The Battery Issue

VibeSalsa · Post by **VibeSalsa** » Fri Jan 30, 2004 11:38 pm

Quote, originally posted by SCTM Â»Does anyone have a copy of this PI (preliminary information) that been sent to dealers?This PI don't say anything special to do with the battery (something like lack of power in certain situations). The PI is not sent to dealers, they have to ask the system to see if it exists. It refers to a telephone number the dealer must call to have more information. The service manager said he couldn't call because he didn't have much time and this refers normally to a lot of testing on the car. So it was Friday afternoon at 15h45 and the dealer close at 17h00. They were not very cooperative with me and I think I'll not go there again....

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Sat Jan 31, 2004 1:07 am

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of the vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instrutions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.That above is a direct quote from GM.Now in regards to battery being weak in the winter, unless GM tells the dealer to replace it, the dealership can't. Unfortunatly as a dealer our hands are tied. Just because the battery is not strong enough, unless a recall or otherwise is announced to us, your old "technicly faultless" battery won't be changed. Even if a bulliten is released letting techs know that a hard start might be related to your battery, it doesn't mean they will change every battery in every Vibe that comes in to the shop. GM pays the dealer to do warranty work and decides on what they will pay for as well, all the dealership can do is contact their DSM to get some form of authorization. Without that authorization, most dealerships won't do anything.Now I agree that Vibes should have a more powerful battery, specially in this cold weather. But I can say that unless I was told I could warranty an upgrade, the dealership I work at would not be doing it...Sad but true, at any rate don't let your dealership get away with doing nothing, keep them contacting their DSM till he/she says he can change it and get you completely satisfied and on your way. You should even request their area rep's number to talk to him/her personally.

VibeSalsa · Post by **VibeSalsa** » Sat Jan 31, 2004 2:36 am

Thanks for all this info!Are you able to have my DSM phone number or e-mail? I'm leaving in Eastern Quebec. I don't want to contact my poor dealer...In the other hand, I put some more pressure on my dealer with more info about this issue. More, I said to them the 2005 Vibe will have a new 560 CCA battery. I hope they will push it...

Houston · Post by **Houston** » Thu Feb 05, 2004 1:04 pm

Do none of you find it interesting that nothing that really counts has come our way? One amongst you indicated that we would get our batteries replaced by GM. For free! Nobody talks about this anymore. I'm sure glad to be in a position of not sweating it, 'cause I went to Sears and got a REAL battery.I'm sure that guy's intentions were the best... but it sure didn't pan out.

Sub-Vibe-R · Post by **Sub-Vibe-R** » Tue Feb 10, 2004 6:02 am

Good news!!!My dealer received my battery, I'll bring in the Vibe tuesday to have it changed.Also I have an oil change done and have the heating system checked. I've got lot of freeze inside the windshield.

Sub-Vibe-R · Post by **Sub-Vibe-R** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 4:07 am

Finally my battery been changed, after 18 month complaning about it.i have a bran new Delco 560 CCA

woodturner529 · Post by **woodturner529** » Sun Feb 15, 2004 2:42 am

Thanks to all on this thread. Picked up my new 04 Vibe on 2/14/04 and because of all the problems all of you had with battery issues, I made the battery a condition of the sale! The dealer was more than happy to replace the 330 CCA battery with a 580 CCA! It's sad that financial force is the only thing understood by modern business. What happened to the days when businesses wanted to keep their customers by keeping them happy? Auto makers need to think long-term about their customers because we all own many vehicles during our lives. Do they want us to keep drinking at their corporate trough or that of their competitor?

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Sun Feb 15, 2004 3:19 am

moderator - sorry for going off topicwoodturner - Congratulations on the new car. What color/options/model did you get?

woodturner529 · Post by **woodturner529** » Sun Feb 15, 2004 4:06 am

Base 5-spd -- shadow exterior, graphite interior, moon & tune, power pack, and anti-lock brakes. Spent last evening shopping for accesories to prevent interior damage to plastic, mats for floor, looking for ways to prevent chip damage to exterior paint (like hood protector or front-end cover), a break-down type of trunk organizer or net, seat covers, and the list goes on. Spending time on this site in hopes of finding things that work for others so I don't need to re-invent the wheel!

Houston · Post by **Houston** » Sun Feb 15, 2004 12:40 pm

I hope that all new buyers of the Vibe do exactly as you did. General Motors' refusing to step up to the plate and admit that the teensy battery they install on the assembly line is too small is infuriating.I paid for a Sear's DieHard only because my dealer in Durand, Michigan refused to replace the lawn-mower battery they had in my Vibe. Unless they get a TSB, they just won't replace the battery in Vibes. For 16 years I've been happy with this dealer with never a complaint, but I sure complain about this one. After my buying 4 vehicles from them you'd think they'd want to hang onto me, but my next Pontiac may very well be from that place where we'll meet in June. My buddy bought a Pontiac from Joseph in Fenton and he's been a happy camper.

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Sun Feb 15, 2004 4:16 pm

This is sad but true. I guess you have to let the money do the talking because GM doesn't seem to listen to much else . Looking more and more like my next new car will be a foreign nameplate.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Sun Feb 15, 2004 11:16 pm

I guess Toyota isn't any better,the trix has the same battery in it, some engine, starter, etc, so should have same issues, and we haven't heard of Toyota stepping up with a battery replacement. Anybody know if Toyota is going to upsize the battery in new Trix's?

jandtcollins · Post by **jandtcollins** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 12:57 am

I guess we were lucky. The battery was dead when we bought the car new off the lot. So, they replaced it right there with the bigger battery.

VibeSalsa · Post by **VibeSalsa** » Mon Mar 15, 2004 11:05 am

Last Friday, I went to another dealer to have more information on this issue. The service manager was very helpful and checked with me the original PI about this. He called another dealer and found nothing new about it. There isn't a service bulletin or recall on this in Canada. So, because I didn't have a problem with that: my Vibe never refuse to start but not without difficulties... they cannot do anything for me now. He said there is a file opened at GM technical service and they are watching what happens with this issue. Since I called and e-mailed GM a few times about that, if they do a replacement, I will be notified by them.... I'm a poor customer still w a i t i n g . . . .

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Mon Mar 15, 2004 11:53 am

The unfortunate thing with all this is that GM will only warranty something thats actually failed. We at the dealer WILL NOT get paid by GM to replace a battery unless we submit a failure code including a printout... Half the time its not the dealer dragging their feet and not wanting to help you, its because you expect it for free and the dealership can't do it for free unless GM pays them... Imagine all the money lost if the dealership had to cover costs of warranty repairs... yikes.Now as a canadian/ontario Vibe owner, we experienced a few cold mornings to say the least. My Vibe fired up NO prob each time with the little lawntractor battery in it. But I am watching all the Vibe tech info at work that I have access to and if I see any battery info on the Vibes, I will definatly let you all know.

VibeSalsa · Post by **VibeSalsa** » Tue Mar 16, 2004 8:15 am

Thanks again Mavrik! The service manager told me also he experienced some slow crank starts in his lot with many Vibes this winter. He said it is not very reassuring... I hope I will have a decent battery in my Vibe one day, before having some troubles with that...

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Tue Mar 16, 2004 12:16 pm

[QUOTE=VibeSalsa]Thanks again Mavrik! The service manager told me also he experienced some slow crank starts in his lot with many Vibes this winter. He said it is not very reassuring... [QUOTE]Vibes were not the only thing getting boosted this past winter on the lots. I think 2 out of 5 cars out there did not start when the sales guys wanted to move them because they were just sitting there in the cold. Every time we needed our booster in the shop, we had to hunt down sales cause they were always using the hand held battery pack. Poor pencil pushers out there getting dirty trying to boost a car... heh.

VibeSalsa · Post by **VibeSalsa** » Wed Mar 17, 2004 7:59 am

Quote, originally posted by Mavrik Â» Poor pencil pushers out there getting dirty trying to boost a car... heh.LOL !!!

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Wed Mar 17, 2004 8:27 am

Quote, originally posted by Mavrik Â» Every time we needed our booster in the shop, we had to hunt down sales cause they were always using the hand held battery pack. Poor pencil pushers out there getting dirty trying to boost a car... heh.*ahem* i am one of those pencil pushers. maybe not selling cars, but i sometimes have to crawl under desks, tables, etc to plug something in.... some of us pencil pushers don't mind getting our hands dirty every once in awhile.

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Wed Mar 17, 2004 10:55 am

Quote, originally posted by trdvibe Â»*ahem* i am one of those pencil pushers. maybe not selling cars, but i sometimes have to crawl under desks, tables, etc to plug something in.... some of us pencil pushers don't mind getting our hands dirty every once in awhile. Hun you know I'm not talking about you. I'm talking about the suits up front that can't be bothered to actually do some work. Instead they stand around all day, having a smoke, talking crap, telling jokes and spreading gossip.. bragging about how many cars they sold or the sucker they fooled ya know? THOSE GUYS! Not the honest pencil pusher like you. I'm talking about the guys who won't even go near the shop cause they are to good for us, who feel that "ew I might get dirty" and who complain that its unsafe to walk back there cause the floor is slippery when the problem lies in their fancy shoes. THOSE GUYS! *not intended to offend any car sales people cause its doubtful you are like these guys*

ccoy · Post by **ccoy** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 12:32 am

I told the service manager at my dealership that I was getting slow cranking on cold mornings. He said he was aware of some battery issues with the Vibe and replaced my original battery with a 560 CCA at no charge to me.

SCTM · Post by **SCTM** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 9:04 am

Quote, originally posted by ccoy Â»He said he was aware of some battery issues with the Vibe and replaced my original battery with a 560 CCA at no charge to me. That's the way it should be for everyone complaining about this tiny Duracell... Your service manager understood that simple thing "make the customer satisfied and he will be back here" why don't they do ALL the same! Shame on all the others thinking differently. Compagnies are spending lot of money on advertisement but the best way to get people to the dealer is giving real services, not only words but action.Congratulations for your service manager.. and your new car Ccoy.

Houston · Post by **Houston** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 2:07 pm

This is the proper way for the dealer to handle these things. Your service manager deserves a big from all the rest of us who haven't been so fortunate in getting our dealerships to do us right.He did you right!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 2:17 pm

Wish I was closer to Ohio, I'd go out to that dealer and get the swap myself. But 9 hours is ab it of a trek for me.

chaotic_amber · Post by **chaotic_amber** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 8:16 pm

I'm considering buying a Vibe (got a 24 hour test drive sitting in my driveway right now) and I've already gotten a lot of help from these forums.I read here about someone making it a condition of sale to have the battery upgraded. What exactly should I ask for? I know next to nothing about cars so I like to have these things spelled out, that way I can double check exactly what I should have vs what they try to sell me.Any other reccomendations for someone who is still in the negotiations phase?

SCTM · Post by **SCTM** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 11:23 pm

After you negotiated the final price, just before to sign-in the contract, tell your dealer that you want this battery been changed for upgraded one (540cca at least) the way that 2005 will come with! Now because you'll get a 2004 you have the right cladding on, don't worry for this part of the deal. You did the right choice chaotic_amber, happy motoring and welcome on this great genvibe family

SCTM · Post by **SCTM** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 10:41 pm

Now, did you realized that this post been read 6500 times and over 250 post been send...Hope that GM is listening, this subject is important and should be considered carefully...

VibeSalsa · Post by **VibeSalsa** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 11:15 pm

Nice observation SCTM!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 3:52 am

My car is in for various service things today...I mentioned the battery seemed to have trouble starting the car...also hinted that "my sources" told me there is a service bulletin regarding it.Will find out tomorrow when I get the car back and look under the hood to see if I got the new one.My instincts tell me I won't.

VibeSalsa · Post by **VibeSalsa** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 7:00 am

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»Will find out tomorrow when I get the car back and look under the hood to see if I got the new one.My instincts tell me I won't. I'll bet on that!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 4:30 am

BOOYAH!Just got the dealer call that my car is done.Among the things completed was a warranted replacement of the stock battery with a 560 CCA battery.Another VERY satisifed customer of:RASSAS PONTIAC, INC.395 Broad StreetRed Bank, NJ 07701732-741-5180

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 5:08 am

EEEXCELLENT Smithers!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 2:34 pm

Yup yup!

SCTM · Post by **SCTM** » Sun Mar 28, 2004 11:25 pm

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»Wish I was closer to Ohio, I'd go out to that dealer and get the swap myself. But 9 hours is ab it of a trek for me. Now I wish I was closer to... Clarksburg NJ !!!Nice looking Delco, ragingfish. See GM Canada, why don't you make us "very satisfied customer" too

etoop · Post by **etoop** » Mon Jun 14, 2004 6:43 am

So has a TSB ever come out on this subject yet?

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Mon Jun 14, 2004 6:59 pm

I don't remember hearing about an actual TSB. there was some tech support voicemail thing that a lot of dealerships didn't seem to know about.Where is the battery TSB posted? This was a big issue last winter, and it will be again next winter. If there is a TSB, then post it up for all to see and discuss.

VibeSalsa · Post by **VibeSalsa** » Tue Jun 15, 2004 7:15 am

Quote, originally posted by silverawd26 Â»TSB has been out for about 6 months now. Where did you find this info???

vibeman1 · Post by **vibeman1** » Mon Jun 21, 2004 3:22 pm

i just bought a new 2004 base and they are still putting inthe 310 cc bat.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Jun 21, 2004 3:24 pm

Quote, originally posted by vibeman1 Â»i just bought a new 2004 base and they are still putting inthe 310 cc bat.Correct.The 560 didn't become standard until the 2005 models.

vibeman1 · Post by **vibeman1** » Sat Jul 03, 2004 5:05 pm

well i am going to make a suggestion here, i know it may sound dumb but, since most everyone here has roadside asst.with the warrenty if you find yourself with a dead battery call the roadsideasst. number even if your in your own driveway,maybe pontiacwill get the hint and recall the battery's

Houston · Post by **Houston** » Sun Jul 04, 2004 12:53 am

My buddy bought a new 2004 Vibe a couple months ago. At my urging, he insisted they install the 560cca or he wouldn't buy the car. No problem with doing it this way. The customer has to know about this or it isn't gonna happen, though.

wagon lover · Post by **wagon lover** » Tue Jul 06, 2004 4:03 am

I went away on vacation for a few days, and when we came back, the Vibe had a dead dead dead battery (hadn't been touched in 4 days, nothing left on; this is a three week old car with less than 1000 kms on it). It wouldn't start with a boost. I had to use my own charger and charge it for a few hours to get it to start (the wife needed it the next day; did I mention this was a holiday?). It hasn't had a problem since, but I notice there is no 'green' eye in the battery when I look, just black, though I don't think this is entirely reliable. I just made an appointment to have it looked at by the dealer, but I think I would have had a better chance of having it replaced if I had had it towed in. Anyway, at least the problem will have been recorded. If I'm having problems in July, what's January going to be like?

wagon lover · Post by **wagon lover** » Wed Jul 07, 2004 1:48 pm

Update:The dealer has just ordered me a new 560 amp battery. Cool.

SCTM · Post by **SCTM** » Sun Jul 11, 2004 11:52 am

Quote, originally posted by SCTM Â»Now I wish I was closer to... Clarksburg NJ !!!Nice looking Delco, ragingfish. See GM Canada, why don't you make us "very satisfied customer" too Now I wish I was closer to... Niagara Falls !!! too

Old Sparks · Post by **Old Sparks** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 9:12 pm

The manual for my 2005 base vibe says the replacement battery part is a 35-6YR or a GM p/n 19001602. I think the 35-6YR as a 560 CCA battery...

wagon lover · Post by **wagon lover** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 10:46 pm

The 560 cca battery the dealer just installed in my car is indeed a 6 yr. battery.

ALi3N · Post by **ALi3N** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 2:21 pm

I don't know what causes Gm to put different batteries in different regions. My GT came standard with a Delco 700cca battery.

Birdiegirl · Post by **Birdiegirl** » Tue Jul 27, 2004 3:40 am

My 2005 Vibe AWD has a Delco battery...number is hidden by the bracket...how convenient...I assume by 2005 this issue won't come up...believe me...here in MN I will know if it wasn't fixed by November!!Robin

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Jul 27, 2004 12:01 pm

According to NSimkins, or his sources, rather, the 05 models all should be coming from the factory with the upgraded 560 CCA battery.You should be good to go!

ToolGuy · Post by **ToolGuy** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 5:03 am

I have the battery TSB and access to all GM serv. info. on the esi.service.gm.com site. Email me if you want a copy faxed...