Transfer Case Update

[Shaners]

For those of you who have been following my saga....

 

A new transfer case was installed in my (3000 mile) HD after 14 days in the shop.  Things aren't so good in Shanerville now...

 

The new T-case still sends a good "jolt" through the chassis when engaged on the fly.  But now it makes noises too...

 

You older guys will remember the sound of a baseball card in the spokes of your bike...  Well, that is the noise I get now!!!  It's not terribly loud, but loud enough you can hear it over the radio when the volume is low.  It is worse in town at slow speeds...  kinda like a phttttttttttt sound that changes with your road speed.  It almost reminds me of a kinked speedo cable noise, but it only happens in 4wd.

 

I'm working until 10AM tomorrow morning and then going straight to the dealer to talk with the service dept.  I want this problem resolved, and if they don't acknowledge the problem, then we will drive some new trucks and get the factory rep involved.

 

This is the nicest (tightest) GM vehicle I have ever driven, and I can't justify $440/month payments for that kind of noise/engagement.  I have never owned a 4wd vehicle that was like this in my life...

 

Thankyou to all the guys that have confirmed to me that their HD 4wd is reletively seamless.

 

Shane

[firecadet613]

Shaners that sucks.  Hopefully they get it back in and find the problem ASAP.  That and get you into a GM rental!  That truck is a steal for $440/month.

 

Joe

[Jpshostr]

As much as you hate to hear this, your truck is getting ever closer to being called that yellow fruit.  Its been spending quite a bit of time in the shop over this ordeal, with it looks to be plenty more ahead.

[Kansas Kid]

When you go into the dealer, tell them you want the encoder motor replaced like was suggested several weeks ago when this problem surfaced.  Something that deals with that motor is almost always the problem when dealing with these push-button transfer case.  Replacing the t-case itself obviously did nothing to fix the problem.  Just consider yourself lucky this thing is still under warrenty, or you would really be pissed off....

[Shaners]

As much as you hate to hear this, your truck is getting ever closer to being called that yellow fruit.  Its been spending quite a bit of time in the shop over this ordeal, with it looks to be plenty more ahead.

I've already looked into this...  The PA law says 30 days in the shop or three unsuccesful attempts at repair.  My issue is not "safety" related, but would fall into the "value" clause.  

 

If this were to occur (I hope not), GM's options are a replacement vehicle or full refund or refund minus milage allowance of $0.10/ mile from the first time it was in the shop (about $300 in my case).

[Stepside Z]

Sorry to hear about the trouble Shane. I hope they get it fixed.

[Shaners]

I went to the dealership today.  I thought the service dept was open 1/2 day on Saturdays.  I was wrong...

 

I had a talk with the owner of the dealership and told him I wanted to drive another truck to compare.  We looked around his lot, and all his HD's were 8100's...  He sold his last 6.0L yesterday.

 

He did ask me if he could drive my truck so I gave him the keys.  He acknowledged that he didn't think it was right, and he said he would have the service dept get ahold of me on Monday...  I guess I'll wait till then.

[VegasDude]

Shaners, just so you know, mine is a 8.1 but it shifts so smooth you cant tell it shifted into 4 hi until you look at the 4 hi light..........

[4x4man]

I engaged my t-case over the weekend just to see what it does.  Depending on how fast I am going, I do get a jolt when shifting into 4hi.  At 25mph it is a little jolt, at 45mph it feels like I tapped the brakes.  This is the first time I noticed it.  It doesn't make any noises at all.  Is it really a problem to have it jolt a little bit when engaging??  

 

Bob

[jjz120]

Shaners;

 

I don't know if you are willing to go that far, but you may want to talk to a lawyer specializing in lemon law litigation.  I am currently in the same situation with my 2002 Silverado (check 5.3 oil consumption thread under the engine forum) in that I am waiting for the PA state lemon law to take effect.  Any reputable law firm will sit down for a free consultation to see if you have a case.

 

Fortunately, in my situation, they feel I have a case against GM, which they will litigate if needed at no cost to myself.  Also, my lawyer told me that they will only use the lemon law as a last resort, and primary they threaten GM with lawsuits for breach of contract (failing to deliver a factory quality vehicle) and loss of use (like yours, my truck is currently working its 3rd service visit and 14th day in the shop).  The unfortunate part is that this process can be time consuming, but of course so can the lemon law as it will still require you to go before an arbitration board.

 

John Z.

[CMNTMXR81]

Shane, too bad you aren't here in Illinoise.  I'd have you taken care of in a heartbeat.

 

Also, it may be wise to mention to the service department and/or owner and even the zone rep if he becomes involved, that you are a regular poster here.  That usually gets the ball rolling.  

[DuckhunterInTN]

Shaners,

 You said that it makes the noise "around town," which I assume is on pavement, and in 4wd.  Your truck does not have autotrac so I assume that you are putting it in 4-hi.  I know that you already know this, but you really shouldn't be putting the truck in 4-hi a whole lot on dry pavement.  The main reason I tell you this is because I would be careful because some jerk manager might try to blame the problem on the fact that you are doing that.

[Shaners]

Duckhunter,  I only put in 4wd on the straight and I don't go around corners with it engaged.  I don't leave it in very long either.  I just engaged it on the way back from the dealer to see if they fixed the problem (which they didn't).  And of course I now have the constant clicking noise (when in 4wd) to go along with my engagement "slam".  Yippeee!!!

[swl2126]

Shaners,

 

I've only engaged my 4WD once on snow covered pavement at 25 MPH and I got the "jolt" too.  Seemed odd at the time but I attributed it to the heavy duty nature of the drive train.  I've owned Chevrolet 4x4 vehicles since 1985 and haven't ever experienced the "jolting" sensation.  My 1998 Blazer has electronic (push button) 4WD and in engages smoothly.  We're supposed to get some snow later this week.  I'll let you know.

 

Sam

[kengsxr]

well I got my new diff today and it seems to have cured my problem. Have the dealer look at yours.