LT4 Dealer has had my LT4 for 31 days!

[1PiRho]

Just a little backround. In April of 2004 I had my ZF replaced under waranty and while the tranny was out I had the entire clutch system (flywheel back) replaced as well. To the tune of about 1900$. 2200 miles later the slave cylinder goes out. I return to the dealership that did the original work and after a slightly heated discusion about the 12 month/ 12000 mile waranty they decided to waranty the slave cylinder.

I was told a few days later that the part was on an 88 backorder code, meaning that the part was not availible from GM any more and they could not even give me a date for part arrival.

I had another dealership run the part and they told me the same thing about the backorder, but that there were a few dealerships scattered accross the US that had the part in stock. I can't understand why after 31 days one of these parts hasn't landed at the dealership where my car is located.

I have checked with aftermarket shops and have located the part but since GM is going to waranty the part it must go through GM.

I certainly hope this doesn't happen to any of my fellow vette enthusiasts, because I know I'm not the only person with a ZF 6sp car.

One month of decent weather gone with no end to the drama in sight, I hope GM takes care of my problem so I can at least enjoy my car before the snow flies.

Sorry for the rambling, I just needed to vent and make everyone aware of how this is being handled by big brother GM.ad

 

[BarryK]

sorry to hear of your problems.
I know how bad it is to miss out enjoying use of the car while the weather is nice - my'65 has been in the paint shop since last Sept!!!! I originally told the painter I wanted it back by the spring for the start of the nice weather (told him March to be safe) and I'm still waiting. 10 months and still no car. :cry
He thinks maybe next week but i've been hearing that for a while now. At this point I'll be grateful to have it back in time for Carlisle. :eyerole

oh well, hang in there. your part will appear in good time and you will be back in the fun seat enjoying the hell out of it. chances are you will get yours back before I do.
good luck!

BTW, if you were able to find the part elsewhere and GM doesn't have it, they should pick up the tab of buying it whereever you found one. it's not your fault they don't have the part to fix your car and should take responsibility of doing what is needed to get you on the road again.
Can you try calling a regional office or anything?

 

[Jeb]

Have you contacted General Motors? Individual dealerships do not necessarily reflect the practices of GM and often, a word from GM will do wonders for a dealership's attitude.

 

[1PiRho]

I have been in contact with GM directly. They give me the same song and dance that the dealership has. I even mentioned buying the part and having GM reimburse me for the part. GM said that was not an option on a part waranty situation. I have a service request number from GM and an advisor who can only tell me that they don't know when the part will be available, but they are doing all they can.

Sorry to hear about your delays as well. 30 days isn't very long in your shoes!!

I'm just a little urked about making payments and carrying insurance on a vehicle I can't drive. I can't even deal with people on trade ins or resale. I am in the market for something different, this makes it tough.

 

[Chris Kennedy]

Try contacting Bill at ZFdoc.com. The dealer may be able to directly buy the part from him.

/s/ Chris Kennedy

 

[volavet]

I'd look online for various GM dealerships and contact their parts dept. to see if hey have one on the shelf, and then give the dealer the info. If they are getting it from another GM dealer, then there should not be any warranty issues.

 

[tnovot]

Just a little backround. In April of 2004 I had my ZF replaced under waranty and while the tranny was out I had the entire clutch system (flywheel back) replaced as well. To the tune of about 1900$. 2200 miles later the slave cylinder goes out. I return to the dealership that did the original work and after a slightly heated discusion about the 12 month/ 12000 mile waranty they decided to waranty the slave cylinder.

Did they repair/replace the slave cylinder when doing the clutch? The slave isn't necessarily considered part of the "flywheel back" clutch system.
I sympathize with you not having your car for so long but I really don't think the dealer is obligated to replace the slave cylinder unless you had specifically told them to replace it during the original work and they did not.
If you really miss your car that much, consider getting a rebuild kit and doing it yourself - should be under $50. Or find a rebuilt unit and replace it. Doing the slave cylinder is easy as long as you bleed it properly.
By the way, if the slave has gone south, I won't be surprised if the master won't be going soon also. If you are going to have them do the slave, you might as well pony up and spring for a new master as well.

 

[Kevin Doyle]

I just bought one for my 96 on the net at checkout it asked could they sub for a after-market brand if ac-delco not available I checked no. It came about a week later acdelco durastop #18f149.The last one was aftermarket lasted about 6 months and 500 miles.Thanks Kevin.

 

[1PiRho]

tnovot,

Slave was new, and master was brand new 2200 miles ago. all done at the same time.

 

[Chris Kennedy]

For some reason lots of repair places, dealerships and otherwise, think it's o.k. to tie your car up for extended periods of time and just let it sit while they give you all sorts of excuses. I think their reasoning is this "The guy won't give me trouble, because he is worried that I will take it out on his car, he knows only I can fix it, etc etc etc..." Many specialty shops for cars like our's also use the excuse that your car is "privileged" to be in the shop, they are experts etc etc etc., anyone else will ruin it, and therefore that it is somehow to be expected that you are being treated shabbily.

O.K., a tactic I have used is this: First, realize and admit to yourself that you have been/are being "had", that this present dealership is useless and quietly find an alternative shop or other place to take your car. IT WILL NOT GET BETTER WHERE THE CAR CURRENTLY IS!! Then, show up with a tow truck company at a particularly busy time at the shop from which you are taking the car, and somewhat loudly say so you can be overheard by waiting customers, firmly (but diplomatically), that you have come for your car, pay the bill, and have the car taken out. Quite simply, make a dignified "scene"----if you have a great lady as a spouse see if she will make the scene for/with you, as lots of men will back down in the face of an indignant woman. That way they don't have enough notice to be able to sabotage the car, and other customers will come up to you wanting to know what happened. Simply and truthfully tell them what happened, stick to the facts, and don't embellish. Several people I know (including me) have done this, and often the shop will just want you and the lady out of there quickly and will let you go with a minimum of fuss and a discount on the bill to look good to other customers. If you disagree with the bill, pay it under protest if you can't get it changed to your liking. You DO need to pay the bill to avoid these clowns putting a mechanic's lien on your car and keeping it---recovering your money is another thread.

You just have to face the fact that you will take some sort of a hit on this auto repair. However, the look of shock on the dealership's face will be worth it, you will have rescued your car and have it on its way to being back on the road soon. Also, if a lady assists you, be sure to thank her and do something very nice for her----you are truly fortunate to have such a person in your corner and let her know it.

Incidently, you DO need to contact Bill Budreaux at ZFdoc. He has or will get your part promptly, I am sure. Mention my name.

/s/ Chris Kennedy
Houston, Texas

 

[tnovot]

tnovot,

Slave was new, and master was brand new 2200 miles ago. all done at the same time.

Yikes! You definitely have a valid complaint. They should have not even questioned the warranty if that is the case.
Good luck on getting a satisfactory resolution.
Terry

 

[1PiRho]

I spoke with Bill at ZFdoc and I hope the wheels are turning to get a new slave cylinder headed my way! He was going to get in contact with the dealership that has my car and try to work out a part order.

Thanx to all, for the help and advice!

Josh Behrens

 

[Chris Kennedy]

I spoke with Bill at ZFdoc and I hope the wheels are turning to get a new slave cylinder headed my way! He was going to get in contact with the dealership that has my car and try to work out a part order.

Thanx to all, for the help and advice!

Josh Behrens

Hey, what did I tell you!! Congratulations!!

/s/ Chris Kennedy

 

[MoeJr]

The dealer is screwing the pooch here. Most of them have a parts locator that will tell them if another dealer has the part. I think they just aren't making you a priority because it is a warranty job. Just my .02

 

[DAVZKAR]

I use Stan at TOM HENRY CHEVROLET for parts. He is the best parts guy I know. He got me a new ZF, master, and slave over a year ago. The # is 724-443-1575 they near Pittsburg.

 

[1PiRho]

update!

finally the dealer, who i will now name, Elco Chevrolet in Ballwin, Mo gave me a call to inform me that my slave cylinder repair was complete and covered under warranty!! great news i thought. drive an hour and a half to pick up my car today.

when i arrive at the dealership and finally get the keys, i walk to the car and it is covered in dust, with some obvious hand print marks all over the hood; from what i find out is from it being pushed to a different bay because IT WON'T START!!!! WTF!!! did i mention that i DROVE the car to said dealership 45 days ago.

this is absolutely rediculous, GM is about to get an earfull!!!!! as did everyone at the service desk at Elco. i thought i was going to leave in handcuffsad ad

Elco

peace,

JB

 

[DRTH VTR]

Did you get it started and get the car back? I have a very vivid imagination when I think about what I could do to somebody who tweaks me off. The cave man is not very far under my civilized exterior.

 

[1PiRho]

Did you get it started and get the car back? I have a very vivid imagination when I think about what I could do to somebody who tweaks me off. The cave man is not very far under my civilized exterior.

the car would not start. it is still at the dealership. i had to leave in a hurry before i did something stupid!