Question About Warranty Coverage

[pm26]

Someone I know had a problem with a 2008 Colorado pickup which turned out to be a defective mass air flow (MAF) sensor. The dealer charged them $ 350 for the troubleshooting and MAF replacement. The truck was a 2008 Colorado, with about 60k miles, so it was out of its basic bumper to bumper warranty, but still covered under the 100k mile/5 year powertrain warranty. My question is : does the powertrain warranty cover defective sensors, such as this MAF causing improper engine performance? should the repair have been done free of charge?

[Zembonez]

I pretty sure that the powertrain warranty only covers major mechanical drivetrain components. Sensors, fuel pumps, etc not included.

[tobias]

I pretty sure that the powertrain warranty only covers major mechanical drivetrain components. Sensors, fuel pumps, etc not included.

 

That is my understanding as well as it was explained to me when I bought my truck.

[BuckFeverZ]

I agree with Jim. You could tie a lot of components into what someone could consider the power train, but the 5yr/100k mile warranty only applies to major mechanical failures.

[Zembonez]

I THINK it is pretty well laid out in the warranty leaflet in the manual. I read that stuff when I bought my truck but that was almost 2 years back. I think all of the lubricated engine, trans, rear axle stuff was most of what was covered. Better than nothing I guess... especially if you have to replace an engine or trans.

[VMax2007]

Did he have a K & N filter??? **dons flame suit**

 

[Zembonez]

Did he have a K & N filter??? **dons flame suit**

 

What Jeff REALLY wants to know is "Did he overoil his reusable filtration device and cause irrevocable damage to said mass air flow sensor?"

 

Inquiring minds would like to know.

[MS3DALE]

I pretty sure that the powertrain warranty only covers major mechanical drivetrain components. Sensors, fuel pumps, etc not included.

 

That is my understanding as well as it was explained to me when I bought my truck.

 

 

Correct,A mass-air flow sensor would not be covered under the powertrain warranty.

[HomieG]

I'm wondering if the MAF sensor is covered under the 8yr/80,000 emission warranty. The warranty book may show that.

[superjim]

I'm wondering if the MAF sensor is covered under the 8yr/80,000 emission warranty. The warranty book may show that.

 

 

I was thinking the same thing. If it messes up...the emissions mess up.

Looks like it should have been covered ... unless the user was using an oiled filter and messed it up himself.

[MS3DALE]

You know I thought about that after I made my earlier post,But yes,The MAF sensor would be covered under the emissions warranty.

 

Heres what it says in the warranty booklet that comes with all new GM vehicles...

 

2008 Chevrolet Colorado Pickup - 4WD | Chevrolet Limited Warranty and Owner Assistance Information | Warranty and Owner Assistance Information | Warranty and Owner Assistance Information | Introduction | Document ID: 1873249

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Emission Control Systems Warranty:

The emission warranty on your vehicle is issued in accordance with the U.S. Federal Clean Air Act. Defects in material or workmanship in GM emission parts may also be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty Bumper-to-Bumper coverage. There may be additional coverage on GM diesel engine vehicles. In any case, the warranty with the broadest coverage applies.

 

What Is Covered:

The parts covered under the emission warranty are listed under "Emission Warranty Parts List" later in this section.

 

How to Determine the Applicable Emissions Control System Warranty,

State and Federal agencies may require different emission control system warranty depending on:

 

• Whether the vehicle conforms to regulations applicable to light duty or heavy duty emission control systems.

 

• Whether the vehicle conforms to or is certified for California regulations in addition to U.S. EPA Federal regulations.

 

All vehicles are eligible for Federal Emissions Control System Warranty Coverage. If the emissions control label contains language stating the vehicle conforms to California regulations, the vehicle is also eligible for California Emissions Control System Warranty Coverage.

 

Federal Emission Control System Warranty,

Federal Warranty Coverage:

 

• Car or Light Duty Truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 8,500 lbs. or less

 

- 2 years or 24,000 miles and 8 years or 80,000 miles for the catalytic converter and the vehicle/powertrain control module (including emission-related software), whichever comes first.

 

• Light Duty Truck equipped with Heavy Duty Gasoline Engine and with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) greater than 8,500 lbs.

 

- 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.

 

• Light Duty Truck equipped with Heavy Duty Diesel Engine and with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) greater than 8,500 lbs.

 

- 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.

 

Federal Emission Defect Warranty,

GM warrants to the owner the following:

 

• The vehicle was designed, equipped, and built so as to conform at the time of sale with the applicable regulations of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

 

• The vehicle is free from defects in material and workmanship which cause the vehicle to fail to conform with those regulations during the emission warranty period.

 

Emission related defects in the genuine GM parts listed under the Emission Warranty Parts List, including related diagnostic costs, parts, and labor are covered by this warranty.

 

Federal Emission Performance Warranty,

Some states and/or local jurisdictions have established periodic vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs to encourage proper maintenance of your vehicle. If an EPA-approved I/M program is enforced in your area, you may also be eligible for Emission Performance Warranty coverage when all of the following three conditions are met:

 

• The vehicle has been maintained and operated in accordance with the instructions for proper maintenance and use set forth in the owner manual supplied with your vehicle.

 

• The vehicle fails an EPA-approved I/M test during the emission warranty period.

 

• The failure results, or will result, in the owner of the vehicle having to bear a penalty or other sanctions, including the denial of the right to use the vehicle, under local, state, or federal law.

 

GM warrants that your dealer will replace, repair, or adjust to GM specifications, at no charge to you, any of the parts listed under the "Emission Warranty Parts List" later in this section which may be necessary to conform to the applicable emission standards. Non-GM parts labeled "Certified to EPA Standards" are covered by the Federal Emission Performance Warranty.

 

California Emission Control System Warranty

This section outlines the emission warranty that GM provides for your vehicle in accordance with the California Air Resources Board. Defects in material or workmanship in GM emission parts may also be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty Bumper-to-Bumper coverage. There may be additional coverage on GM diesel engine vehicles. In any case, the warranty with the broadest coverage applies.

 

This warranty applies if your vehicle meets both of the following requirements:

 

• Your vehicle is registered in California or other states adopting California emission and warranty regulations.*

 

• Your vehicle is certified for sale in California as indicated on the vehicle's emission control information label.

 

* Important: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont have California Emissions Warranty coverage. (New York adopted California emission standards, but not the California Emissions Warranty. The Federal Emissions Control Warranty applies to all non-PZEV vehicles in New York.)

 

California Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) have extended coverage on all emission related parts.

 

Important: California, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Jersey have PZEV Emission Warranty Coverage.

 

Your Rights and Obligations (For Vehicles Subject to California Exhaust Emission Standards)

In California, new motor vehicles must be designed, equipped, and built to meet the state's stringent anti-smog standards. GM must warrant your vehicle's emission control system for the periods of time and mileage listed provided there has been no abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance of your vehicle. Your vehicle's emission control system may include parts such as the fuel injection system, ignition system, catalytic converter, and engine computer. Also included are hoses, belts, connectors, and other emission related assemblies.

 

Where a warrantable condition exists, GM will repair your vehicle at no cost to you including diagnosis, parts, and labor.

 

California Emission Defect and Emission Performance Warranty Coverage

For cars and trucks with light duty or medium duty emissions:

 

• For 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first:

 

- If your vehicle fails a smog check inspection, GM will make all necessary repairs and adjustments to ensure that your vehicle passes the inspection. This is your Emission Control System Performance Warranty.

 

- If any emission related part on your vehicle is defective, GM will repair or replace it. This is your Short-term Emission Defects Warranty.

 

• For 7 years or 70,000 miles whichever comes first:

 

- If an emission related part listed in this booklet specially noted with coverage for 7 years or 70,000 miles is defective, GM will repair or replace it. This is your Long-term Emission Control System Defects Warranty.

 

• For 8 years or 80,000 miles, whichever comes first:

 

- If the catalytic converter, vehicle powertrain control module including emission related software is found to be defective, GM will repair or replace it under the Federal Emission Control System Warranty.

 

• For 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first for California Low Emission Vehicle 2 (LEV2) vehicles equipped with option code NUA:

 

- If an emission related part listed in this booklet specially noted with 7 years/70,000 miles or 8 years/80,000 miles is defective, GM will repair or replace it. This is your Long-term Emission Control System Defect Warranty.

 

• For 15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first for a Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV):

 

- If any emission related part listed in this booklet is defective GM will repair or replace it. This is your (PZEV) Emission Control System Defects Warranty.

 

Any authorized Chevrolet dealer will, as necessary under these warranties, replace, repair, or adjust to GM specifications any genuine GM parts that affect emissions.

 

The applicable warranty period shall begin on the date the vehicle is delivered to the first retail purchaser or, if the vehicle is first placed in service as a demonstrator or company vehicle prior to sale at retail, on the date the vehicle is placed in such service.

 

Owner's Warranty Responsibilities:

As the vehicle owner, you are responsible for the performance of the scheduled maintenance listed in your owner manual. GM recommends that you retain all maintenance receipts for your vehicle, but GM cannot deny warranty coverage solely for the lack of receipts or for your failure to ensure the performance of all scheduled maintenance.

 

You are responsible for presenting your vehicle to a GM dealer selling your vehicle line as soon as a problem exists. The warranted repairs should be completed in a reasonable amount of time, not to exceed 30 days.

 

As the vehicle owner, you should also be aware that GM may deny warranty coverage if your vehicle or a part has failed due to abuse, neglect, improper or insufficient maintenance, or modifications not approved by GM.

 

If you have any questions regarding your rights and responsibilities under these warranties, you should contact the Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-1020 or, in California, write to:

 

State of California Air Resources Board

Mobile Source Operations Division

P.O. Box 8001

El Monte, CA 91731-2990

 

Emission Warranty Parts List

The emission parts listed here are covered under the Emission Control System Warranty. The terms are explained previously in this section under the "Federal Emission Control System Warranty" and the "California Emission Control System Warranty".

 

Important: Certain parts may be covered beyond these warranties if shown with asterisk(s) as follows:

 

• (*) 7 years/70,000 miles, whichever comes first, California Emission Control System Warranty coverage.

 

• (**) 8 years/80,000 miles, whichever comes first, Federal Emission Control System Warranty coverage. (Also applies to California certified light duty and medium duty vehicles.)

 

• (*) and (**) are 8 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first, for California LEV2 vehicles equipped with option code NUA.

 

The Emission Control System Warranty obligations do not apply to conditions resulting from tampering, abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance; or any other item listed under "What Is Not Covered" under General Motors Corporation New Vehicle Limited Warranty . The "Other Terms" presented under General Motors Corporation New Vehicle Limited Warranty also apply to the emission related warranties.

 

Powertrain Control System

 

ABS Control Module **

 

Camshaft Position Actuator *

 

Camshaft Position Actuator Valve

 

Coolant Level Sensor

 

Data Link Connector

 

Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Motor

 

Engine Control Module (ECM) **

 

Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

 

Fast Idle Solenoid

 

Flexible Fuel Sensor *

 

Fuel Control Module **

 

Intake Air Temperature Sensor

 

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

 

Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor

 

Mass Air Flow Sensor

 

Oil Pressure Sensor (DoD™ only)

 

Oxygen Sensors

 

Powertrain Control Module (PCM) **

 

Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM)

 

Throttle Position Sensor

 

Throttle Position Switch

 

Vehicle Control Module (VCM) **

 

Vehicle Speed Sensor

 

Wheel Speed Sensor

 

Transmission Controls and Torque Management

 

GMLAN (CAN) Communications Circuit

 

Manual Transmission Clutch Switch

 

Park/Neutral Switch

 

Torque Converter Clutch Solenoids

 

Torque Converter Clutch Switch

 

Transmission Control Module **

 

Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor

 

Transmission Gear Selection Switch (Diesel)

 

Transmission Internal Mode Switch

 

Transmission Pressure Control Solenoids

 

Transmission Pressure Switches

 

Transmission Shift Solenoids

 

Transmission Speed Sensors

 

Fuel Management System

 

Common Rail Assembly (6.6L DURAMAX® Diesel) *

 

Diesel Fuel Injection Pump *

 

Diesel Fuel Injection Pump Timing Adjust

 

Diesel Fuel Injector Control Module - EDU (6.6L DURAMAX® Diesel) *

 

Diesel Fuel Temperature Sensor

 

Direct Fuel Injector Assembly (6.6L DURAMAX® Diesel) *

 

Fuel Injector

 

Fuel Pressure Regulator

 

Fuel Rail Assembly *

 

Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor

 

Function Block (6.6L DURAMAX® Diesel)

 

High Pressure Fuel Pump (SIDI) *

 

Air Management System

 

Air Cleaner

 

Air Cleaner Diaphragm Motor

 

Air Cleaner Resonator

 

Air Cleaner Temperature Compensator Valve

 

Air Intake Ducts

 

Charge Air Control Actuator

 

Charge Air Control Solenoid Valve

 

Charge Air Control Valve

 

Charge Air Cooler *

 

Charge Air Cooler Fan

 

Idle Air Control Valve

 

Idle Speed Control Motor

 

Intake Manifold *

 

Intake Manifold Gasket (7/70 Only Uplander, Montana SV6, and DURAMAX® Diesel) *

 

Intake Manifold Heater

 

Intake Manifold Tuning Valve

 

Intake Manifold Tuning Valve Relay

 

Supercharger Assembly *

 

Throttle Body * (Replacement Only)

 

Throttle Body Heater

 

Throttle Closing Dashpot

 

Turbocharger Assembly *

 

Turbocharger Boost Sensor

 

Turbocharger Oil Separator

 

Turbocharger Thermo Purge Switch

 

Vacuum Pump (6.6L DURAMAX® Diesel)

 

Ignition System

 

Camshaft Position Sensor(s)

 

Crankshaft Position Sensor(s)

 

Distributor

 

Distributor Cap

 

Distributor Pick Up Coil

 

Distributor Rotor

 

Glow Plug(s) (Diesel)

 

Glow Plug Controller (Diesel)

 

Glow Plug Relay (Diesel)

 

Ignition Coil(s)

 

Ignition Control Module

 

Ignition Timing Adjustment

 

Knock Sensor

 

Spark Plug Wires

 

Spark Plugs

 

Catalytic Converter System

 

Catalytic Converter(s) and Muffler if attached as assembly **

 

Diesel Exhaust Temperature and Pressure Sensors

 

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) *

 

Exhaust Manifold (7/70 Only Corvette 7.0L, Equinox, Torrent, Uplander, Montana SV6, Cadillac DTS 4.6L and XLR, (Impala and Grand Prix 5.3L right side) and C/K Trucks < 14,000 GVWR 8.1L) *

 

Exhaust Manifold with Catalytic Converter attached as assembly **

 

Exhaust Manifold Gasket

 

Exhaust Pipes and/or Mufflers (when located between catalytic converters and exhaust manifold)

 

Positive Crankcase Ventilation System

 

Oil Filler Cap

 

PCV Filter

 

PCV Oil Separator

 

PCV Valve

 

Exhaust Gas Recirculation System

 

EGR Feed and Delivery Pipes or Cast-in Passages

 

EGR Valve

 

EGR Valve Cooler (6.6L DURAMAX® Diesel) *

 

EGR Vacuum Pump Assembly (6.6L DURAMAX® Diesel)

 

Secondary Air Injection System

 

Air Pump

 

Check Valves

 

Evaporative Emission Control System (Gasoline Engines)

 

Canister

 

Canister Purge Solenoid Valve

 

Canister Vent Solenoid

 

Fuel Feed and Return Pipes and Hoses

 

Fuel Filler Cap

 

Fuel Level Sensor

 

Fuel Limiter Vent Valve *

 

Fuel Tank(s) *

 

Fuel Tank Filler Pipe (with restrictor)

 

Fuel Tank Vacuum or Pressure Sensor

 

Hybrid

 

Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump

 

Battery Cooling Fan

 

Battery Pack Control Module (BPCM) *

 

Battery Pack Current Sensor

 

Brake Pedal Travel Sensor

 

Drive Motors A and B

 

Drive Motor A and B Resolvers

 

Drive Motor/Generator Control Module (DMCM - HCP, MCPA, MCPB) **

 

Electro-Hydraulic Brake Control Module (EBCM) **

 

Energy Storage Control Module **

 

Fuel Filler Pipe Adapter Seal

 

Hybrid Batteries

 

Hybrid Battery Temperature Sensors

 

Hybrid Battery Voltage Sensors

 

SGCM Coolant Circuit (fan and fan relay and pump)

 

Starter Generator Control Module **

 

Transmission Friction Elements

 

Transmission Substrate Temperature Sensor

 

Miscellaneous Items Used with Above Components are Covered

 

Belts

 

Boots

 

Clamps

 

Connectors

 

Ducts

 

Fittings

 

Gaskets

 

Grommets

 

Hoses

 

Housings

 

Mounting Hardware

 

Pipes

 

Pulleys

 

Sealing Devices

 

Springs

 

Tubes

 

Wiring

 

Parts specified in your maintenance schedule that require scheduled replacement are covered up to their first replacement interval or the applicable emission warranty coverage period, whichever comes first. If failure of one of these parts results in failure of another part, both will be covered under the Emission Control System Warranty.

 

Parts specified in your maintenance schedule that require scheduled replacement are covered up to their first replacement interval or the applicable emission warranty coverage period, whichever comes first. If failure of one of these parts results in failure of another part, both will be covered under the Emission Control System Warranty.

 

For detailed information concerning specific parts covered by these emission control systems warranties, ask your dealer.

 

Replacement Parts

The emission control systems of your vehicle were designed, built, and tested using genuine GM parts* and the vehicle is certified as being in conformity with applicable federal and California emission requirements. Accordingly, it is recommended that any replacement parts used for maintenance or for the repair of emission control systems be new, genuine GM parts.

 

The warranty obligations are not dependent upon the use of any particular brand of replacement parts. The owner may elect to use non-genuine GM parts for replacement purposes. Use of replacement parts which are not of equivalent quality may impair the effectiveness of emission control systems.

 

If other than new, genuine GM parts are used for maintenance replacements or for the repair of parts affecting emission control, the owner should assure himself/herself that such parts are warranted by their manufacturer to be equivalent to genuine GM parts in performance and durability.

 

* "Genuine GM parts," when used in connection with GM vehicles means parts manufactured by or for GM, designed for use on GM vehicles, and distributed by any division or subsidiary of GM.

 

Maintenance and Repairs

Maintenance and repairs can be performed by any qualified service outlet; however, warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized dealer except in an emergency situation when a warranted part or a warranty station is not reasonably available to the vehicle owner.

 

In an emergency, where an authorized dealer is not reasonably available, repairs may be performed at any available service establishment or by the owner, using any replacement part. Chevrolet will consider reimbursement for the expense incurred, including diagnosis, not to exceed the manufacturer's suggested retail price for all warranted parts replaced and labor charges based on Chevrolet's recommended time allowance for the warranty repair and the geographically appropriate labor rate. A part not being available within 10 days or a repair not being completed within 30 days constitutes an emergency. Retain receipts and failed parts in order to receive compensation for warranty repairs reimbursable due to an emergency.

 

If, in an emergency situation, it is necessary to have repairs performed by other than a Chevrolet dealer and you believe the repairs are covered by emission warranties, take the replaced parts and your receipt to a Chevrolet dealer for reimbursement consideration. This applies to both the Federal Emission Defect Warranty and Federal Emission Performance Warranty.

 

Receipts and records covering the performance of regular maintenance or emergency repairs should be retained in the event questions arise concerning maintenance. These receipts and records should be transferred to each subsequent owner. GM will not deny warranty coverage solely on the absence of maintenance records. However, GM may deny a warranty claim if a failure to perform scheduled maintenance resulted in the failure of a warranty part.

 

Claims Procedure

As with the other warranties covered in this booklet, take your vehicle to any authorized Chevrolet dealer facility to obtain service under the emission warranty. This should be done as soon as possible after failing an EPA-approved I/M test or a California smog check test, or at any time you suspect a defect in a part.

 

Those repairs qualifying under the warranty will be performed by any Chevrolet dealer at no charge. Repairs which do not qualify will be charged to you. You will be notified as to whether or not the repair qualifies under the warranty within a reasonable time, not to exceed 30 days after receipt of the vehicle by the dealer, or within the time period required by local or state law.

 

The only exceptions would be if you request or agree to an extension, or if a delay results from events beyond the control of your dealer or GM. If you are not so notified, GM will provide any required repairs at no charge.

 

In the event a warranty matter is not handled to your satisfaction, refer to the "Customer Satisfaction Procedure" under Owner Assistance .

 

For further information or to report violations of the Emission Control System Warranty, you may contact the EPA at:

 

Manager, Certification and Compliance

Division (6405J)

Warranty Claims

Environmental Protection Agency

Ariel Rios Building

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20460

 

For a vehicle subject to the California Exhaust Emission Standards, you may contact the:

 

State of California Air Resources Board

Mobile Source Operations Division

P.O. Box 8001

El Monte, CA 97131-2990

© 2009 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.