Dealer service question

[DotNetReloaded]

I recently purchased a 2001 3500 8.1. The truck is certified. It came with 3 months or 3K miles bumper to bumper GM warrantee. Yesterday I started noticing that when I turn the truck I feel slight vibration in the steering wheel. Maybe its the problem with that upper intermediate shaft maybe not. Then the console button that opens the console failed and now the console doesnt open and lastly lic plate light on the rear bumper fell out. But anyway I went on all data website and I printed out several sheets with recall info on 2001 3500 with 8.1 4x4. I want to go to a dealer and have them check the truck out. Should I hand them a list of all of these recalls or what would be the best way to approaach this situation?

Thanks.

 

http://www.alldata.com/TSB/11/011138IZ.html

[N900WM]

I would suggest that you take the list with you.

 

There have been a number of times that my dumb a$$ service manager tells me there is no S.B. describing my problem. Only to swallow his words when I show him the ALLDATA info.

 

We shouldn't have to show the mechanics how to fix our trucks!

[ktmjim215]

Go to the Dealership where you purchased the vehicle and describe your problems. Make a written list as you use the truck and take it with you so you don't forget anything. GM's Certified Used Vehicle covers a lot of stuff, however if the vibration is caused by worn tires or such the warranty doesnot cover maintenance items. Just like the original warranty.

I wouldn't show them the AllData info until something doesnot get fixed. Recalls on AllData are generic and may not be for your specific vehicle. The Dealer can run a GM "VISS" and give you a print out of what is actually recalled on your vehicle. Any Dealership can do this with your VIN #. If GM doesnot list your vehicle as recalled they are not to perform the recall on your vehicle and GM will not pay for it.

By not giving them the AllData info up front you can judge how well the dealership repairs your vehicle and whether you need to find another Dealership. GM Warranty is good at any Dealership of the same franchise (Chev at Chev, GMC at GMC etc.). Not all Dealerships are the same. Customers come in all the time with AllData info and half the time it doesnot even pertain to their vehicle, such as your truck with the 8.1 may not apply to a bulletin for a 4.8. Just because Johnny down at the Monkey Lube says it will fix your truck doesn't always work that way. If something doesnot get fixed, discuss it with the Service Advisor first. If you get no satisfaction, then talk to the Service Manager. Remember, these people want to fix your vehicle because they are paid on commission. No repair = no pay but GM has some very tight rules they must go by or lose their job. When you take the truck in tell them to call you with an estimate before any non warranty repairs are made. If they call you can discuss why something is not covered at that time.

 

Try to work with them, just a suggestion from a real life dumb a$$ Service Manager.

[DotNetReloaded]

thanks for the tips fellas.

[N900WM]

Hey ktmjim215,

Please understand the dumb a$$ comment was NOT intended to encompass all service managers. Just mine, which unfortunatley is not as intelligent about his job as you. No offence intended.

[ktmjim215]

No offence taken. All Service Managers are dumb a$$es, just ask thier Technicians, especially the lube guys. If you are having specific problems, post them and we may can help. Remember that you are not tied to only that dealership.

 

Service personnel (Service Writers, Techs, Managers, etc) are almost always paid by production and customer satisfaction. My personal pay and my General Managers pay is based on Customer Satisfaction ratings supplied by GM by 25%. And I mean we get 25% less, not a bonus if it's below average. I have yet to see pissing customers off pay anything at the bank window. But at the same time, GM is very tight on thier warranty rules and the threat of an audit looms constantly. And audits cost people thier jobs at times.