Fuel Pump/Fuel Injector Flush Questions

ebod · April 9, 2004

My fuel pump just died on my 2001 Suburban. The truck has 36,400 miles on it and is 36 months-plus-one-week old. I'm worried that the dealer won't cover it under warranty. Do dealers/the factory typically try to leave a customer high and dry just because a vehicle is technically just barely out of warranty coverage? Even if dealers typically try to deny warranty coverage in this situation, I think they'd have a hard time doing so here. Less than a month ago, I brought the truck in for pre-warranty-expiration fixes including, an engine hesitancy/vibration. They recommended that I pay for a fuel injector flush (@119.95) as part of a long line of recommended flushes (including also, engine oil flush, coolant flush, power steering fluid flush, each at at least $119.95 and some at $129.95). I viewed these as really "my hard earned dollars flushes (to the benefit of the dealer)" and opted not to pay for them at that time (I was never that they were critical or that failure to get them would lead to component failure).

If the dealer refuses coverage (and I lose the fight I would inevitably have with the factory--believe me, I'd fight hard), how much should I expect to pay (parts and labor) for a new fuel pump?

What if my dealer says "pay for the fuel injector flush and we'll cover the fuel pump?" Is that reasonable? Do you guys pay for such flushes (or any of the other flushes listed above) on a three-year-old vehicle with 36k miles on it?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts or suggestions.

redvett · April 9, 2004

Shame on you for not getting the GM extended warrenty. But you may be lucky depending on your dealer and how bad he wants to sell you another vehicle. If he & you have a good relationship he will probably repair it with GM good customer plan. Do not have the injectors flushed its not needed if you use good brand name gas. The gas has additives for tht purpose. Sounds like you had work done by the dealer and they will probably take care of you. Best estimate on fuelpump replacement will be upwards of $500-$600.