GM Logic

Shovelsj81 · January 16, 2014

Let me start by saying that this not a complaint about my truck.....it's a 2004 Silverado LS which I purchased new in April 2004, it is a great truck which still looks and runs like new. It has had a few problems which some of this generation Silverado has had (steering column, HVAC actuator, speedometer stepper motor, gas cap code every six months), but for the most part it has been a fine vehicle. I have performed most of the maintenance and repairs on the truck except for warranty-related issues.

Back in July 2008, the speedometer on the truck started giving wildly fluctuating speed readings. Knowing of the stepper motor problems I replaced the gauge cluster with a new unit and then brought the truck along with the old cluster, to my dealer (Mall Chevy, Cherry Hill, NJ) and asked if the new speedo could be flashed to indicate the true mileage. Their service adviser informed me that this could not be done. No big deal, I kept the old cluster should I ever need to verify the mileage.

Recently the HVAC blower has been acting up. It started with the blower not operating on the lower speeds and progressed to the point where the blower only operates on the highest speed. As the symptoms corresponded with an advisory I received from GM in 2012 regarding a fire hazard due to a faulty blower resistor (GM Special Coverage 10240), I made an appointment with Mall Chevy to have the repair performed.

I brought the truck to Mall Chevy on 1/13/14 and after a wait was informed that GM would not authorize the repair due to a mileage discrepancy, it seems that the special coverage stops at 150,000 miles and since my current odometer reading was lower than what it was on previous dealer visits, the work would not be performed and I could appeal my case to GM.

I immediately telephoned GM and appealed my case explaining that the mileage discrepancy was due to a defective GM component, and that I still had the original gauge cluster showing the mileage when it was replaced (45,030) which along with the current reading (26,142) totaled under half of the Special Coverage limit. On 1/14/14 GM called and informed me that coverage was being denied. I suppose that GM suspects I made a few trips around the globe in between gauge clusters.

End of story .... I ordered a new resistor off Amazon for $38.25 and will put it in as soon as it arrives. For 38 bucks, GM has lost a loyal customer, I've purchased three new GM vehicles since 1998, but I will never buy another because of this. Sorry for the length of this post, but I wanted it to be completely accurate.

Carder09 · January 17, 2014

I knew of the resistor issue and recall and I still did it myself with no reimbursement or recall work. I just don't have the time to give up my vehicle for a day or two for something as simple as the resistor and harness swap.

mike94silverado · January 17, 2014

gotta love it hey? I dealt with GM customer service on the advise of my dealer (out of warranty issue) I wasn't expecting anything or mad about it but after dealing with those a$$holes I was deadset on a tundra for my next lease (Leasing a Malibu right now in addition to owning my 2010 Sierra, need another truck) It's amazing how BAD customer service is worse than none at all...... no way they should piss off an original owner over 38 bucks regardless of the situation..... there's many time that amount is spend every day on fraud (dealer or customer messed up a trim piece or something and the dealer "warranteed" it).....it's just a big joke.

KMGZ400 · January 17, 2014

I had a 03 Silverado and the resistor went out at 120k.. Called a few dealers and they wouldn't cover it.. So I went and bought a resistor for 50 and fixed it... Life goes on, and I don't hate GM..

And you can get your cluster reprogrammed... Not sure what kind of dealership that is that won't reprogram a cluster..

And your suprised GM wouldn't cover your resistor after your messed with your ODO? I don't know what state your In but it's illegal to change the mileage on a vehicle

tanked_darren · January 17, 2014

Gas cap code every 6 months?

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Shovelsj81 · January 17, 2014

Thanks for the comments. For KMGZ400, the Chevrolet dealer where I purchased the vehicle is the dealer that informed me that the new cluster could not be re-programmed with the correct mileage. You then stated that it is illegal to change the mileage on a vehicle.......I fail to see where adding 45,030 miles to a new gauge cluster so that the true mileage of the vehicle is indicated could in any way be deemed illegal, especially so when it is requested through an authorized Chevy dealer. Laws regarding odometer tampering are aimed at preventing fraud via odometer rollback !

'01LS1 · January 17, 2014

When my speedometer failed on my 2004, they made me stop by the dealership so they could verify the mileage & order one pre programmed with that mileage. So you had 3 days or so to circle the globe & not count against ya in my case. Would have been irritated at the first dealer from the get go for creating this problem for you.

KMGZ400 · January 17, 2014

I mean your not supposed put a cluster with different mileage in. You can have a dealer reprogram a new cluster, I've had it done before.

newdude · January 17, 2014

Those clusters were also on a 7 year or 70,000 miles special policy for replacement. My 04 had it done in 09 when I had it. Got a new cluster and didn't cost me a dime.

Shovelsj81 · January 17, 2014

Thanks again for the additional comments. Newdude is correct, GM had a replacement policy for the speedo, unfortunately I found out about it after the fact and no longer had the receipt for the new cluster. Dust in the wind, I'll probably keep the truck forever and don't anticipate any further problems with this issue unless another mileage limit special coverage issue comes up. That 5.3 runs like a bear...!