2020 1500 LT TrailBoss

[SilentlyANerd]

I'm posting to see if anyone has had similar issues with the dealer in regards to their attempted warranty claims.

I have a 2020 1500 LT Trailboss that has 97,000 miles. Only issue I have had with the vehicle was a tear in the serpentine belt. Approximately 2-3 weeks ago while driving 60 mph on the highway, the check engine light started blinking with no other warnings or engine trouble. Before I could slow down and pull over the light went away and hasn't come back. Last week, the truck began to have a tick on the passenger side of the motor that was audible in the cab. It was louder and correlated with engine RPM. Checked oil and it was good as it still has about 3,000 miles before needing to be changed. Tick is louder in the morning, especially on colder mornings. No check engine light currently, no rough idle and no smoke. I am assuming it is the beginning of the dreaded lifter issues. I called the dealer because I have the longer 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Dropped it off on Monday.

Dealer called Monday at 430 and said come and get it. There is nothing wrong with it. Of course being mad, I leave work early and make the tech come outside. I started the truck and at idle asked if he could hear the tick, he said it was normal. I gave it a little throttle and increased the RPM to 1500 and all you could hear was loud ticking, to me obviously a valvetrain issue. The tech said "Oh, I do hear that." I feel that they simply moved the vehicle from the service entrance lane and didn't necessarily hear anything and found no codes and said its fine. It has been two days with no answers and the general "the tech is still looking at it."

There is a TSB that discusses this issue in detail, so why the run around?

 

[clstark7]

Did they take it back in after acknowledging that they heard it? I recorded when mine was doing it, because it didn't always do it. And because I had a feeling that my dealer would do the same thing if it wasn't currently doing it when they had it. No engine lights for me either, and it definitely was bad lifters.

 

[SilentlyANerd]

Did they take it back in after acknowledging that they heard it? I recorded when mine was doing it, because it didn't always do it. And because I had a feeling that my dealer would do the same thing if it wasn't currently doing it when they had it. No engine lights for me either, and it definitely was bad lifters.

They did acknowledge that there was indeed a noise but was quick to say that it may be a normal sound. I have a video of the sound, definitely on the passenger side of engine. Fortunately, or unfortunately, it does it all the time. It had a long cold soak over the weekend before I took it to the dealer from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon that I didn't move it. Went to crank it up to go to drop it off at the dealer Sunday night and you could hear the tick/tap inside the house from the carport that is roughly 50 feet away. How that is "normal" after this length of time is beyond me.

 

[clstark7]

They did acknowledge that there was indeed a noise but was quick to say that it may be a normal sound. I have a video of the sound, definitely on the passenger side of engine. Fortunately, or unfortunately, it does it all the time. It had a long cold soak over the weekend before I took it to the dealer from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon that I didn't move it. Went to crank it up to go to drop it off at the dealer Sunday night and you could hear the tick/tap inside the house from the carport that is roughly 50 feet away. How that is "normal" after this length of time is beyond me.

Mine was definitely way more pronounced on a very cold, cold-start. Sounds an awful lot like lifters to me. Either way, I would bring it back and insist they take a closer look. Let us know what you find out!

 

[SilentlyANerd]

Mine was definitely way more pronounced on a very cold, cold-start. Sounds an awful lot like lifters to me. Either way, I would bring it back and insist they take a closer look. Let us know what you find out!

Sitting at the dealer now. I will keep everyone informed.

 

[Crash020202]

I'm posting to see if anyone has had similar issues with the dealer in regards to their attempted warranty claims.

I have a 2020 1500 LT Trailboss that has 97,000 miles. Only issue I have had with the vehicle was a tear in the serpentine belt. Approximately 2-3 weeks ago while driving 60 mph on the highway, the check engine light started blinking with no other warnings or engine trouble. Before I could slow down and pull over the light went away and hasn't come back. Last week, the truck began to have a tick on the passenger side of the motor that was audible in the cab. It was louder and correlated with engine RPM. Checked oil and it was good as it still has about 3,000 miles before needing to be changed. Tick is louder in the morning, especially on colder mornings. No check engine light currently, no rough idle and no smoke. I am assuming it is the beginning of the dreaded lifter issues. I called the dealer because I have the longer 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Dropped it off on Monday.

Dealer called Monday at 430 and said come and get it. There is nothing wrong with it. Of course being mad, I leave work early and make the tech come outside. I started the truck and at idle asked if he could hear the tick, he said it was normal. I gave it a little throttle and increased the RPM to 1500 and all you could hear was loud ticking, to me obviously a valvetrain issue. The tech said "Oh, I do hear that." I feel that they simply moved the vehicle from the service entrance lane and didn't necessarily hear anything and found no codes and said its fine. It has been two days with no answers and the general "the tech is still looking at it."

There is a TSB that discusses this issue in detail, so why the run around?

It has to be dealer to dealer issue. I got to know my service advisor pretty darn well over the past 2 years, unfortunately. I have his personal cell... He will personally walk back and check on things to make sure the techs are doing and looking at what is needed. I understand your frustration..... Looking forward to updates. Very curious.

 

[SilentlyANerd]

Update 11/18 - Day 5

Just called the service advisor. I was told that they are still diagnosing the issue and they have asked another technician to look at the truck. The service advisor stated they have listened to the engine with a stethoscope and are still unsure what is causing the noise. They are not ruling out a lifter issue. They plan on a passenger side top end tear down to "look at it" to see if they can visualize any issues. The advisor was unable to clarify but I assume they mean to remove the valve cover. If I'm not mistaken, you are required to remove the head to visualize the lifters and cam? Seems like a lot of work just to look, but it is better than them just saying there is nothing wrong and asking me to pick up the truck I suppose.

The kicker: the technician was out today for "training" and they are unsure if he will have time on Monday. So it is looking like Tuesday at the earliest. However, I was told that I can come pick up the truck and drive it this weekend if need be. I politely declined as I felt that if I continued to drive it there could be an increased risk of further damage or catastrophic failure.

To be clear, this is not a complaint post and I apologize if it comes across as such. I am just sharing the story and facts. I am also curious if anyone else has run into similar dealer issues or if this is just typical dealer management?

 

[clstark7]

I know for sure that the intake manifold comes off, maybe the heads as well. I think they would start there before moving on to the cam, I think they only do that if bad lifters is confirmed.

And I think the experience obviously varies from dealer to dealer. My dealership took mine in right away but refused to give me a rental car until I did some pushing and shoving, so to speak. Because I only had the one vehicle at the time. I think you just need to be persistent and show that you are aware that this is a common issue. That way they know that they can't BS you lol.

Good luck, please keep us posted on what they find out!

 

[SilentlyANerd]

Update - Day 12

After two days of calling and leaving voicemails before Thanksgiving, I finally received an update from the service advisor at 6pm last Wednesday. I have been able to get a different service advisor on the phone but he was unable to give me information about my truck because he was not the "advisor handling the case." This update came in the form of a text message that read: "sorry I missed your call don't have the answer's just yet but we will try and let you know asap sorry for the wait." I tried to reply to his message but received no answer, so I assume that the number used was some type of texting application for the dealer.

At this point, I am curious as to whether they have even looked at the truck or began to diagnose the issue. Monday I will begin to request a truck to drive. I have been borrowing a family member's vehicle but I am afraid I am wearing out that favor. At what point do you take it to another dealer? Is it even worth starting the process over again? Not to mention the next closest dealer is a bit of a drive.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

 

[scotman623]

I would just leave it at that dealership until they give you a firm diagnosis, and I definitely would be driving one of their dealer rental vehicles in the meantime….

 

[clstark7]

Update - Day 12

After two days of calling and leaving voicemails before Thanksgiving, I finally received an update from the service advisor at 6pm last Wednesday. I have been able to get a different service advisor on the phone but he was unable to give me information about my truck because he was not the "advisor handling the case." This update came in the form of a text message that read: "sorry I missed your call don't have the answer's just yet but we will try and let you know asap sorry for the wait." I tried to reply to his message but received no answer, so I assume that the number used was some type of texting application for the dealer.

At this point, I am curious as to whether they have even looked at the truck or began to diagnose the issue. Monday I will begin to request a truck to drive. I have been borrowing a family member's vehicle but I am afraid I am wearing out that favor. At what point do you take it to another dealer? Is it even worth starting the process over again? Not to mention the next closest dealer is a bit of a drive.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

I insisted on them providing a vehicle for me when mine had to go in for lifters. They fought me on it initially but I came back a few days later and said I absolutely must have one now. Then they obliged and put me in a Subaru lol. But I bet they are more anxious to get your truck done when you are driving their vehicle in the meantime.

 

[big J]

well its tuesday night,,,,,,, what did they find out?

 

[SilentlyANerd]

Update - Day 18

I called again on Monday and began to leave messages. I finally received another text message as there shop was closing to update me on the truck. He said that he is still waiting to hear from the tech about my truck and blamed the holiday for them being "backed up." I tried to call the shop immediately after I received the message but was met with the after hours voicemail. I then replied to the text message requesting him to call/text me with the information for the shop manager to discuss them providing me with a vehicle to drive. As expected, no reply.

I was to busy at work Tuesday to get a moment to call, so I began to try to reach out again yesterday. Again, no answer and voicemail. I called again around closing and was able to get the other service advisor on the phone. Of course, he knew nothing about my vehicle, but he was able to find the service advisor handling my vehicle. He put me on speaker and I began to ask questions. I counted five different excuses during his monologue. He also continued to reassure me that he has also discussed this with his 'shop director' and 'lane supervisor'. He stumbled a good amount when stating their titles. As I begin to reply to him, I could hear the other advisor laughing. I have no clue as to whether it was at his grand speech or at something else entirely, but I it was effective in creating more frustration. I blatantly asked if they have even looked at my truck since I left it with them after they told me that everything was normal and I could come get it. Can anyone guess the answer? Of course not, it is still siting in the same parking spot I left it 18 days ago.

Obviously frustrated, I told the advisor to have the service supervisor, or whatever title we are giving them, to call me as soon as they are able to do so. Again, no call so far. That's to be expected. I am curious as to what excuse they provide. I am reaching out to another dealer in my area to see if they have to time to finish what this dealer has not been able to start.

Thanks for the interest. I will keep everyone posted.

 

[clstark7]

Update - Day 18

I called again on Monday and began to leave messages. I finally received another text message as there shop was closing to update me on the truck. He said that he is still waiting to hear from the tech about my truck and blamed the holiday for them being "backed up." I tried to call the shop immediately after I received the message but was met with the after hours voicemail. I then replied to the text message requesting him to call/text me with the information for the shop manager to discuss them providing me with a vehicle to drive. As expected, no reply.

I was to busy at work Tuesday to get a moment to call, so I began to try to reach out again yesterday. Again, no answer and voicemail. I called again around closing and was able to get the other service advisor on the phone. Of course, he knew nothing about my vehicle, but he was able to find the service advisor handling my vehicle. He put me on speaker and I began to ask questions. I counted five different excuses during his monologue. He also continued to reassure me that he has also discussed this with his 'shop director' and 'lane supervisor'. He stumbled a good amount when stating their titles. As I begin to reply to him, I could hear the other advisor laughing. I have no clue as to whether it was at his grand speech or at something else entirely, but I it was effective in creating more frustration. I blatantly asked if they have even looked at my truck since I left it with them after they told me that everything was normal and I could come get it. Can anyone guess the answer? Of course not, it is still siting in the same parking spot I left it 18 days ago.

Obviously frustrated, I told the advisor to have the service supervisor, or whatever title we are giving them, to call me as soon as they are able to do so. Again, no call so far. That's to be expected. I am curious as to what excuse they provide. I am reaching out to another dealer in my area to see if they have to time to finish what this dealer has not been able to start.

Thanks for the interest. I will keep everyone posted.

If I were you, I would try to find the time to show up unannounced, and demand that they give you a dealer vehicle to drive. Be firm and don't take no for an answer. I guarantee you that they will make your vehicle a priority while you are out driving one of theirs.

 

[SilentlyANerd]

Update - Day 19

I was able to reach out to a different dealer in my area and explained my situation. They were more than accommodating and said that they would be able to start work on it Monday. Perfect. I should have started at that dealer as the truck originally was purchased there by the previous owner but convenience superseded better judgement.

The plan was put into motion to have my wife pick up my key fob from the service advisor which would allow me to pick up the truck after I get off work and I would drop the truck off at the new dealer on Sunday night. Well, I should have known there was to many parts to this plan. I attempted to contact the service advisor as well as any manager through out the day without success. I was able to finally get a secretary to take a message for the service advisor. She was kind enough to assure me that she would deliver the message. My wife forgot about picking up the key until I asked her if she ran into any trouble around 5 this afternoon. She was able to reach the dealer before close and did try to obtain the key but was unsuccessful. However, she did have the opportunity to meet the service advisor who told her that he was unable to return the key as the truck was in the shop was tore down.

Shortly after she left the dealer, I received a call from the service advisor saying that they began work on my truck to diagnose the issue. He stated that they did not find any faulty lifters but that the sound was from my cam shaft. They apparently found that a lobe was damaged. He did state that they were still working on a parts list and should have a definative answer on Monday. He also assured me that he would be talking with the 'warranty supervisor' and everything should be covered. He also said that they no longer have a loaner fleet as they were all sold during COVID but that he would push for a rental to be covered by the warranty.

So, it appears that I am stuck with the original dealer but I am glad they finally started to diagnose the issue. I will continue to wait for more answers. I haven't read of isolated cam shaft failures. Usually they are accompanied by lifter failure in most cases, which would make sense to me.