02 fan clutch

[classone]

Hello to all,
I think I have a problem with my fan clutch and the dealership keeps telling me that what is happening is normal. I have 1200 miles left on my warranty and want to get this thing fixed now if it is bad.

Here is what happens to my truck...Upon starting the truck, the tach usually idles somewhat high and then settles down. Then I start driving and it really sounds as if I am riding a clutch...high rpm's and no speed. Then after a mile or so, the rpm's settle down and then the ride smooth's out.

It doesn't happen every day, but I am worried about it. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

Scott

[04TBEXT]

:m2: If it quacks like a duck...and walks like a duck...it must be a duck...and those symptoms quack & walk like a fan clutch problem, but be careful. This style fan clutch typically can operate for a few minutes (1-2) after start-up. This is sometimes a normal condition. If the fan clutch comes on, stays on an excessive amount of time 10-12 minutes plus, the viscous solenoid in the clutch may be sticking/faltering etc. keeping the fan clutch hydraulically engaged for an excessive amount of time. Diagnostic trouble code P0480 is usually the result of a fan clutch that has been electronically told to change speed/shut off/turn off, but due to a malfunction of some sort, cannot mechanically respond.
If your dealer is reserved about this condition and tells you the symptom will have to occur prior to their repair, kindly ask the service management to indicate that a customer concern for this condition have been voiced during the factory warranty period (be sure it's written down on the repair order). If they're a "stand-up" dealer, they should do this with a smile.

[02EnvoySLE Guy]

04TBEXT is right on the money. I'd go up to your local autozone and have the codes read. If it's throwing a code, you should go back to the dealer and tell them about the code, and have them fix it.

I also would highly recommend adding a GMPP Major Guard extended warranty to the truck. Since I assume you're approaching 36K miles, you should be aware that some other items may be reaching wear-out time. Personally I'd say it's an investment that could pay for itself. :m2:

[04TBEXT]

Kudos for 02EnvoySLE Guy...smart move. I totally forgot about that angle. To all of those contemplating an extended warranty on a GM vehicle, I would buy no other but a GMPP extended warranty...period. To those of you contemplating a GMPP purchase after vehicle delivery/during the factory warranty period, please be advised that GMPP's coverage methods have changed. In the past, if you purchased, say, a 48 month/48,000 mile policy after your first year/first 12,000 miles of ownership (12/12), the policy coverage would commence on the original delivery mileage. Technically speaking, the policy would parallel the factory warranty for the first 36/36 and then stay in force for an additional 12/12 up to a total of 48/48. Currently, if this same policy was purchased at the same time, the start date and mileage start at the time of policy purchase. In this current scenario, the 48/48 purchased at the 12/12 interval would extend warranty coverage to 60/60. The coverage is better, but since the risk is greater, the price of the policies are now greater. With the previous set-up, most people would wait to just before the expiration of the factoy 36/36 and then purchase a GMPP, say for 72/72. Now, with the current pricing tiers (with the prices that increase each 12/12 period, the wisdom is to purchase the policy, if not at the time of vehicle purchase, within the first 12/12 (before the first tier price increase.