got my check engine light this morning in traffic

[wannabeH3]

took it to the dealer needs a new head. :P

[Viet Nam Vette]

So your Rig is an 06....and how many miles on the clock..??

[Steve - SanJose]

How many miles on your H3?

[wannabeH3]

23k

[Demo]

good luck dude, sorry to hear it.

[Desert Dan]

I feel your pain dude.

Mine goes into the shop monday am for the head replacement.
Get on the phone with GM and get a file started now.

Request extended coverage on the engine.

[GPan099]

Sorry to welcome you to the club.

Got mine back from the shop today, ten days after dropping it off.

Seems to be running OK, a little rough if you ask me. I guess I'll see if it smooths out.

Hummer extended the engine coverage to 7 years/100,000 miles after opening a case.

[westhillsat]

Sorry to hear about that, Damn!

[fw888]

just wonder if you bin number below that cut off number ?

[Demo]

question? can you still drive it with the problem if so how long and what are the consequences. For example, mine goes a coulpe of days before or during my trip to Moab. That is just my luck.

[marin8703]

7 year / 100,000 miles warranty, isnt that kinda bad? I mean the milage is great but the time is short, it will definately run out of time before it does for miles for most people, well at least for me. I hope i can get something different if it happens to me.

Anyways heres a question. Is there anyone that has had a problem with the head that has a vin number over them one posted as the cutoff number?

Thanks for replies, and good luck wannabeH3 and everyone else with the isssue.

[Scouts Out]

SO it just the week or is it the milage. It seems like three this week. I went to start mine today, it started, stuttered, stalled, did not want to start.

[Lex_Ordo]

I'm seeing more posts about head problems.
When are the build dates of these vehicles? And is there a fix that was put into effect after a certain VIN #, that would exclude these later VINs from the Head issues?

[cmeinck]

The reasons for trading in my 06' for an H2 just keep mounting.

[usetosellhummer]

I told you man, them telling you you can drive with that problum is bull.
If you get the light...
1. contact onstar
2. get conected to raodside assistance
3. get truck towed and you get a free rental

[wannabeH3]

well i have never had any starting issues or whatnot, it seems to have all of its power, altho i did notice that sitting at lights idling the motor will have just an almost unnoticable rough spot every 20 seconds or so. basically they said one of my cylinders is leaking, so it needs a new head, and to go ahead and drive it and they will give me a rental car when i bring it in for service.

Now as to opening a case, what do you mean by that? i called hummer yesterday and was talking to the guy and said "so i gotta get a new head and im worried this will happen in the future, where do we go from here" and he said i got the 4yr 50k warranty and if it happens again they will put a parts note on that part i guess and extend the warranty on that part. how do i get the extra coverage you guys are talking about? pm me if its best kept off the forum.

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

[quote=wannabeH3]well i have never had any starting issues or whatnot, it seems to have all of its power, altho i did notice that sitting at lights idling the motor will have just an almost unnoticable rough spot every 20 seconds or so. basically they said one of my cylinders is leaking, so it needs a new head, and to go ahead and drive it and they will give me a rental car when i bring it in for service.

Now as to opening a case, what do you mean by that? i called hummer yesterday and was talking to the guy and said "so i gotta get a new head and im worried this will happen in the future, where do we go from here" and he said i got the 4yr 50k warranty and if it happens again they will put a parts note on that part i guess and extend the warranty on that part. how do i get the extra coverage you guys are talking about? pm me if its best kept off the forum.

PLEASE NO, TELL US ALL GIVING SPECIFIC ANSWERS AND EXAMPLES.

[fourfourto]

You must call hummer consumers relations, 1 866 4866376 they will need vin # dealers name and delivery date and mileage.that will start the case file .Within a day or two a manager will call you about the case.I did it with the brake grown and it was closed after the reginal rep said it was normal:twak: .
With the head issue they will extend warranty(at least thats what I read here)
Good luck

[D-Lux]

I got the Engine Light Warning this morning, idling rough, turned it off, let it sit, tried again, same thing. Called OnStar, they didn?t tell me anything, accept take it in to the dealer NOW. I was still able to drive it, but the computer limits your power, so I could only do a slow crawl down the feeder roads, until I got to the dealer, luckily for me it?s only 5 miles away. They haven?t called me yet, to tell me what?s wrong. When they do I?ll try and keep you informed on my outcome. :(

[Hmmm2]

With the head issue they will extend warranty(at least thats what I read here)
Good luck

I had the cylinder head replaced not too long after I bought my H3, but they wouldn't give me anything as a warranty extension. They said, "It's fixed and you won't encounter the problem again." The Service Mgr said they had several H3's in for the problem, so they were aware of what needed to be done. Thankfully I haven't had the problem come back (at least not THAT one ..lol). That was about 1.3 years ago.

[Mike E]

I've witnessed 3 head jobs on H3's in our shop so far. We have 3 techs that can have it done in less than 2 days. It's pretty ugly looking when they get it all apart put the new head assembley drops right in on top of the block and they put everything back to gether. It wouldn't bother me one bit if I had to have this done to mine.

We have allowed customers to drive thier H3 until the new head arrived. The tech clears the codes and changes the timing a bit so the engine runs smooth. Hasn't caused a problem yet.

[f5fstop]

I told you man, them telling you you can drive with that problum is bull.
If you get the light...
1. contact onstar
2. get conected to raodside assistance
3. get truck towed and you get a free rental

We have a company vehicle that has been running for about 7K now, with the cylinder head issue. I know a few who have traveled well over 3K with the cylinder head issue. So, it appears some can.

As for cutoff. The new cylinder head for the 3.5L went into production March 31, 2006. So, vehicles with engines built after that date would have the new cylinder head. However, the plant could have had some of the older engines on site so I do not have a VIN cutoff for vehicles.

[HummBebe]

I've witnessed 3 head jobs on H3's in our shop so far. We have 3 techs that can have it done in less than 2 days. It's pretty ugly looking when they get it all apart put the new head assembley drops right in on top of the block and they put everything back to gether. It wouldn't bother me one bit if I had to have this done to mine.

We have allowed customers to drive thier H3 until the new head arrived. The tech clears the codes and changes the timing a bit so the engine runs smooth. Hasn't caused a problem yet.


That's brilliant....did you catch this "M" ???:jump:

[f5fstop]

That's brilliant....did you catch this "M" ???:jump:

Problem is, you cannot change timing, it is all controlled by the PCM, and clearing the codes will only be temporary; these are basically hard codes, not hisotory codes. But I agree, most of them can be driven. It will cause more damage to the cylinder head, but who cares. There is a slim possibility that after X-number of miles, the cat may be damaged

[D-Lux]

Did anyone change there PCM, or have it tuned and then have the Head problem come up? I?m asking because I had my PCM tuned and installed it last week ?everything has been running GREAT? until my problem this morning. I have a ?06 with 33000 miles.

[f5fstop]

Has nothing to do with the PCM or the calibration. Totally a cylinder head issue.

[D-Lux]

Thanks, that's good to know. I didn't want to take that PCM out again, that was a pain plugging it back in.:o

[Black_H3]

My head cacked at about 19k miles. I am over in Gmbh and can't get to my vin # right now but I know my Hummie rolled off the line in Sept 05', so it was one of the first, and like I said in another post my Hummer Dealer has seen a lot of the first ones with these "weak" heads and customers cracking them because of either towing, or high stress on the engine. He took 4 days to do mine, but I also had him do the 20k service and fix a rattle in the rear passenger door. I know he also replaced some other parts on the engine, but can't recall what they where.
When I get back to the states will get my paperwork and see what else he replaced, but all I know is my mpg almost doubled after I got it back.

[usetosellhummer]

ok, then drive the mother! I got a 07 now so i don't care anymore:jump:

[f5fstop]

My head cacked at about 19k miles. I am over in Gmbh and can't get to my vin # right now but I know my Hummie rolled off the line in Sept 05', so it was one of the first, and like I said in another post my Hummer Dealer has seen a lot of the first ones with these "weak" heads and customers cracking them because of either towing, or high stress on the engine. He took 4 days to do mine, but I also had him do the 20k service and fix a rattle in the rear passenger door. I know he also replaced some other parts on the engine, but can't recall what they where.
When I get back to the states will get my paperwork and see what else he replaced, but all I know is my mpg almost doubled after I got it back.

I would love to see the last eight of the VIN. Reason: Dealer is full of poopie, I did some checking today, and there are only two cases of cracked heads. Damaaged heads due to abnormal wear of the valve guides is very common on early heads, but cracked....dealer BS. (Not you, dealer. You are only repeating what a dumb a&& dealer is telling customers; thinking it makes them feel better.)

[Lex_Ordo]

As for cutoff. The new cylinder head for the 3.5L went into production March 31, 2006. So, vehicles with engines built after that date would have the new cylinder head. However, the plant could have had some of the older engines on site so I do not have a VIN cutoff for vehicles.

F5, There are small white sticky bar coded labels all over the truck, hidden away in the dash, and on parts of the chasis indicating the date and various times for different items. One example wasn't really secured so I pulled it off and kept it in my file for reference.
It says, " D8X 00503671 3/27/2006 12:41:32 PM Commodity: Steering Column" .
I am guessing that this was the Build date for my truck, and the various times indicate when that componnent was installed on the line?:confused:

Based on this, I must have an old style head. Should this be a concern? Is the problem wide enough spread that there may be a recall for the '06 Heads?
:eek:
My last eight are ...68282011

[NEOCON1]

25,308 miles here and alls well . its an early build too :D :D

[Demo]

14500 miles, got it off the truck Feb 06, only one out of at least a hundred at the dealer without chrome.:D

They hadn't had a chance to do it yet.:dancingbanana:

[CrisB]

25,308 miles here and alls well . its an early build too :D :D

Sorry, Neo, but you're still at risk...

Took my H3 in today for a tire rotation & full checkup before heading out West next month, dealer called & said they read error messages, my head's gone. They said I had a valve hanging, sounds like worn guides.

Built July of 2005, I got 41000 mi & thought I may be safe.

Good news? I can have it back tomorrow. Sweeeeet.:jump:

[NEOCON1]

engine/transmission System [+] Diagnostic: Complete. No action needed.


so far so good this was my latest diagnostic keepin my fingers crossed ;)



just wondering how everyone drove their trucks during the brakin period ???

i drove the **** out of mine :D i broke her in hard :giggling:

[HummBebe]

engine/transmission System [+] Diagnostic: Complete. No action needed.


so far so good this was my latest diagnostic keepin my fingers crossed ;)



just wondering how everyone drove their trucks during the brakin period ???

i drove the **** out of mine :D i broke her in hard :giggling:




Same here....had to train the tranny to drive my way :giggling:

[Demo]

I had a rough idle for about a week, then it went away. No check engine light, but I only got about 190 miles to the last tank of gas:confused: . Taking it in on the 26th, we shall see.

[Demo]

I drove the crap out of mine too, I always forget to take it easy.:p

[PackerFever]

just wondering how everyone drove their trucks during the brakin period ???

i drove the **** out of mine :D i broke her in hard :giggling:

5 speed + Mountain driving and off road the first week.....keeping fingers crossed after 38,000 miles.:giggling::shhh:

[NEOCON1]

5 speed + Mountain driving and off road the first week.....keeping fingers crossed after 38,000 miles.:giggling::shhh:


hey Fever how ya been man :D

[usetosellhummer]

dROVE MINE NICE AND EASY FOR BREAK IN, did some wheeling only 3 real workouts on trail. mine poped at 15k miles and had a rough idle for months before the light came on.

[Steve - SanJose]

I'm pushing 35K miles mostly hard street driving with high speed freeway work in the 80-90mph range. Nothing's blown yet.

[H3chicky]

Here is some info that might help............

The PI lists trucks with a vin number before 68287591 (last eight of vin) might be effected

Barb :)

[Steve - SanJose]

Here is some info that might help............

The PI lists trucks with a vin number before 68287591 (last eight of vin) might be effected

Barb :)

My last 8 digits are 868xxxxx, so does that mean I'm not in the high risk group? What's the PI?

[HummerHippy]

Here is some info that might help............

The PI lists trucks with a vin number before 68287591 (last eight of vin) might be effected

Barb :)

I have a sept 05 build. vin: 6816xxxx. 13.5K miles. (Brace for impact) Head might go! Oh well. I drive pretty casually. not rough on her during break in. We'll see how it goes.

[evldave]

Mine is 6816blahblahblah AND I have started getting rough idle (and it stalled this morning trying to take off w/it cold). no check engine light yet, but sounds like I might go to dealer now to see if they can diagnose it early...

[fourfourto]

My last 8 digits are 868xxxxx, so does that mean I'm not in the high risk group? What's the PI?


Steve check your vin # again ,I think you have a early build,it should start with 6******* not 8*******. http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/images/icons/icon5.gif


Also for those getting close to 50K (at least a year or so for me)
Is there a check we can do ourselfs(like compresion test ?) to see if head is starting to go before warranty expires ?

[Steve - SanJose]

Steve check your vin # again ,I think you have a early build,it should start with 6******* not 8*******. http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/images/icons/icon5.gif


Also for those getting close to 50K (at least a year or so for me)
Is there a check we can do ourselfs(like compresion test ?) to see if head is starting to go before warranty expires ?

442 - Thanks for the pointer. Correction, my last 8 digits of my vin are 6810xxxx, so that does put me in the higher risk group. My rig was purchased in early July 2005.

[StarsnBars]

Compression check could show problem. Wouldnt hurt to know the numbers to look for . If its still running smooth the numbers will probably be close on each cylinder. Im going to check mine this weekend in our garage. Were doing a test and tune on our late model stock car so the shop will be all mine. Im getting terrable MPG. My service rep at my dealership has been top notch , but when I take it in Ill allready have info on compression to compare with what they find. Good luck fft

[lance-n]

I started to have an occasional rough idle a few weeks ago, but I changed the fuel filter and used an injector cleaner at each of the last couple fill ups. The rough idle seems to have gone away. It may have just been bad fuel or some water in the fuel. I have not experienced any significant change in mpg either. I have not had the check engine light come on yet and my last 8 in the vin is 6814XXXX, so this one is in the higher risk group, too. It was a July 2005 build and I now have 14,600 miles. Unfortunately Onstar doesn't work here and I am over 1,000 miles from a certified Hummer shop. Is there a way I can view the same report that Onstar would receive?
So, I am just going to cross my fingers and hope it doesn't come back.

[fourfourto]

Compression check could show problem. Wouldnt hurt to know the numbers to look for . If its still running smooth the numbers will probably be close on each cylinder. Im going to check mine this weekend in our garage. Were doing a test and tune on our late model stock car so the shop will be all mine. Im getting terrable MPG. My service rep at my dealership has been top notch , but when I take it in Ill allready have info on compression to compare with what they find. Good luck fft

List that info on the compresssion #'s. if you get a chance .
It should be easy to access the plugs,I have a compression tester.http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif

Good info to keep on file ,that way when I hit 49,000 miles I could check it myself before the warranty expires.
Others:grouphug: getting close to 50K could also test for peace of mind.:beerchug:



Steve I bet you felt relaxed for a couple hours there.http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/images/icons/icon12.gif

[Dani]

Had to have my H3 fixed twice for this problem. Just got it back about a week and a half ago. Seems to run fine now. My only issue is that my gauges/odometer keep going out now. They'll work for a while then be completely gone. Not sure why this is happening but I've also been smelling a nasty burning smell when I'm stopped at a light. Not so much when I'm driving down the highway though. I take it to the dealer again tomorrow. I think I'll head over to the sales dept to see what I can come up with there. Either a nice new H3 '07 or possibly an H2......


OH and I wanted to add that both times that I've had this problem (engine issue)- I've asked OnStar to run their diagnostics test and they've told me both times that there were no issues whatsoever that come up in their test. I have no clue how or what they do to run a check but I'm not yet convinced that it works too well.

[dukein]

After 18mos just about 12kmi, got "check engine light" ON (ouch!). Took it to SV HUMMER for diagnostics, service tech found cylinder misfire, cleared error. I have found there's 9 H3's waiting for head replacement. Next couple of days, it came back. Took it to place of purchase, confirmed misfire on cyl #2, waited two weeks for parts. Part finally came .... on surgery as we speak .

[Steve - SanJose]

After 18mos just about 12kmi, got "check engine light" ON (ouch!). Took it to SV HUMMER for diagnostics, service tech found cylinder misfire, cleared error. I have found there's 9 H3's waiting for head replacement. Next couple of days, it came back. Took it to place of purchase, confirmed misfire on cyl #2, waited two weeks for parts. Part finally came .... on surgery as we speak .

Where's SV HUMMER? Did they give you a decent loaner truck?

[dukein]

SV Hummer is in Dela Cruz Blvd right-off 101. They offered me an H2 for a loaner (sweet!). btw, i didn't take the H2 loaner, since i can't be the 10th H3 needing head replacement. Went to another shop, just 2weeks wait, parts are already in.

[Steve - SanJose]

SV Hummer is in Dela Cruz Blvd right-off 101. They offered me an H2 for a loaner (sweet!).

Good to know about getting a decent loaner! Keep us posted on the results. I also have an 06 H3 with 35K miles so far.