Please help
2005 Z51 C6
3 rd new battery. Last time they said it was the steering column lock. Got new battery November. Yesterday dead. Towed to dealer. They told me their is an ECM software update remote control door lock module that will fix issue and they want me to pay $150.00 diagnostic plus 2 hours labor @ $135.00 per hour to update software. Plus $25.00 to install new battery. Battery no charge. My extended Warrenty will not cover
Why do I have to pay for a service bulletin/software update. Very confused

 

Typical dealer gouge....GM pays 0.4 hr for a warranty reprogram.

If that is the problem then car should go unused for a couple of weeks with a 30 mA draw before the battery drains enough for a no-start. That may not solve your problem if your battery is dying quicker than that.

Refer to this TSB:
#07-06-03-001B: Dead Battery, No Crank/No Start (Reprogram Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR) - (Mar 21, 2007)

Condition
Some customers may comment on a dead battery after the vehicle has been parked for a extended period of time. Typically, the battery will last approximately two weeks, depending on the initial state of battery charge.

Cause
A software anomaly within the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR) causes an additional 30 mA draw on the battery when passive locking is enabled and the vehicle is parked.

Correction
Reprogram the RCDLR

Important: Use the Pass-Thru method when programming and select "Replace and Reprogram ECU."

A new calibration has been released to correct this condition. Reprogram the RCDLR using SPS. This new service calibration is available on TIS2WEB.

Important: On Corvette models, prior to reprogramming, remove the Radio/S-Band/VICS 15-amp fuse and the HVAC/PWR SND 10-amp fuse from the I/P electrical center (passenger floor). Also, the ignition must be in the "Key On Engine Off" mode.

If the programming does not finish successfully and the RCDLR appears to be in a "locked-up" state, DO NOT turn off the ignition, it can be reset by removing the RCDLR fuse (#11 in the UBEC) for at least 30 seconds and reinstalling it. If the ignition was turned to OFF after the "locked up" condition occurred, its possible to continue programming by adding the VIN manually in TIS.

Tip
Transmitter programming and tire pressure learn procedures are NOT necessary after this reprogram.

Please refer to SI for additional information on other potential causes of battery drain.

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation
R9723*

Description
Remote Control Door Lock Receiver -- Reprogramming with SPS

Labor Time
0.4 hr

 

First question is how often is the car driven? Do you use a battery tender if it sits for extended periods of time?
Is your vehicle a manual? If so it has to be parked in reverse when shut off or it will drain the battery.
Software updates always cost money, I doubt that is your actual problem though.
They are contradicting themselves saying there is an 'update to fix the issue' and you need to pay 'diag'...... something doesn't add up.
A software update is not the same as a TSB (technical service bulletin) or a recall, just to be clear. However a TSB could include something as simple as a software update.

 

A TSB or "service bulletin" is not a recall and thus is not typically GM-paid. It is just a note from corporate on how to handle some specfic complaints/issues that may come up.

Given your car is 12 model years old, I think GM is off the hook when it comes to paying for any repairs needed, don't you?

 

17 year old 05?

 

Whoops! 12 model year old! Sorry about that Chief!

 

Just messing with ya!

 

First, I'd like to say thank you to all who responded. Much appreciated.

I must put my car in reverse before turning off my engine. Manuel 6 speed.

My car is not 17, or, 12 years old. My car is 11 years and 1 month. I custom ordered my Corvette March 2005. My car's build date was, May 25, 2005. My Corvette was delievered to the dealership June 24 th, 2005. Today is July 22, 2016, subtract 2005 =11 years + one month.

I have the extended Warrenty, which ia active thru November 2017, or 120K miles. Currently I have 97 K miles on my car.
I talked to the service rep and the service manager this afternoon.
The Warrenty is going to cover 100%. I'm thankful for that.
Again, thank you for your kind support and detail
N

 

Wow! I've never heard of a 12-1/2 year warranty.

 

Read carefully -- I wrote 12 model years old.

Regardless -- glad your issue is going to be resolved!