Just learned a lesson the hard way... No thanks to ACDelco.

Being an avid user of GM replacement parts I just ordered on E Bay a Cabin filter for my latest purchase of a 2011 HHR 1LT.
This is number 9 for me and I always go over each one and do all the required maintenance immediately.
In the past I have always ordered 2 AC filters at a time but this time I only ordered One because I was not certain why the pricing had changed so much.
Well...My suspicions were confirmed when the one I ordered arrived yesterday and I went to install it.
Priced at $11.39 with free shipping sounded to good to be true but it stated it was an AC Professional Cabin Air Filter and That was on the packaging when I received it.
The Catch ..... The part numbers.
It came in a sealed clear plastic bag with All Legitimate AC Delco labeling but right on the front it said " Made In China" OH OH.
Also,
Instead of AC number CF 125 it shows CF 1125F

Instead of GM #52493319 it shows #19338007

If you did not have the OE GM part number locked in your head, it is very easy to make this (what I now consider) mistake in ordering.

Why GM, AC Delco would allow this piece of junk to be made with there trusted AC name on it is to say the least Very Disappointing.
I honestly feel it borders Bait and Switch or Catch me if you Can marketing.

When I went to install this I only got it in about half way in and one side totally buckled. I paused and tried to figure out if I could actually even get it properly installed. I went and got a large flat head screw driver to push that side while pushing the other side by hand.
Then the other side totally buckled.
As far as I am concerned it is not Properly Installable.
I have probably installed 10 of these without a single failure using the OE GM Filter.
Yes they are a bit tight to re-install and you have to be careful where and how you push on them. Been there done that.
These China filters are a disgrace to the AC Brand Name in my opinion.

Silverfox

 

Sad, this is why I switched to the K&N washable cabin air filter! Every three months a wash , rinse and go!

 

Do you seriously think GM doesn't source from the lowest bidder, then mark up to GM prices?

Personally, I have had no trouble with "the cheapest I can get" from the local auto parts store.

 

Personally ... I don't care who they source thru as long as it ends up as a viable product that reflects their past quality standards.

They already have that situation in their OE Products. Some made in the USA and also some made else ware, but in this case the product is just plain sub standard for any price.

Because they already had a product to fill the need I think they felt they were missing the lower end pricing of the off brands and this was an attempt to capture some of that market.
Looks to me like they Boo Booed and nobody so far has caught their mistake.
I questioned the construction as soon as I looked at the cheaper filter.
Don't they even test this stuff ??
A product that is not useable is worth "Nothing" ...

SF

 

What does "lowest bidder" mean to you?

Especially since Delphi doesn't supply GM anymore, if they are still in business. (formerly the DEL in AC/Delco)

 

Don,

My issue is not, nor do I care about lowest bidder. That is the manufactures issue.
Price alone does not cut it with me.


My issue is about buying their products as a retail customer and finding out that they are now using the AC Delco name on some of their products without delivering the same quality that has been associated with that name for many years.
Sure you pay less and get less but if it does not even work what's the point in selling it.

Would you accept a product from a Brand Name supplier like AC after using that brand flawlessly for over 50 years and then all of a sudden realize they have totally let you down. That is how I look at this transaction.
I am just letting others know that there is an issue here and they can make their own minds up if they are comfortable still using AC and especially this particular application.

I solved my problem by letting the E Bay seller know what happened to me and also so that maybe he can re-value his relationship with AC Delco products. Does he want to deal with the returns and losses taken keeping an E Bay 100% feedback score alive.

I have already re-ordered the Genuine AC Delco O.E. parts to replace this mistake.

Just a another Bump in the Road.

Silverfox

 

Silverfox.....

At a recent GM retiree breakfast I was informed by a person recently retired that GM is having some problems with counterfeit AC filters. They are working with U.S. Customs regarding an attempt to stop this. You may have purchased one of those. Where did you buy it.....GM dealer or authorized AC/Delco outlet or some internet outlet?

Oh, he also stated that all the AC markings look authentic.

 

I have only replaced the cabin filter in my HHR twice now. The first time I was experiencing low air volume when I used the AC. I found a mouse nest where the filter used to be.

The second time I pulled the filter to clean it with the air compressor and found it had gotten wet and had mold growing on it. No reduced air flow that time I just thought it was time to check it.

I bought the cheapest filter NAPA had on hand. The first one was almost $15.00 the second was on sale for $9.88. Every spring and again in the fall I blow it off with the air compressor and give it a blast of Royal pine essential oil.

I really like Royal pine flavor so it works for me.

 

Snoopy,

That is really interesting. That could explain what is going on.

I bought from OEWharehouse on E Bay but there are many others on E Bay with the same or similar listings.
I find it strange that Customs could not check all of these outlets in short order if they are Bogus. Maybe they are working on it but in the mean time many people are getting a raw deal.
I will with hold my judgment until I see how the E Bay seller responds to this issue. That is not the place to be selling this junk as between Pay Pal and E bay they cannot weasel out of making the buyer hole if there is a legitimate problem.
I must say, the packaging really looks authentic to me.
That really makes me wonder if this issue has possibly migrated to some of the Retail Auto Parts locations too.

One thing that made me a little nervous when scanning thru all the listings on E Bay this time was that there were no filters for sale in the AC Delco individual box like there was the last time I bought some.
On the other hand the product shipped to me was a different part number then the Original filter.
But then again as Don mentioned earlier the Original Filter was a Delphi Product with a part number #52493319
There are some of the listings selling with that old part number and stating the manufacturer is GM.

It looks to me like SilverFox might be getting outfoxed ??

SF

 

I think you're just supposed to smell it, not drink it!!