Pohanka Chevrolet service is awesome!

For several months I have been getting a random occurence of the flashing "service engine soon" message on the DIC. Upon checking the codes I would always have the P1637. The condition to set the code was always the same in that it would occur after start-up while the motor was idling or within the first mile after start-up while idling at a stop.

Since performance wasn't effected I simply re-set and pressed on. My concern however was raised when I noticed greater than normal fluctation of voltage while driving. Fearing that my battery was dying, I bought an Optima Red Top, however; the same flashing SES warning persisted.

Again, I didn't notice any performance loss but I knew something wasn't right so I began serious research. I searched the forums for answers but none were to be found. The logical conclusion would have been to go to the dealership for answers but I didn't feel comfortable doing that because of the many horror stories and being new to the area I didn't know who to trust locally.

unfortunately for me I would have to excercise the dealership option in spite of my fears. One evening after finishing work I got in my car and attempted to start it. I noticed that the key felt funny going into the ignition but what really caught my attention was that my car would not start. It was like trying to start the car without depressing the clutch. In addition to that, my greatest fear of all was realized; my steering column was locked.

I called my friend Patrick at 21CMC for advice but after trying his suggestions which did not work we both agreed it was time to call the GM roadside assistance to arrange towing of my car to a dealership. I had no idea where to have it towed but I remebered that a CF who member I sold my MCM hood to mentioned that he had his Corvette serviced at Pohanka Chevrolet in Chantilly, VA. So I called them to arrange the drop-off. By the way, my "low suspensioned" car was parked on the 2nd floor parking garage that I have to enter from an angle and ceiling clearance 6'7". You get the picture. Anyway, the tow truck guy showed up and said impossible.

I had two options at that point. Leave my car in that garage eternally or see if the dealership would send out a technician to diagnose and fix my car. I chose the latter option and am happy to report that my car is on the road again.

The dealership sent out their Corvette technician (9 years of experience) who did the column lock recall and diagnosed why my car would not start. It turns out that one of the contacts in the ignition cylinder broke which was the cause of the funny feeling I had when I inserted the key (and the cause of code B2723). He returned the dealership and came back later with a new ignition switch, programmed it for my key, installed it and viola my car started.

As for code P1637, it turns out that the generator in my altenator was faulty so it too was replaced.

All in all, the technician call-out, the problem diagnoses and the repairs were all covered under warranty.

I was/am so impressed with the level and quality of service that I have decided that when I buy the C6-Z06 it will be from that dealership. The service manager and technician went above and beyond in helping me in my stranded position and fixed my car to my satisfaction. By the way, there was an added bonus in all of this too. The technician had a 3.90 diff lying around from a previous customer who wanted to go back to stock. I made a deal with him for it and had it installed in my car.

-RR

 

Wow , I have never heard of a tech doing house calls. That is excellent. Wonder how they can afford that.