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HELP MY AV IS A LEMON

Ranger175CSAR

Full Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2004
Messages
56
Location
New England
:E: OK my 03 1500 4x4 Avalanche is 1yr and 5 months old... I have 3200 Highway miles. I have had numerous and endless problems. Ive had front end noise and vibration since 5160 miles and 4x4 service light has come on 4 times and serviced for times, then they finally replaced my transfer case and inner parts. Service 4 wheel drive light still comes on (last friday to be exact.). Still have vibration and tire noise from front end, tires are still scalloping badly and ive had them balanced and rotated often. Undercarage anti rust coating (rubbir stuff) is compleatley falling off and now its rusting. Ive had numerous "updates" done to fix many lectrical problems (only 4 wheel drive light in not fixed yet) mirrors became inop an replaced, side skirt blow off on highway, passengers seat cover keeps coming undone (now theyre replacing it.) When i shift from drive to park or reverse to drive while stopped the drive shaft sounds like its loose and a big "clunk" noise is heard all the time. They said its normal, but i just drove an 03 avalanche same as mine just short 10k miles and it shifts quieter than a mouse peeing on cotton. when driving and my trans shifts from 1st to 2nd, it seems like its slipping and engine revs high the shifts. I am at my wits end, I love the Avalanche but i think my is a lemon from hell. The side wall on my front left tire has swirl like wear marks on them (and no i dont go off road or hit curbs.. or parralel park. and its only that tire. I am on my way back to the dealer now to test drive my truck AGAIN :8: email me at Ranger 175csar@cs.com with any help. Most things have been fixed but more and more things keep falling off or breaking. the 4 wheel drive light that has been coming on and serviced since 5160 miles and the tire or front end noise in the front and tire wear still has yet to be rectified.. Should I lemonm this or aske them to exchange it. My state lemon law state if it has been serviced three times for the same problem within the warretnly period and has not been fixed, its a lemon. thank you

Corey :C: :D:

I DONT KNOW WHY THERE IS A SMILEY FACE ON THE TOPIC>> I CANT CHANGE IT SO MAD>> OWELL... SEEMS LIKE ITS GOING TO BE MONDAY ALL WEEK
 
I'm only going to speak to the "service 4WD" issue that you talk about, because for the same reason, I also technically drive a lemon. Also, I find your list of problems too lengthy and nausiating to read, and any response that I would have short of "go talk to an attorney" would likely be useless to you at this point.

Can you please confirm that your service department indeed replaced your ENTIRE TRANSFER CASE to try to fix this one problem?
 
Store it... It may be a collector's item someday...

Really though, at least you're protected if your state has a lemon law. Keep all the doc's.

There's always a few from most any model. I had a Toyota PickUp that they couldn't ever fix right.....So even they aren't exempt!

The driveline klunks were common in 4WD Av's until a fix was released. (A PCM programming correction). `Has more slop than a 2WD. Mine hadn'd had much klunk, so they must have applied it before I picked it up..

There was some considerable info regarding the 4WD switching problems.

Browse through these GM Techlink archives.... (Usually in the "Trucks: Fix it right the first time." sections within each).

Techlink Aug 2003 Truck issues was one of them.

Your dealer should have known this.

HTH!
 
Sounds like you need to find a better dealer. Also might see if there is someone who can check the rims for damage. A damaged, unbalanced rim will cause all kinds of grief.
 
Wow, they're jerkin yer chain..
Can you get a bit friendlier with another dealer? it sounds like a real competance problem. I had that with my S-10; they jerked me around with clutches (about five - including an aftermarket one!) and welded a kludge (that was a factory campaign!) and later after the trans finally went out at 80K Mi., I replaced it with a higher milage one in excellent shape. It turned out that when I replaced the clutch parts, there wasnt a pilot bushing - ever! :2: $5.60 for the part (I had for the clutch job). Mr. Goodwrench=0, Shadetree mechanic=1.
Well, I since went to another dealer; so far so good.

Rotating tires caused hopping and bounce problems in my Sister-in-Law's Exploder; my brother had to take it back to resolve it (180Mi round trip..) They tried to blame a tire but fortunately the spare was the same so they changed it freebie..

Something's really weird; it seems like by what you describe, that it stays in 4WD - even though it doesn't show it.

Is the milage crap?
 
I have about 28K on my 03. A while back, I had the tires rotated, and it took another 3x before they were able to get them balanced right. I need to take mine in for a list of things,.... never had any problems with the 4WD. I did have some noises from the drive shaft, which they replaced the slip-yoke, and later replaced the driveshaft.
As far as lemoning the vehicle back to them,.. I would do it. I have been through that before and it is much easier to just lemon it back and then get another one. A lot less headaches with trying to get something fixed. I used an attorney,.... very painless, except for the wallet,.... it cost me about 2K,... but in the long run the peace of mind was priceless. The vehicle was a Volvo. The big thing is that they have attempted, without success to fix the 4WD. Don't let them attempt any more. Just start the proceedings.
It is just alot less headaches.
 
Ranger175CSAR said:
"...shifts quieter than a mouse peeing on cotton..."


i know you are pretty uspet. i could tell you are a little fed up with all our problems. i just read that one line, and laughed. i hope you get your situation straight. either by them fixing it, you trade for a new one, or, and i hate to say this, you get something else to your liking. good luck.
 
So after reading through you post....I have sorted out your actual problems.......I have placed some links to relavent threads about your problems that may provide some helpful information.....

Check out the different problem sections.....there are many posts on problems that seem to be similar to yours....more then the links I have provided....

It also seems you stated you have most of them repaired....kinda hard to undrestand from your post.....please verify which ones are actual problems today......As repaired items are well.....fixed.....


Ranger175CSAR said:
...Ive had front end noise and vibration
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=147;action=display;threadid=18769
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=147;action=display;threadid=4648
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=147;action=display;threadid=23301
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=147;action=display;threadid=26518

4x4 service light has come on 4 times and serviced for times, then they finally replaced my transfer case and inner parts. Service 4 wheel drive light still comes on
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=147;action=display;threadid=14789
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=147;action=display;threadid=27343

tires are still scalloping badly and ive had them balanced and rotated often
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=147;action=display;threadid=27526
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=147;action=display;threadid=15519

Undercarage anti rust coating is compleatley falling off and now its rusting.
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=152;action=display;threadid=5455
I could not find a lot opf posts on this...but ...DO you have pictures? or a better description of where this is occuring?

mirrors became inop an replaced
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=153;action=display;threadid=27915
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=153;action=display;threadid=25244
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=153;action=display;threadid=24125
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=153;action=display;threadid=23589

side skirt blow off on highway
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=152;action=display;threadid=17707
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=152;action=display;threadid=4636
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=152;action=display;threadid=4726
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=152;action=display;threadid=4877

passengers seat cover keeps coming undone (now theyre replacing it.)
I could not find any posts on loose seat covers.....there may be some but do you have some pictures or a better description of what and where it is happening?

When i shift from drive to park or reverse to drive while stopped the drive shaft sounds like its loose and a big "clunk" noise is heard all the time.
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=147;action=display;threadid=24650
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=147;action=display;threadid=20444


when driving and my trans shifts from 1st to 2nd, it seems like its slipping and engine revs high the shifts.
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=147;action=display;threadid=22236
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=147;action=display;threadid=4017
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=147;action=display;threadid=22974
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=147;action=display;threadid=5072


The side wall on my front left tire has swirl like wear marks on them (and no i dont go off road or hit curbs.. or parralel park.
What do you attribute this to? and do you have pictures....I have never seen swril marks on tires except those caused by curbs, rocks, car wash scrubbers, when tire is removed and set flat on hard concrete....I cannot see how the truck caused this.....More info please


 
:) :) :)good job , ygmn,,thats what you get paid to do ,and i am glad you are working,,not like some others... ;D ;D ;D ;D i am only taking to ygmn,,so dont you others get mad..your man in the field abuelito
 
OviedoAV said:
:eek: :eek: :eek: Holy crap YGMN, so helpfull today. I will mark this as the "day you did all of the searches" >:D ;D

LOL OV! You beat me to it! I was totally flabergasted when I read the post! I too will celebrate this day! Margaritas for lunch!!!

Mud!
 
In my experience, Chevrolet ( GM ) is actually pretty reasonable in dealing with Lemons, and normally you don't need an attorney.

I've had one lemot Cavalier convertable. The seal on the passanger side would like when ever it rained and water would get in the car. The dealership replaced the seals twice, and they themselves could never actually duplicate the problem. They put a hose on it for about an hour and couldn't get any water to leak in.

After the second fix, and it leaked the next time it rained, we called Chevrolet customer service, and they asked if we would let them try to fix the problem two more times. We said that was fine, and took the car back. They had an engineer come out to look at it, and try and fix it two times, and it still leaked when it rained. They said that they didn't know what the problem was and didn't know how to fix it and they would give us our money back and take the car.

While annoying, it wasn't the worst experience I've had and they were willing to work with us. While they couldn't duplicate the problem, personally, I think it was because of the humidity and heat that would suck the water in around the seals when it rained, which is why they couldn't duplicate it.

EDIT: I'm not an attorney, and lemon laws vary by state, you should research yours to determine what the law is, and how it relates. In VA, this was easy because it was the same problem, and wasn't fix within three attempts, that made it a lemon. But, again, laws vary state by state.
 
I'm not sure about the rubber rust proofing though.

I've heard of it, but my AV doesn't have that on the bottom.

Dealerships out here used to offer the rubber coating on the bottom to help against the affects of salt from salting after a snow storm.
However, most dealerships don't do that anymore, and my AV doesn't have it. Is this a dealer item?
 
The reason I've been avoiding attempting to lemon my truck is that I am certain there is no way I won't be out-of-pocket.

Problem is, my issue first happend in the first few hundred miles of ownership, and continued on through my last "repair" for the same issue at about 28K miles. I'm likely subject to paying some amount per mile ($.15 maybe?) for usage. But what about the fact that my Avalanche wasn't fully-functional for those 28K miles, and certainly unreliable (at least a key feature was)? What's that worth?

Those are the kinds of questions that I fear will be an arguement that I won't win. I'd almost rather try to negotiate extension of my bumper-to-bumper to 100K in lieu of that, and then hope and pray that this latest attempt has the issue solved.
 
I appreciate all the help and research.. :eek: that has been done. I am talking to a lawyer to inquire about my issues. Ive had the truck in 13 times in 18 months for repairs, and yes my 4wd service light and 4wd becoming inop has been attempted to be fixed 4 times already lets see if this last one work. And my tire noise has been tried twice by rotating, but no different and they say the can duplicate it or its just tire noise. I wouldn't mind so much if they were more personable and actually tried to be helpful, but to lie to me and blow smoke up my but.. Man I may not be a GM technician but I was a mechanic for 3 yrs and I didn't just fall off the lettuce truck... lol


thanks again poeple

Cor
 
I think under the lemon law, they are not titled to charge you for you using the vehicle, but must refund the full price. I might be off on that though.

As for Rangers, you might indeed have a lemon. It's possible, and stuff happens. I agree they shouldn't lie to you, and since under law they would have to take it back if it's a lemon, they should try harder, and work with you more.

Though, I would call customer care and let them know, they normally can get things moving along, as they don't want to take the vehicle back if they don't have to, but they know that if it's declared a lemon, they have to.

Again, all states have different laws. Here is a summary of VAs

"In Virginia, for a motor vehicle to qualify for a buy-back under the Warranty Enforcement Act, it must generally be no older than four model years, and have documented problems during its first eighteen months following delivery to the first owner or lessee. There must also be evidence that the manufacturer was notified within eighteen months from delivery. For owners or lessees of vehicles that do not qualify under this "lemon" law, there may still be warranty law rights under other statutes. "
 
Have you tried another Dealership for the warranty work?
 
In NH the lemon law reads

"The presumptions of this section shall only apply to 3 attempts at repair evidenced by written examination or repair orders undertaken by the same agent or authorized dealer, unless the consumer shows good cause for taking the vehicle to a different agent or authorized dealer."

But Now, i have good cause. We'll see what my Lawyer says. Dont get me wrong, I'd get another AV as I love what this truck can do, and its versatility is exacltly what I need. I just wish I havent had to have in repaired over 15 times in 1yr and 5 months. owell to bad it wasnt thirty times yet, theres be no question to the lmeon issue... Now I just have to make sure that my issue is substantiall enough.
 
Next time you visit your service dept. take a copy of your states lemon law with you...I know the dealership already knows about it, but in doing this you let them know that you know about the law and are considering using it...that should get them off their a$$es and looking into the real problems you are having.
 
That may motiviate a service department in some cases, but with a problem like mine, the dealer can do no more than what GM engineering feeds them :cautious:
 
Well Ranger, I can't touch most of what you describe with your various problems, but I do have a suggestion with regards the Rust Protection.

Ranger175CSAR said:
:E: Undercarage anti rust coating (rubbir stuff) is compleatley falling off and now its rusting.
Here in Ontario, my dealer has gone away from the undercoating gunk, and instead recommends installation of a "Electronic Rust Inhibitor". This device is always functioning, and basically it sends a small electrical current through the metal components of the AV. Theory is that "moving electrons can't rust" :) I do know that gas companies use this same technology to protect their pipelines from rusting.

Perhaps have your dealer abandon the gummy variety rust protector, and install this unit from Final Coat. Here is a url which will give you, and your dealer some info:
www.capfinalcoat.com

btw, Final Coat electronic rust inhibitor can be placed on a vehicle which is up to 2-Years old, and still be considered a "New Car Installation". Mine, coupled with a "clearcoat application", provides me a lifetime rust perforation warranty (y), so long as I adhere to the annual inspection schedule.
 
Thanks Grandpa, and the rest of you.... I am trying to work it out with the dealership now, I will keep you posted. The did offer to help me rpelace my tires with another type at a price that no one can really beat. I know have to find out weather or not the service 4wd light coming on and shutting dowm my 4wd significantly decreases the value of the vehicle... if not, cant be lemoned... But on the bright side, hell everything has just about been replced.. she good as new.. lol
 
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