Engine fire

Stanley_USMC · February 18, 2017

This is now 2017 so who knows if my problem is the same as the engine fire recall in 2014. I own a 2014 silverado LTZ. I've had Electrical problems for the past year to where the truck would shut off while I'm driving, lock the steering wheel and doors. Start it right back up and acted like nothing ever happened. That went on for about 6+ months and about 5 times. A few months after that I started getting a low oil light that would go off and on randomly. Weird considering I still had 60% life left on my dashboard and the dipstick was reading full. At that time I started noticing a burning smell when I would turn on my heat. It was the first time I turned my heat on all winter so I just thought it was nothing. Told the dealership anyways and they said they couldn't find anything wrong and didn't notice a burning smell so the truck was safe to drive. That happened about a month and half ago. NOW I was driving back from the beach with my wife and dog while I started get crazy movement in my battery voltage on my dash to the point that the truck entered battery saver mode. Drove for 4 more miles to be exact and the voltage popped back up to normal. At that moment we pulled into Dunkin Donuts to get coffee. Pulled up the the screen and noticed the burning smell again, but this time it was stronger. I shut off the heat which was at only 75 degrees. We pulled forward to the cashier and noticed white smoke coming out of my hood on the right side. I turned the ignition off. Told my wife to get out of the vehicle and told the cashier to grab a fire extinquisher. Went to open the hood and flames were coming from the right side of the engine near the engine block and air intake. Not just smoke, but actual fire. Put it out with the fire extinquisher and called the dealership to come get it.

Edited February 18, 2017 by Stanley_USMC

Brant78 · February 18, 2017

Holy crap! Glad you're alright. That's crazy.

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WLC · February 18, 2017

Bet it gets fixed this time. Hope it's on GM's dime since it was noted before. Sounds like the alternator let go.

Stanley_USMC · February 19, 2017

I'm glad my family is okay! I've been nervous to drive my truck for the past year, not for my life but for my family's. This is a family vehicle and regardless nobody should feel unsafe in this New of a vehicle. And the fact that GM both dealership and over the phone customer service did not care for the past year still has me on edge that not a thing will be done. I have no trust or faith in GM anymore. I'll go back to my old Chevys instead of buying this new crap

Mikeb52r · February 19, 2017

I am happy to hear that you and your family is save and no one was hurt and that you keep your head and dealt with the situation at hand in a expedited manner.

GM's head should raise up a little if the dealership pushes this up the chain, but may take a bit of help from you, your insurance company, and a lawyer.

This experience can be nerve wracking for sure, but don't let it keep you from stepping back into a new generation truck. Going back into an older model will have less electronics, but still has an electrical system and as they age, get more dangerous. Its a fact of any car or truck and even the houses we live in. Anything with electricity. So don't let this upset your trust in GM. Use this opportunity to get a newer truck and most importantly to be grateful for the fact that you and your family dodged a very bad situation that could have potentially been a lot worse.

hirdlej · February 20, 2017

After everyone was out, I would have walked away and let it burn to the ground. That would have been about the only way to get them to replace that truck. I was in a similar situation with a lemon truck. Sadly my will to fight was no more. I ended up selling the piece of garbage taking a loss. I'm back to driving our old family beater Chevy Impala. :/

Stanley_USMC · February 21, 2017

Not going to lie, after all was said and done, the thought did cross my mind. I've always believed in doing the right thing and acting accordingly when you can. I've been more than patient and helpful with my truck problems over the year and all I ever asked for was for someone to be on the same page as myself. Wasn't asking for a lot, just what needed to be done. The effort that was put in by GM to fix the problem shows the conclusion. Just saying GM.

Stanley_USMC · February 21, 2017

I'm waiting for them to tell me the alternator caused the fire and it isn't covered under warranty so I'm going to have to pay for damages! Lol. I might die from laughter.

diyer2 · February 21, 2017

Good Luck!

14GMCZ71 · February 21, 2017

Glad no one was hurt. I own a '14 GMC Reg Cab Long Bed. So far I haven't smelled anything burning or seen any smoke.

Please let me know your build date and final assembly location.

My '14 was built in June, 2014 and final assembly was completed at Roanoke, IN.

Does the window sticker for your truck have a statement like the one below from my truck?

US/Canadian Parts Content: 40 percent

Major Sources of Foreign Parts Content: Mexico 51 percent

Thank You.

WLC · February 22, 2017

I'm waiting for them to tell me the alternator caused the fire and it isn't covered under warranty so I'm going to have to pay for damages! Lol. I might die from laughter.

That was a guess on my part about the alternator but between insurance and GM you should be fine. Try to get some extended warrenity because of fire related problems or another truck. You're get there! We visit your area often and love it.

fishlessam · February 22, 2017

Glad you are all ok,keep us posted.

Stanley_USMC · February 23, 2017

So Chevrolet called and verified that the alternator is what caused the fire. Not to sure on what all has been damaged yet or why it caught fire. The truck is still in the shop, when I hear more I'll update this thread.

Stanley_USMC · February 24, 2017

The dealer said the battery cable that leads to the alternator is what caused the alternator to catch fire. It's also the suspect for all the electrical problems i was having with the truck shutting off on me and locking the steering wheel. We'll see.

joshc64311 · February 24, 2017

The dealer said the battery cable that leads to the alternator is what caused the alternator to catch fire. It's also the suspect for all the electrical problems i was having with the truck shutting off on me and locking the steering wheel. We'll see.

Sh*t glad you are ok! Keep us updated.