[jammadave]

Hey guys - there are a few minor issues with my new 2004, but I figure that's to be expected on a truck that's been sitting on a lot for a year... Can ya let me know if there are TSBs or anything on the following?

VIN number ends in B103506 - dont know how many digits of that are normally used.

Issues:

1. Bed has a leak at the right rear corner, water on carpet (I bought a convertible on a rainy day, whodathunkit) - Dealer included in "we owe" statement.

2. Compartment in underside of bed cover liner doesn't stay latched - comes open when bed cover is shut. Dealer put in "we owe" as well, and I notice the 05s have a twist latch instead of a spring latch.

3. Cabin leak at right rear roofline, maybe passenger window corner. Didn't notice this and the rest til after we left the dealer in our new ride.

4. Weatherstripping on driver's side A-pillar buckled in the middle. (the part you can see while driving)

5. When bed cover is closed (solidly, with force) and tailgate is closed after, right rear corner of bed cover pops up a little if not held down. This we just noticed today, may be the cause of #1?

6. Steering wheel squeaks when turned, like leather-on-leather rubbing.

7. Driver's seat squeaking against center console, but I think I know the fix for this.

8. Ever-present clicky whirr of the HVAC fan - kind of like a bicycle with cards n the spokes, happens at all speeds, not just on 2 as I've heard about the motor.

9. Big ol' dent in the silver engine cover

10. A burr *and* a dent on the shifter ball.

Also, not exactly an issue yet, but anybody out there making a stronger prop rod for the hood?

Man, all my problems are mainly QC type things, maybe minor in and of themselves but some, like the leaks, could turn into big issues. I love the car but maybe I got a Friday built one... Obviously I can get it all fixed, and certainly under warranty, but anyone have insight on any of this? - I did a search on a few of these things but didn't find everything out about them.

Thanks!
Dave

 

[wildcat66]

The bed cover should not be slammed shut! Just pull it down and make sure you hear the latch, catch. I had a problem with this issue when mine was new. after a few times of shutting it will close easier. I also have a small "burr" on my shifter, doesn't bother me though.

 

[jammadave]

Well i don't slam it - I use about the same force I used to use on my Vette's hatch when the doors and windows were all shut - just a bit more than if gravity were doing it.

 

[wildcat66]

sorry you said solidly with force. I guess I thought you meant slam!!!

Just push it til it latches, and see if this makes a difference. At first I even had to push down on each side to get it to latch. But now it works from the middle and both sides latch.

 

[mikepowell]

I've noticed that if I leave the bed cover open for a long time the struts become stiffer making it harder to shut.
if you notice this let up on the cover a little then it's easy the second time :flag

 

[jammadave]

wait, i'm not having a problem with it shutting, and latching - but then I shut the tailgate and it pops up a little bit - not unlatched, but just no longer flush at the edge with the rail and tail.

 

[mikepowell]

sorry...

just some unsolicited info! it sounds like some alignment problems, just simple adjustments.
hopefully :flag
p.s. mabie I'm too forgiving but I expect some leaks in a convertible

 

[beer100]

3. Cabin leak at right rear roofline, maybe passenger window corner. Didn't notice this and the rest til after we left the dealer in our new ride.

This one is the most important to get fixed. Having mildew get established inside the cabin is no treat.


4. Weatherstripping on driver's side A-pillar buckled in the middle. (the part you can see while driving)

I have this one too. I did get a chance to talk to a Quality Rep from Lansing. He told me the guys on the line use a combination of heat and pressure to allievate the problem. I tried but my heat gun fu is not strong enough. The buckle returned after a couple of days. I'm going to try a bit of two sided tape next.

8. Ever-present clicky whirr of the HVAC fan - kind of like a bicycle with cards n the spokes, happens at all speeds, not just on 2 as I've heard about the motor.

Something has gotten into the duct work. From past experience with another vehicle I'd suggest having the fan blades replaced. The blade edges will have been damaged. That damage will cause the fans to be much noiser.

Also, not exactly an issue yet, but anybody out there making a stronger prop rod for the hood?

It been discussed before. GM heard, and changed the 05's to use gas struts. There is no current fix for the 04's. If your prop rod ever collapses, replace it. They cannot be straightened. There's been lots of talk about retrofitting the 05 struts on 04's, but to be best of my memory, no one has reported it being accomplished.

 

[Marc NY]

New Retro-fiting Hood Struts for 03 & 04s

... It been discussed before. GM heard, and changed the 05's to use gas struts. There is no current fix for the 04's. If your prop rod ever collapses, replace it. They cannot be straightened. There's been lots of talk about retrofitting the 05 struts on 04's, but to be best of my memory, no one has reported it being accomplished.

GM is coming out soon with a new retro-fit "hood strut" accessory kit for 03-04 for those that might want to convert over to the newer designed 05 hood struts. When I find out the new part number I will be glad to share it.

Please don't revisit that it should be a Safety recall issue. Hood props have been around for decades. It was made available for those that would like the newer design. I truly believe GM listened to our members on our site and decided to make that kit available to us.

 

[Daffy]

wait, i'm not having a problem with it shutting, and latching - but then I shut the tailgate and it pops up a little bit - not unlatched, but just no longer flush at the edge with the rail and tail.

Mine did this as well, simple alignment cured it. Look at the how the cover aligns at the corners and that should tell the story. Also had to realign the latching mechanism as it wasn't high enough to complete the catch on the cover on the right rear. Make sure both latches are receiving the catches in the middle too. Mine closes perfectly now and when I hit the button it opens all the way.

The leak on the passenger side window is another story. Almost looks like a design issue. I believe the dealer will have to fix it unless one of you board veterans have the solution

 

[wildcat66]

GM is coming out soon with a new retro-fit "hood strut" accessory kit for 03-04 for those that might want to convert over to the newer designed 05 hood struts. When I find out the new part number I will be glad to share it.

Please don't revisit that it should be a Safety recall issue. Hood props have been around for decades. It was made available for those that would like the newer design. I truly believe GM listened to our members on our site and decided to make that kit available to us.

This is great news and I don't mind paying for a newer designed hood strut.

 

[WOW_FCTR]

bed cover

wait, i'm not having a problem with it shutting, and latching - but then I shut the tailgate and it pops up a little bit - not unlatched, but just no longer flush at the edge with the rail and tail.

I have the same problem, but with mine I can actually close the bed cover a little harder and then it will latch below flush with the rail. Then when I close the tail gate the bed cover will pop up a little bit and become flush with the rail.

 

[jammadave]

This is great news and I don't mind paying for a newer designed hood strut.

Seconded.

 

[Boosted]

I will be sticking with the hood prop..The struts might not work to well with the new fiberglass hood...

 

[jammadave]

I will be sticking with the hood prop..The struts might not work to well with the new fiberglass hood...

Sure they will, you can use the hood as a catapult in a pinch.

Now, what of this fiberglas hood?

 

[mikepowell]

guess this means you're still optomistic!

I will be sticking with the hood prop..The struts might not work to well with the new fiberglass hood...

I hope the new rear end resolves all and we all can benefit from your mods :flag

 

[freezer]

I suspect that one of your bed cover latches is not fully fastening. There should be no movement when you shut the tailgate.

 

[jammadave]

Thanks guys - any thoughts on my other stuff?

 

[Boosted]

I hope the new rear end resolves all and we all can benefit from your mods :flag

Thanks Mike... I hope so also, I know yall are tired of reading my gripes by now.

The fiberglass hood was shown on here a while back with a ram air type scoop in it... When it is finished I will have one!

 

[JeffDBFl]

Have not gotten tired of your gripes. Just hope it all gets fixed to your satisfaction.