Glow plugs covered under emissions warranty?

[Diesel Dame]

Someone please enlighten me. I have now had to have glow plugs replaced 2x in the last 6 months. This last time I decided to check out my 2001 warranty book and lo and behold, glow plug are part of the emissions warranty. My dealer refuses to fix without my paying a a $100 deductable. I have called customer care and they say it is covered but he refuses to do the work w/o deductable payment.

[madmatt]

Get in touch w/ your AVM (area vehicle manager) either through your dealer or customer assistance

[sjd_sd]

I had a similar problem where they didn't want to pay ANY part of the repair. The service manager was a real jerk about it. I ended up having to call GM who in turn called the dealership to get them to issue a refund check. I did pay the deductable though.

[DmaxMaverick]

That's a real pickle.

The emmissions warranty does cover glow plugs, but the deductible is $100 for each claim if you are out of your OEM warranty.

The plugs are about $12 each, and replacement time is minimal.

Sounds like your dealer is playing by the rules. That's really all we ask of them.

[Diesel Dame]

Maverick,
Are you sure? My 2001 Light Duty Truck Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet states on page 13, "Some of the above components may also be covered by the Emission Warranty with no deductible (see pages 21-24 for details)." On pages 21-24 it lists all the parts covered incl glow plugs.

Anyone out there been successful in getting GM to honor the warranty as stated in the booklet?

Amy

[DmaxMaverick]

I think the key word there is "may". I know the emmissions coverage varies from state to state. This subject came up while I was talking with my warranty manager the other day, and he indicated a $100 deductible for most emmissions items. It is probably a "gray" area, and your dealer "may" have the last word. Some items, such as a cat, are in most cases covered with no deductible. Find the "black & white". It doesn't look like your dealer is making any effort to help you.

[atschirner]

Watch the 5 yrs in service date on the emissions warranty as well as the 100K. My dealer needed a lesson on the finer points but saw the light. They replaced the glow plug controller last year and a full set of injectors on my 'oh one' at five years and two days in service. God bless GM.

[Diesel Dame]

But the question is, Did you pay a deductable?

MY claim is both inside 5 years and inside of 100,000

[Diesel Dame]

Final outcome. Went to my regular mechanic for guidence. After talking to his favoite Chevy parts guy (at a dealer I had yet to try), he asked him who in service he would recommend talking to. My mechanic spoke with the guy and then handed me the phone. He said that since I was now over 100,000 and that they, as a different dealer, would have to start their own ticket for warranty reimbursement they would not be able to submit for reimbursement as my warranty had now expired. I explained what had happenend at dealer stupid and he said it should have been covered w/o deductable payment. He then saw that I had already had glow plugs replaced after paying $100 deductable at dealer out-of-business w/in the last year. He said he would talk to the "higher ups" and get back to me. He had an answer for me in 2 hours--they would do the work w/o deductable!!!! I was so appreciative I had him change the oil which dealer stupid was unable to do as they did not stock the necessary synthetic for the DMAX. Parting words from service guy at dealer highly competent, "those guys shouldn't even be Chevy dealers"--I couldn't have said it better.

[Jeff_R.]

My dealer is recommending that I replace all 8 glow plugs even though only one is bad. Does anyone know the reason for this? They are asking for $180. x 8.

[DmaxMaverick]

Originally posted by Jeff R.:
My dealer is recommending that I replace all 8 glow plugs even though only one is bad. Does anyone know the reason for this? They are asking for $180. x 8. $180 X 8???? WOW!! How do they figure that? I'm curious to hear their answer. The plugs are only $10-$15 a piece, and all can be changed in less than an hour. As far as testing goes....no DTC on a cold start....no problem.

I don't see ANY reason to replace good plugs on the Duramax without a known issue.

If you are having this done out of warranty, just buy one plug (or two, to have a spare), and do it yourself. 5 minute job!

[Jeff_R.]

Actually I didn't have that quite right. $180 for one and appx. $400. for all 8 - which they recommend. They did say my '02 w/ less than 100k and 5yrs is not covered under any warrenty.

[DmaxMaverick]

$400 is much better....but still a rip-off. Your glow plugs are still under warranty, and they should replace them as such. Only explanation I have is they are lumping them into the "spark plug" category. Different animal. I suggest getting another opinion, at another dealer. Find one that will work with you, then file a complaint with GM customer service about the first dealer.

[Jeff_R.]

Thanks for the input. I've informed them this is a warrenty issue but I have a big problem w/ the suggestion of replacing all 8 if there is no good reason...

[DmaxMaverick]

I have a feeling if they do realize it's warranty, and do the job, they'll only replace the one. I don't think GM will authorize them to replace good plugs. It's not like the injectors at all, which is where I think their confusion may be.

I have a feeling that dealer may have difficulty locating its backside with both hands. Do what you have to do there, and don't return for any reason. When you get your warranty survey card, be sure to reflect that. Many dealers will offer services in exchange for getting there hands on those cards, and with good reason. If any dealer offers you that, blow the whistle on them. GM has a problem with it, as they should. It's like a politician buying votes.

[StrangeEngine]

FYI, I had a glow plug replaced last week under the emissions warranty. $0 paid.

- Mark

[sjd_sd]

These glow plugs are a drag. First dealer wouldn't honor warranty as mentioned before, 2nd dealer and 2nd glow plug covered fully without argument at different dealer. SES light is on again and the pattern matches the last couple of times it was the glow plug. (turned on immediately on cold start, then cycles off after a couple of warm starts). I think they SHOULD replace all 8...like a regular maintenance item. Of course, the same could be said for flywheels and injectors, ...sigh