2004 MAXX steering problem update!

[dinosaur]

here the latest:

1st visit to service:
yellow wrench light on and steering locked up.

2nd visit to service:
dealer replaced steering column, gave me the car back. problem now was that i couldnt even turn the steering wheel left only right.

3rd visit to service:
when i accelerate the steering wheel turns left as far as about 10 o'clock on clock for example. i test it out without holding the wheel just to see what happens and i tested it out on 10 different streets where all of them are flat.

what would you in my case? would you ask for an exchange or would you allow them to fix it for a 3rd time and risk possible more problems?

as they say once a problem always a problem. it has 6,900 miles on it and in perfect shape. do you think the dealer would allow an exchange for the same or entirely different auto. i was also consdering the Equinox.

let me know.

[wpbharry]

Sounds to me like your dealer hasn't replaced a column before. I suggest you try another dealer, but be sure they have replaced one before you turn the car over to them.

A member of Edmund's Town Hall, e2helper, works for GM (specifically, the Malibu and G6 are his specialties) and might be able to help you resolve this (he's a member here too, but don't see him post much anymore, since there isn't much concern with the '04s/'05s in here yet).

You'd have to join ETH to post a request for him. I'm sure you'd get a speedy reply in there.

[dinosaur]

Originally Posted by wpbharry

Sounds to me like your dealer hasn't replaced a column before. I suggest you try another dealer, but be sure they have replaced one before you turn the car over to them.

A member of Edmund's Town Hall, e2helper, works for GM (specifically, the Malibu and G6 are his specialties) and might be able to help you resolve this (he's a member here too, but don't see him post much anymore, since there isn't much concern with the '04s/'05s in here yet).

You'd have to join ETH to post a request for him. I'm sure you'd get a speedy reply in there.

ok thanks

[GMMerlin]

Originally Posted by dinosaur

here the latest:

1st visit to service:
yellow wrench light on and steering locked up.

2nd visit to service:
dealer replaced steering column, gave me the car back. problem now was that i couldnt even turn the steering wheel left only right.

3rd visit to service:
when i accelerate the steering wheel turns left as far as about 10 o'clock on clock for example. i test it out without holding the wheel just to see what happens and i tested it out on 10 different streets where all of them are flat.

what would you in my case? would you ask for an exchange or would you allow them to fix it for a 3rd time and risk possible more problems?

as they say once a problem always a problem. it has 6,900 miles on it and in perfect shape. do you think the dealer would allow an exchange for the same or entirely different auto. i was also consdering the Equinox.

let me know.

After a steering column replacement, the tech should have performed the Power Steering Control Module Programming and Setup procedure.

[dinosaur]

Originally Posted by GMMerlin

After a steering column replacement, the tech should have performed the Power Steering Control Module Programming and Setup procedure.

he did but im having problems now where the car drfits to the left when accelerating. 3rd time i'll be bringing it in for a steering problem. im going to ask them for an exchange for an 2005 equinox or for a 2005 malibu. how are the equinoxi's been so far as far as reliability goes? i drive w/ a 2 yr old and cant risk any safety hazards.


what do you think?

[e2helper]

Originally Posted by wpbharry

A member of Edmund's Town Hall, e2helper.. Malibu and G6 are his specialties)...but don't see him post much anymore, since there isn't much concern with the '04s/'05s in here yet).

You got that right on all counts, Harry

I certainly agree with GMMerlin's observations. Those are a couple learning procedures that need to be done after a column replacement so that the electronic power steering module is "zeroed" in regards to the handwheel position sensor and torque sensor in order to get on-center feel and returnability right. This procedure only takes a few minutes and the dealer should probably try it again if it was only done once. You have to make sure the wheel is straight and no load being applied to wheel when these procedures are done. These pocedures also are recommended to be done after an alignment procedure.

So the only additional thought I can provide is this:

There is also an informational TSB #04-03-06-001 called "Vehicle Leads/Pulls Characteristics and Diagnosis" for this vehicle that the dealer could take a look at.

[dinosaur]

Originally Posted by e2helper

You got that right on all counts, Harry

I was a little concerned about commenting on this particular case due to how far things looked to have progressed with dealer.

However I certainly agree with GMMerlin's observations. Those are a couple learning procedures that need to be done after a column replacement so that the electronic power steering module is "zeroed" in regards to the handwheel position sensor and torque sensor in order to get on-center feel and returnability right. This procedure only takes a few minutes and the dealer should probably try it again if it was only done once. You have to make sure the wheel is straight and no load being applied to wheel when these procedures are done. These pocedures also are recommended to be done after an alignment procedure.

So the only additional thought I can provide is this:

There is also an informational TSB #04-03-06-001 called "Vehicle Leads/Pulls Characteristics and Diagnosis" for this vehicle that the dealer could take a look at.

"I was a little concerned about commenting on this particular case due to how far things looked to have progressed with dealer."

What do you mean by this? I wasn't sure...


I still think that since I drive a 2 year old every day in this car my dealer should look at an exchange for the same or differnt car within the same price range since I've had alot of steering problems as you can see I now feel unsafe with this car. I was also looking at the Equinox. Have they been pretty reliable?

Thanks, let me know.

[wpbharry]

I briefly considered an Equinox. Aside from the fact that I really didn't want an SUV, it's a nice package also.

The only 2 negatives with the Nox that come to mind are lower quality interior pieces and a semi-anemic Chinese-built 3400 V-6 (I just mention the fact that it's built in China as a curiousity). The Nox is heavier than the Maxx (especially with AWD) and the engine is less powerful (and less sophisticated).

Other folks have complained about the huge rear blind spots in the Nox. Rear visibilty in the Maxx isn't great, but better than the Nox.

Nox doesn't offer some features of the Maxx, such as rear DVD and rear skylight. Suggest you pick up a brochure next time you're at the dealer.

Also don't forget that there are quite a few '04 Maxxes still on the lots. As long as you get one produced in March or later, steering problems shouldn't be an issue. Mine was built in April, and the only item which I need to get fixed is related to the fuel tank (need a new one). Some Maxxes built between March and May were built with a warped tank. Not a safety issue, just an annoyance.

[dinosaur]

Originally Posted by wpbharry

I briefly considered an Equinox. Aside from the fact that I really didn't want an SUV, it's a nice package also.

The only 2 negatives with the Nox that come to mind are lower quality interior pieces and a semi-anemic Chinese-built 3400 V-6 (I just mention the fact that it's built in China as a curiousity). The Nox is heavier than the Maxx (especially with AWD) and the engine is less powerful (and less sophisticated).

Other folks have complained about the huge rear blind spots in the Nox. Rear visibilty in the Maxx isn't great, but better than the Nox.

Nox doesn't offer some features of the Maxx, such as rear DVD and rear skylight. Suggest you pick up a brochure next time you're at the dealer.

Also don't forget that there are quite a few '04 Maxxes still on the lots. As long as you get one produced in March or later, steering problems shouldn't be an issue. Mine was built in April, and the only item which I need to get fixed is related to the fuel tank (need a new one). Some Maxxes built between March and May were built with a warped tank. Not a safety issue, just an annoyance.

since I bought many cars by them I'm wondering if they do an exchange if they will charge me extra since I have 6,900 miles on my current malibu. as you said maybe they can swap a 2004. overall i wouldn't mind keeping the malibu but also like the equinox. if there's no out of pocket expense to me i would go for the equinox because it costs just about the same fully loaded as mu maxx.
the other thing is i bought many cars from them in the past that i would consider leaving them for a different dealer if my request isnt honored or fixed in general so we'll see what happens.


what do you think?

[GMMerlin]

Originally Posted by dinosaur

since I bought many cars by them I'm wondering if they do an exchange if they will charge me extra since I have 6,900 miles on my current malibu. as you said maybe they can swap a 2004. overall i wouldn't mind keeping the malibu but also like the equinox. if there's no out of pocket expense to me i would go for the equinox because it costs just about the same fully loaded as mu maxx.
the other thing is i bought many cars from them in the past that i would consider leaving them for a different dealer if my request isnt honored or fixed in general so we'll see what happens.


what do you think?

I am no expert in this part, but I do have some experiance.
The dealer will not exchange a vehicle with you without getting GM involved in the process..this will most likely entail you contacting GM and providing your service history and GM attempts to make it right.
Next, if they do agree to buy back your car or wexchange it, you will be responsible for any depriciation or damage on your current vehicle.
If it was me, I would consider trading up (if you are not in a lease) and moving on.

[dinosaur]

Originally Posted by GMMerlin

I am no expert in this part, but I do have some experiance.
The dealer will not exchange a vehicle with you without getting GM involved in the process..this will most likely entail you contacting GM and providing your service history and GM attempts to make it right.
Next, if they do agree to buy back your car or wexchange it, you will be responsible for any depriciation or damage on your current vehicle.
If it was me, I would consider trading up (if you are not in a lease) and moving on.

i can always hire a lemon law attorney too. I shouldnt be responsible for depreciation on an auto that was sold to me defective......

[GMMerlin]

Originally Posted by dinosaur

i can always hire a lemon law attorney too. I shouldnt be responsible for depreciation on an auto that was sold to me defective......

Unfortunately in my experiance the customer was responsible for depreciation and use of the vehicle while the arbitration was going on..in the end, they would have come out better if they had traded the vehicle in instead of heading to arbitration.
BTW, the vehicle in question was bought back, checked and resold..the new owner has yet to complain about the same issues that the original owner complained about.....makes you wonder

[dinosaur]

Originally Posted by GMMerlin

Unfortunately in my experiance the customer was responsible for depreciation and use of the vehicle while the arbitration was going on..in the end, they would have come out better if they had traded the vehicle in instead of heading to arbitration.
BTW, the vehicle in question was bought back, checked and resold..the new owner has yet to complain about the same issues that the original owner complained about.....makes you wonder

to give you a little history it took me 20 days to win a lemon law case for a mercedes-benz ml350 i bought brand new, i lost about $1,700 and i had over 14,000 miles on the car. here in WI the states that you the number of miles on your car from 1st time you brought it in for a repair issue and multiply that times a 100,000 or something. there's a formula involved actually, i can look it up id you would like. i never had to do arbitration period. plus the manufacturer pays for attorney fees under the lemon law. as long as the car affects the value or safety of the vehicle.

i spoke with GM tonight they are gonna call my dealer to see what will happen while they try to fix the problem. dropped my car again tonight by the dealer to fix., attempt #4

[wpbharry]

You'll be shocked at how much your Maxx has depreciated in the first year. Bet it's not worth more than $15.

This country is too hell-bent on litigation over frivolty. I really don't see that this is a problem that can't be fixed with persistence. But since you've litigated before, you must enjoy it. Go for it.

I've run dry on my opinion of this matter and will keep quiet.

[dinosaur]

Originally Posted by wpbharry

You'll be shocked at how much your Maxx has depreciated in the first year. Bet it's not worth more than $15.

This country is too hell-bent on litigation over frivolty. I really don't see that this is a problem that can't be fixed with persistence. But since you've litigated before, you must enjoy it. Go for it.

I've run dry on my opinion of this matter and will keep quiet.

hey i appreciate the input, i really do. i got my car back tonight and all is well so far. we'll see what happens in the future.


thanks.