7-year battery?

[deb0704us]

Hi. In my 2008 Grand Prix GXP, the original 7-year battery only lasted 4 years. Had to buy a new battery at AutoZone last night. AutoZone suggested we take the dead 7-year battery and our receipt to our GM dealer to get pro-rated money back. Went there today, and GM Dealer said sorry it was only guaranteed for 3 years. That doesn't make any sense to me. The battery says 7-years right on the battery. Should I write a letter to GM? I've been through a lot with this Pontiac. If you recall I had the unreliable engine with the routinely oil-fouled spark plugs for 3 1/2 years - until they came up with a fix for it last Christmas!

[GTP Dad]

Check your owners manual to see what the guarantee states about the battery. Even though it states 7 years they probably indicated somewhere in the literature that it was only warranted for 3 to 4. Most new car manufacturers do this since they purchase the battery from an alternative supplier such as AC Delco or another supplier. That way they can do just what they did to you in saying that they would not cover the warranty.

[deb0704us]

My owners manual does not specifically state the word 'battery'. I've looked up other websites about this. Apparently with the AC Delco battery, if it came with the brand new car (as mine did), is only covered by GM on the 3-yr bumper-to-bumper. And, the AC Delco warranty is only for 'retail consumers' who have purchased an AC Delco battery AND still have their original receipt. This really stinks. So I am outta luck! Let the buyers beware! Your new car's 7-year battery is only covered for 3 years!