Not happy with my 2016 sierra or GM service, weird electrical problems

Wes Comstock · March 8, 2017

2016 Sierra bought new 8 months ago. 8200 miles on it. Truck is now in the shop for the 2nd time. First time it started out as multiple error messeges, Service stabilitrak, service trailer brake wiring, ABS light on, Brake light on, Steering assist reduced. Gradually more and more errors popped up over a week culminating with the truck dying on the free way and requiring a tow to the dealer. This was on a Sunday evening

Dealer called the next morning and said the truck was fixed, apperantly some moisture got into the EBCM connector and caused all the problems. They cleaned out the connector, put some grease in there then resealed. Truck was fine for approx 150 miles before the error messeges started popping up again.

Drove to dealer again and left the truck with them. They claim there is still an issue with the connector so they are going to replace the connector and "a couple pins". Of course the parts are on backorder so I am sitting on day 4 now with a loaner truck

Dealer claims this is "definitely" the problem. Is this a known problem on these trucks? I am a factory trained Honda technician who spent 6 years at a Honda dealer and I am having a very hard time convincing my self that this could be the problem. It just does not make any sense in my mind. I have been researching buy back program options lately because I am pretty convinced this is not the issue.

Replacing a connector and some pins seems really weird to me, 2nd time in for same problem on a 45000 dollar new truck should result in a harness replacement in my opinion.

As far as GM customer service goes, I think it is Total bullshit that they will not tow a brand new truck more than 25 miles for warranty break down. I was 34 miles from local dealer and they would have charged approx 60 dollars for the extra 9 miles. Had onstar send a truck to get us off the freeway and dumped the truck in a parking lot, then waited for AAA to come and tow us to our local dealer.

Sorry for the long rant, if anybody has any info on this particular problem please let me know. It really sucks not being able to trust a truck Im paying $700+ a month for. Especially when traveling and camping season is coming up...

JohnnyKing · March 8, 2017

I have a 2014 Sierra 1500. GM has replace the head fuse box, a condensor, a compressor, 3 ball joints, and fixed the throttle body that was sticking. This truck has been a nightmare. Service has been terrible. Each problem they have tried to blame me. I have never been off road, never dogged it, and towed very little. It only has 78,000 hwy miles on it. I have an appointment at tomorrow to replace the 4th ball joint.... Truck is now for sale, or may trade it tomorrow.

Wes Comstock · March 8, 2017

Jesus, Sorry to hear that. Been seeing a lot of posts on the internet regarding multiple problems with these trucks. Definitely having buyers remorse.

Newell33 · March 9, 2017

Take a look here:

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/198603-time-for-a-sticky-for-the-steering-wheel-stabilitrak-ground-loss-issue/?do=findComment&comment=1950255

I'll bet you have a ground issue. I'd have them try looking there before messing with the connector again.

2strokesmoke · March 9, 2017

2016 Sierra bought new 8 months ago. 8200 miles on it. Truck is now in the shop for the 2nd time. First time it started out as multiple error messeges, Service stabilitrak, service trailer brake wiring, ABS light on, Brake light on, Steering assist reduced. Gradually more and more errors popped up over a week culminating with the truck dying on the free way and requiring a tow to the dealer. This was on a Sunday evening

Dealer called the next morning and said the truck was fixed, apperantly some moisture got into the EBCM connector and caused all the problems. They cleaned out the connector, put some grease in there then resealed. Truck was fine for approx 150 miles before the error messeges started popping up again.

Drove to dealer again and left the truck with them. They claim there is still an issue with the connector so they are going to replace the connector and "a couple pins". Of course the parts are on backorder so I am sitting on day 4 now with a loaner truck

Dealer claims this is "definitely" the problem. Is this a known problem on these trucks? I am a factory trained Honda technician who spent 6 years at a Honda dealer and I am having a very hard time convincing my self that this could be the problem. It just does not make any sense in my mind. I have been researching buy back program options lately because I am pretty convinced this is not the issue.

Replacing a connector and some pins seems really weird to me, 2nd time in for same problem on a 45000 dollar new truck should result in a harness replacement in my opinion.

As far as GM customer service goes, I think it is Total bullshit that they will not tow a brand new truck more than 25 miles for warranty break down. I was 34 miles from local dealer and they would have charged approx 60 dollars for the extra 9 miles. Had onstar send a truck to get us off the freeway and dumped the truck in a parking lot, then waited for AAA to come and tow us to our local dealer.

Sorry for the long rant, if anybody has any info on this particular problem please let me know. It really sucks not being able to trust a truck Im paying $700+ a month for. Especially when traveling and camping season is coming up...

This may be your issue! Please have them check this ground nut connection.

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/198500-2014-and-up-guys-with-funky-electrical-issues/

Keep us posted.

Good luck.

Wes Comstock · March 9, 2017

Thank you for the info guys, does it make sense to you guys that I would be getting progressively more and more errors over several days then a no start condition? Going to the dealer tomorrow to make sure they check the ground.

sloz71 · March 9, 2017

Thank you for the info guys, does it make sense to you guys that I would be getting progressively more and more errors over several days then a no start condition? Going to the dealer tomorrow to make sure they check the ground.

Yes it does have more errors as time goes on. The BCM is getting a lower than normal voltage and it doesn't like it. My 2014 started out as the headlights flickering, then went to cruise control turning off when I hit a blinker, then power steering errors, then stabilitrak errors, then my steering wheel jerking from my hands. So yes it progressively gets worse.

StillOffshore · March 9, 2017

That's nuts about the towing. I guess we're supposed to plan all of our travels around this? Make sure you're always withing 25 miles of a dealership!! Crying shame that people can't say to hell with the 25 mile rule and bring the truck another few miles.

diyer2 · March 9, 2017

It's not nuts, cuts costs, simple IMO.

GM sells X number of vehicles and if they save X dollars per vehicle it could be millions.

KARNUT · March 9, 2017

That kind of thinking in the 80s gave rise to Honda , Toyota etc. which in turn produced better cars and trucks. You should be able to get your vehicle towed to the nearest dealer. GM needs to watch their back, again.

07Softail · March 9, 2017

Gument Motors Strikes again!

RT

StillOffshore · March 9, 2017

Well, I understand how all that works...guess I should have said that's a shame. I mean, AAA last I had it would tow up to 60 miles, fairly certain my insurance covers 50-60miles. If I were to tow driver, I'd probably tow the truck that extra 9 miles just because it's the right thing to do. Sad that people won't even consider helping anyone out unless they're compensated for it.

diyer2 · March 9, 2017

I recently slid of a rural Colorado mountain road due to ice under the snow. Tow truck was 40 minute drive away. Took approximately 40 minutes to get the job done.

Cost: $269.00.

Got a call from insurance questioning the tow bill.

Wes Comstock · March 9, 2017

Called the dealer this morning requesting they check the G218 ground. They responded by telling me thats not whats going on with my truck. They said some of the codes point directly at the connector and they can see a problem with it. Guess they figure Im just a dumb customer. What they dont know is I am a former Factory trained Honda technician with 5 years of dealer experience. If the problem comes back and it ends up being G218 problem they are going to have a serious issue.