heated seats in 2001 silo---problem

[miniva_newbie]

I just recently purchased my first minivan--2001 Silhouette Premier. The driver side heated seat doesn't seem to get as warm as the passenger side. My wife says it warms up fine. Should I check something out electrically or take it to the dealer? Any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks

[speediva]

Welcome to your biggest mistake ever. Sure, you think GM makes good vehicles, but our Silhouette vans have some of the WORST crash ratings I've ever seen. Not to mention that my family's 2001 has the EXACT same problem, along with about 200,000 other problems. Our whole power steering assembly has already been replaced, and Olds was such assholes about it, we had to go through 3 different dealers before someone even thought that having no power steering when it's cold was a problem.

We're so fed up with all the other problems that we've just left this heating problem go. Cause when that gets fixed, Olds will have to fix that plastic panel on the inner side of the seat that broke off, taking the bungee basket along with it. I'll never ever tell someone to buy one of these vans for as long as I live.

[jon@af]

you recently purchased it you say? perhaps you could trade it in for a used GMC Safari AWD, we had one of those and it was a great vehicle, didn't have any problems with it. Heck, we even pulled a 2800lb camper with it through the mountains.

nah, you bought your vehicle because you liked it, if you think you can find the glitch then go for it, and if you don't find it, take it in for someone to look at.

[bowtiebandit]

Been working for Gm for 15 years and I ave never heard these 2 complaints with the u or x van..? I'm curious about the seat issue. GM just released a recall on the steering racks though.

[speediva]

Originally posted by bowtiebandit
Been working for Gm for 15 years and I ave never heard these 2 complaints with the u or x van..? I'm curious about the seat issue. GM just released a recall on the steering racks though.

You've got to be f*ing joking w/me!!! Olds treated us like sh!t the 4 and 5 times we took our van in for loss of power steering when cold. It took at least 6 visits and 3 dealerships to get it fixed, and all the while the B@stards were racking up complaints to a recall!!!!

Also, they go in and replace the steering column but conveniently don't fix the seat that doesn't heat or the huge plastic part on the inner side of the driver's seat that has been hanging off for at least 4 mechanical repairs.

I'm learning VERY quickly not to buy GM for their horrible service and lack of common sense, present company excluded.

[bowtiebandit]

Yes the recall came out last week. I cant be sure if it involves your vehicle or not but it is out there. You know just as I opened my mouth we have 1 in the shop with you exact same complaints. Tech is putting a steering rack in it and a seat heater element. I posted this else where but I cant remember where but if your dealin with a dealer ask them for their CSI report. This is their report card from GM based on what other customers feel about their service there. Its based on a 1 to 4 scale, 4 being the best. This way you can avoid worthless dealers and trust me I know they're out there and they make the rest of us look bad. You can also request a copy of each technicians individual CSI but most dealers fight this but I never understand why. If your good your good if you suck then fix it or get out.

[speediva]

Originally posted by bowtiebandit
I posted this else where but I cant remember where but if your dealin with a dealer ask them for their CSI report. This is their report card from GM based on what other customers feel about their service there. Its based on a 1 to 4 scale, 4 being the best. This way you can avoid worthless dealers and trust me I know they're out there and they make the rest of us look bad. You can also request a copy of each technicians individual CSI but most dealers fight this but I never understand why. If your good your good if you suck then fix it or get out.

Right on! Thanks a lot! Sorry for going off on you, but our van was just in for *yet another* service. At least this dealership (although not very close to where we live) seems to have some common sense. This will help my family out a lot.

[bowtiebandit]

Its all good, unfortunately it happens alot. Peoples frustrations are ten fold now that vehicles prices have done the same. Worst part about the whole mess is they come out with new things faster than they can train us on it. No diffewrent then recalls...seems the ower gets the info before we do.

[Hugh Thornton]

Originally Posted by miniva_newbie

I just recently purchased my first minivan--2001 Silhouette Premier. The driver side heated seat doesn't seem to get as warm as the passenger side. My wife says it warms up fine. Should I check something out electrically or take it to the dealer? Any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks

I have exactly the same problem with my heated? seats. Does anyone know whether this is a fused problem or is it something more serious?
The only difference I have experienced is that the seats just stopped working altogether. I'd sure appreciate someone telling me what to do,
aside from dumping the blankety-blank vehicle in the lake!

Hugh Thornton

[Hugh Thornton]

[quote=Hugh Thornton]I have exactly the same problem with my heated? seats. Does anyone know whether this is a fused problem or is it something more serious?
The only difference I have experienced is that the seats just stopped working altogether. I'd sure appreciate someone telling me what to do,
aside from dumping the blankety-blank vehicle in the lake!
I just finished spending $1200.00 replacing an intake manifold gasket
problem, thermostat, antifreeze and spark plugs. And the vehicle has only 76,000 kms!

[Hugh Thornton]

Heated seats in the 2001 GM Silhouette

[troyandmarsha]

for us the driver seat was TOO HOT. the dealer fixed it at no charge.

[Hugh Thornton]

Originally Posted by troyandmarsha

for us the driver seat was TOO HOT. the dealer fixed it at no charge.

Thanks troyandmarsha) I'm currently not disposed to any kindness with
my dealer. Colonial Motors in Newmarket Ontario has been not only indif-ferent but downright rude in addressing my problems. I guess I'll have to look elsewhere for a solution.

Hugh Thornton

[troyandmarsha]

i think asking the dealer to see their CSI rating is the best way to go. then ask the service manager if you can fill a "CSI Follow up sheet" out. that should get his attention. i would suggest being super polite about the task so that he may feel an opportunity to revisit your car woes prior to you filling out the CSI rating survey. it appears that GM is putting more and more pressure on dealers to have high level of service ratings. good luck.

.......otherwise....if they're not into customer surveys, then moving on to a dealer that really cares might be best.

[troyandmarsha]

i also suggest that you find the customer assistance or support number from your owners manual. call it and complain about the dealer if they don't treat you right. most likely the dealer will get a call from GM telling them to take care of you. give it a try and let us know.