How to convince a dealer to follow a TSB

Do you have a copy of the TSB? I just read it and it looks like you may have a vehicle meeting the requirements.

Local dealers are not getting paid, GM is short of cash (agian). That is why they want to get AmeriCredit Corp., lots of credit. Once AmeriCredit is sucked dry, they will dump in on the taxpayer. Just like GMAC.

GMs credit rating is so bad, no one will quote it and ask if you are serious.

Bet anyone holding AmeriCredit just took a bath, good luck selling it. Like GMAC/Ally Bank, their credit rating is zippo.

Not a good time to have GM owing you money.

Top posting...

I have a copy of the TSB... in definitely pertains to my vehicle. I'm kinda panicking over here as the dealership will no doubt find all sorts of things wrong with my car and use any excuse not to honor the TSB.

So I'm trying to get my ducks in order before bringing it to the dealer. Is it possible to get an estimate before going ahead with the work ?? Are dealers required to meet the estimate or will I be surprised at the checkout counter with a whole bunch of unexpected new charges.

I suspect the dealer doesn't want to be bothered with GM anymore as he is carrying honda and toyota and other vehicles.

Peter

I would find a different dealer and see what they say. They will want to pull it in and test it themselves because that is the only way they will get paid from GM for the work. Estimates are just that, an educated guess as to what the cost will be, The catch is that if they started to pull the parts off and find something else then the price goes up.

The problem is that although the TSB is out there a dealer doesn't have to follow it. For instance if they do a test and find a restriction then they will also look at what is causing it. It could be the failure that is in the TSB OR it is possible that it is something else. That is the catch. Until it is actually pulled and opened up there is no real way to tell.

I'm trying to minimize my downside here.... it's been fairly expensive already with the independent shop doing troubleshooting, tuneups, and replacing parts.

So the independent shop also inspected the exhaust system, found the exhaust system was restricted and determined the cat converter was defective. The car has 67000 miles, not driven a lot and is kept garaged. I would think the independent shop is every bit as competent as a dealer and would have arrived at the same conclusion as the dealer will.

I'm looking for a backup plan just in case the dealer claims the muffer, pipes and clamps all need to be replaced at fantastically inflated prices to cover their cost of the converter... which ironically only goes for 200.00 at a local auto parts shop.

Unfortunately, when the dealer has the car in pieces (like the transmission shop) and finds all these problems which may or not be actually related.... I won't have an auto expert by my side to give me good advice... I know the dealer is motivated to maximize the amount of money he can get from the deal.

Your suggestion about taking it to a different dealer might actually work out pretty well.... perhaps a second opinion.

also the independent shop is willing to replace the cat, but I'm not sure what the process is for GM reimbursing and independent shop for warranty work.

I guess I don't mind paying a few more hundred dollars to get the issue resolved, but can't afford another thousand after all the money that's already been spent getting to this point.

Peter

AFAIK, there is no regulation that requires a dealer to follow a service bulletin. These are different from recalls (which are manditory) but I suppose there may be language that does force them.

Personally, why all the worry about a $200 part? I've eaten repairs that cost much more because it was not worth my time and stress to go to the dealer, argue the case, and bicker/fight to get what "I felt was the right action".

Just buy the converter at a parts shop, and install it yourself (if you are able) or have an independent shop install it.