The Battery Issue

SCTM · Post by **SCTM** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 12:33 am

Quote, originally posted by NSimkins Â»...it has been through Toyota and approved - GM is now working out the distribution aspect of this issue.Good news then. Now wonder why when I call GM1-800 I've been told (so some others northern members) that it's the "first time" they heard about that (batterie issue)!!! May be GM-USA is not talking to GM-CANADA yet... Quote, originally posted by NSimkins Â»As long as I'm able, I'll continue to push for issues brought up here on GenVibe. As a fellow Vibe owner, it's in my interests as well! I guess your contacts will permit to tell, say Jeff Strausser, to call GM Canada as well... Thanks in advance NSimkins - what's your christmas wish - I'll tell Santa (BTW tell him about cladding - GM can. said TSB been cancelled!!!)

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 10:39 am

well, here's the main prob with that. the dealership up here, well, they really don't care. the sales guy, he's a friend and he can only do so much. the service dept is a different monster in itself. few years back i bot a 92 blazer and 3 weeks later found out the fuel injectors and some engine probs needed to be replaced and fixed. they said it didn't exist prior to my purchase, but i argued with them and took it up the chain of command. needless to say i ended up paying $350 total for work that would have otherwise cost me $1500. so a battery just isn't worth it to me to fight over. as we say at work, we have to choose which hill to die on. now, the clutch issue... that's a different story.

red · Post by **red** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 12:44 pm

i didnt think my vib was going to start after it sat about an hour at -20* this p.m....rrrrreeeeaaaaalllllyyyy slow then died then cranked really ssslllloooowwwwww!!!...anyway the battery is slightly underpowered and needs to be addressed, especially in the cold sections of north america...btw if anyone tells me how good their toyota is, i'm gonna let them have it !!!....i dont blame gm as much as toyota on this and other deals that are happening....like i said before, they are trying to make gm look bad, dont be so surprised if one day in the near future they dont make a bid to do a takeover of either gm or ford !!!

pmh013 · Post by **pmh013** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 7:23 am

I had to leave my car parked outside yesterday (it was only -12 C) and it would barely start when I went to leave. I just happened to take it in for an oil change to the dealership this morning. When I told them my woes, they first tried to sell me an injector flush & a new fuel filter. Me; Um, no it's not the fuel that's the problem, it's the battery, it just doesn't seem like it's got enough juice. Dealer: Well then, how about a diagnostic test on the battery & alternator for only $59.95. Me: Um, no, it's not that the battery is defective, it's just too small, and I want it replaced with a bigger one. Dealer: Well, we can't do that. Me: Well, just make sure you make a note of it so when the TSB comes out, I want this thing replaced.There was no note of it on my service record. Do I feel like getting in another pissing match with GM? Not really, because I don't think they'll replace my battery. I'll just wait as long as possible, then cough up the cash out of my own pocket. That won't stop me from complaining about it, though.

VibeSalsa · Post by **VibeSalsa** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 7:42 am

Oh well... another sad story about a dealer and the fabulous battery issue... Thanks for sharing.

Post by **NSimkins** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 7:53 am

Just wanted to say I was updated once more on this issue and we should still be on for the TSB release of the new battery before Dec. 25.I've also mentioned the high amount of difficulties our Canadian owners are experiencing with this issue and others (TSB's). We'll see what we can do after this is final and released for replacement soon.

VibeSalsa · Post by **VibeSalsa** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 7:55 am

Quote, originally posted by NSimkins Â»Just wanted to say I was updated once more on this issue and we should still be on for the TSB release of the new battery before Dec. 25. What a great Christmas gift! Thanks Nick for the info. Keep us updated!Quote, originally posted by NSimkins Â»I've also mentioned the high amount of difficulties our Canadian owners are experiencing with this issue and others (TSB's). We'll see what we can do after this is final and released for replacement soon. Good!

Sputnik · Post by **Sputnik** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 9:11 am

Thanks again Nick! Don't know what we'd do without you!

SCTM · Post by **SCTM** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 12:42 am

Quote, originally posted by Sputnik Â»Thanks again Nick! Don't know what we'd do without you! You bet.What's your Xmas wishes NSimkins, will tell Santa (You know what's ours... - battery & cladding issue)Now all members crossing fingers and hope for the best to come.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 12:47 am

If, for some reason the Canadian dealers don't get wind of the TSB for the battery (which, this thread seems to imply they typically don't), couldn't some of the members farther south just pop over the border to a US dealer and get the battery replaced?Or are US dealers not authorized to work on Canadian vehicles?

Post by **NSimkins** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 12:49 am

Quote, originally posted by SCTM Â»You bet.What's your Xmas wishes NSimkins, will tell Santa (You know what's ours... - battery & cladding issue)Now all members crossing fingers and hope for the best to come. I appreciate it, but I'm not the only one at work here.. just relaying the information for everyone. Some other members have GM connections as well so I'm sure they would help us out of ever necessary. .. this is why GenVibe rocks!

Sub-Vibe-R · Post by **Sub-Vibe-R** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 12:51 am

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»If, for some reason the Canadian dealers don't get wind of the TSB for the battery (which, this thread seems to imply they typically don't), couldn't some of the members farther south just pop over the border to a US dealer and get the battery replaced?Or are US dealers not authorized to work on Canadian vehicles?I doubt the US dealer will do this. May be they will on a recall (for safety purposes) but i doubt they will change the battery under warranty on a cross border vehicule.

pmh013 · Post by **pmh013** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 3:30 am

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»If, for some reason the Canadian dealers don't get wind of the TSB for the batteryI've found that my dealer has no clue that TSB's are pending for this car. Whenever one comes out, it is a total shock to them. When I first complained about the battery, I told them to make a note of it because I wanted the battery replaced when the TSB finally comes out. The service advisor actually asked me HOW I knew about the pending TSB. Me: The internet, man. Thought to self: Get with it!SA: Wow, you can find out that stuff on there? Thought to self: Get a mitt and get in the game.

SCTM · Post by **SCTM** » Sun Dec 14, 2003 12:02 am

Quote, originally posted by NSimkins Â»I appreciate it, but I'm not the only one at work here.. just relaying the information for everyone. Some other members have GM connections as well so I'm sure they would help us out of ever necessary. I know Nick, there is also Salsa (provided us worksheet on this)Who ever it is, I'll tell Santa... remember I'm working on radio (morse code - VHF - MF - HF frequencies, and sure that Santa is listening my broadcast..) Let say THANKS to GENVIBE in general.

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Sun Dec 14, 2003 1:27 am

I have also spoken to my brother who works at GM, he will be getting back to me this week I hope!Yes we should all thank Genvibe!

huy397 · Post by **huy397** » Sun Dec 14, 2003 1:28 am

I sure do hope the battery TSB is coming up soon.It's been very cold here over the last week, down to -35c overnight and my battery struggles in the morning even when it's pluged in.And when I am leaving work, it's even worse b/c my Vibe wasn't not pluged in all day .

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Mon Dec 22, 2003 10:25 pm

Hopefully when the TSB comes out it will have whatever wording is required to make it easy for people with battery probs to get it replaced, instead of just providing some general guidance on what battery to use if for some reason the dealership decides to be generous and replace a battery for a Viber. Matrixers have the same set up. Is Toyota doing anything about the problem for them?If a battery TSB does come out, can someone please post the text of it?

Post by **NSimkins** » Tue Dec 23, 2003 12:42 am

It appears the warranty replacement information regarding the current battery for applicable vehicles will not be released before year's end. Recent dealer/warranty reimbursement issues arose in regards to how the dealer would put the replacement battery into the system so that they would be reimbursed. This is however, a solid and ready-to-go deal although some minor difficulties arose that will be worked on once regular staff returns from the holiday break the first week in January. There is no doubt that this will be fulfilled but if you know how large companies handle replacement components that come out of their own pocket, it doesn't happen overnight.Also a note, this replacement information will probably be sent out to geographically-viable dealers which would be directly affected by the battery/cold start problem (ie. not Florida). Remember as I have stated before, that the '05 model year Vibes (beginning production in June 04) will be equipped with the 560 CCA battery.More information will be released as given. Hopefully those affected can hang in there - if you have this long, a week or two hopefully won't hurt.

Sub-Vibe-R · Post by **Sub-Vibe-R** » Tue Dec 23, 2003 12:47 am

Good news Nick!Happy to hear we will finally get our battery remplaced.Thanks for your feed-back

VibeSalsa · Post by **VibeSalsa** » Tue Dec 23, 2003 1:16 am

Thanks again for the info Nick!

Vibe Rater · Post by **Vibe Rater** » Tue Dec 23, 2003 1:51 am

This does sound very promising. I will be pleasantly surprised when this happens in the new year.

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Tue Dec 23, 2003 5:38 am

Tell me about it! If they know the battery is weak for people in our areas just change the damn things

VibeSalsa · Post by **VibeSalsa** » Tue Dec 23, 2003 5:54 am

Quote, originally posted by ArcsVibe Â»Tell me about it! If they know the battery is weak for people in our areas just change the damn things It seems that this isn't so simple with the Big GM... with Toyota in background...

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Sun Dec 28, 2003 2:28 pm

i'll continue to hold my breath. am i turning blue yet?

wicked1981 · Post by **wicked1981** » Mon Dec 29, 2003 9:04 am

So when I try to start the car and it sounds like it is struggling its the battery being weak/small? So buying a new bigger battery will fix the problem? How do you know wich battery to pick. I agree GM should replace it but how long do we have to wait for it? Its not a BIG problem here in Caliornia but in those cold days (not cold as other places) it sounds like it wants to quit!!! I hate to hear that!! Anoying to have a new car that has a problem! Any suggestions on battery?

Vibe Rater · Post by **Vibe Rater** » Thu Jan 01, 2004 2:02 am

Quote, originally posted by trdvibe Â»i'll continue to hold my breath. am i turning blue yet?Neptune

Houston · Post by **Houston** » Sun Jan 04, 2004 1:46 pm

I'm also turning blue. I'll give you folks who know everything about this battery issue one more week and then I do my own thing. I love you guys (you know who you are ), but if you continue to put us off with this "enevitable" battery TSB promise... please forgive me when I give up on waiting. Waiting for you may mean waiting forever and then I find myself stuck in the boonies with a factory battery that won't crank this tiny engine. That's too long. On the other hand, if you promise that you'll pay for my towing bill... I'll wait. Any takers?

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 12:22 pm

Yeah, I think the necessary people should be back from their holiday break and have things rolling by now.

Houston · Post by **Houston** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 12:51 pm

You didn't offer to pay that bill! On the other hand - and in support of you - my pension that keeps me kickin' is due to my 33 years at Buick. Yeah, those folks get a long Christmas vacation - well deserved, too (particularly now with all this international pressure) - but they are back now. Here's to that TSB arriving real soon! (Raising drink to hardworked lips at this point!) You guys and gals (mainly the gals) are wonderful.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 1:56 pm

I'm holding out too...already did my research and was all set to buy a new battery...but if I'm being told by a reliable source that it's coming, I'll believe him.

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 2:11 pm

Great and just in the nick of time! It's getting COLD here in Montreal

Houston · Post by **Houston** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 2:14 pm

You've done your research, so if you have to do it on your own what battery will you get?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 2:44 pm

I'm looking at a minimum 650 CCA...that's what both the 'rents V6-powered cars use and they start up in a snap...so I figure 650 should be more than enough, btu I might go as high as 800 or 900, just cause I can.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 11:06 pm

Are you still covered by the roadside assistance thing? If one person calls for a jump, they'll think it's isolated and won't notice. If two people call for a jump, they'll blame the owners for leaving their lights on, and won;t think any more about it But if fifty people a day call, can you imagine 50 people a day calling roadside and asking for a free jump start because the weak OEM battery is dead, they'll think it's a problem, and that's just what it is, the international vibe weak battery problem.(apologies to arlo)

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 11:23 pm

Very insightful joatmon!I wonder if they monitor RA calls for widespread problems like that...

MJN2 · Post by **MJN2** » Tue Jan 06, 2004 3:43 am

I programmed the roadside assistance # into my cellphone this morning. My car barely started when I was leaving for work and it's been sitting outside all day today, in 7Â° temp and -12Â° windchill. Just have a feeling I'll be making the call in a couple of hours.

Post by **NSimkins** » Tue Jan 06, 2004 6:29 am

It was about 13Â° F today when leaving at the parking lot for work. It was the worst starting I've had myself concerning the battery. I'm also in need for the battery as well, so I am pushing this issue as much as it will go for all of us.

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Tue Jan 06, 2004 6:52 am

Quote, originally posted by MJN2 Â»My car barely started when I was leaving for work and it's been sitting outside all day today, in 7Ã‚Â° temp and -12Ã‚Â° windchill. My Vibe has been sitting out in the parking lot in under 10 degree weather all day (I park it in a garage at night, it was at 30 degrees this morning with the outside temp at -5). I will find out if I have a battery problem in about 40 min.And by the way, people and animals are the only thing that windchill affects, it doesn't affect anything else. Windchill is a "feels like" number, inanimant objects can't feel, so the 7 is all that the car felt.(All temps are in degrees F)

Caretaker · Post by **Caretaker** » Tue Jan 06, 2004 6:58 am

Hey: my teddy bear has feelings! Prove that he doesn't!!

etoop · Post by **etoop** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 4:11 am

It has been a brutal week here in Minnesota too. Monday - Low was -6 High of 5. Windchill most of the day was -22. Tuesday - Low was -3 High of 12Wednesday - Low was 5 High of 20Today it has been 19 most of the day....All week it has given me a very low growl to start...but it has started without any troubles. It hasn't taken any longer at least... but a couple of winters like this will take a toll on the battery

Houston · Post by **Houston** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 11:32 am

Yeah, it's been cold here, too. Getting to the bottom line... first we'd have this TSB before Christmas... then it was to show up shortly after Christmas. Christmas was two weeks ago and we've heard nothing other than various folks saying to hang in there, to hold on and whatnot.Sincerely, do any of you actually know what is happening here? Do any of you actually know anything about this? If so, how about posting it right here?

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 1:18 pm

I agree! I also want to know what is going on with this. Tonight after work it was -23C (-10F) and the car started very slowly...it is only going to get colder now till February and this is UNACCEPTABLE for a 6 month old car

Sub-Vibe-R · Post by **Sub-Vibe-R** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 10:38 pm

It was -27c (-17f) this morning and my car totally refused to start. The starter crank very, very slowly and then, nothing, nada, niet... completly dead.By chance I was just testing the poor battery... I go to work by bus.So tonight I'll call GM roadside assistence to jumpstart the Vibe....

SCTM · Post by **SCTM** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 11:18 pm

I know what you mean Ben. It's the same temp for us, but I connected my blockheater and it did started s l o w l y but it started... After you called 1-800 GM roadassist, call 1-800 customer to complain (again) about that ridiculous 310amps battery... I know the answer anyway...GM: Never hear of it - It's the first complained !!! ... (sarcastic? no - reality)

pmh013 · Post by **pmh013** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 11:49 pm

Quote, originally posted by SCTM Â»...GM: Never hear of it - It's the first complained !!! ... (sarcastic? no - reality)Just another pitiful example of GM's customer service. As customers, GM would get a lot more respect from us if they actually owned up to their design flaw, and admitted that a fix would be made, regardless of warranty status.To tell you that GM is unaware that there is a battery issue is irresponsible. I find it demeaning. Tell me, GM, do you really think that the Vibe owners are that stupid, as to believe every bull**** story you tell us? As the saying goes, "I was born in the dark, but it wasn't last night."

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 1:10 am

Well it was -21 this morning here in ontario and my 2004 Vibe fired right up, no hesitation. but then again I'm the kinda guy who turns everything off the night before. No wipers on, heater off, all that stuff that can increase a draw on start up. Hopefully it doesn't get any colder then this... or I'll be having a chat with my own DSM for the dealership I work for.

Sub-Vibe-R · Post by **Sub-Vibe-R** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 1:22 am

Quote, originally posted by SCTM Â»I know what you mean Ben. It's the same temp for us, but I connected my blockheater and it did started s l o w l y but it started... I do not have any AC outlet to feed up the Vibe block heater...I'll buy a house by this summer, and be sure it will have a garage.Quote, originally posted by SCTM Â»[img]After you called 1-800 GM roadassist, call 1-800 customer to complain (again) about that ridiculous 310amps battery... I know the answer anyway...GM: Never hear of it - It's the first complained !!! ... (sarcastic? no - reality)I didn't called the road site assitance yet... Didn't have time to wait the guy before going at work.I gave a call to GM customer service and I wrote an e-mail to my dealer ship explaining my problem.I make a promise, my 310 cca battery will go away and I'll not pay a dime for the new one.I'm waiting my dealer ship responce (to give them a chance) and let's the level escalation begin!!!

DavidPIL · Post by **DavidPIL** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 8:34 am

Hi silverawd...They sell those at Autozone now too, don't they? I'm only going by the looks so I may be wrong by the brand. The local Autozone has something like those here. I don't know the prices though.Dave

FusionVGT · Post by **FusionVGT** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 10:07 am

Murray's sells them is SE Michigan. I got one about 3 hours ago. Mine came with an adapter tray so nothing extra was needed. The terminals are forward from the stock battery, so you'll need to unclip the wiring harness between the airbox & battery.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 10:33 am

Nick --Hoping you get some good news about the battery issue soon. Was 4*F (-16*C) today and the car barely started!Had me worried!