Fuel filler neck issue

[TopherS]

jrozanc brought up a good topic in the following thread:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=891263

We, too, received our letter from Buick stating that cracks may develop and that fuel vapors may escape during refueling and while driving, or possibly fuel may spill during refueling or while driving. Our letter said to not bring in the car unless we have a problem, at which time, they will check it out and repair it, if necessary. So, exactly how are we supposed to know if our car is allowing vapors to escape while refueling or while driving...or if fuel is spilling while driving? Honestly. Perhaps, if you get up under the car while refueling, you might see fuel spilling. But that's if you take the time and make the effort to get out of your car while refueling and get up under your car to search for spilling fuel. Here in Oregon, it is illegal to pump your own gas. You're expected, but it isn't law, to remain in your car during refueling...in order for it not to appear that you're pumping your own gas or in order to not accidently set off sparks around the car during refueling. One can get out of their car and get up under and watch for fuel spillage while refueling, but I don't know anybody who would do that, especially when it rains 8-9 months out of the year, during which time, there is so much water underneath the car, that you could not even tell if there was fuel spilling or water dripping.

This Friday, I have time off and my Park Avenue will be getting serviced, so I'll have the wife's Rendezvous. I was considering going to the Buick dealer and asking to have the fuel tank looked at, but wonder if anybody has already tried that and whether the dealer actually did it, when there's no suspected problem yet.

Has anyone done this yet? How'd it turn out?

[jrozanc]

TopherS you read my mind. I was wondering the same thing about how to notice the problem. This summer (if it ever stops snowing in michigan) I'll try to keep an eye on the pavement during fill-ups. I just might end up crying wolf and claim to have the problem just to see if the dealership will do anything. You have to be crazy not to pass up free warranty work.

[TopherS]

Originally Posted by jrozanc

I just might end up crying wolf and claim to have the problem just to see if the dealership will do anything. You have to be crazy not to pass up free warranty work.

Yeah, no doubt. I'm just wondering how many Rendezvous owners have already done the same thing, making the dealers wise to us. I almost want to have my mechanic get the crack in the neck started just to get this issue done and out of the way. ...wait, was that my outside voice?

[Chameleon-kat]

I tend to look at it from a different perspective, namely if it ain't broke why fix it. They already indentified the ones they think may be most susceptible to the problem and recalled them.

I also don't like the dealer messing around with something that potential could create problems later such as moving things like electrical connections that may loosen up and allow corrosion or bad connection that will bite you a couple years later, or mounting hardware that doesn't get tightened properly or whatever. Just my thoughts and I know others wouldn't agree

[TopherS]

Originally Posted by Chameleon-kat

I tend to look at it from a different perspective, namely if it ain't broke why fix it. They already indentified the ones they think may be most susceptible to the problem and recalled them.

I also don't like the dealer messing around with something that potential could create problems later such as moving things like electrical connections that may loosen up and allow corrosion or bad connection that will bite you a couple years later, or mounting hardware that doesn't get tightened properly or whatever. Just my thoughts and I know others wouldn't agree

That's a good point...and I hadn't thought about it in that way. Thanks for bringing that up. And on almost every level, I do agree with you.

I guess that I'm just concerned because the nature of this issue involves a potential gas/fume leak. The Rendezvous is my wife's car and hauling the kids around and everything makes me a little (OK, a lot) more cautious about the safety this car is supposed to provide.

Perhaps it would be better said that I would be more at ease with this situation if the letter that I received had invited me to take the car to the dealer for inspection. I realize that there are so many Rendezvous out there that this would cause a lot of work for the dealers. However, this has to do with a problem that could potentially be dangerous/fatal and is a problem that probably 99% of the drivers are not apt to notice, even if they are truly affected. Because of this, I am less satisfied with how Buick has chosen to deal with this problem. Inviting the owners to have their car checked out would help to bring confidence to the owners that the manufacturer/dealers are showing the utmost concern for their safety. But, the letter tells us to not take the car in unless we are experiencing a problem...and as said in the prior posts, not very many people will even realize they have a problem, even if they do. I just feel like there is a better way for Buick to handle the situation, is all.

[brcidd]

Uh- Gee - every other GM car sets a service engine light for a loose gas cap-- so why do you think this won't happen if the filler neck cracks?????

That yellow light and the subsequent code should be your first hint that you have a problem.........and you won't have to get out of your car.....

[Chameleon-kat]

I would think IF the leak is bad enough AND has been there long enough it might set the SES light on with code for evaporaive system.

One problem with inspection is while it may not leak today, could start tomorrow.

I have 2 Pontiacs that potentialy could have the problem and I think the sniff test may be a good indication, plus when ALL of the snow and ice go away it couldn't hurt to take a look for stains or anything like that may point to it.

[TopherS]

Originally Posted by Chameleon-kat

I have 2 Pontiacs that potentialy could have the problem and I think the sniff test may be a good indication, plus when ALL of the snow and ice go away it couldn't hurt to take a look for stains or anything like that may point to it.

I'll be crawling up under the car this weekend to take a look/sniff.

By the way, has this issue affected the newer Rendezvous? The wife has been talking about getting a newer one (2006-2007).

[Chameleon-kat]

The recall/extended warranty applies to 2001-2004 MYs