In September when we went to Alabama for Fabgrandpa to have surgery on his nose, the dashboard indicator light came on for some weird thing that said “Service Traction Control”. Nothing happened to the car, which is a good thing, because we were barreling down I-20 towards Birmingham at a high rate of speed. The light went off when we stopped the first time. That was also good because we were in a hurry to get to the clinic.
A month or so later, it happened again. And again, nothing happened, and the light went off. This has happened several times now. In addition to that, all of a sudden when we were going down the road a couple of months ago, something under the dash started thumping very loudly. Every time we touched any of the air conditioner controls, the car made that loud noise.
The noise starts when we get in the car, before we even insert the key in the ignition. It continues until we get started down the road. It is very annoying, and embarrassing when someone goes somewhere with us.
Last week, we got a letter from Chevrolet. It said:
“This letter is intended to make you aware that some 2010 model year Chevrolet Impala vehicles may have a broken solder connection within the accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor. This condition may result in reduced engine power and loss of traction control assist. All other accessories and vehicle systems will function normally. While the condition is present, the driver information center will display “Engine Power is Reduced,” and may also display “Service Traction Control” and “Service Stabilitrak”.
The letter went on to explain that “General Motors is providing owners with additional protection for the condition described above.” They are NOT calling it a recall. Hmmpf.
So, we made an appointment to take the car in and get the additional protection they are providing us. At the same time we are having them repair that thing under the dash that make the loud thumping noise. They have to keep the car overnight to complete these repairs, so we had to get a rental car from Enterprise. No, they no longer provide a loaner car when you get service done on your car.
The rental car was a bargain, though. The Chevrolet dealership has a deal with Enterprise, so that we can get the rental from them for $35 a night. Plus gas. No milage charge. What a deal.
Can you guess how much it is going to cost us to get rid of that loud thumping noise under the dash? Go on, take a guess!
Sandy says
Well, when you said that it did it when you got in the car and even before a key was put in the ignition, I immediately thought that maybe an animal had set up residence under your hood. So…going with that thought, I have no idea how much critter control is in your area! =o) Just be glad (even though you have to pay for the repair) that the technician heard the noise. I can’t tell you how many times we have taken in a car for a noise/rattle only for it not to do it there…so frustrating!
Brenda Haines says
My mom’s car has been in the shop for over a week now, the brain went on it.. So while sh’e waiting she’s been borrowing my mini van.. I feel like offering to help the mechanic lol Did I mention she borrows mine a lot??
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
Your dealership used to give you loaners when you had service done. That is totally unheard of here – wow.
Jeannette says
We had a situation like this happen recently and it does cost a pretty penny! But man, I loved my rental car – it made me want to trade mine in once I got it back – LOL!
Crystal says
I’m too scared for you to know! I’m hoping it’s a great bargain!
Elizabeth @ Being MVP says
I hope it’s not too much! But neat that you got a cool rental car.
satrntgr says
You were smart to take it in!! My husband is a Senior Master Mechanic and too many times people don’t follow the recall or the lights going on, which can result in ever more trouble if you let it go!! I know my Saturn had a recall a few years back and I had to get an axle replaced since the piece was cracking when people drove, which made the tires both go horizontal instead of vertical which in motion!!! You have to be sure to get things fixed!
Kim Delatorre (@shopwithmemama) says
Oh boy, I hate car problems! I bet it will cost you about $250?
Owen's Mom says
Okay, I don’t want to even ask. Seems like the simplest repairs always cost the most! I still remember how my Dad used to work on our cars on the weekend. They now have so many computers and electronics you have to take it in for repairs. How it gets fixed quickly and affordably… but more importantly, that you are safe.
Liz Mays says
Ah I hope it didn’t end up costing too much. At least you get to use a rental for a decent price!
@SensiblySara says
The rental car is cute!! But having a car in the shop is NO FUN.
Patty says
I’m sorry for all of your troubles with your car. It’s so frustrating. I guess $1250
Tonya says
I’m thankful that my husband is able to do most of the repairs on our vehicles. It has saved us thousands of dollars. The problem is when you have something like the loud noise coming from under the hood and have no idea what it is. Hope you can get your car issues resolved and it doesn’t make a huge dent in the wallet.