2015 Equinox Inoperative Purge Solenoid Campaign - Extended Warranty (Recall)

10634 Views 16 Replies 7 Participants Last post by repairman54, 6 d ago

BandDirector

Discussion Starter · Sep 15, 2018 (Edited)

2

So I got a letter from GM back in July 2018 that said as an owner of a 2015 Equinox, I may have an inoperative purge solenoid and the condition could result in no start, idle stall, and possible drivability issues such as hesitation. The driver may see a check engine light, and may notice a ticking noise and variation in idle speed. I've had all of these issues at one time or another. GM has extended the warranty on the purge solenoid to 10 years / 120,000 miles.

I had the check engine light like a week before I got the letter and bought a cheap code scanner and it was P0496. I cleared the code to see how long it would take to come back. Then the letter showed up and I took it to my dealer the first week of August. The dealer gave me the run around and said they're not sure why I got the letter and they can't see that my VIN is covered under this campaign. I pointed out that the letter said that this letter applies to my VIN number as stated at the top of the letter. Since my check engine light wasn't on at the moment, they wouldn't even check to see if it was in the history (which it still is according to my code scanner). I left my dealer not happy at all.

Now it's 2 months later and FINALLY my check engine light came on again yesterday. Sure enough it's P0496 which is the purge solenoid. Didn't clear the code and I now have an appointment again next Sat. and I'll deal with them again.

Anyone else get the letter and have it replaced without hassle? The ticking noise is INCREDIBLY loud while sitting at stop lights! I've always thought it was normal fuel pump sounds due to the Direct Injection systems. This is my 1st vehicle that uses DI. I've also had to put it in neutral and rev the motor to keep it from stalling at red lights because of the crazy idle at times. I'm at 93K miles now, so I wasn't really that worried about it since it was long out of warranty...

I'll attach pics of the letter. Log in to view them.

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Colt Hero

· #2 · Sep 15, 2018 (Edited)

I changed that EVAP Purge Valve for the same P0496 code on my 3.0L 2011 last November at 112,000 miles. On my engine it faces the firewall and is a little awkward to remove, but it’s just one 10mm bolt, a hose connection, and a plug. On your 3.6L it might be easier (is it right up front near the radiator??).

Part was # 12610560 for *my* engine. About $35 from RockAuto. Haven’t had any problems since. It was the idling issue like they mention.

I’d just replace it and stay away from the dealer. Never received any letter about it from GM. Vehicle was approaching 7 years old at that point...

BandDirector

Discussion Starter · #3 · Sep 22, 2018

Left the check engine light on and dealer is now going to replace the purge solenoid under warranty... of course they have to order the part, so it'll be a few more days.

JayTee2014

· #4 · Sep 23, 2018 (Edited)

BandDirector said:
Left the check engine light on and dealer is now going to replace the purge solenoid under warranty... of course they have to order the part, so it'll be a few more days.

I also got the letter back in July. No issues with our 3.6L so far, but we only just went over 30,000 miles. I do occasionally hear a tick-tick-tick noise at idle, but it isn't very loud and comes and goes.
That said, these purge vale solenoids have become a maintenance item on many brands of cars and trucks. I replaced one on daughter's 2014 Sonic at 77,000 miles.
They say topping off "over filling" the gas tank will cause and early failure also.
I''m thinking the high failure rate on these devices may be due to higher EPA regulations and the 0n/off duty cycle of it eventually wears it out.
It isn't a costly item ($20 to $40 usually) and easy to replace on many cars and trucks.

But if GM will cover it . . may as well use their coverage.
The trucks with v8s really have a high incidence of failure on them.

Me . .if mine goes i may just do it myself rather than let a low paid newby tech mess with it and wreck something else in the process. And guess who they are likely to assign the job to? My dealer used to have a lot of veteran techs. Most are now gone to other jobs or independent shops because dealers don't want to may tech for just being there when needed. They want to pay per job which leads to in fighting and favoritism and sometimes even payoffs to the service writers to get assigned to a good paying non warranty job when it comes in.
I have a neighbor who was a tech at my local Chevy dealer for 30 years. He now runs his own lawn care business and also does propane deliveries in Fall through Spring. He told me the last few years he worked as a tech it stopped being fun and rewarding. Too much to deal with just to get a pay check.

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BandDirector

Discussion Starter · #5 · Oct 10, 2018

I'm SHOCKED at how much better my Nox runs and the ticking is quieter too! Dealer just completed repair and charged GM $590 according to the ticket! I guess I'd just gotten so use to how it was running I'd forgotten how smooth it once was... Glad GM stepped up and fixed this problem under warranty!

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1999 White C5 Coupe

· #6 · Oct 10, 2018

BandDirector said:
I'm SHOCKED at how much better my Nox runs and the ticking is quieter too! Dealer just completed repair and charged GM $590 according to the ticket! I guess I'd just gotten so use to how it was running I'd forgotten how smooth it once was... Glad GM stepped up and fixed this problem under warranty!

What part(s) were replaced, and what was the part(s) cost and labor cost?

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BandDirector

Discussion Starter · #7 · Oct 10, 2018

1999 White C5 Coupe said:
What part(s) were replaced, and what was the part(s) cost and labor cost?

-REPLACE EVAP CANNISTER VALVE (Part number 012690512) Units 0.6 (Hours I'm guessing)

However, it also appears that my 2nd concern was "Poor Idle" it says they spent 5.1 units on that. I'm guessing that's what jumped the bill up to $594.59 under FAC WARRANTY. I didn't pay a cent, so whatever makes them happy and in good graces with GM I guess...

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Colt Hero

· #8 · Oct 10, 2018

Sounds like a fake bill to me. Just like the fake invoice game, dealerships generate fake bills, too.

I doubt GM paid what that bill showed.

I had the same symptoms on my Nox, replaced that same part myself for $35, and no more problems. Took me 30 minutes - and only because it was in an awkward position facing the firewall.

Probably went the same way with your vehicle, but then someone made it look like they went the extra mile when they only took two steps.

BandDirector

Discussion Starter · #9 · Oct 10, 2018

...or maybe the dealer is charging GM for all the time I spent in their waiting room.

It took 3 trips to the dealer and close to 6 hours of my time

-1st trip, spent 2 hours there for them to tell me my car wasn't covered under the campaign, even though I had the letter in my hand showing it to them that said it was...
-2nd trip, spent 2 hours for them to finally agree that it was covered under the campaign and after they did all the diagnostics, agreed to cover it, but then said they didn't have the part.
-3rd trip, fixed it. The service writer at first said the part is on national back order, but it appears that they got my part in... spent 2 hours again this morning for them to fix it.

...at least they had free coffee in the waiting room

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Colt Hero

· #10 · Oct 11, 2018

BandDirector said:
-1st trip, spent 2 hours there for them to tell me my car wasn't covered under the campaign, even though I had the letter in my hand showing it to them that said it was...

That’s probably because dealerships have been presenting so much fraudulent paperwork to customers for so long, that they’re finally starting to see some customers doing it to *them*. LOL!

[email protected]

· #11 · 7 d ago

Colt Hero said:
That’s probably because dealerships have been presenting so much fraudulent paperwork to customers for so long, that they’re finally starting to see some customers doing it to them. LOL!

Are 2015 3.6 terrains covered as well?

Colt Hero

· #12 · 7 d ago

[email protected] said:
Are 2015 3.6 terrains covered as well?

I would think so ... I mean ... @BandDirector has the 3.6L in his 2015. Normally, these things are by Engine, not Model ... unless its something that only appears on one or the other Model.

But really ... is it worth getting jerked around at the Dealership for $25? And then they find something else wrong, or break something else, and you end up getting whacked for 10x the simple repair...

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[email protected]

· #13 · 6 d ago

Colt Hero said:
I would think so ... I mean ... @BandDirector has the 3.6L in his 2015. Normally, these things are by Engine, not Model ... unless its something that only appears on one or the other Model.

But really ... is it worth getting jerked around at the Dealership for $25? And then they find something else wrong, or break something else, and you end up getting whacked for 10x the simple repair...

View attachment 19519

Thanks Colt Hero... I got a quick question. Mine is making the ticking more times than not and it's relatively noisy but my idle and acceleration are completely fine. Is the ticking alone enough to necessitate replacement? I think you are right. If it does need to be replaced I will just do it myself.

rbarrios

· #14 · 6 d ago

They do indeed tick.
My new 2023 traverse is extremely quiet.
I can readily hear the purge valve on the new traverse.
Also can hear it on the 2013 equinox.
116,000 and 10 yrs later with the nox, my wife said she has no idea what im talking about.

GM has a bulletin on this ticking for the traverse.
Simple 'fix'.
Take it in and theyll fix it for free.
It does indeed quiet it down 80 to 90%.
I didnt want to spend time to drop off, find a ride, get told theyll order the part, go back, return and repeat.
I ordered the parts myself and installed them.
Much cheaper.... and i do it right.

Maybe the fix will work on the equinox?

Part #, pics, and how to

www.traverseforum.com

How to fix: Engine compartment tick/rattle noise.

2nd gen owners may hear a fast ticking,clicking, or rattle like noise inside the vehicle. Usually at a stop or slow speeds. It may sound like its coming from the dash area. Sometimes it happens sometimes not. This is caused by the purge valve. Pressure pulsations are amplified as they travel...

www.traverseforum.com

www.traverseforum.com

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Colt Hero

· #15 · 6 d ago

[email protected] said:
Thanks Colt Hero... I got a quick question. Mine is making the ticking more times than not and it's relatively noisy but my idle and acceleration are completely fine. Is the ticking alone enough to necessitate replacement?

Well, you’re talking to Mr. “Leave Well Enough Alone”. I only start thinking about changing parts when I see symptoms. And then it takes a lot more observation before I actually do anything. I’m never in any hurry.

In the case of this Purge Solenoid, it threw a Code on my Nox, replacing the part was the known “fix”, so I replaced it.

rbarrios

· #16 · 6 d ago

I think it depends on the owner.
What frequencies they can hear.
Like said, 10 yrs and the wife says she has no idea what im talking about... and its her daily driver.
I hop in, and as soon as it starts making the noise im aware of it.
Ive seen this on the forums for equinox, terrain, traverse,acadia, enclave, cruze, colorado etc.
I was wondering if GM would have 'fixed' it for 2023...
Happily waited for mine to get built to see if they implemented a fix.
When i got it... nope.
Ordered the parts and strapped them on.
Can i hear it still? Yeah, very faint.

repairman54

· #17 · 6 d ago

The pulse venting of the fuel tank seems to be GM's standard system. At least the valve is usually engine mounted to dampen most of the sound of it cycling. That plastic tubing seems to be the biggest problem carrying sound but plastic is more longer lasting than rubber so they can exceed the Govt. minimums for EVAP systems longevity.
Just my observations along with that riding around with the tunes turned off is detrimental to the OCD vehicle owners' health and well-being....

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