other conditions could be in play that also contributed to short battery life. Then again, some of it could be completely unrelated to what has been repaired as mentioned below. Taking this to be analyzed by a specialist was an appropriate step, that however doesn't mean that no dealership technicians couldn't solve the problem. Given enough time and fair incentive many of them would be just as successful. The most likely scenario however is the techs aren't being fairly compensated for the time that they would need to invest in order to diagnose any kind of a random problem if that is what this was. So they spend the time that they get paid for and then donate some unpaid time towards the process but eventually reach a point where they have to move on to other cars to earn a living as well as protect their jobs. And this is why I decided to respond. What was wrong with your car has no bearing on what is happening with someone else's that may be presenting with a similar set of symptoms. Yes it has been found on a number of different vehicles (no brand of car is immune from something like this) that a module can fail and cause problems like a parasitic drain that can ruin one or more batteries over some period of time. The question that always needs to be asked is was the parasitic drain present while the vehicle was being tested? Even the idea that maybe the car might have some trouble codes that could help give the tech at least some direction needs to be tempered by the idea that when a battery dies all of the memories get reset and that clears codes that might have helped one of them.
Next I can understand trying to go to a different shop (dealership) but that just causes a different technician to start from square one and he/she may have no idea what the history has been over the last few years. This is the one advantage of going to the specialist. We gather as much information as possible from you and start the diagnostics all while knowing full well that some of the history presented may have absolutely nothing to do with what is wrong this time. As independent technicians we often do have abilities and opportunity to do things that techs working for someone else typically does not. That being said, the dealer technicians might have done exactly what they could and should have done especially if there were no other clues to work with while they had your car in the bay. It's a shame that it's easier to question their honesty and integrity first.