H3 Dead in driveway - 3rd time now

[NEOCON1]

yea trade it in on the jeep

[cmeinck]

I'm awaiting their decision on the dispute and will got the BBB route if I don't get anywhere with them. The decision was filled with factual errors. I spoke with the dealer and they said, "GM doesn't speak with them directly. They simply ask how many times the vehicle was in and they look at the records".

Correct me if I'm wrong. They are making a decision on a 37k truck and in the process don't talk to the owner or service rep. Hmmmm? I would think communication with all involved parties would lead to the "right" decision. Way to go GM. Great customer service.

FWIW, the dealer called today with "questions from GM".

1. When did you add TV's?
2. Is the iPod connected when you leave the truck?
3. I noticed there are only 100 miles since you last brought it in, are you driving it regularly.
4. Do you use homelink?
5. Do you have an EZPass in the car?
6. Do you have a passkey of some sort?
7. Do you have a phone charger plugged in?

I had to reiterate that the problems existed before, after and during the fabled iPod installation. In fact, I was a good sport and had the install pulled out only to have the truck go dead without it. I don't use Homelink, EZPass "might" be in the car from time to time and I don't leave anything plugged in. I work from home and drive local. Funny, the BMW sat for a week while I drove the HUMMER but it started when I towed that heap from my driveway.

They are keeping it overnight. Once again, they notice zero draw. It's the same thing all over again. The service dept is doing all they can to track this down. If it were the iPod or TV's, it would show up in their tests. The problem is that it's something else. That something else has been causing problems since November of 05 - one month after I purchased the truck. Then again in December of 05, then again 2 weeks later sans iPod install. Once again in October of 06' after a long trip back and forth to Maine. First week of January it happened and now just again last Saturday. That is six times and it's been to the shop 5 times. The first time I followed their recommendation to have it jumped. Now, I know the tow truck driver. "You're not going to let me jump it, are you?"... To which I responded, "They cannot fix it if it's jumped, nor do they "count it" towards being a lemon.

I love the HUMMER. Perhaps they'll offer me a replacement and I'll be staying around here. If not, I will pursue all legal avenues to get a repurchase. It will be the last GM vehicle I purchase.

BTW, I would never get a JEEP. The Commander is an embarassment - such as HUMMER ripoff.

I'll keep everyone updated...

[usetosellhummer]

That sucks

[cmeinck]

Just an update as it might help someone else who might end up having a similar problem. I received calls late Friday from both GM and the dealership. First GM, they were supposed to get back to me on Wednesday, but instead waited until end of day Friday. When I called back, I found out the CSR was gone for the weekend. How convenient. She called this morning to let me know "the decision to repurchase the vehicle has not changed". According to the rep, it was due to "low mileage". "The computer modules in the car require it to be run or it drains the battery". After 10 minutes of venting my frustration, the source of which is not being able to discuss the situation with the "decision maker", she informed me that Service Manger at my dealership discusses the matter with the District Service Manager. This is how they come to a decision. I spoke with the Service Manager a few weeks back and he told me "They do not have any impact on the decision and do not speak to GM. All they do is release the information and work orders."

I remember the conversation because I was so shocked that GM doesn't contact either the service manager or myself regarding a $40,000 problem. I remember telling him how frustrated I was at the process and yet there was no mention of this little factoid. In our conversation, he mentioned that mileage would be "the problem I'll have".

Flash forward to today and the reason GM has decided not to repurchase the vehicle is due to "amount of mileage". When speaking with the CSR, I asked her if it were possible that the Service Manager did not speak to the District Service Manager. "In her experience with cases of this sort, the District Service Manager always has a conversation with the Service Manager at the dealership".

Either I'm being lied to by the Service Manager or someone dropped the ball. Letters regarding my situation will be drafted this week and sent to GM, local media and CC'ed to the dealership. Anyone know a good lemon law attorney?

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

I hate to tell you this but a FULL METAL JACKET 44 MAGNUM works quite well on the effected parts...

RYD

[cmeinck]

The 7th time occured yesterday. The H3 was driven regularly and I last drove it on Tuesday. No car/truck should go dead if not driven for 1 day. I'm going to pursue the mediator that was recommended after they declined to repurchase.

Just to recap, truck was driven off the lot on September 30th, 2005. It's now April 6th, less than 2 years of ownership. In that time, it's been dead/towed 7 times. They have already replaced the battery twice. If this isn't a lemon, I don't know what is....

Lemon law repurchase, trade-in...those are my options. Given GM's resistance to taking care of their customers, I'm considering other vehicles. It sucks because I love driving that rig. H3 Alpha, H2, LandRover... those are all in the running. Requirements: Truck must start regularly. Good to see I still have a sense of humor.