[kkg]

I have a three year old Chevrolet Spark and it has done around 44550kms. It’s always been serviced at company workshop at specified intervals.
Last monsoons I found water in left hand side of the cabin and I took to the workshop. There was another issue of starting in the morning. They said the issues are taken care of and won’t come up again they cleaned throttle body then for the starting problem. But the issue remained and even after several more visits to the workshop, they could not diagnose the problem. And yes, to my bad luck the warranty expired on 20th October.

Few days back I was checking a thread on our very own forum in which one of the Alto owners was facing the same issue and it was diagnosed at faulty Heating coil. I also decided to check the coolant level in the reservoir and there was no coolant there. The car also didn’t start.

Took her to the workshop (after jumpstarting) and gave them my piece of mind and left it for the whole diagnose. Got a call from them stating

1. The fuel pump is gone, unable to create enough pressure, hence problem in starting.
2. Elbow joint, coolant hose has leaked and have to be replace.

Total cost of around 14000 rupees.


This got me mad and I went there to meet the workshop manager. He showed me the faulty elbow. I argued with him that this problem is being in continuation with my earlier problems, he said that these are not covered even in the original warranty.

For the fuel pump, he said I will have to replace it, no other option. When I told him about my intention of writing to GM directly that how can some major parts fail one after another just after the expiry of the warranty, he assured me that he will get back to me in the evening after talking go GM directly. Not the mention I had to tell him about Team-Bhp.

I got a call in the evening that GM will pay half the cost of the Fuel pump and offer me 15% discount on the labour. The cost now to be borne by me would be around 9000 rupees. I asked for 100% for fuel pump but was told that I am in no right for asking so and GM is under no such obligation as my car is out of warranty. It is a good will gesture from their side that they are giving me 50%.

Now my questions:
1. What should I do now?

2Is the Fuel pump really faulty? They said they’ll be keeping the old one with them. This has got me suspicious.

3.Can leaking elbow or hose lead to water inside the cabin? I mean what if get them changed and the problem remains.

[Hashim]

This is really sad, device like fuel pump can't go bad so early unless they are of bad quality. Why don't you ask them to pull out fuel line, switch on the ignition and check flow of petrol infront of you? Ideally the petrol should flow out of pipe (use a container to avoid wastage) without any interruption. Note that petrol never come out like a jet flow and huge pressure from fuel pump.

Regarding leaking elbow, it may be possible if coolant makes a path and carry coolant inside cabin from any wires or cable opening.

[kkg]

This is really sad, device like fuel pump can't go bad so early unless they are of bad quality. Why don't you ask them to pull out fuel line, switch on the ignition and check flow of petrol infront of you? Ideally the petrol should flow out of pipe (use a container to avoid wastage) without any interruption. Note that petrol never come out like a jet flow and huge pressure from fuel pump.

Regarding leaking elbow, it may be possible if coolant makes a path and carry coolant inside cabin from any wires or cable opening.

Thanks Hashim for your answer.
I am curious to know that would a faulty fuel pump run normally all day long except in the morning for the first start. Even if yes, Can't there be any way to rectify the pump than to replace it.The motor of the pump is good in my guess as it works fine .

[johnruben]

Originally Posted by kkg

I have a three year old Chevrolet Spark and it has done around 44550kms. It’s always been serviced at company workshop at specified intervals.
=============
Now my questions:
1. What should I do now?

2Is the Fuel pump really faulty? They said they’ll be keeping the old one with them. This has got me suspicious.

3.Can leaking elbow or hose lead to water inside the cabin? I mean what if get them changed and the problem remains.

My Friend, Most Indian Service Centers are Fake (check any brand), infact its so much difficult to find honest people on earth nowadays

All A.S.S. loot customers some or the other way, every one knows it, Fuel pumps should last really longer, if it went for kaput so early, they should give you your old one, its clear they want to make some quick buck. I think maybe some pipes are clogged or maybe loose connection which A.S.S has already found it and now trying to earn from the pump. Change your A.S.S. and give it a try.

[Hashim]

Originally Posted by kkg

Can't there be any way to rectify the pump than to replace it.The motor of the pump is good in my guess as it works fine .

There are three parts in pump, the motor, plastic housing and the filter part. Don't know about Chevy but in maruti the whole pump (genuine MGP) comes in single package and filter and housing part is not available separately. Just get the flow checked and if the flow is low get the petrol tank opened and inspect for any damage in pump. It can be chocked filter but I again doubt that for a new car. I suspect there is something else wrong with the car, you need an experienced mechanic to get your car checked.

[kkg]

Today I went to take my car as it was. But to my surprise it didn't start at all,even with the jump start. The manager blamed it on the fuel pump and said that it has gone totally dead now. After some heated conversation with him and the C C manager, they agreed to waive off the labor on the pump (Rs1100) plus 50% off on the pump itself (as promised earlier).

So a total of Rs 3613 and I had new fuel pump fixed in front of my eyes (one year/20000kms warranty on the pump). As for the work related to the elbow and hose pipes etc, I will get tit fixed somewhere else because I didn't wanted to leave my car there now.

[abhi1309]

If you have seen the model of the fuel pump and how it looks and all, try getting one from the an old Matiz, it might just be the same even if the engine is a 4 cylinder one. Google it and see the image "fuel pump Matiz" and "fuel pump Spark". Get it from the chor bazaar or some place where you get old car parts. I am not sure but Delhi is a place full of such locations. It would cost a few hundred bucks and would be worth the try, get the car out of the Service Center and show all this to another mechanic outside. The old fuel pump idea is worth a try even if you can get one from a broken Spark. You might just find one of those considering the choices Delhi as a market offers for anything under the sun. Since you already got it done, this is for Spark owners who might face a similar issue.

My Matiz used to have the carpet on the left passenger side all drenched for some reason. I found out that there was a condensation water circulating pipe which got disconnected from its lower part. I is below the dash accessible from below/behind the glovebox. I just joined them together. Never wet the carpet again.

[johnruben]

Originally Posted by abhi1309

Get it from the chor bazaar or some place where you get old car parts. I am not sure but Delhi is a place full of such locations. It would cost a few hundred bucks and would be worth the try, get the car out of the Service Center and show all this to another mechanic outside. The old fuel pump idea is worth a try even if you can get one from a broken Spark.

I Wouldnt do it if i were you, Fuel pump and assembly is an important part in a car and an aftermarket or used one can be fatal specially in delhi's summer climate.

@kkg, good that they have waived labor charges and also your presence there when job is being done is a good thought. If all goes well, you should have a new pump ready to go. Good luck

[blackfire_9]

@kkg: Did you get the old pump back or not? Also which service center is this?

Drive safe.

[bhp_maniac]

If you have a job card stating your issue of starting problem during the warranty period, I guess you can always fight with GM and get the entire thing replaced under warranty. I doubt there may be some other things which may caused a premature pump failure. Even if the new pump is installed, how can we be sure that it will not go for a toss if the root cause is not resolved?

[informmaha]

Hey KKG,

I would advice you to send in your problem details to chevy through facebook. They have given their mail id there and if you feel you have problems with the service center, mention that too in your post to them. I am sure your problem would get resolved.

[anilisanil]

Do you have the record of the car sent to the service center for the specific problem before warranty expired? If yes, then you can fight for warranty.

Second, if they are not replacing the part under warranty they cannot retain the part, if you are paying for the new part then you ARE entitled to get the old part back.

Third, I would not go for after market stuff for critical engine components. Cosmetic, yes but mechanical components, NO!!

P.S: Even if you do not have the job card with you, it would be with the service center, so just go ahead and fight for your rights!!

[kkg]

I did not get the old part as I was told that it was partial warranty replacement and the faulty part would be sent to GM for their internal audit/ R &d.

As for writing to GM, I have already done that and I have got a call from them. But unfortunately I was driving at that time so couldn't talk much. Waiting for their next call.

[kkg]

Got a call from GM. They agreed once again to pay 50% for the faulty parts as a goodwill gesture. Gave the car to Autovikas on 30th December itself and got it back on 2nd January.

The bill came to Rs 1947 including labour ( again 50% waived off on it). I was not happy with the overall work they performed on the car but still happy to get back the car running good. I have been told to check the vehicle for some time and report to them if anything is found faulty.

Meanwhile got a mail from GM stating the work done on the car and the official work number for the job carried out.

[kkg]

Help needed mates,

About two days ago I checked the coolant level once again, and it was again was getting low. I opened the underside matting of passenger side and that was again wet. Called up the Service advisor and fixed appointment for today.

Took the car to them today morning and gave them my piece of mind. I told them that this seems to be the problem of heating core as all symptoms are quite evident of it. They said they have already checked the core earlier and that is fine but i do not believe them. I insisted them to open the dash board in front of me and they agreed. I waited there for four hours but the work never got started as two of their electricians were on leave today. That wasted my whole day. I left the place and the car with them with stern instructions to call me when the work gets started.

In the evening, I got a call from them to come tomorrow morning at 9AM sharp. I agreed. BUT the catch was still to come. They said if nothing comes out of it (opening of the dash), I'll have to bear the labour for that job (rs 3500.)

Now i am in confused how to proceed. They changed some of the parts earlier on the pretext of solving the problem but the situation remains the same. Now i am facing this. What to do?? kindly advice, FAST.