2018 2500 GMC, Terrible

[kwdelre]

On 1/17/2018 at 12:44 PM, newdude said:

Did you test drive before purchasing?  At all?  Maybe even at night?  The only real issue is the coolant everywhere it seems.   

 

The giggling headlights is a normal issue.  Its an HD truck, not a Cadillac.   

 

 

 

 

Not my first truck.

 

Please, keep in mind, 2 other customers with 2018s brought them in to the same dealership while this was all happening. Straight from the dealership owner’s mouth. They said GMC has to figure out a ‘fix’. They are the one’s that told me there is no fix.

 

When you say giggling headlights is normal, do you experience this at all speeds? On large bumps and normal road gaps? I WISH this was normal...but here’s what brought me back on tonight; I was following a fishing buddy that doesn’t even know anything about the issues (all he knows is I got a new truck). When we stopped tonight, he said, “were you flashing?” I said “oh you saw my headlights?!”

Yep...he thought I was flicking my lights to get his attention. No way this is normal. We would see bouncing headlighs all over the roadway.

[kwdelre]

On 1/17/2018 at 2:03 PM, O_J_Simpson said:

I'm sorry but you failed the test drive test. Always test drive day and night at least 100 miles. Most dealers will let you take the vehicle home overnight. If you would have done this you would have walked out on this deal. As far  as your trade, you agreed to what the dealer offered. They did not force you to get shafted. This is on you.

Great input

[kwdelre]

On 1/17/2018 at 4:22 PM, AKNick said:

OP, here's what I'd do:

 

-Get the radiator replaced. That'll end this problem for good. I'd recommend pushing through with the current dealership.

-Get your truck back and never go back to that dealership. Work to find a dealer you know you can trust, or do everything yourself if it's not a warranty claim. 

 

Really does not need to be any more complicated than that.

 

Sadly, this is just the way the world is.. Businesses have a hard time keeping good employees because they can't pay them the wages they deserve, so they rightfully move on, which adds to the high turnover rate in service departments allowing for a service department to go from great to shit in a few years. 

 

I have the Silverado with halogen lights, so I can't comment on the bouncing lights and am not sure how bad it really is. But I would think if you had the lights retrofitted for a different projector & bulb combo, it should get rid of that.

 

Sucks that you have to fix design flaws right away on your own. And you're right that GM engineering is lacking compared to some of their competitors and their customer service from a corporate level is definitely lacking. You're just not a priority anymore to them once they make their sale. GM sells to the masses who will buy their cars regardless of if Steve decides to never buy another GM because Tom will decide he's never gonna own another Ford tomorrow. Other brands with less volume rely more heavily on repeat customers, and are likely to have more of a customer-first corporate policy. 

 

I came from a Toyota and the engineering and customer service is definitely behind Toyota. Sad to see, but I'm trying to make the best of it. Regardless of the brand, I hate spending time in the dealership for any reason, so I'm just trying to minimize any reason I have to go into the dealer--if I can fix it in my garage in less than 3 hours, I'll just do it myself in my spare time. Anything much more and it'll go to the dealer for warranty. If it's a part I need under $50, I'm very likely to just buy it, replace it, and not bother with warranty. Under $100...well, I still lose potentially $500 in lost income from having to have my truck sit in the shop for 2 hours... More cost-effective to just buy the part and swap it myself in less than an hour. (When's the last time you ever took a vehicle in for a 60 minute job and it took less than 120 minutes?) 

 

I'm starting to think that since GM's official corporate policy is, "Collect $$ from customer, bend them over backwards if they come back, ????, profit.", that their service advisers need to be told how to do their jobs--they're clearly not trained on customer service and clearly do not operate with a customer-first mindset...

 

My first experience with lackluster GM service was less than a week after buying my loaded 2500 LTZ...battery died just sitting overnight in the garage. Ok, fine, I see from the build sticker it definitely sat on the lot for a few months and it's the 6.0 gasser in a lux trim, so it probably didn't get driven much. No big deal...just swap the battery in 10 minutes and I'm back truckin', right? WRONG... It took three hours because I was kept in the dark about what they were actually doing with my truck and by the time I found out that they were so brainless as to blindly follow the GM warranty procedure without applying any context to the situation, it was too late for me to step in and take care of business. They followed the instructions to the letter and tested the battery for an hour instead of putting a new battery in and sending me on my way while they tested it. I hadn't even had this $60k truck a week and they didn't even think twice about making me wait for the entire f'ing procedure. And then to top it off, they didn't bother having the new battery brought across town until AFTER they had done a full test on the old one and confirmed without a doubt it was bad. By the time I found out I was being lead through this goat-rope, it was too late and all I could do was wait longer.

But that kind of blew my mind they'd rather make the buyer of a BRAND NEW expensive truck sit in their service area for hours to replace a simple battery than just hand me a new one, send me on my way, and then deal with the warranty replacement on their own time... I mean, it's a BATTERY...

So I guess next time, I need to tell the service advisers how to provide proper customer support to me... I have a limited customer service component to my job, so I'm confident I can politely instruct them on how to do their jobs... 

 

Just ridiculous... But again, just like everything else in this world...give someone an inch, and they'll take a mile. I gave my dealership an inch by allowing them to just do their own thing the first time to see how they did... They took a mile by not remotely caring about my situation. Always, always gotta be on the lookout for #1... That's why whenever I get lucky enough to find a shop/store that will go above and beyond for me, I try to use them as much as possible and send as much business as possible their way. Pretty pathetic though when the shop I paid $800 for SXS tires made me the offer of, 'If you ever puncture one of these, just bring it to me, I'll give you a new one off the shelf, and I'll deal with the warranty claim for you.' when I've spent less than $3500 over the past 10 years at that shop... But go and drop $60k on a truck and that's what you get... But they don't call them 'stealerships' for nothing... The majority of them, regardless of brand, serve just to bend you over whenever they get the chance. 

 

Ultimately, you're on your own, but I think it might be a bit early to throw in the towel and try to get the vehicle bought back or lemon law'ed. I'd just get the radiator issue fixed, then tell the dealer they've lost your business forever (leaving a negative yelp/google/facebook review will do more for you though; if you tell them in person, there's no oversight, so they won't act on anything you state 1-on-1 at this point it sounds like), figure out something else with the lights, and move on. Probably not worth your time continuing to fight them. If you truly want to get out of that vehicle though, then that's your prerogative. But in the end, it might just be easier to live with the bouncing headlights than potentially risk running through all this AGAIN with a different dealer/brand.. (But I admit I've not seen just how bad they bounce)

I appreciate that man

[kwdelre]

On 1/17/2018 at 6:26 PM, amxguy1970 said:

 

[kwdelre]

On 1/18/2018 at 6:47 PM, ewbldavis said:

I don't want to fuel a fire, but I'm curious as to HOW the dealer was approached about the issues.

 

I'm not downplaying issues, but I'm sure carrying on aggressively about "needing it fixed NOW and you bent me over on my trade...yada yada" will get you very sub-par customer service. Your initial approach and demeanor has EVERYTHING to do with the care you'll get. Hopefully this wasn't your first approach, but if it resorts to this it won't really help.

 

Maybe I'm also just lucky - no issues my previous Sierra, and the 2015 Silvy 2500 I recently bought with 30k seems to perform almost flawlessly. I did notice an occasional front end rattle, which is being investigated next week. I think it may be normal (never had a HD before), but checking it out since under warranty. At any rate, a calm approach and hopefully you can get it taken care of.

Lol...I hear you on this 100%. That’s why I was incredibley understand and thankful. The issue with the trade is what it is...perhaps I shouldn’t have added it to this post. But until the dealship decided I wasn’t their problem (several weeks after the sale), I didn’t blame them for anything. How could they know the cooler wasn’t welded? (Some jokers on here think it was my fault for not spotting) They couldn’t figure out the lights are an issue. I was nothing but respectful to them, and the service manager I worked with was the best I ever have. She was incredibly understaning. The issue lies with GMC, not the dealer IMHO.

[kwdelre]

On 1/17/2018 at 6:26 PM, amxguy1970 said:

What area you trying to accomplish with this post since you just joined not to be a contributing member but to just complain. Seems both sides failed, you with your due diligence and them (both the dealer and company) with responsiveness. You have a couple fixable problems and a difficult dealer that you decided to do business with, keep working to get them fixed and be an adult and next time do more homework before buying. Headlight safety hazard, haha. It is a mechanical piece of machinery, nothing will always be perfect. A leak though extremely rare that early is not unheard of, you can find similar stories on any forums with whiners such as your self. An inconvenience yes, but they got that fixed and added some compensation with an extended warranty which is very nice and didn't need to be done.

 

My advice, get it fixed and drive it or take the hit and sell it and move on since you are comfortable losing money, who loses that much on a trade in, who's fault is that? While the dealer delayed they certainly have been handling your issues and concerns. Is this your first truck or especially HD truck? Take some responsibility for our own mistakes as well, neither side is innocent here...

 

Tyler

Tyler....lotta hobbies....lotta forums...always someone like you. Thanks!

[Cosmic Charlie]

FWIW - one major change the manufacturer SHOULD ALWAYS have to do when the vehicle is on the assembly line:

the assembly worker should be required to put a sticker on the part / issue that is not right !

   (I understand the line is moving and only so much time can be allowed so if it is not correct it just moves on by and gets forgot about)

   {like the part was not fitting or the fluid ran out}

As I understand it the dealer is responsible to correct any deficiencies on a new vehicle, but the Dealer Prep is TOTALLY LACKING !

 

I've bought 4 NEW GM Trucks and 3 had assembly issues that "I" had to find:

1: No refrigerant in the AC (I brought the truck back in spring (winter purchase) and after it was filled it was fine forever)

2: Passenger Electric window was not right, upon dissemble a connector was missing

3: Rear Differential was less than 1/2 full of fluid - my local service guy discovered it at 1st oil change

 

I'm amazed that the assembly line and dealer both DON'T DO THEIR JOB  RIGHT - buyer beware

 

It's getting to the point where it be best to take the NEW vehicle to a private service garage to be checked out prior to buying !!!

[kwdelre]

12 hours ago, Cosmic Charlie said:

FWIW - one major change the manufacturer SHOULD ALWAYS have to do when the vehicle is on the assembly line:

the assembly worker should be required to put a sticker on the part / issue that is not right !

   (I understand the line is moving and only so much time can be allowed so if it is not correct it just moves on by and gets forgot about)

   {like the part was not fitting or the fluid ran out}

As I understand it the dealer is responsible to correct any deficiencies on a new vehicle, but the Dealer Prep is TOTALLY LACKING !

 

I've bought 4 NEW GM Trucks and 3 had assembly issues that "I" had to find:

1: No refrigerant in the AC (I brought the truck back in spring (winter purchase) and after it was filled it was fine forever)

2: Passenger Electric window was not right, upon dissemble a connector was missing

3: Rear Differential was less than 1/2 full of fluid - my local service guy discovered it at 1st oil change

 

I'm amazed that the assembly line and dealer both DON'T DO THEIR JOB  RIGHT - buyer beware

 

It's getting to the point where it be best to take the NEW vehicle to a private service garage to be checked out prior to buying !!!

I agree 100%. That’s some crazy bad luck, or some really bad assembling. This is my first GMC/CHEVY ever. Have had 8 other vehicles...not one with an assembly issue. I just hope the headlight is fixable....I build just about anything in my shop...but I’m trying not to touch the truck until I know for sure there is no resolution. I’m being patient....extremely patient....this all started at the beginning pf Dec.

Thanks for the input!

[redwngr]

From owners manual :

 

For all 6.6L Duramax Diesel 2500HD Series applications and all 3500 Series applications, the
proper level is from 17 mm to 21 mm (0.6 in to 0.8 in) below the bottom of the fill plug hole,
located on the rear axle.

Add only enough fluid to reach the proper level. 

 

 

Many (most imho) oil changers don't know this.

They want to fill it like they probably learned -- ie til it runs out the hole.

 

Even worse if it wasn't given sufficient time for the lube to run down off gearing and housing.   Especially if diff was cool so the drainback takes even longer.  

 

Front diff fill level is more the traditional '0 to 1/8" from bottom of the fill hole'. (0" if front diff is warm) 

 

Transfer case is 'bottom of hole'. 

Of course it runs back much quicker since it is atf instead of gear lube. 

 

 

[ewbldavis]

On 1/20/2018 at 10:36 PM, kwdelre said:

Lol...I hear you on this 100%. That’s why I was incredibley understand and thankful. The issue with the trade is what it is...perhaps I shouldn’t have added it to this post. But until the dealship decided I wasn’t their problem (several weeks after the sale), I didn’t blame them for anything. How could they know the cooler wasn’t welded? (Some jokers on here think it was my fault for not spotting) They couldn’t figure out the lights are an issue. I was nothing but respectful to them, and the service manager I worked with was the best I ever have. She was incredibly understaning. The issue lies with GMC, not the dealer IMHO.

That's unfortunate and I'm with you on lack of QC on pretty much anything anymore.

 

As far as not spotting issue, I can't say much. I bought my 2015 2500 used in November. I was so busy looking at bed condition (tailgate down) and inside/underneath for abuse, I didn't notice damaged rear bumper. My wife asked me about it - so I looked, and there she is - a dent from a tree or parking lot mishap. Not real bad, but I never saw it when looking at dealership - too worried about bigger issues I guess!

[kwdelre]

Received notice from dealer of a GMC bulliten on Jan 4th. After many customers complain from 2015-2018s, GMC’s official stance is that it operates the way intended. They claim this occurs on crappy roads....NOT the case! Bulletin attached...

Document1 [Compatibility Mode].docx

[Cosmic Charlie]

ODD - no other manufacturers have his issue ?

[kwdelre]

3 hours ago, Cosmic Charlie said:

ODD - no other manufacturers have his issue ?

Good point...I really am not sure. Will ask a few neighbors with 3/4 tons...

[Cosmic Charlie]

sounds like GM just BSing - either that style light has that characteristic or it doesn't -- my 2015 HD SLT has crappy light beam width but NOT a bouncing motion

[kwdelre]

5 hours ago, Cosmic Charlie said:

sounds like GM just BSing - either that style light has that characteristic or it doesn't -- my 2015 HD SLT has crappy light beam width but NOT a bouncing motion

It’s weird that when this all started in Dec. they had nothing about it that the dealership/repair could find. Then, in 2018 they include all the way back to 2015?? Doesn’t sound right to me. Dealership told me today that another truck had the lights replaced too. Not sure how the new set is working out though.