2011 hybrid cylinder misfire issue

[apatt]

I have a 2011 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid with 28000 miles. I was driving it on Friday and the check engine light came on at the same time it started making a tapping sound. I drove 1/4 mile to an area where I could park it safely and turned it off. I called OnStar and they ran diagnostics and indicted a cylinder was misfiring. OnStar said I could drive it for 7 days but needed service. I was in the mountains and worried about safety and not damaging the vehicle so I had it towed to the Chevy dealer. The engine did start and it would drive (with the ticking) as the tow truck driver needed to move the car for towing. The dealer called yesterday and said there was no oil and I needed a new engine. The service writer said they checked it and nothing showed on the dipstick, they added a quart, then two more, still not showing on the stick. This seems to be the extent of the diagnostics performed. I never received any warning (dashboard or through OnStar diagnostics) that the oil pressure was low (or potentially low). In fact, the last diagnostic report from OnStar showed only that there was low tire pressure. That is it. There is no evidence of a leak. I park in my garage 100% of the time and there is not a drop of oil on the floor. It just does no make sense to me with all of the diagnostics on the car that 1. there was no oil and 2. I receive no warning except when the light came on with the clicking.

As of now, the dealer is saying that unless I can prove I had the oil changed that 2000 miles ago, the engine replacement will not be covered under warranty. I am really at a loss as to what could have happened and the dealers response so far.

Any ideas or suggestions? Anyone ever heard of something like this happening?

Thanks!

 

[soulsea]

God I hate dishonest dealers. If the dealer can demonstrate an oil leak, let them replicate it to prove that it's even possible to empty the whole oil tank.

Do you have your service records so as to remove any doubt?

Btw, try asking your question here, there's a few more hybrid experts there: http://greenhybrid.com/discuss/f69/

 

[jebt2921]

I've got an 08 hybrid and it has burned through a lot of oil as well with no engine light indication. I narrowed it down to the bad PCV valve issue. Mine would have the dreaded white smoke on startup often as well. I replaced the valve cover with a newly designed one that is supposed to fix the PCV valve issue. (I forget the bulletin but you can search and easily find it). So far so good. My previous oil changes indicated my oil level was extremely low and I could tell by the ticking noise as well. The dip sticks in these things are tough to get a good read.

Sorry about your motor but I would seriously consider taking it to another dealer. There is a GM customer service rep on the forums that you should reach out to as well. Sounds like the dealer just doesn't want to mess with it. I've heard others getting their motors replaced under warranty for similar issues.

Good luck and keep us posted!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[GM Customer Service]

apatt,

We'd like to gather a few more details of this situation and try to be of assistance if at all possible. When you get a chance, can you please message us your full name, VIN, contact info, and the name of your dealership?

jebt2921,

Thanks for pointing them in the right direction. We appreciate it!

Amber N. (assisting Jennifer)
GM Customer Care

 

[apatt]

apatt,

We'd like to gather a few more details of this situation and try to be of assistance if at all possible. When you get a chance, can you please message us your full name, VIN, contact info, and the name of your dealership?

jebt2921,

Thanks for pointing them in the right direction. We appreciate it!

Amber N. (assisting Jennifer)
GM Customer Care

Sorry Amber (and Jennifer), I had not seen your response until now as I was probably writing up my last message while you were sending your reply. I'll get all the info together and reach out to you ASAP.

Thanks!!

 

[apatt]

Amber/Jennifer,

I cannot PM yet on this forum, I sent an e-mail with the info to [email protected], Attn: Jennifer, per your instructions to others.

Thanks.

---------- Post added at 10:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:49 AM ----------

Tick, tick, tick, is now clunk, clunk, clunk, seems up high in the engine, valvetrain. Scanguage II came up with no OBD error codes, KOEO or running.

Hardly seems like "You need a new engine", but who knows what you'll find when you actually troubleshoot and look inside.

 

[apatt]

Brought the truck to another dealer, they actually did some troubleshooting and said that cylinder #6 is indeed misfiring, it's not the wire or plug, it's something internal, and that their engine guy will get to it starting tomorrow. Much better!

 

[GM Customer Service]

apatt,

We are very happy that the dealership was able to diagnose your vehicle! Is the vehicle still at the dealership?

Regards,

Jennifer T.
GM Customer Care

 

[apatt]

Glendora Chevy actually diagnosed and found a failed/malfunctioning lifter.