Hummer Service Input

[HUMTECH]

As A Hummer tech at A GM dealer I am always looking for ways to improve my hummer customers service requirements and minimize vehicle downtime. Looking for input from owners on their service experiences and how you think things could be improved.

[DennisAJC]

JUUUUST DOOO IT! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif


http://www.krispykreme.com/images/kkHomeNav_r1_c1.gif

[CO Hummer]

Put an XBox in the waiting room.

[HummBob]

Where in Canada are you?

[intimidator]

it's like going to the dentist. nobody wants to go but you have no choice.

[Racer-X]

Originally posted by Alec W:
I had to stop going, they blamed all my issues on wheeling.

X2 http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

Reminds of when my front dif exploded. They asked - Have you been going off-road? Fricken duh!

They are all to happy to sell you a warranty for a vehicle that is designed for off-road use but when you actually do it they don;t want to cover your parts.

[Fubar]

IMO: having dealt with 4 different Hummer dealerships in two different states I can honestly say that they are under staffed and apparently over worked. From a service writer stand point I can't stress enough how important it is one; to be available by phone, but more importantly the service writers need to keep the customers informed of what if anything is happening with the customers repairs.
From the mechanic side of the problem the dealerships need more mechanics. 3 of the 4 dealerships I've dealt with have had one GM Master Tech and a couple of grunt helpers. 2 of the dealerships have had one mechanic to 5 bays its no wonder repairs take forever.

You want to make your service center the best possible. Concentrate on customer service, getting the job done right the first time and in a timely manner, keep the customer informed at all times even at the expense of your pride.

As others have said in previous posts, going to the dealership for maintenance or because something is broke is like going to the dentist or doctor. No one wants to go but it’s a necessary evil that has to be dealt with.


__________________________________________________ ______________________________
Originally posted by HUMTECH:
As A Hummer tech at A GM dealer I am always looking for ways to improve my hummer customers service requirements and minimize vehicle downtime. Looking for input from owners on their service experiences and how you think things could be improved.

[KenP]

It's the service provided in the back room by the hot little receptionist that makes me happy to wait for my truck. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[MovinH2]

Originally posted by CO Hummer:
Put an XBox in the waiting room.

That would be sweet. When I have the kids with me I could use one.

[OldHiker]

Originally posted by Racer-X:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Alec W:
I had to stop going, they blamed all my issues on wheeling.

X2 http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

Reminds of when my front dif exploded. They asked - Have you been going off-road? Fricken duh!

They are all to happy to sell you a warranty for a vehicle that is designed for off-road use but when you actually do it they don;t want to cover your parts. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I cracked mine in 2 places, the front diff, on an outing to Paragon. KenP kept saying he smelled gear oil. Did not realize it was mine. Wheeled the rest of that day and all of the next, drove 130 miles home and then 60 miles to the dealer on Monday. Had it fixed (replaced) and back by Friday. No cost. No questions asked.

That's what owners want - no hassles during the warranty period.

[Racer-X]

Hiker, were you into your extended warranty? I had no issues with my standard warranty. Just when I went into GMPP.

I paid for it because I didn't want to wait for them to send a rep out. I got reimbursed fairly quickly but I think thats Because I typed my letter to them in CAPS. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[OldHiker]

Regular warranty. Not sure why you would be hassled.

[tomp]

How about a set of brakes that don't fail causing us to run into the back of other vehicles? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

[tomp]

Yep, definitely have you re-thinking that one - when kiddos are involved. Let's just hope mine was a freak incident. However, the '06 have not been out for long and they may have changes something on them - who knows.

I am dying to find out the cause of this. I was told on Friday that GM would contact me within 24-48 hours, so maybe we'll hear something Mon./Tues..

[MarineHawk]

Originally posted by Alec W:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tomp:
How about a set of brakes that don't fail causing us to run into the back of other vehicles? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif
Your deal with that kinda crossed my mind today when I was telling my daughter how much fun she will have on Lion’s Back in the near future http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif And then add in my luck with globally famous videos http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Does anyone knowo if this was just a fluke?

Am I correct that during a Lion's Back decent, in 4WL, and with the possibility of using the emergency break as well, you'd still be okay even if your brakes went out?

[MarineHawk]

Originally posted by Alec W:
... And then add in my luck with globally famous videos http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Don't sell yourself short. I hear the tie rod video is watched widely in the Alpha Centauri system and beyond - thus, it is a "galactically famous video."

[HUMTECH]

Thanks for the feedback. Its good to hear the customers side of things which rarely makes it back to the techs in the shop. As for the brake failure have never heard of an incident like that looking forward to hearing what caused them to fail.

[HUMTECH]

Now thats HUMMER service http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gifOriginally posted by KenP:
It's the service provided in the back room by the hot little receptionist that makes me happy to wait for my truck. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Fastest H-Town Realtor]

Let's see:

1-Better techs. Don't go and WD-40 the door hinges when i tell you there is a squeak in the door panel. That is insulting.

2-Do what I ask to get fixed and the writer says will get fixed. I do not want to have to come back 3 times to re-program the memory in the seats.

3-Maybe petition GM to actually add quality to the product. Sqeaky assed door panels, cheap plastic, no adjustable seat back in rear seats, no rear a/c are all unaceptable on a $55K+ vehicle.

[KenP]

Originally posted by Fastest H-Town Realtor:
Let's see:

1-Better techs. Don't go and WD-40 the door hinges when i tell you there is a squeak in the door panel. That is insulting.

2-Do what I ask to get fixed and the writer says will get fixed. I do not want to have to come back 3 times to re-program the memory in the seats.

3-Maybe petition GM to actually add quality to the product. Sqeaky assed door panels, cheap plastic, no adjustable seat back in rear seats, no rear a/c are all unaceptable on a $55K+ vehicle. But we all still bought them anyway. Oh well. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

FWIW, I've always had great service at Hall HUMMER. Phil takes great care of us, as does the sales team headed by Chuck. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[PARAGON]

Originally posted by PhilD:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by MarineHawk:
Am I correct that during a Lion's Back decent, in 4WL, and with the possibility of using the emergency break as well, you'd still be okay even if your brakes went out? No. You'd be bouncing down LB screaming like a baby and the video would be shown around the World for the next fifty years. Instant fame http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

My e-brake can't hold my truck on the driveway, so I think I'd be f***ed on LB with brake failure. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I think that's why they put a big "P" on the brake release now. It's no longer an "E" brake. It's a parking brake.

You put the truck in 1st gear and stay close to the guy in front of you so you can't build up momentum. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[MarineHawk]

Originally posted by PhilD:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by MarineHawk:
Am I correct that during a Lion's Back decent, in 4WL, and with the possibility of using the emergency break as well, you'd still be okay even if your brakes went out? No. You'd be bouncing down LB screaming like a baby and the video would be shown around the World for the next fifty years. Instant fame http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

My e-brake can't hold my truck on the driveway, so I think I'd be f***ed on LB with brake failure. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Throw it in Park and pray?

[ShaggyX]

4lo 1st gear...you shouldnt be able to go above about 10mph right? Would be a hell of a ride, but nothing like that bronco they show barreling down. I would imagine you should be able to keep it on the rock the whole way down in 4lo 1st gear.

[HUMTECH]

That bronco in question lost its brakes and the driver attemted to shift into low gear but missed the shift thats why it ran away. Trucks without ABS when going down steep inclines should never use brakes, if you lock the brakes up thats when you lose control and end up in trouble, always use low range and low gear and you shouldn't have to use your brakes. I've been wheelin' Jeeps for about 14 years and learned that the hard way many years ago and lost my first Jeep but managed to walk away. You should test your rigs capability of this and get used to how it reacts on short steep grades then you will know how to react to it on A longer hill. Just some friendly advice to those who may not know.

[PARAGON]

Originally posted by PhilD:
Humtech, H2's don't have enough engine braking to rely just on 1st gear, you have to use the brakes most of the time on steep declines. A well geared Jeep will be fine, but an H2 will be less likely to get sideways and roll on most inclines/declines due to the longer wheelbase. You have to wheel each vehicle differently and what works for one, won't necessarily work for the other. Engine braking an H2 is generally a waste of time and only useful on mild trails.

Shaggy, I'm guessing you may break 10 mph, but not by much. You should be able to keep it on the rock, provided you don't panic, and there is no one in front of you, especially someone walking down LB. When you got to the bottom, I think you may break one or two things, but you are rght, if you kept a cool head and had a clear shot at it, you may just be okay. Yeah, engine braking and H2 is not something that goes together well.

Once you got to the bottom, I think you would be screwed and still do a nose dive to some degree since that first approach is so steep. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[MarineHawk]

Does someone make a transfer case for the H2 with lower ratio than the stock 2.64:1 (33:1 crawl ratio)? Like, say, 4.0:1 (i.e., 50:1 crawl ratio)?
If so, is it a good idea?
I know that the associated increase in torque would increase the prospect for breakages in some circumstances if you weren't careful, but that would probably solve the issue discussed above and give you a little more control going over obstacles. It seems to me that, if you didn't romp on such a system, it would not be likely to break things; it would just give you a little more control.
I'm just guessing a little, but am I wrong?

[MarineHawk]

Originally posted by PhilD:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by MarineHawk:
Does someone make a transfer case for the H2 with lower ratio than the stock 2.64:1 (33:1 crawl ratio)? Like, say, 4.0:1 (i.e., 50:1 crawl ratio)?I wrong? Not sure if you can convert the BW unit. But I'm sure you could change the t-case to an Atlas II, I believe you can get down to a 10:1 ratio! A 4.3:1 low range or so would most probably be ideal though.

But at the end of the day, you'll never change the fact that the H2 is not an ideal rock crawler, it's too big, too heavy, too easy to break (especially IFS), and too expensive to smash up on a regular basis. It does make for an excellent all round off-road vehicle, that you can drive on a daily basis though.

FWIW A better crawl ratio would obviously be nice, but I have yet to see an obstacle the H2 couldn't do purely because of it's crawl ratio. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think your last sentence would be more accurate if you added: "... when I'm driving it."

I definitely defer to your much greater off-roading skills and H2 knowledge, but just to play Devil's advocate:
I think the way I've seen you get over some difficult obstacles in the videos circulating would sometimes not go so well for someone, like me, with a lower, more-intermediate skill level. Although not necessary to get over a particularly-tough obstacle (short of extreme rock crawling - which is not for the H2), wouldn't a higher crawl ratio allow someone to go over some of the same obstacles slower and less aggresively and actually decrease the risk of damage?
Not a likely scenario, but wouldn't it also help going down a very steep incline if you had brake failure?
I guess what I'm saying is that I think there's some possibility that a higher crawl ratio might help someone like me, yet not be much help to someone who really, really knows what he's doing in tough spots.
By way of hypothetical example: I have read quite a few reviews where the H3 outperforms all of the other vehicles in its class on rough terrain, and the testers attribute that in part to the higher crawl ratio. I get the impression that, if you were driving a an H3 with a worse crawl ratio, you'd still be able to do better than most of the testers. Yet the testers seem to be able to do better with the higher crawl ratio.
Of course, the H2 has a lot more power and torque ...
Sorry, just thinking out loud.

[PARAGON]

I don't think you can box it all up like that. Many obstacles you simply cannot just crawl over and momentum of some sort is needed. Controlling that momentum and keeping it smooth might help keep you from breaking, but the crawl ratio doesn't honestly come into play with an automatic like it does with a standard tranny.

With the standard tranny you would like a good crawl ratio so that you don't have to ride the clutch nearly as much and can creep, even 2 foot drive at times. With an auto, this never comes into play and you can raise the RPMs to reach the torque needed to apply whatever is necessary and do so very controlled by keeping it in first gear.

[MarineHawk]

Good. I wasn't really wanting to spend the money to make the change anyway.

[MarineHawk]

Originally posted by PhilD:
Spend the same $3k on a lift, it will help you a whole lot more.


Or could I just spend it on more beer and wine?

On another note ... wait, I'll stop hijacking this thread and create another one.

[ShaggyX]

Originally posted by PhilD:
I don't think I have any more driving skills than the next person, a little more practice than some, but no special/magical/wonderful skills. LMAO...that cracked me up.

[ShaggyX]

Originally posted by PhilD:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ShaggyX:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PhilD:
I don't think I have any more driving skills than the next person, a little more practice than some, but no special/magical/wonderful skills. LMAO...that cracked me up. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Okay, I have less driving skills than the next person. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I wasnt laughing at your driving skill. I was laughing at the "special/magical/wonderful" part. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[PARAGON]

Originally posted by PhilD:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ShaggyX:
I was laughing at the "special/magical/wonderful" part. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif That was pretty special/magical/wonderful in itself http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

BTW The worst time to have your brakes fail would be doing the 10 point turn on top, no amount of engine braking is going to help if you go off the edge up there http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>air brakes? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[MarineHawk]

Originally posted by PARAGON:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PhilD:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ShaggyX:
I was laughing at the "special/magical/wonderful" part. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif That was pretty special/magical/wonderful in itself http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

BTW The worst time to have your brakes fail would be doing the 10 point turn on top, no amount of engine braking is going to help if you go off the edge up there http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>air brakes? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm installing these on top of my H2 so that I can just fly down if my brakes fail:

[HUMTECH]

Understood, unfortunatly I have not had the chance to test an h-2 off road, just simply referring to personel experience with A non ABS equipped vehicle. With an h-2 you could stuff the whoa pedal to the floor and maintain control which is the purpose of abs as well the longer wheel base as you stated allows for more controlOriginally posted by PhilD:
Humtech, H2's don't have enough engine braking to rely just on 1st gear, you have to use the brakes most of the time on steep declines. A well geared Jeep will be fine, but an H2 will be less likely to get sideways and roll on most inclines/declines due to the longer wheelbase. You have to wheel each vehicle differently and what works for one, won't necessarily work for the other. Engine braking an H2 is generally a waste of time and only useful on mild trails.

Shaggy, I'm guessing you may break 10 mph, but not by much. You should be able to keep it on the rock, provided you don't panic, and there is no one in front of you, especially someone walking down LB. When you got to the bottom, I think you may break one or two things, but you are rght, if you kept a cool head and had a clear shot at it, you may just be okay.

[RasterMaster]

As A Hummer tech at A GM dealer I am always looking for ways to improve my hummer customers service requirements and minimize vehicle downtime. Looking for input from owners on their service experiences and how you think things could be improved.

Getting some folks to stick around awhile would be a BIG improvement....new dealership here has had 4 GMs in a short period of time and only one was ever really committed to the job. My salesman was gone before I was due for my first H2 service. :confused:

Turnover in service is even worse! Having a few mechanics around with a brain or who know Hummers would also be a major plus. Another improvement would be to keep the noobie techs away from my truck....how they dropped mine in the lift I'll never know. :twak:

Also, if the dealership owned up to damage done to customers vehicles and took responsibility when they did wrong. Putting alot less miles (instead of going on a joyride) on my truck would also be a big help. :rant:

Not charging $100 for a $5 part would give the customers a bit more incentive for using dealership service for small things. Not waiting 4 hours for an oil change would also make a busy schedule more accomodating. Informing customers about what their warranty will cover would be helpful....I'm learning more about what is NOT covered though.:mad:

While I was under regular warranty the dealership was great, they have been a let-down most of the time since on extended, almost as if they don't care (as long as they keep selling H3's). Sure when that runs out I'll be lucky to get a return phone call. :crying:

[CWA175]

Hey HUMTEC
Would you know of anything about these dam 05 mirrors and the 06 mirrors upgrade or recall if there ever was one. I here of many members getting there mirrors changed out for 06's and when I went to get mine done they tell me no way. Just wondering if you knew something from the inside. Thanks

[Agriv8r]

It's the service provided in the back room by the hot little receptionist that makes me happy to wait for my truck. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

sorry ken but HE doesnt work here anymore:giggling:

[Agriv8r]

But we all still bought them anyway. Oh well. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

FWIW, I've always had great service at Hall HUMMER. Phil takes great care of us, as does the sales team headed by Chuck. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

i am stil going to try and take your money saturday

[KenP]

i am stil going to try and take your money saturdayDamn you.:giggling: