Warranty Denied - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

All-American ZL1 · 01-27-2015, 02:31 PM

I was really hoping that I didn't have to write this, but the situation has forced me to. I grew up in a Chevy family and have personally been a long time Chevy owner myself. I'm hoping that some of you could give me some advice on how to handle this situation.

I have a 2013 M6 ZL1. Like many other people I noticed the loud rear end. I had my dealership evaluate it around 5,000 miles, and they said it was normal. Over the next year I made some small modifications to the car, Pulley, headers, tune. I also used the car for exactly what it was advertised to do; I've done about 7-8 road track days, and I've had it down the strip maybe 30 times. This car is my prize possession, I do not beat on it, I am meticulous about taking care of it, inspecting it and maintaining it.

About 2 months ago when I hit 20k miles I had the dealership swap out the brake fluid and rear diff fluids for regular general maintenance. Last week the rear end started making a lot more noise so I took it back to the dealership. They contacted GM about the rear end noise, and they were told that GM would not warranty anything on the car since it has been modified.

I highly doubt that a pulley and headers would cause damage to a ZL1 rear end. We have numerous people on this site running 1,000 horses through their stock rear ends with no problems at all. Should I try a different dealership? I live in Tampa, FL. Thanks of your help.

pickwithaustin · 01-27-2015, 02:42 PM

Modifications to the engine void the warranty. That has generally applied always and to all cars.

Sven59 · 01-27-2015, 02:42 PM

I would try a different dealership. Some dealers will allow for a tune etc as long as they know it could not have caused the problem. The dealer is also an idiot. The rear noise is a well known issue and the ZL1 has its own TSB on it. I have had it in twice for the noise and has been cleared up for over a year. Luckily I have not heard of any problems due to the noise, I think it is that mostly just noise.

Via lightning from a large Hammer.

97ChameleonTA · 01-27-2015, 03:06 PM

What dealership? PM me if you don't want it made public, I know of a pretty mod-friendly dealer. I think this may fall under the Magnuson-Moss Act where warranty can't be denied unless they can prove the modifications caused the problem:

http://www.sema.org/sema-enews/2011/...ermarket-parts

Whos_Drivin · 01-27-2015, 03:15 PM

Try a different dealer. Worst they can do is say no...and then you know if it's the dealer or GM.

In the end that's the risk of modding...sorry...

KaBoom1701 · 01-27-2015, 03:27 PM

Try a different dealer like everyone is saying.

You tuned your car so it may be tough...

This is the reason I only have some simple bolt on mods just in case I need the warranty.

mrvenicess · 01-27-2015, 03:41 PM

Just a question, how many times have you changed out the diff fluid? Was this time at 20,000 miles the first? If you have done multiple track days I'm hoping you have changed it at least a few times. My rear end has always had a bit of noise but has never gone beyond that point. Like others have said it may be worth it to try another dealership but if GM wants to see the flash counter on your computer you may be out of luck.

vicnkathy · 01-27-2015, 03:49 PM

A tune voids the warranty. With that said, go to another dealership, give the service manager a $100 "handshake" and see all the issues go away. It always worked for me. I'm constantly surprised how many guys don't smear the service manager and expect them to not be extra helpful. It works. Just try it.

SPOOKYGUNNER · 01-27-2015, 03:56 PM

Won't there be a record of the denial with GM no matter what dealership you take it to? Wish you luck. GM ought
to cover it. Don't take No for an answer.

vicnkathy · 01-27-2015, 04:34 PM

A tune voids a POWERTRAIN warranty. A rear differential last I checked is part of the powertrain. Try the schmooze. It's your only chance.

mr02Z/28 · 01-27-2015, 04:42 PM

LMFAO .......... he mods it, tracks it, but doesn't beat on it ?? ...... explain that one a little further if you don't mind ?

lbls1 · 01-27-2015, 04:46 PM

Only problem with a different dealership is that GM may have flagged your VIN from your previous warranty claim attempt (they have been known to do this). Your best course of action could be to try a different dealership and speak with your municipality's Attorney General to see whether you can fight the denial. You would need to prove that your modifications did not cause the failure.

Good luck. GM has become extremely strict and selective with their warranty coverage. At their worst (2009) some dealerships weren't even covering legitimate claims (truss me I know firsthand).

flatrockguy · 01-27-2015, 04:53 PM

PM me your VIN and in the morning I will run it through the GM warranty system and see if it is flagged.

Smittty · 01-27-2015, 05:24 PM

Just to clarify something. A tune does not automatically void your power train warranty. Each dealership is different so like you've heard, try a different dealership.

01-27-2015, 02:31 PM	#1
All-American ZL1 Chevy Power Drives: 13 ZL1 M6 #123, '98 Jeep Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Tampa Posts: 134 View My Garage	Warranty Denied I was really hoping that I didn't have to write this, but the situation has forced me to. I grew up in a Chevy family and have personally been a long time Chevy owner myself. I'm hoping that some of you could give me some advice on how to handle this situation. I have a 2013 M6 ZL1. Like many other people I noticed the loud rear end. I had my dealership evaluate it around 5,000 miles, and they said it was normal. Over the next year I made some small modifications to the car, Pulley, headers, tune. I also used the car for exactly what it was advertised to do; I've done about 7-8 road track days, and I've had it down the strip maybe 30 times. This car is my prize possession, I do not beat on it, I am meticulous about taking care of it, inspecting it and maintaining it. About 2 months ago when I hit 20k miles I had the dealership swap out the brake fluid and rear diff fluids for regular general maintenance. Last week the rear end started making a lot more noise so I took it back to the dealership. They contacted GM about the rear end noise, and they were told that GM would not warranty anything on the car since it has been modified. I highly doubt that a pulley and headers would cause damage to a ZL1 rear end. We have numerous people on this site running 1,000 horses through their stock rear ends with no problems at all. Should I try a different dealership? I live in Tampa, FL. Thanks of your help. __________________ 2013 #123, M6 2.38 upper, ID850, dynatech 1 7/8 headers, cats, X pipe, ADM CAI, 160 Tstat, Hurst line lock, tune by FSP Sebring 2:39.20 MPSS

01-27-2015, 02:42 PM	#2
pickwithaustin Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Convertible and: Join Date: May 2014 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,863	Modifications to the engine void the warranty. That has generally applied always and to all cars. __________________ --------------------------- Currently in my Garage: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Convertible \| 1980 Corvette Stingray \| 1981 Firebird \| 1968 El Camino \| 2007 Crown Vic Police Interceptor \| 2001 Silverado \| 2001 Blazer \| 1965 Chevy C-10 \| 2007 Harley Softail Custom \| 2013 MX-5 in Copper Red Mica \| 2000 Corvette Convertible \| 2010 Corvette Grand Sport \| 2006 Audi A3 Turbo \| 2008 BMW 328i

01-27-2015, 02:42 PM	#3
Sven59 HAMMER PILOT Drives: 13 ZL1#182, 85 CJ7, 16 Silverado Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Tucson AZ Posts: 4,386	I would try a different dealership. Some dealers will allow for a tune etc as long as they know it could not have caused the problem. The dealer is also an idiot. The rear noise is a well known issue and the ZL1 has its own TSB on it. I have had it in twice for the noise and has been cleared up for over a year. Luckily I have not heard of any problems due to the noise, I think it is that mostly just noise. Via lightning from a large Hammer. __________________ "DO YOU WANT ME TO PUT THE HAMMER DOWN?"

01-27-2015, 03:06 PM	#4
97ChameleonTA Drives: 2013 ZL1 Convertible Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Valrico, FL Posts: 515	What dealership? PM me if you don't want it made public, I know of a pretty mod-friendly dealer. I think this may fall under the Magnuson-Moss Act where warranty can't be denied unless they can prove the modifications caused the problem: http://www.sema.org/sema-enews/2011/...ermarket-parts __________________ 2013 ZL1 Auto Convertible - BRM Best: 10.829@127.15 FI Interchiller, Roto-Fab CAI, Big Gulp & Res, 9.1/2.5 Pulleys, PB&S, DeatschWerks 1500cc, Fore triple pump, Pfadt LT's, RD HX, MT DR's New times to come with E85 2016 2SS Auto - Hyper Blue Metallic Roto-Fab CAI

01-27-2015, 03:27 PM	#6
KaBoom1701 KaBoom1701 Drives: 13' ZL1 Red M6 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: I.E. SoCal (Yucaipa) Posts: 8,630	Try a different dealer like everyone is saying. You tuned your car so it may be tough... This is the reason I only have some simple bolt on mods just in case I need the warranty. __________________ Mods: Roto-Fab Intake, WW Res. kit & Big Gulp Air Scoop, Elite Catch Can, ATI Super Damper & 18% OD Pulley, LF Idler pulley bracket, Metco CC breather, ID850 Injectors, Stainless Power Headers w/ ceramic coating, TR71X Spark Plugs, JMS Fuel Pump Booster, Bo White TB, Tuned by Ted @ Jannetty Racing, Ron Davis HX, D3 Reservoir, Pfadt 1" Springs, Moreno Camber Plates, ZL1 Addons Splitter guard washers, Tow Hook kit & rock guards, Hurst Shifter Billet Plus 6 Speed Short Shifter, ZL1 DRL lighting harness, ZL1 Recaro Seats.

01-27-2015, 03:15 PM	#5
Whos_Drivin Drives: '12 Camaro ZL1, '16 Silverado Z71 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Blaine, MN Posts: 846	Try a different dealer. Worst they can do is say no...and then you know if it's the dealer or GM. In the end that's the risk of modding...sorry...

01-27-2015, 03:41 PM	#7
mrvenicess Drives: 2013 CRT ZL1 auto Join Date: May 2010 Location: Venice Fl Posts: 1,443 View My Garage	Just a question, how many times have you changed out the diff fluid? Was this time at 20,000 miles the first? If you have done multiple track days I'm hoping you have changed it at least a few times. My rear end has always had a bit of noise but has never gone beyond that point. Like others have said it may be worth it to try another dealership but if GM wants to see the flash counter on your computer you may be out of luck.

01-27-2015, 03:49 PM	#8
vicnkathy Account Suspended Drives: 2014 Subaru Forester Turbo Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: NY Posts: 536	A tune voids the warranty. With that said, go to another dealership, give the service manager a $100 "handshake" and see all the issues go away. It always worked for me. I'm constantly surprised how many guys don't smear the service manager and expect them to not be extra helpful. It works. Just try it.

01-27-2015, 03:56 PM	#9
SPOOKYGUNNER ROCK Drives: 2013 ZL-1 TRIPLE BLACK VERT Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: DENVER COLORADO Posts: 609	Warranty Won't there be a record of the denial with GM no matter what dealership you take it to? Wish you luck. GM ought to cover it. Don't take No for an answer. __________________ WHEN ONE AMERICAN IS NOT WORTHY TO BE FOUND...THEN WE AS AMERICANS HAVE LOST. POW/MIA YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

01-27-2015, 04:34 PM	#10
vicnkathy Account Suspended Drives: 2014 Subaru Forester Turbo Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: NY Posts: 536	A tune voids a POWERTRAIN warranty. A rear differential last I checked is part of the powertrain. Try the schmooze. It's your only chance.

01-27-2015, 04:42 PM	#11
mr02Z/28 Drives: 2002 Z/28,1968 Chevelle convert. Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Phila.,PA Posts: 1,141 View My Garage	LMFAO .......... he mods it, tracks it, but doesn't beat on it ?? ...... explain that one a little further if you don't mind ?

01-27-2015, 04:46 PM	#12
lbls1 Drives: 2002 Camaro SS SOM; 2015 Malibu LTZ Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 4,021	Only problem with a different dealership is that GM may have flagged your VIN from your previous warranty claim attempt (they have been known to do this). Your best course of action could be to try a different dealership and speak with your municipality's Attorney General to see whether you can fight the denial. You would need to prove that your modifications did not cause the failure. Good luck. GM has become extremely strict and selective with their warranty coverage. At their worst (2009) some dealerships weren't even covering legitimate claims (truss me I know firsthand). __________________ '02 CAMARO SS SOM; 5.7L LS1/FLS6B '08 TBSS AWD Black Granite Metallic '15 Malibu LTZ 2LZ Turbo *'14 CAMARO ZL1 Blue Ray Metallic*

01-27-2015, 04:53 PM	#13
flatrockguy Drives: 2015 Black ZL1 m6, gone 2012 CTS-V Join Date: May 2014 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 225 View My Garage	PM me your VIN and in the morning I will run it through the GM warranty system and see if it is flagged. Last edited by flatrockguy; 01-27-2015 at 05:39 PM. Reason: typo

01-27-2015, 05:24 PM	#14
Smittty Drives: 2013 ZL1 Camaro 2000 SLP Camaro Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Ruther Glen, VA Posts: 357	Just to clarify something. A tune does not automatically void your power train warranty. Each dealership is different so like you've heard, try a different dealership. __________________ 2013 ZL1 748rwhp & 733 rwtq ( 93 tune )