GM Roadside Assistance NIGHTMARE

CorvetteOJ · December 7, 2013

I have the keyless start on my Mercedes, and it is convenient, neat and works like a champ. I looked at the Ram 6 months ago and was very tempted, primarily by the keyless start and the console shifter. I realize those are both, things most guys here wouldn't have, but I was super impressed with both. It goes back to what I have mentioned before in several threads...this forum gives new meaning to, "different strokes for different folks." Oh, by the way, my son's new Raptor has the console shifter. Since I don't have the shifter in my Denali, I would love to find some type of aftermarket sliding door to cover that big gaping hole in the console. For me personally, that is the worst part of the interior, along with all the pockets in the doors. I never store anything visible in my vehicles. For me, it makes it look too messy.

I guess I have been pretty lucky, I am 67, have owned 66 vehicles, 38 of them new, and I have never needed any type of roadside assistance. Watch me jinkx myself and have an issue this weekend.

steig · December 7, 2013

Technically...service bulletins are usually not released to the public. Only recalls or some sort of notice for a campaign.

That being said...there is documented key turning issues on a bulletin that dates to October. It is build date specific as well:

Fort Wayne Assembled Vehicles – August 29th, 2013 and prior

Silao, MX Assembled Vehicles – August 17th, 2013 and prior

#PIT5234A: Ignition Key Cannot Be Turned

Where can I find the build date ?

newdude · December 7, 2013

Where can I find the build date ?

The silver tag either on the door or on the "b pillar" behind the door should have the month and year it was built, but not the specific day.

OkieDavid · December 7, 2013

...Since I don't have the shifter in my Denali, I would love to find some type of aftermarket sliding door to cover that big gaping hole in the console. For me personally, that is the worst part of the interior, along with all the pockets in the doors. I never store anything visible in my vehicles. For me, it makes it look too messy.

Since the cupholders just pop out, could you just order another cupholder insert?

2016 Sierra Owner · December 7, 2013

On my truck there is a sticker just under the drivers door on the frame. It has a date mm/dd/yyyy I believe that is the date the truck was made or very close. Mine was made 8/13 on the door sticker but says 8/23/2013 on the frame sticker.

CorvetteOJ · December 7, 2013

Since the cupholders just pop out, could you just order another cupholder insert?

Thanks for post David. Yes, I did consider it, but that would make 4 cup holders in my console, Although it would sure cover most of the hole, I have no use for 4 cup holders. Due to my OCD, I don't allow fluids (drinks) in my truck. I have seen vehicles with coffee and/or coke spilled in the interior. GROSS! Extra cup holders wouldn't work for me, but I do appreciate the thought. At some point the hole may bother me enough to get me to follow through with your suggestion.

redwngr · December 7, 2013

Where can I find the build date ?

Best way is to have the serial number checked.

mike94silverado · December 28, 2013

Last time I used my AAA towing (3 years ago) it was an hour wait.....Glad your Dealership took care of you... goes to show you that there are still some Salesmen who care after the deal is done. I had to carry AAA to get insurance through them. I switched to Geico this year and will not renew AAA, I can add the Geico Roadside for like 8 bucks vs. 45

tanked_darren · December 28, 2013

HAHA when I first got my truck I got stuck in a snow bank and tried onstar, they told me 6 hours!!! I got some local tow company to come out in 30 mins!!! I got reimbursed though.

pm26 · December 28, 2013

Typical waiting period or AAA dispatched tow truck is about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your location. This has been my experience. I have been with them for at least 15 years now and used their services at least 4 times. None involved my GM truck or car though.

Aaron1085 · December 28, 2013

Just got OnStar and my 2014 GMC Sierra. So far, it's cool to use my phone app to start my truck and look at tire pressures and send directions to my truck, other than that....ehhhh.... I don't see myself paying for it after my trial is expired. Satellite radio on the other hand; an expensive MUST.

Aaron1085 · December 28, 2013

I have the keyless start on my Mercedes, and it is convenient, neat and works like a champ. I looked at the Ram 6 months ago and was very tempted, primarily by the keyless start and the console shifter. I realize those are both, things most guys here wouldn't have, but I was super impressed with both. It goes back to what I have mentioned before in several threads...this forum gives new meaning to, "different strokes for different folks." Oh, by the way, my son's new Raptor has the console shifter. Since I don't have the shifter in my Denali, I would love to find some type of aftermarket sliding door to cover that big gaping hole in the console. For me personally, that is the worst part of the interior, along with all the pockets in the doors. I never store anything visible in my vehicles. For me, it makes it look too messy.

I guess I have been pretty lucky, I am 67, have owned 66 vehicles, 38 of them new, and I have never needed any type of roadside assistance. Watch me jinkx myself and have an issue this weekend.

Ahaha...well played sir; that's a nice age to machine ownership ratio.

Impatience II · December 28, 2013

I was surprised to see the trucks don't have push button start and a proximity key. My 2008 Armada, 2010 Altima, and 2011 Ford Edge all have these.

Spurshot · May 8, 2014

F#(k pushbutton start! I wouldn't have one. My wife's Flex has pushbutton start and she got out at a store with her keys and told me to drive over and get take-out one night. I did and luckily realized I couldn't start it before I shut it down. It's a stupid idea with many failure modes, ...IMHO.

I have only one OnStar story that is second hand, but I did see one of the guys involved and I believe it....

The story goes that two old guys were gambels quail hunting in AZ somewhere around the Wickenburg area. One said that he'd go around and down in a draw and walk up it to flush the quail and told the other to stay up on top and get what comes out. Birds do indeed flush and lots of shooting. One guy ends up 10 ringing the other with a load of birdshot at relatively close range, I heard it was a 1 1/4 oz of 6's. Seems big for quail, since I hunt them with a .410, but it's a detail. Anyway, the guy that's hit is really hurt bad and is down. The shooter, comes to his side and the shot guy says go back to the truck and call for help. The shooter goes for the truck. Long time passes. The shot guy makes his way toward the truck and finds the shooter down and dead from a heart attack. The shot guy makes his way to the truck and pushes the OnStar button and gets thru (no small miracle out there). Help comes in the form of all kinds of police and paramedics, including a helicopter. Shot guy lives and looses some use of his arm (I saw him at the range). Anyway. It's the only OnStar story I know...and it's a good one. Still, I don't subscribe. Lil secret...If I go out and push the OnStar red button on my 08 that has never had a subscription, it will get thru to them, they say "OnStar. What is your emergency?" What else do you want? tire pressure?