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Car repair charge question...

Posted on 11/9/23 at 12:33 pm
Posted by rphtx
CO
Member since Apr 2018
1547 posts
Posted on 11/9/23 at 12:33 pm
have a 2011 Silverado about 125k miles that started doing all kinda weird electrical stuff with random dash lights coming on and off over weeks. At some point it made a popping sound akin to a transformer blowing and after that all power would randomly shut off while driving..a bit disconcerting. Anyway, shop said it had to do with the fuel system and replaced I believe the pump or injector...can't recall, but they had to drop the tank. That with some other stuff came to $2500.

Truck ran for 2-3 months like a champ and then the same pop I heard occurred again and now the truck is back to being undrivable. I decided to tow it to the dealership and give them a crack and if they couldn't figure it out at least it is at the dealership and I could consider selling it to them. I have a backup car and I'm not buying a car with prices as they are.

First thing they found was the car was thinking the original key was a dupe and the car had been stolen. I've never heard of such a thing, but OK. They said there is a new system software update that might fix all the crazy stuff going on and wife was dealing with them and OK'd the software flash, but declined all the other BS leaks and such they found.

Anyway, they charged $300 for this!?! Anyone experience some kinda software flash that they were charged for? I mean thats literally a couple minute update using a handheld. I usually do this crap myself but don't have time to deal with a non functioning car.
Posted by weadjust
Member since Aug 2012
15662 posts
Posted on 11/9/23 at 1:07 pm to
quote:

Anyway, they charged $300 for this!?! Anyone experience some kinda software flash that they were charged for? I mean thats literally a couple minute update using a handheld.


If it's not some kind of extended warranty work. I'm guessing it's something like $150 diagnostic fee and 1 hour labor @ $150.

If you don't have any kind of warranty were you expecting it to be free of charge? or 5 minutes labor and a bill for $12.50
Posted by jmorr34
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2004
3357 posts
Posted on 11/9/23 at 1:24 pm to
So did the software flash fix the issue or no? If so, I'd be happy.
Posted by thunderbird1100
GSU Eagles fan
Member since Oct 2007
71557 posts
Posted on 11/9/23 at 2:02 pm to
quote:

Anyway, they charged $300 for this!?! Anyone experience some kinda software flash that they were charged for? I mean thats literally a couple minute update using a handheld. I usually do this crap myself but don't have time to deal with a non functioning car.



Did you expect them to do it for free?

They had to figure out the problem then fix it, it didnt take 5 minutes. $300 seems reasonable for a software flash, you're not getting stuff like that done for $50 or something anywhere. You also dont have the proprietary tools to be flashing engine computers which are probably not cheap.

I would be happy they fixed your issue for $300 which seems completely reasonable.
Posted by ThatBaw
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2023
376 posts
Posted on 11/9/23 at 3:20 pm to
I'd be more mad about getting hosed on that fuel pump job, unless the extra stuff they did totaled $1500+
Posted by rphtx
CO
Member since Apr 2018
1547 posts
Posted on 11/9/23 at 3:29 pm to
quote:

If you don't have any kind of warranty were you expecting it to be free of charge? or 5 minutes labor and a bill for $12.50


I believe this was on top of a diagnostic fee. I haven't seen the bill yet. This was this morning. Most manufacturer software updates tend to be free once you have paid. Think Windows update for an obvious example.
Posted by rphtx
CO
Member since Apr 2018
1547 posts
Posted on 11/9/23 at 3:31 pm to
quote:

I'd be more mad about getting hosed on that fuel pump job, unless the extra stuff they did totaled $1500+


I wasn't the happiest. I looked up what it would take to do it myself. The gas tank was basically full and had to be dropped. I don't really even want to start a job like that in my own garage.
Posted by rphtx
CO
Member since Apr 2018
1547 posts
Posted on 11/9/23 at 3:33 pm to
quote:

Did you expect them to do it for free?


I paid the diagnostic fee which I get. Taking a few minutes to update software...$300..you guys must wipe your arse with cash
Posted by faraway
Member since Nov 2022
3572 posts
Posted on 11/9/23 at 5:44 pm to
listen to me when I tell you; trade that truck in or sell it if it's an 8 cylinder. you will have to replace the engine bc of problems caused by the active fuel management system.

just google away if you have an 8 cylinder
Posted by Puffoluffagus
Savannah, GA
Member since Feb 2009
6447 posts
Posted on 11/9/23 at 5:52 pm to
quote:

Most manufacturer software updates tend to be free once you have paid. Think Windows update for an obvious example.


Eh depends.

I don't know about GMC but I'd imagine they are similar to ford in respect to software updates.

Basically they aren't covered by warranty, and you don't get it pushed automatically then your SOL. Some nice dealers might update it out of the goodness of their heart and others don't bother because it can sometimes take hours to push updates through(you certainly don't want labor costs on that). Otherwise the tools to do it yourself can be several hundred dollars plus paying for license access to download your updates yourself.

Assuming gmc has a similar set up you definitely would have spent more than $300 to do it yourself.
Posted by ThatBaw
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2023
376 posts
Posted on 11/10/23 at 12:46 pm to
I've done it with a 1/4 tank left and it wasn't fun, so I get it. Hand-pump or a siphon would do the trick if you have the real estate to store 24 gallons.

Theoretically, with an empty take it could take as little as 20-30 mins to drop the tank. In reality, it took me 5 hours in my driveway. It never goes exactly like the youtube videos. Mine was the sending unit attached to the pump, so cost was $70 instead of $500-600

Alternatively, you could also take off the bed. Not as laborious as it sounds and often will give full access to fuel pump housing.
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