2000 Grand Prix GT surging

[neustkg]

I am having a problem with my 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GT. I took it in today (engine surges, especially up hill) and was told that the intake manifold was warped and needed to be replaced. Along with that, an axle seal is leaking, fuel filter needs replaced (I knew that), and the coolant needs flushing and refilling. Also, air filter, serpentine belt, yada, yada, yada (I can replace those, I told them). I only have 41,600 miles on the car. Total bill will be $1800. Not happy.

I was told that the car has been neglected and the scheduled maintenance was not performed. I told the guy at the shop that there isn't a lot of scheduled maintenance that is needed (according to the owner's manual) besides oil changes (3,000 to 7,500 miles), tire rotations every 7,500, and air filter changes every 15,000. I told him I have all these things done within the prescribed mileage. I asked him if any of the cost could be refunded or compensated by GM (due to being 6,000 miles over 36,000 mile warranty and 2 months over the 3 year part) and was told no (asking for this is step 1 in the warranty part of the manual). So I told them to do the work minus the air filter and serpentine belt.

I then called GM (step 2 in the warranty part of the manual) and gave all of the above info. I stressed that I have all the receipts for the oil changes (non-dealer changes), tire rotations, and parts. The GM rep I talked to called the dealer and worked out a deal where I would get 10% off parts and labor. I wasn't happy, but accepted the offer, but asked if there was anything else they could do.

Now I am thinking about suing them in small claims court (I might write a letter stating my dissatisfaction, first) for the cost of the intake manifold plus labor, and the coolant flush and maybe the axle leak repair. A friend did that In Oklahoma and won the case (of course the GM rep did not show up, so he won by default).

Has anyone had similar problems (especially with a Pontiac Grand Prix GT with 3.8 liter engine)? Has anyone tried to sue the car maufacturer (regardless of the above problems) and won?

[Shortbus]

The car is out of warranty. I suppose if you had sold the car and the owner brought it back to you 6000 miles past warranty and said fix it you would hand out the money? If that is the way it worked there would'nt be any Dealerships or car repair shops left in business.
I don't see how you could win... Pay the bill and get over it. Car's break down S*it happens. Upper intakes are common to crack and warp on the 3800 K engines.

Suing for 1800 and wasting the taxpayers money and tying up the courts over frivoulous lawsuits are just plain stupid.

['00 GTP]

I tend to agree with John. the warranty was expired. I am suprised that you even got them to pay 10%. consider yourself lucky, personally I think that you could have saved yourself $100 to replace the fuel filter yourself. it takes 5 min, and about as much effort as changeing the belt. and you can flush the coolant yourself also, there are no more warrantys to void, DO IT YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!

just my $.02

'00 GTP

[roberts5]

What ended up fixing the surging problem? My 1999 GP GT has the exact same problem. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Greg

Originally Posted by neustkg

I am having a problem with my 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GT. I took it in today (engine surges, especially up hill) and was told that the intake manifold was warped and needed to be replaced. Along with that, an axle seal is leaking, fuel filter needs replaced (I knew that), and the coolant needs flushing and refilling. Also, air filter, serpentine belt, yada, yada, yada (I can replace those, I told them). I only have 41,600 miles on the car. Total bill will be $1800. Not happy.

I was told that the car has been neglected and the scheduled maintenance was not performed. I told the guy at the shop that there isn't a lot of scheduled maintenance that is needed (according to the owner's manual) besides oil changes (3,000 to 7,500 miles), tire rotations every 7,500, and air filter changes every 15,000. I told him I have all these things done within the prescribed mileage. I asked him if any of the cost could be refunded or compensated by GM (due to being 6,000 miles over 36,000 mile warranty and 2 months over the 3 year part) and was told no (asking for this is step 1 in the warranty part of the manual). So I told them to do the work minus the air filter and serpentine belt.

I then called GM (step 2 in the warranty part of the manual) and gave all of the above info. I stressed that I have all the receipts for the oil changes (non-dealer changes), tire rotations, and parts. The GM rep I talked to called the dealer and worked out a deal where I would get 10% off parts and labor. I wasn't happy, but accepted the offer, but asked if there was anything else they could do.

Now I am thinking about suing them in small claims court (I might write a letter stating my dissatisfaction, first) for the cost of the intake manifold plus labor, and the coolant flush and maybe the axle leak repair. A friend did that In Oklahoma and won the case (of course the GM rep did not show up, so he won by default).

Has anyone had similar problems (especially with a Pontiac Grand Prix GT with 3.8 liter engine)? Has anyone tried to sue the car maufacturer (regardless of the above problems) and won?

[yakman]

Is this warped intake manifold a common problem ? My car is surging occasionally with 57K miles on it ?
Just like to be prepared before go in for dealer diagnosis.
Also if intake is replaced....Has GM rectified this problem with new intake manifold ??
Pre-Thanx for your comments.

[richtazz]

the surging problem is due to the intake leak. You are getting either an air leak, causing the air/fuel mixture to be thrown off, or coolant getting into the cylinders, which also messes up the air/fuel equation due to the coolant in the combustion chamber.