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Chevy Tahoe Stabilitrak Problems

158 messages,  Last post on May 08, 2013 at 12:44 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Tahoe, Electrical

    

Messages Page 14 of 16

#130 of 158 AFM Stabilitrak, Traction Control Issues by msw007

Mar 13, 2013 (10:23 am)

THIS IS A GM DESIGN FLAW!
THIS IS GOING TO BE MORE APPARENT IN THE COMING MONTHS AS THESE 2007-2009 MODEL YEARS START CREEPING UP ON THE 75K-85K SWEET SPOT MILEAGE.
GM IS TRYING TO HIDE THE FACT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM AND HAVE A BANDAID SOLUTION.
YOU CANNOT CHECK IT WITHOUT A COMPLETE TEAR DOWN OF THE MOTOR.
IF YOU HAVE THE 5.3L MOTOR WITH AFM I WISH YOU LUCK.
MY STORY IS BELOW:
 
So I would like to discuss our recent troubles with our 2007 Chevy Tahoe LT 5.3L. We were finally able to purchase our first new car, 2007 Chevy Tahoe LT, ever in October 2006 from our local dealership. We decided on the Chevy Tahoe because we have had a used Chevy Suburban and Used Chevy Tahoe prior and have had excellent experience with both of them. It was truly a wonderful experience until now.
 
Flash forward to October 2012. While traveling several warning lights came on “Service Traction Control, Stablitrak, and Service engine”. We brought it to the dealership a few times to scan for a code and they couldn’t come up with anything. So now we had to wait until it was actually happening and rush it over to the dealership so they can scan for the code while it was happening. Finally it was happening enough that we were able to get it to the dealer for the scan. The scan revealed that spark plug #1 was fouled and would cause a chain reaction on all the computers to go haywire. So they did a little research and they found a GM TSB (technical service bulletin) that said replace the valve cover gasket, replace all the plugs and wires. Keep in mind these are 100K mile platinum plugs/wires and we currently have around 79000 miles on the vehicle (GM recommends replacing these items at 100K miles). So we did what we were told and $700 later we were on our merry way.
 
Jump forward to January 2013. Now we start hearing a clunking sound on acceleration. We bring it back to the dealer and they can’t seem to find anything (of course not????). Now February the sound is more apparent and all the warning lights have come back. I decided to take the car to a friend of mine who has a local shop and specializes in foreign autos. I knew he would take the time and do the research to finally tell us what the dealer couldn’t. After having the car for a week the verdict was in. GM has this fuel management system introduced on this particular 5.3L motor in 2007. It’s supposed to be able to switch from 8 to 4 cylinders and back to help save on fuel (Active Fuel Management or AFM). To confirm the problem he would have to tear down the engine and check the intake valve on cylinder #1. This is when I said “I’m taking it back to the dealer”.
 
Now the dealership has the car and I didn’t mention that I already had it looked at. I wanted to see if they would come up with the same diagnosis. Well after a week they did. I can’t believe it since the initial $700 fix 3000 miles ago in November 2012 I now have to replace the engine, WTF! Needless to say I was not a happy camper. Now the car has been out of warranty for a little over a year (which has been pointed out to me over and over again) but that’s not the point. The point is we bought a brand new car so we wouldn’t have any problems usually associated with used cars. A car that has less than 100K miles on it. A car that has been religiously serviced by our local Chevy Dealership. And now I’m being told I have to replace the motor!
 
The dealership called GM. GM was quick to say they would replace the motor and cover 50% of the costs? Well whoop de doo. Why were they so quick to offer that deal? Of course they are replacing it with a genuine GM remanufactured motor with a 3 year/ 50K warranty and that’s all they are willing to do. I don’t expect the dealership to cover all the costs and it would be nice if I wasn’t out of pocket any. Yes I know the car it out of warranty but I expect GM to back up their product. Did I mention I have purchased over $100K in new Chevy vehicles over the last several years.
 
So the car is no good to us. Can’t drive it, sell it or trade it in. I basically have to take the deal. My estimated out of pocket will be $3K plus tax.
 
So I decided to call GM directly and talk to them in a kind Christian sort of way (as only I can do). I figured if they heard from the customer directly that they would be willing to at least come down a little. I know the car isn’t under warranty. The results were not what I was looking for. After they gathered all the information from the dealership and me as well they will only cover 50% of the cost. I explained to them that I’ve been a loyal customer, this car had less than 100K miles on it, I’ve spent over $100K in Chevy cars over the last several years. Nope all they would do is 50%. I asked would they would at least reimburse me for the $700 that I already spent that was totally unnecessary? Nope only 50%. Well let’s just say things went pretty much south from there.
 
So here is where we stand. The dealership is putting in the new motor. They are working with me to get the price down under $3K. I don’t begrudge the dealership I think they did what they could do (as personally later found out with GM). I don’t begrudge the lady at GM I’m sure she has set parameters she has to follow and she’s just a drone in the corporation. However I do begrudge GM for not standing by their product. Do the research it’s all over the internet. GM has a problem with this motor and it’s “Active Fuel Management” they know it and they will continue to have problems. Unfortunately if you do have this particular motor there’s no way to check if you will have this problem or not. I will never buy a GM product again. They have lost a loyal customer over $700.
 
I find it pretty amazing when they want billions of our tax dollars to bail them out and I'm looking for $700 just does not compute with me.
 
Feel free to share this and let's set GM straight that they should stand behind their product!!!!

#131 of 158 Re: 07 Suburban LTZ [concerned01] by justinsamberg

Mar 14, 2013 (1:26 pm)

Replying to: concerned01 (Mar 05, 2013 8:07 am)
I'm having a similar prob with my 07 Tahoe that has 125k on it. My check engine light is blinking and the stability track needs to be serviced. It also runs ruff from idle all the way through the rpm range. Cylinder #1 has no spark and there is a push rod ticking noise that is also coming from #1. Its at the dealer now and we think its all related the flex fuel system. I had been putting E85 in the truck from time to time but I just learned that it takes 15 of driving for the ECU to recalibrate. If you shut it off before it completes the cycle. I believe it restarts the cycle all over again.

#132 of 158 Re: 07 Suburban LTZ [justinsamberg] by msw007

Mar 15, 2013 (12:55 pm)

Replying to: justinsamberg (Mar 14, 2013 1:26 pm)
I feel your pain. Get ready for the call telling you we have to replace a valve cover and all the plugs and wires for $700. By the way this will not fix the problem. Or they will tell you that it needs a complete top end job. Or better yet a new remanufactured GM motor, yipee!
 
I wish you luck.

#133 of 158 Follow up on Chevy 5.3L w/AFM by msw007

Mar 26, 2013 (5:12 pm)

Well we have the new remanufactured motor installed.
I spoke with the mechanic at the dealership and asked what exactly happened and if this was normal?
He told me the rings on the piston were worn and caused the leak by which fouled the plug. The cylinder wall were scarred and the other cylinders were starting to look worn.
He just shrugged his shoulders when I asked him if this was normal (that kind of says it all right there).
I know Black Bear Performance offers a tune solution to turn the AFM off. I guess they started to offer this due to the rash of complaints and problems that have been associated with this.
I have sent letters off to GM's upper management pleading my case. I'm not expecting much but it doesn't hurt to try.

#134 of 158 tahoe 5.3 dead cylinder by justinsamberg

Mar 26, 2013 (5:47 pm)

So I'm all fixed now. The prob was with the DOD lifter and solenoids that controlled the 8 to 4 cylinder mode has now been remove and all lifters were replaced with standard LS1 ones. We also put in a LS6 cam and valve springs. I had the tuner flash out the DOD and also put in a good tune without using a Dyno. It runs better than ever now and it picked up about 50 hp.

#135 of 158 Re: stability link traction control lost comoression all in one night? [gmcustsvc] by dateacherwilli

Mar 29, 2013 (4:31 pm)

Replying to: gmcustsvc (Jan 28, 2013 12:13 pm)
WHY WANT GM FIX THIS !!! I refuse to spend a Dime on repairs, not even for diagnoses

#136 of 158 2007 Chevy Tahoe - Stabilitrak, Oil Consumption, Wheel Bearing Issues by 1before40

Apr 02, 2013 (2:28 pm)

I have been reading the posts regarding the problems with the 2007 Chevy Tahoe concerning the Stabilitrak, oil consumption and other problems. I purchased my 07 Tahoe in May 2006 and have had an unending series of problems with this vehicle and the most recent is the Stabilitrak issue. I am upset to learn that the fix for this issue is in the 3-4K range and GM refuses to take any responsibility for the issue, but I am not suprised by their response. Since this issue is so prevalent and GM will not issue a recall, I think all of us affected by this issue should file a class action suit. It is absurd to spend this kind of money on an SUV and be treated the way that GM treats their customers. This type of irresponsible behavior is what lead to the eleventh hour rescue by the tax payers. I could go on and on regarding the problems Ive had with this vehicle since purchasing it new, but I would rather concentrate on something more constructive such as the class action suit. I refuse to put another dime of my money into repairing yet another desing flaw of this vehicle. If any of you would like to work with me regarding filing a class action suit please contact me here.

#137 of 158 Re: Follow up on Chevy 5.3L w/AFM [msw007] by msw007

Apr 02, 2013 (4:23 pm)

Replying to: msw007 (Mar 26, 2013 5:12 pm)
So I received a phone call from GM Corporate (my letters got through). I have spoke with him several times and as of now GM is holding firm on the 50/50. They say because I accepted the deal there's nothing else they can do? I reminded him I accepted the deal because I had a useless car and it had to be fixed (holding a gun to my head).
I told him right up front I'm not looking to get off without paying anything. I understand the car was out of warranty but the fact of the matter is the engine failed under 100K miles.
He said there were a few more upper management people he could plead my case to. So I don't know if he's blowing smoke up my a** or he's being truthful. We'll see.

#138 of 158 Suburban---same issue by hezekiah12

Apr 17, 2013 (3:18 pm)

Ok, I just got off the phone with GM. They have offered 45% of the cost of new pistons and rings. I had coffee with a guy just this morning with a 2008 Avalanche that had to have the same thing done. In talking to my service advisor at the dealership(GM won't tell you anything, per their policy) they have to fix a lot of these. Apparently it is the lifter(design flaw???) that goes bad, causes a crack in the #1 piston(which lets the oil through henceforth the oil consumption) and since the #1 plug is fouled the vehicle runs rough which sends the stabilitrak/TCS lights to go crazy, also lots of compression loss, rough idling etc.
 
I asked him if this issue had been addressed in the newer vehicles and he said yes, that it was only for 2-3 yrs 07-09 they had these lifters in them. Anyway, our vehicle is going in next week at a cost of $1,300 to hopefully finally get fixes. The service advisor said he hasn't had any come back in after the fact.

#139 of 158 Re: Suburban---same issue [hezekiah12] by msw007

Apr 17, 2013 (3:35 pm)

Replying to: hezekiah12 (Apr 17, 2013 3:18 pm)
So I got a remanufactured GM warranty motor. I wonder if they replaced the lifters with the good ones so this doesn't happen?
GM paid 50% the cost of the new motor so I was out $3000. I wrote to corporate to see if they could do any better but they said because it was out of warranty that they didn't even have to pay 50% but because I was a good Chevy customer they through me a bone.
GM will not issue a recall because it's not a safety issue so everyone with these effected years will just have to suck it up and deal with it.
Don't you love being a beta tester?

Messages Page 14 of 16

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