Exhaust Manifold, covered?

[STITCH]

All,
Finnally got a Dealer to replace the Cat on my 03 TB. But Friday night my Exhaust Manifold cracked. Now the Dealer is not sure if he can get the O2 sensor and Manifold covered under warrenty.

My questions to younz is this..
1)Would this be a good example of when to call GM's Customer Service Kine and request them to cover it?
2) How would one go about it ?

Oh and the last section (resonator/tailpipe) is also rusted through. Should I be able to get this item covered as well? Its related to the Cat going bad. ie. generated to much heat cracked the manifold.


Any input is greatly appreciated.

[85vette]

I am not up to date on your problems as in, is this a problem you have had since the vehicle was new, what is your present milage, what is the in service date of the vehicle, etc., but if the dealer replaced the cat. convertor under warranty it sounds like you have a legitamate complaint and you may be entitled to repairs of related parts. Having worked for Chevrolet in the past, and dealing with other manufacturers, I have learned that the old saying "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" holds true. Don't give up if the dealer says no, take other measures, request a zone rep contact you, call the headquarters customer service division, if all else fails contact the media (newspapers often have writers who investigate companies that consumers complain about). I personally had a vehicle that had what I considered to be safety issues with the front end. I had no luck with the dealer or the manufacturer. I researched the vehicle complaints from other consumers (the internet is a wonderful tool ), made a complaint to my state DMV and the federal traffic safety people and I was contacted by a large midwestern newspaper reporter who had seen my complaint on a forum who asked permission to run my letter in his paper. I granted permission and two days later I received a call on my cell phone from a zone rep instructing me to take my vehicle to the local dealer for the repairs at no charge. The vehicle had over 80K miles on it.

[The Black Pearl]

I wouldn't consider the exhaust manifold a "wear item". Call other dealers that are in competition with the dealer you took it to and ask if they would cover it under warranty.

[wayfastwhitey]

My dealership has been a PITA to work with in order to get anything done...is there a website one can go to or phone number to call to find out who the area service manager or zone rep is? I'm concerned that after asking them 4 times to fix my problem while I'm still under warranty, they won't give me the info, or will tip off the next guy up.

[85vette]

That's another game they play, I called the customer service number and asked for the zone rep and they told me I would have to get it from my local dealer. The dealer said they did not give rep's numbers out, to contact customer service. Go to Chevrolet Consumer Complaints on the internet and you should find a choice of company web sites. They don't typically list zone reps but you can find information and px numbers there that can get you on your way.

[STITCH]

Update @ noon today.

Well Gm called the dealer and let the dealer tell them it wasnt covered. When I spoke to Customer service Rep he d read straight from the manual and steases" components directley attached to CAT will be covered by warenty" But the dealer disgreed and is refsing to replace under warrenty. I thought GM told Dealers what to do not the other way around? Again Any input is greatly appreciated because the priced jumped to 1454.00 with GM parts and !12/12. but still 941.00 with aftermarket.

[MTPockets]

..I thought GM told Dealers what to do not the other way around?

I guess in some cases it will work that way, but pretty much you are at the mercy of your service writter. Working your issues thru a service dept is the best route. It's MUCH easier if you have a service history with them. No history and you will have to do some smooth (calm, cool, collected and persistant) talking. Jumping right up to corporate on your own, typically gets you no where.

Joel

[STITCH]

Jumpimg the chain, Had occured to me but thought it was worth it since the dealer wasnt even sure itf it would be covered.

a question, is it reasonable to state that theCAT plugged/failed/whatever directly lead to the manifold failing. Ie Cat didnt pass the hot gasses as designed and lead to a build up iun the manifold thereby raising temp and pressure of a cast metal part. Which would fail due to heat and pressure?

My biggest is the connected to cat part . if its connected and stated as such shouldnt it be covered?. I know the Manifold is only 200.00 but its only 3 years old too.
Does this make sense/

[MTPockets]

Yes, it's possible the exhaust manifold overheated due to a plugged cat. A 'creative' service writter could easily make it so that the manifold is covered by warranty. Corporate wouldn't do it on their own. Based on the word of a service dept, they will. Try a little sweet talkng with them: You're going to buy another vechicle from them soon, you'll be back for tires, more service, etc... They are the best in town, blah...blah... gag.. puke..:drool

Joel

[85vette]

If all else fails ask GM customer service to refer you to a dealer who will follow their guidelines. Remember, GM doesn't want to lose a customer either.

[STITCH]

Update 2:
Well the Customer AssistanceTech(CAS) called 2 other dealers to get opinion on whether the Cat could cause the Manifold to fail, results were 1 yes 1 no. So with that in mind built a case to pettion for Custumer(me ) assistance in paying for the repairs. Totoal out of pocket for us up front is going to be $1460.00. Then have to submit to the CAS to get back 50% of that. Going with GM parts rather than Aftermarket to get the 12/12000 warranty. Still miffed about it in general . I had the TB in the same dealer around April/May for this very issue but they told me that it was ok(the cat). Well to me that means I fulfilled my end as far as it being a "maintinece" item and when it failed last week it should be on the Dealer. We had an Impala do the same exact thing,minus manifold, so Im positive I knew what was wrong with the truck in May.
This point just want my truck back. I hope the new Exhaust components are at least SS. Is there any way or can anyone confirm this?

[The Black Pearl]

I guess it comes down to what the dealership will do for you. I had two problems that I thought would be covered under warranty and the two closest dealership had said they would not repair it under warranty so I took the TB to where I bought it and they fixed both items on separate occasions under warranty no problem.

[ylab]

Are we talking New Vehicle Warranty or an Extended Warranty? It may make a big difference in whether they can get it covered, as GM's Extended Warranties specifically exclude the entire exhaust system including the catalytic converter. (The Converter is covered by the emissions warranty, but the exhaust manifold isn't part of the emissions control system).

Now if its the New Vehicle Warranty, they could always claim that the bolts came loose allowing it to vibrate and eventually crack.....GM has a TSB indicating that earlier years used bolts too long, which would not seat and as a result worked their way free. Is that $1400+ just to replace the exhaust manifold? (Seems kind of expensive, just for a manifold).

On the positive side, isn't the headman header now shipping for the I6?....Perfect opportunity and justification to get one! :)

[jimmyjam]

GM has a TSB indicating that earlier years used bolts too long, which would not seat and as a result worked their way free.I went to the dealership asking about this, they looked at me like I was crazy. anyone have any details about this?

[MTPockets]

Man, the day I need to spend ~$1500 on just an exhaust manifold and header pipe, is the day the trailblazer gets traded-in for something else!! I dunno if I'd even be willing to pay GM half of that. I'd search for a used one and have in independant shop install one if GM wont agree to help you out upfront. No way a CAT should fail on a lower mileage 2003, nor should an exhaust manifold be failing on a ~3yr old vehicle. If GM doesnt agree to paying half up front, give the money to a good independant shop.

Joel

[Blueblazed]

Man, the day I need to spend ~$1500 on just an exhaust manifold and header pipe, is the day the trailblazer gets traded-in for something else!! I dunno if I'd even be willing to pay GM half of that. I'd search for a used one and have in independant shop install one if GM wont agree to help you out upfront. No way a CAT should fail on a lower mileage 2003, nor should an exhaust manifold be failing on a ~3yr old vehicle. If GM doesnt agree to paying half up front, give the money to a good independant shop.

Joel

:iagree: I agree in the strongest way possible. There is a used manifold on ebay Buy It Now price of 69.95 including shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-GMC-Envoy-Exhaust-Manifold_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33632QQihZ001Q QitemZ110043247318QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

Get a buddy to help you on the weekend, and for 70 bucks and a case of beer you'd be good to go. A lot cheaper than 1500.00

FWIW, I've only seen one exhaust manifold crack on a newer vehicle, and at the risk of dating myself, it was on an late 70's Pinto - which had been wrecked on the front end.

[STITCH]

the 1400 covers everything from the engine block to the rear bumper. manifold(200.),cat(459), muffler(542) tailp ipe w/ res(710.00). I'm thinking the same thing as far as 3 year old vehicle , but high milage, 68K and some change. Problem is I need at a minimun the manifold for the truck to even move. paid 30.00 for the flatbed to get it to the dealer. Still tempted to tell them replace the cat and manifold. leave all else. Ill go get a Flowmaster/magnaflow cat back in Stainless.

Warranty was standard 3/36 which we killed on miles in 18 months.

Having a hell of a time figuring out which cat back to get. Dont have the time to really research the options. I'm looking for a set that wont rust out in 3 years and mybe add some perfomance. Are the gains over a stock exhaust really that great? oh and the Wester's tune might finnally make a differance.

[Blueblazed]

the 1400 covers everything from the engine block to the rear bumper. manifold(200.),cat(459), muffler(542) tailp ipe w/ res(710.00). I'm thinking the same thing as far as 3 year old vehicle , but high milage, 68K and some change. Problem is I need at a minimun the manifold for the truck to even move. paid 30.00 for the flatbed to get it to the dealer. Still tempted to tell them replace the cat and manifold. leave all else. Ill go get a Flowmaster/magnaflow cat back in Stainless.


Okay, I see. Just one question - I was never good at math, but are you sure about your numbers? They don't quite add up to 1400.

[STITCH]

1452 + tax . Dont add in the Cat. My mistake in the way I typed it.

[ddresser]

Stitch,

Is it possible that when the dealer replaced your catalytic converter they let the weight of the exhaust system hang from your manifold without supporting it? That's a sure way to crack a manifold. Just a thought?

[STITCH]

Update 3
Well If It Werent For Bad Luck......
Picked Up The Tb This Morning. Shelled Out The 1555.45 For The Repairs. Ran It Like Mad On The Way To Work, Almost As Good As New. Get To Work And Call Gm Customer Service Line. And The Day Went To Hell. Cas Tell Me That All They Can Offer Is An Owner Loyalty Cert For 1000.00 Toward A New Vehcile. Now The Tb Is 3 Years Old And Wifeys Escape Is An 2006. Do You Think We Are Buying Anything Any Time Soon? So I Ask The Rep What Happened To The 50/50 Deal.
"well I Submitted It And The Best We Can Do Is The Owner Loyalty Cert. "
I Asked To Speak To The Manager He Put Me On Hold For 5-7 Minutes And Comes Back With "due To The Lacking Repair History This Is The Best We Can Do". Lack Of History The Trucks Only 3 Years Old, I Change My Own Oil And Have Only Had It In For Service Maybe 3-4 Times. Which, To Me Is Very Good For Any Vehicle With 66k Aggressive Miles.
Basicxally Im Seeing Something Akin To A Bait And Switch And A Penaly For Their Damn Product Actually Being Made Well.

Please Anybody Has A Solution Or Suggest An Action Would Be Great. Im Thinking Of Filing A Complaint With Bbb For The Full Amount Or Like I Said Before Tearing It Off And Buying A Performance Exhaust. New Stuff Isnt Even Stainless Stell ...so Im Into This Again In 3 Years


Im So Hot About This I Could Kill. Im Tempted To Take It Back To The Dealer Tell Them To Take The Parts Off And Ill Replace Them Myself.

[MTPockets]

Stitch, the way I see it is: Either you get flogged a little bit over a period of time by a dealer service dept by having 15K, 30K, etc..etc.. serivces done, or you skip that & get hit all at once with a big bill. In the end you pay basically the same amount anyway. Dealerhips in my area commonly charge $1000-1200 for a 2 axle brake job! I personally avoid a dealership for all out of warranty mechanical issues. Electrical stuff maybe, but I'll always hit up an independant shop first. Like previously suggested, you should have used an independant shop for this type of out of warranty exhaust work.

Joel

[85vette]

I don't know if your up for this but one time I had a customer that had his A/C compressor replaced on a friday afternoon late. After the repair was made he balked at the agreed upon price but after telling him he could not have his car back unless he paid the bill he begrudgingly paid it and went on his way. Monday morning when we got to the dealership and the guy was walking up and down the sidewalk carrying a picket sign protesting our prices. The dealership owner arrived and asked what that was all about and told the service manager to pay him to go away. You may think it's a litle drastic but what do you have to lose?

[STITCH]

thats were i was stuck. the cat was warranty work. None of the independants would touch it because it was warranty. the manifold I would have just as soon done myself but I needed that at a minimun. Probably going to chalk it up to an expensive lesson relearned. Still gripes me 'bout the 50/50 because if I had known ther wernt going to back it up I would have taken it to an independant.

I apologize for venting before was still to hot to discuss it ...should have knbow better.