pull the stereo for service appt?

mike94silverado · January 20, 2013

I've had 3 independant sources (1 mechanic, the stereo shop, and advance) confirm that my battery is weak and the mechanic and stereo shop confirmed no noticable draw from my HU and the alt. charges like it should. I've had battery problems for the last year. I made an appointment at the dealership and right away they ask about aftermarket equipment. I know that it will have thrown a code for the stereo but should I just put the factory one back in for the appointment? I don't want to fight with them over the issue but I have a failed battery and I put the stereo in last month. It was on its way out for the last 6.....also has anyone dealt with this under warranty? will they replace the battery or just pro rate? I think i'd be better off just picking up an Optima red top (I still have one 10 years old WORKING in my Ciera) if I had to pay anything.

8.1HD/ALLISON · January 20, 2013

I wouldn't remove it. Let them do their thing. If the battery tests bad and its got warranty, they should help you out.

tanked_darren · January 20, 2013

I predict a battle, but legally they would have to PROVE that the stereo is at fault. Some dealers just plain suck, and there will always be a fight with them. I have one dealer near me and I brought them a problem that I knew was a warranty issue (transmission pump leak) and the know-it-all service rep told me I'd probably have to pay a diagnosing fee if they can't find the problem and was kind of rude actually.

Basically it comes down they have to prove when something is failed because of after market alteration.

Good luck let us know what happens, if they try to shaft you with BS don't hesitate to call GM Service line and report the dealer and your problem.

gmtech4 · January 20, 2013

i disaggree darren,the tech will get his little hand held unit and test the battery,if it fails ,poof,new battery,,,,the advisor doesnt care what is in the truck,he is not on retainer from the general to save them money

tanked_darren · January 21, 2013

i disaggree darren,the tech will get his little hand held unit and test the battery,if it fails ,poof,new battery,,,,the advisor doesnt care what is in the truck,he is not on retainer from the general to save them money

You're right there won't be a battle I should not have said that.

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8.1HD/ALLISON · January 21, 2013

Ya, shouldn't be an issue with a simple battery.

mike94silverado · January 21, 2013

The stereo is out. This dealer ALWAYS battles me. the service writer actually told me this summer that they wouldn't have a problem with me "If I didn't f**k with my truck" (which consisted of a level kit and plug in HID's and tape on stuff like a bug guard and vent visors at the time) BUT they are the Selling dealer so I go there. I would feel like an a$$ going to the next dealer over that I didn't buy from. I feel that they sold me they have an obligation to take care of me. BUT I will be going to the other dealer for my purchases next time.

Jumped the truck and let it run for 10 mins while I did the swap, shut it off tester showed battery at 11.2

jdubya · January 21, 2013

In my experience the sales department and the service departments at the dealer run completely independent of each other (just my observation). They don't really have any loyalty to you even if you bought it there. My guess is the dealer makes little margin on sales and a lot on parts and labor, and I would bet that dealer down the road would be happy to have you as a customer regardless of where you bought it.

On another note, I wouldn't care if they rolled the red carpet out for me when I bought it, if I had to get into an argument every time I took the truck in for service, I would go somewhere else.

mike94silverado · January 21, 2013

I'm thinking that way too... coincidentially I ran into a salesman at the other dealership today at the store and we got to talking.... he told me to bring it to them anytime and he'll make sure I get treated like I bought it there. I'm sure he's fishing for future sales but I'll give em a shot it's an extra 20 minute each way drive but like you say why bother when I have to get into a fight every time I bring my warranteed truck in.

tanked_darren · January 21, 2013

The warranty battle is agitating but anyways let us know what happens. It's good to hear the end results on these situations.

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gmtech4 · January 21, 2013

I'm thinking that way too... coincidentially I ran into a salesman at the other dealership today at the store and we got to talking.... he told me to bring it to them anytime and he'll make sure I get treated like I bought it there. I'm sure he's fishing for future sales but I'll give em a shot it's an extra 20 minute each way drive but like you say why bother when I have to get into a fight every time I bring my warranteed truck in.

the other dealer will definately take care of you as the selling dealer is in the GMVIS system,if you go to a new dealer ,the new dealer knows you are not happy for whatever reason with original selling dealer ,

TJay74 · January 21, 2013

I would skip the Optima Redtop batteries, they were sold out several years ago to Johnson Controls who moved production to Mexico and the quality has went downhill since. We had several Redtops that all died with in a year and even my dads Optima boat/rv batteries all died as well. Then to top it off Optima wanted to fight over the warranty process.

I had great luck with the AGM that Oriellys sells and have heard great things about Sears AGM as well.

Wires · January 21, 2013

FYI about the Optima batteries, they have very limited warranties (free replacement):

Yellow Top: 1 yr

Blue Top: 2 yr

Red Top: 3 yr

After 3 Years, you are SOL if it dies. Pretty bad considering how expensive they are. You'd be better off buying something 1/2 the price that comes with a 7 year pro-rated warranty.

Chris · January 21, 2013

My red top went to hell 3 days after the warranty expired

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JokerJ · January 24, 2013

I buy my trucks and never look back at the dealer unless I absolutely have too. I try not to never let them work on my truck. Not so much they don't know what they are doing. Just because they seem to find something that needs to be addressed. Some times they are right, some times I know there wasn't a problem before I took it in.

To me, if they are riding you every time you take it in. They are not respecting you as a customer and you need to take your vehicle elsewhere.