The saga continues....

I had something similar with my GMC in which I did the repairs under warranty and asked for reimbursement of the part only, actually sent them the defective part back, they denied my claim, sent another letter with strong wording and GM sent another letter denying the charge and if I wanted to pursue the matter file a complaint against the KBB (it was similar to the BBB but devoted to auto's) filed the complaint and the next day I got a call from GM saying the check was in the mail. Will have to pull the file as I am at work when I get home.
I tell ya... they just BEG for people to sue



Last edited by Ol'55; Oct 25, 2007 at 02:46 PM.

I received an email from someone in "Communications" (I assume this means some PR person) at GM after inquiring how to contact the Western Regional General Manager (who is the boss of Matt Mindy):
I work in Communications here in the west region for GM and would like to learn a little bit more about your situation. Please let me know how I can help.
Jeff Holland
Long story short? I've spent the past 5 weeks trying to get GM to reimburse me for a repair that was, essentially, caused by an error in the owner's manual (we're talking a 2002 Z06 Corvette). After weeks of what can not be construed as anything other than delay tactic after delay tactic, the non-return of many many voice mails and my catching of some GM employee in a documentable lie, I am left with a very bad taste in my mouth by GM and its representatives. Quite honestly, all the time and effort GM has gone through to avoid paying what a company of their size has to consider petty cash, they have completely destroyed any good will I may have had for them.
There are quite a few technical issues here but simply put - the owners manual says if one wants to install a CB radio in the Corvette, there's a connector that is specifically used for that purpose. I used it, wired it correctly (the servicing dealer even confirms it was wired according to the manual) and, according to GM's Engineering dept, the use of that connector WILL damage the module that was damaged in my car. It cost me $500 to have it replaced.
And the District Manager denied my claim. So let's see here. Owner's manual says to use this connector for the purpose I did. And that connector was wired properly according to GM instructions. GM admits doing so will damage the car. And GM denies any responsibility on their part. Maybe someone needs to remind GM that it could be they're losing market share because of asinine positions and horrid treatment of their customers.
Anyway, I wanted to elevate this beyond the District Service Manager, Mr. Matt Mindy because, quite frankly and based on the available evidence, I believe he's the one who's been lying from the start. Should you find the time, I have plenty of evidence to support this position.
We appreciate your e-mail regarding concerns with the District Manager in
the Portland, Oregon area.
With service related issues, please re-contact your vehicle division
customer assistance center for further assistance. Be sure to have your
vehicle identification number and any related paperwork with you when you
call.
You may contact these divisions through the following means:
Cadillac
P.O. Box 33169
Detroit, MI 48232-5169
1-800-458-8006
www.cadillac.com
Oldsmobile
P.O. Box 33171
Detroit, MI 48232-517
1-800-442-6537
www.oldsmobile.com
Chevrolet
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
1-800-222-1020
www.chevrolet.com
Buick
P.O. Box 33136
Detroit, MI 48232-5136
1-800-521-7300
www.buick.com
GMC
P.O. Box 33172
Detroit, MI 48232-5169
1-800-462-8782
www.gmc.com
Pontiac
P.O. Box 33172
Detroit, MI 48232-5172
1-800-762-2737
www.pontiac.com
Thank you for your inquiry.
Regards,
Goodwrench Internet Response Team
Apparently GM has no serious interest in resolving this issue as evidenced by your insistence to continue down the same failed road as before. You don't seem to appreciate that the "usual channels" have failed in this instance. I would remind you that I have spent over 5 weeks dealing with the "customer assistance center" on this issue and they are part of the problem.
GM could have restored a loyal customer's faith in the company and its products by reimbursing such a paltry amount as I was seeking. Instead, GM chose to fight me every step of the way, stonewalling and blaming me for damage provably caused by GM. At the very least, Mr. Mindy's supervisor should have expressed interest in an employee who is documented to have lied about this issue.
Thanks for nothing. It is no wonder GM is losing market share when it treats its customers with such contempt.
I do plan on sharing the treatment I have received at the hands of GM with the various Corvette forums of which I am a member. And anyone else willing to listen for that matter...
A very unhappy victim of GM
Document ID# 1557357
2000 Chevrolet/Geo Corvette
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Info - Radio Telephone/Mobile Radio (Transceiver) Installation and Troubleshooting Guidelines #04-08-46-002 - (Oct 20, 2004)
Table 1: EMC Troubleshooting Chart
Radio Telephone/Mobile Radio (Transceiver) Installation and Troubleshooting Guidelines
1990-2005 Passenger Cars and Trucks
2003-2005 HUMMER H2
This bulletin is being updated to add models, model years and revise the information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 83-96-05 (Section 9 - Accessories).
The following information is being provided to assist in the installation and troubleshooting of radio telephone/mobile radios.
Certain radio telephones or land mobile radios also known as radio transceivers), or the way in which they are installed, may adversely affect various vehicle operations such as engine performance, driver information, entertainment and electrical systems.
Expenses incurred to protect the vehicle systems from any adverse effects of any such installation are not the responsibility of General Motors Corporation.
The following are general guidelines for installing a radio transceiver in General Motors vehicles. These guidelines are intended to supplement, but not to be used in place of, detailed instructions which are the sole responsibility of the manufacturer of the involved radio transceiver. Although this document refers to passenger vehicles, the same general guidelines apply to trucks.
Important: Refer to the illustrations found later in this bulletin for aid in installation.
Transceiver Location
Locate transceiver for remote radios on driver’s side of trunk as near to the vehicle body side as possible.
One piece transceivers should be mounted under the dash or on transmission hump where they will not interfere with vehicle controls or passenger movement.
Great care should be taken not to mount any transceivers, microphones, speakers or any other item in the deployment path of a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (air bag).
Antenna Installation
Each vehicle model and body style reacts to radio frequency energy differently. When dealing with an unfamiliar vehicle, it is suggested that a magnetic-mount antenna be used to check the proposed antenna location for unwanted effects on the vehicle. Antenna location is a major factor in these effects.
The antenna should be a permanent-mount type located in the center of the roof or center of the rear deck lid. Glass mounted antennas should be kept as high as possible in the center of the rear window or windshield. If a magnet-mount antenna is used, care should be taken to mount the antenna in the same location as a permanent-mount type. If a disguise-mount antenna is used, great care should be taken to shield any tuning network from vehicle electronics and wiring, or to mount the tuning network in an area completely clear of vehicle electronics and wiring.
Standard metal mount antennas may be mounted on a vehicle with nonmetallic body panels by two methods. Most nonmetallic skinned vehicles have metal frames underneath. Mounting the antenna near a metal frame section and bonding the antenna mount to the frame with a short metal strap will provide the groundplane connection. Some antenna manufacturers offer "groundplane kits" that consist of self-adhesive metal foil that may be attached to the body panel to provide the groundplane for the antenna.
Some vehicles use glass that contains a thin metallic layer for defrosting or to control solar gain. Glass mount antennas will NOT function when mounted on this type of glass.
If RF-related interactions occur when using a hitch or bumper-mount HF antenna on a vehicle that has body on frame construction (i.e. pickup, SUV) connect a ground strap from the vehicle frame to the bottom rear of the vehicle body (for station wagon type vehicles), or from the vehicle frame to the bottom rear of the cab (pickup style vehicles).
Antenna Cable Routing
Always use a high quality coax (at least 95% shield coverage) located away from the engine control module (ECM) and other electronic modules.
Care should be taken to maintain as great a distance as possible between any vehicle wiring and the feedline.
Antenna Tuning It is important that the antenna be tuned properly and reflected power be kept to less than 10% (VSWR less than 2:1).
Radio Wiring and Connection Locations
Connecting radio power on General Motors vehicles is model dependent. The installer must decide which one of the following four methods will be appropriate.
Connect the positive and negative leads directly to the battery terminals (illustrated in this guideline).
Connect the positive lead to the auxiliary power terminal (located at the underhood fuse center or identified by a red plastic cover in the underhood area) and connect the negative lead directly to the negative battery terminal.
Connect the positive lead to the auxiliary power terminal and connect the negative lead to the battery body connection point (identified by a short #10 AWG or larger wire running from the negative battery terminal to the body of the vehicle).
Connect the positive and negative leads to the Special Equipment Option (SEO) wiring provided for this purpose.
If connections are made directly to the battery terminals, the GM-approved methods of connecting auxiliary wiring include the adapter package illustrated in Figure 2, NAPA-Belden replacement battery bolts, P/N 728198, or drilling and tapping the hex end of the original battery bolts 10-32 X 3/8" deep. Note that it is recommended that a fuse be placed in the transceiver negative lead to prevent possible transceiver damage in the event the battery-to-engine block ground lead is inadvertently disconnected.
For ONE-PIECE TRANSCEIVERS where ignition switch control is desired and no SEO wiring exists, a 12 volt power contactor must be installed in the transceiver positive lead. The contactor should be located near a proper 12 volt feed. The coil of the contactor should be connected through an appropriate in-line fuse to an available accessory circuit or ignition circuit not powered during cranking. The contactor coil must return to a proper negative point. The detailed view in Figure 1B illustrates direct connection to the vehicle battery.
Any negative lead from a handset or control unit must return to a proper negative connection point. It is preferable that the positive lead for a handset or control unit be connected directly to a proper positive feed. If ignition switch control is desired, the handset or control unit positive lead may be connected through an appropriate in-line fuse to an available accessory circuit or ignition circuit not powered during cranking. It is recommended that the handset or control unit positive and negative leads be appropriately fused separately from the transceiver positive and negative leads.
If multiple transceivers or receivers are to be installed in the vehicle, power leads to the trunk or under dash should be connected to covered, insulated terminal strips. All transceivers or receivers may then have their power leads connected to the strips. This makes a neater installation and reduces the number of wires running to the vehicle underhood area.
Radio Wire Routing
The power leads should be brought through a grommeted hole in the front bulkhead that must be provided by the installer. For trunk-mounted transceivers, the cables should continue on along the driver’s side door sills, under the rear seat, and into the trunk through the rear bulkhead. All attempts should be made to maintain as great a distance as possible between radio power leads and vehicle electronic modules and wiring.
If the battery is located on the passenger side, radio power leads should cross the vehicle in front of the engine.
Troubleshooting
Should vehicle-radio interaction develop following installation, the source of the problem should be determined prior to further operation of the vehicle. Most interaction problems can be eliminated by following the installation guidelines.
If any vehicle-radio interaction problems exist after following these guidelines, refer to the EMC Troubleshooting Chart at the end of this bulletin.
FIGURE Figure 1A -- Transceiver Installation - Example of Remote Mounted Transceiver(c)
(1) Fuses
(2) Battery
(3) Grommet Installed in Bulkhead and Separate from Other Vehicle Wires
(4) Control Head
(5) Control Cable
(6) Roof Antenna Location
(7) Transceiver
(8) Rear Deck Antenna Location
FIGURE Figure 1B -- Transceiver Installation - Example of One Piece Transceiver(c)
(1) Fuses
(2) Battery
(3) Grommet Installed in Bulkhead and Separate from Other Vehicle Wires
(4) Coax Cable
(5) Roof Antenna Location
(6) Rear Deck Antenna Location
(7) Fuse Block
(8) To Contactor Coil
(9) 12V Power Contactor
(10) To Transceiver
(11) Vehicle Battery
(12) Fuses
(13) Accessory or Ignition Circuit
(14) Bumper Mount Location for Amateur Applications
FIGURE Figure 2 -- Auxiliary Electrical Equipment - GM Recommended Installation(c)
(1) Vehicle Battery Cable
(2) Vehicle Battery
(3) Contact Spacer
(4) Adapter Terminal (part of kit 1846855)
(5) Long Battery Terminal Bolt
(6) Terminal Cover (part of kit 1846855)
(7) Wire Connector (part of kit 1846855)
(8) Insulation Boot (part of kit 1846855)
(9) Auxiliary Equipment Cable(s)
EMC Troubleshooting Chart Step
Action
Yes
No
1
Can you reproduce the concern?
Go to Step 2
Must be able to reproduce the concern.
2
Is the vehicle equipped with aftermarket accessories such a radar detectors, remote starters, radio transceivers, etc.
Go to Step 3
Go to Step 6
3
Remove or disable the accessories.
Is the concern related to the operation of such accessories?
Go to Step 4
Go to Step 6
4
Check for ground points and correct cable routing and antenna location.
Does the installation conform to GM guidelines?
Go to Step 6
Go to Step 5
5
Correct the installation.
Is the concern eliminated?
Concern resolved
Go to Step 6
6
Gather the following information:
The radio frequencies involved
Engine ON or OFF
Is the concern intermittent
Does a Service Bulletin or P.I. exist dealing with this concern?
Go to Step 7
Go to Step 8
7
Perform the procedure from the service bulletin or P.I.
Is the concern eliminated?
Concern resolved
Go to Step 8
8
Identify additional EMC parameters.
Is the accessory defective?
Go to Step 9
Go to Step 10
9
Repair/replace the component.
Is the concern eliminated.
Concern resolved
Go to Step 10
10
Inspect the circuit integrity for the following:
Ground connections
Connector integrity
Cable routing
Is the circuitry acceptable?
Go to Step 12
Go to Step 11
11
Repair the circuitry as needed.
Is the concern eliminated?
Concern resolved
Go to Step 12
12
Consult with Technical Assistance for any additional available information.
Parts Information
AC-Delco Side Terminal Adapter Package 1846855, when combined with the longer battery bolt and spacer will provide the simple, light, corrosion-resistant connection illustrated.
Description
AC-Delco Catalog 7A10
Car Dealer Parts Book
Kit
1846855
1846855
Bolt
7803
12004188
Spacer
7804

I checked with 2 Chevy dealers, specifically asking about any problems installing a CB radio in a 2002 Z06 and both said "no problem". Not a one referred to a service bulletin.
Shoot, score, match!
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Last edited by 87SAM; Oct 26, 2007 at 01:17 PM.
Just want to make sure I get this right......no one who owns a Honda, Toyota, Nissan, etc. has ever paid a dime to get repairs done even though the car is out of warranty and has no extended warranty?
BTW, the Corvette club that I belong to uses CB radios and I have one in my car that was installed by club members. Over the last three or four years I have watched at least 15 CB installations in C5s and there have not been any problems at all so this is certainly NOT a common problem.
Last edited by INGER67; Oct 26, 2007 at 01:19 PM.

I am like you on these things. It is not the money but one or two people that have made a bad desision on a item and now the company will not back down.
The support dose not seem to be there once you have to go past the Division mgr. I know they hire these guys to protect there company but sometime people make the wrong desision. Keep us up todate.




Inger67

I received a phone call from Chevy's Regional Service Manager, Kelly Bradshaw, office and I spoke with a Miklos Gonzalez. He was very nice, sympathetic and stated that he had reviewed all 29 pages of my official Service Request. His comments were to the effect that he doesn't understand how this ever reached this point but said the customer takes precedence. He is contacting the dealer to have them cut me a check that is 100% reimbursement for the repair. As I have a good relationship with the dealer, I don't expect any problems at this point. (I did ask him that this wasn't going to come out of the dealer's pocket and he said that GM would cover it).
I also told him that Matt Mindy needs to be bitchslapped a bit for being such a *****
He chuckled...Anyway, persistence pays!
And for those in the Portland area, the dealer involved is Russ Chevrolet in Tigard. They have been top notch through all of this.
Ken



I received a phone call from Chevy's Regional Service Manager, Kelly Bradshaw, office and I spoke with a Miklos Gonzalez. He was very nice, sympathetic and stated that he had reviewed all 29 pages of my official Service Request. His comments were to the effect that he doesn't understand how this ever reached this point but said the customer takes precedence. He is contacting the dealer to have them cut me a check that is 100% reimbursement for the repair. As I have a good relationship with the dealer, I don't expect any problems at this point. (I did ask him that this wasn't going to come out of the dealer's pocket and he said that GM would cover it).
I also told him that Matt Mindy needs to be bitchslapped a bit for being such a *****
He chuckled...Anyway, persistence pays!
And for those in the Portland area, the dealer involved is Russ Chevrolet in Tigard. They have been top notch through all of this.
Ken
It's too bad you had to go through all of that















