My 2006 HHR (68K miles) has the dreaded flex pipe leak. The exhaust shop will fix (weld) for about $250 but suggested I have the dealership replace as it should be covered by the 8/80 emissions warranty. My dilemma is the dealer wants $136 to diagnose, and, if it is covered by the warranty then I won't pay the $136, but if they decide it's not covered then I do pay the $136 and will still need to get repaired.

I know this topic is covered elswhere but I am wondering if anyone can suggest a way to have the dealer inspect the car (for little or no charge) and/or if there is anything I can provide to the dealer to convince them it should be covered (I have called Chevy and another dealer and both say it likely won't be covered). Thanks much!

 

The warranty does include the flex pipe/catalytic converter. We had that repaired free by the dealership on our 06 a few months ago.

 

It's covered. If you have seen the crack, take it to another dealership.

 

Worse come to worse, the part is now under $200 and there are only 5 bolts involved + the os sensor(s). I did mine in under an hour on jackstands when the part cost upwards of $300. In other words, if the muffler shop wanted $250 to half ass repair, go to a parts website (like Rockauto) and get the price for the part and show it to them, it would be identical labor for a real repair. I would think $100 labor + $210 for the part.

 

What 'worse comes to worse'?? The item is covered. Period. As well as the diagnosis. Any vehicle sold in the United States for the first 8 years/80000 miles. Regardless of what kind of vehicle it is. Take it to your dealership; they'll fix it. They really don't have a choice. If you just want to spend the money, like donbrew did, unless his vehicle was outside of the limits, you can, but you don't have to.

 

donbrew was indeed outside 80,000. Also, the dealer will try to weasel out if, for instance you have a broken motor mount (not normal wear) or somebody pulled the exhaust system with a come-along as in my case, (don't ask why or what or how it is way too long and stupid, but the dealer accidentally gave me the $400 part) . That's "worse comes to worse".

My point was that it is relatively cheap and easy to do, and a muffler shop offering to weld for $50 less than a real repair is ridiculous. And a weld on the flex would not hold.

 

Thanks to all for the comments. Still a bit unsure what to do here as this is the response I have gotten so far...

"The 8/80k emissions warranty is a select component warranty. It only
covers the catalytic converter & power train control module if they cause
you to fail an emissions test. Any failure other than that would have been
covered under your original 3/36k bumper to bumper warranty.

If all you are having is a noise/exhaust leak, it most likely won't be a
covered item under the 8/80k warranty."

I would greatly appreciate any thoughts on how to address this response to ensure it is covered.

Thanks again.

 

Go to another dealer.

 

exhaust leak would cause emission test failure. If not a CEL for the O2 sensor, then just the leak is enough, since it could cause death.

 

How did you know the flex pipe had a leak? Did it show a code or did the engine sound different?