Lack of support from GM slightly past warranty

[ron1]

Have a 2012 Avalanche and had the entire compressor, etc, replaced at 26,000 miles. Had the same issue on a 2008 Avalanche as well.

Now I have a service rear suspension system message.  The dealer says a sensor in the shock failed.

Since there is 965 miles and about 6 months past the warranty period, they will not repair it under warranty.  I have the extensive GMPP, but it doesn't cover shocks.

I just need the sensor, but it is internal to the shock.  The dealer says their hands are tied and cannot help me.  The Customer Assistance Center (CAC), was no help either, telling me to work with the dealer. 

Hard to believe there is such minimal support for a $54,000 vehicle, less than 1,000 miles over warranty.

Very disappointing support, especially as a GM retiree.

 

[Intimidatoruag]

no surprise ... that is the GM way ....

some will help ... most will not ....

and welcome to the site ....

might be this shock you are looking for .... http://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-580-451-Original-Equipment-Absorber/dp/B00EDQ19EI/ref=pd_sim_sbs_263_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=312-sjnU5DL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1Z8X4CJ6TNBGPFG3HFHT

 

[ygmn]

Try another dealership... as they could warranty as good will when

 

[wyotonka]

Try calling corporate and explaining it to them. My Mom has a 2010 GMC Acadia and it started water pump problem within a tsb from a couple years back, the limit was 5 years or 100000 mi whichever was first. I went to the dealer here and got the typical dirt treatment from the service dept. and was told if was a 2010 they wouldn't even look at it without an appointment fee because it was past the 5yrs, and the repair would not be covered. I left there and called the corporate office (which is a million times more friendly) and explained what was going on. The woman at the corporate office scheduled an appointment at that dealership and waived the fee. When they found that was the problem they covered everything. It might be worth a shot 

 

[grnxnam]

Devil's advocate....are you going to continue making payments for a few months after its paid off?  If not, then no need for GM to cover past the warranty period.

 

[ltxi]

If you're old enough to be a retiree you're old enough understand and appreciate the concept of warranty terms are warranty terms. You're 1K miles and six months (not slightly) beyond the coverage limit. Suck it up and quit complaining.

 

[ron1]

Did contact corporate, no help.  Truck is paid off, so I am stuck until I sell it.

Paid for the GMPP extended warranty.  You would think that would help?

Friends with other brand vehicles have much better experience past warranty.  For instance the local chrysler dealer covered vehicle repairs 3 years past warranty to keep a loyal customer, that purchased what they call a high end vehicle.

I guess the "new GM" is quite different than the old GM I worked for.

If you're old enough to be a retiree you're old enough understand and appreciate the concept of warranty terms are warranty terms. You're 1K miles and six months (not slightly) beyond the coverage limit. Suck it up and quit complaining.

Thanks for the compassion.  Do you work for GM?

 

[blu_fuz]

I would just get the ACdelco shocks from amazon and replace both.

 

[ron1]

That's probably what I'll do.  As of now the system functions lifting and lowering the truck as expected, just the error message appears.  Not sure what is going on.

 

[EXT4ME]

Just a thought, are we sure this is a sensor "in the shock" and not one of the height sensors on the truck frame?

You should be able to locate the height sensors by looking for a device mounted between the frame and suspension and they will have a movable arm and a connecting rod attached.

I am not saying that a "sensor" inside the shock is not the fault, but I was not personally aware of such a device (that doesn't mean it does not exist), but it would seem to me that the height sensor, being a device mounted out in the elements, would be more likely to be damaged.

Perhaps locating each of the height sensors and verifying that each are still mechanically and electrically connected and maybe testing the sensors with an ohm meter to confirm they are functional, would be a good, cheap place to start before buying and installing expensive replacement shocks.

I found this link to Servicing GM AutoRide Rear Air Suspension that gives a good diagram for the height sensors.

On that web page, they describe the function of the AutoRide suspension and they indicate the connection to the actual shocks is used to "adjust" the dampening rate of the shocks, but not necessarily provide a "sensor" function.

I may just be nit-picking here and the dealer may just be indicating that the gizmo inside one of the shocks is malfunctioning.

Like I said, just a thought.

 

[ron1]

Hey, thanks for the thoughts, link and advice.  I will check it out next time I get the truck on my hoist for an oil change.

 

[ltxi]

.............

Do you work for GM?

No, and I really don't even like them much, anymore. Only reason I'm driving anything GM these days is 'cause of the Av's unique configuration.

 

[ron1]

Well, I am loosing my loyalty towards GM, as the past 3 new vehicles had numerous issues.  My '08 avalanche was the worst.

I totally agree that th avalanche offers some unique features, which attracted us to own them.  The vehicle is for everyone, but works great for the things we do.