Before anybody tries to explain what a flat tappet valvetrain sounds like or the HPFP. I've built engines of all types for the last 35 years.
I am well aware of the difference, and mine is definitely a tolerance issue.
Now that we have that clear. What is the best way to file a complaint against a local dealership that claims that they did the pico test but cannot prove it and then tried to pass off a cropped screenshot of the example test procedure, with zero timestamp, vin indication or even a name?
Then tried to charge me $600.
I've been here for quite some time and there used to be reps on here. Not shure if that is still the case.

 

Pay with American Express, tell them no proof of work completed and file complaint there.

 

I did not pay(tried), and I do not want them to have the chance of altering anything when it comes to documentation by me warning them of my intentions. I argued the payment since it is a known issue and they relented, but I still have a copy of the first invoice trying to charge me. After about 45 minutes of waiting they produced the bogus readout.

 

Just curious, if the dealer is attempting to charge you... I assume the car out of warranty?

 

Not out of warranty. It's 2 months old with 1100 miles.

 

Then why a charge for a problem with the car? Did you buy it used and it's got a warranty block on it? If not, I would ask why you're being charged when the car is under full warranty.

 

My thoughts exactly. I am certainly not saying there isnt an issue with the engine. We all know it is not totally unheard of . If the dealer tech says the issue is unfounded or normal, they feel they are done. If the customer pushes the issue for further evaluation, the service manager should inform the customer he will be charged for time and labor for any further diagnosis. The customer should be given proper documents regarding any additional work performed. Either way, this sucks.
I too have built many engines for the past several decades. The engine in my Z06 sounds like a sewing machine at idle or low rpm cruise with the windows closed. Bugs the crap out of me. I know this is the way they sound. I have heard 1 Z06 at a local dealer that was in fact making a notable ticking noise that I would consider abnormal. Not sure what the outcome was.

 

You can file a complaint with Mary Barra (email) and you will be connected to specialist to work with. I have never heard of having an issue with a new car and take it in and get a bill for diagnosing a problem. Sounds really fishy. It really doesn't matter if you have built engines for 50 years in the past (They could be DOHC 4 cylinders for Toyota). It would only matter if you have built the current C8 LT6 and had detailed knowledge of its working behaviors etc. Good thing now is that the Engineers and team that built and tested the motor, have released a bulletin on the issue many have experienced.

TSB can be found here. Document ID: 6375600

It clearly states: You MUST use the PicoScope to verify if you have this noise concern. Failure to use the PicoScope may result in incorrect diagnosis and the need for further or unnecessary repairs.

I totally agree they should have clearly documented what they did and gave you a copy of what was found. Like an alignment would and put in your file. Since it wasnt done. They probably dont even have a Pico Scope on hand. I would go to another dealership and get the TSB done properly. There were some posts on here on people that have had the actual procedure done and documented. I world suggest searching for them. I think they did post some info "paper work" on what they found.

Good luck and sorry to hear that happened to you. Hopefully you get resolution soon.

 

my first z06 had tick and frankly it is easily distinguished from the normal sewing machine sound. My dealer printed off the test results as well as what was normal per a chart and what was abnormal. You should have recd the same.

this is what abnormal sounds like.

 

First and most important I hope you are able to resolve the issues with your car. I lose sleep and generally am impossible if I have nagging car issues…. Especially on a car as important as my Z06…

You want to file a complaint… I’m assuming with gm… in regards to engine noise and the the “test process” a dealer performed. Because dealers are independent businesses you may also want to bring issues to the general manager and owner.

For gm I believe there is also a regional factory rep for this area that may meet with you to examine the car in person.

GM reps do participate in the forum and from one of their posts I got:

socialmedia@gm.com

I have emailed this address several times and always receive a response within 48 hours. I emailed them the day the fire risk recall was announced and received a reply the next day with more specific information following a few days later with the recall number etc.

When contacting gm include the usual year, make and model along the VIN and your contact information.

As dealers are independent businesses it can be a process to get the dealer tech, service manager and the factory rep on the same page.

I loved engines, motorcycles and cars since I can remember and have owned all kinds of great engines. BMW M3 straight six and the only V8, two 911 flat sixes, various turbo charged AMG’s, supercharged Audi, and of course the GM LT2 and LT6…. They all sounded different. I have no idea if my Z06 sounds “right” so I go by oil pressure, oil, transmission and coolant temp, exhaust color and how it runs. If it runs well and all the vitals are good I couldn’t tell you if it sounds “right”.

Good luck, hope you are able to resolve the problem or get gm to buy the car back and start over. Sometimes punting and getting a new car is the only way to clear the air…

 

Can you share if this was on the left or right side and did they perform the camshaft cap alignment? Thanks!

 

left side. Dealer tired to fix twice but does not have special tool to help with procedure. Third time GM, thankfully, sent out a field service engineer (FSE) who brought the tool and tick was completely fixed.

 

Thanks for sharing. I too have the ticking on the left side. Not sure it is as pronounced as in the video you shared. My car has been to the dealer several times and they are dancing around this issue. They have a case opened with GM and now they want to drain the oil and cut open the oil filter. Ridiculous in my opinion. Supposedly they sent the audio file recorded by the picoscope to GM. Not buying it.

 

PM replied to.

 

Much appreciated to the people that actually provided information.

 

Exactly right, it states you MUST.
I gave them plenty of opportunity to do it right. I told them ahead of time that I expect to see the printed results.....I don't know how much more clarity they needed and told them if the results came back within specifications.....fine no argument. They couldn't even do that. However, they did drive it for about 1 mile, and I explained to them that's not how you test it.

 

Its ridiculous when you spend this type of money and get this type of customer service. Keep us posted and hopefully things work out well. I would seek another dealer for sure.

 

this one has the tick and voided warranty. see idle video in the gallery

No Reserve: 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Coupe 1LZ for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $90,500 on October 29, 2024 (Lot #168,608) | Bring a Trailer https://share.google/cJ3E5muxnN4aPJe4u

 

Thanks, but I'm not looking to buy a voided out corvette.

 

He was saying to listen to the tick in the video that was posted with the listing.