Car repair second opinion/advice needed

[ezmobee]

Our 2007 Chevy Impala is at the shop right now because the check engine light is on. They told me it needs a new bypass hose (mine is clogged and it is not serviceable) which apparently goes from the airbox past the airpump or something like that. And, of course, this hose is $120 installed. Does anybody know what this is and is it something I can order and install myself? They said it's going to take up to 4 days to get the part so I have some time. Hopefully I'll have a part number on the invoice when I pick the car up this evening.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Car repair second opinion/advice needed

I'd take the car to an auto parts store that will scan the codes for free. There are several major chains that offer the service, Advanced Auto, Auto Zone, and our local NAPA to mention a few. Compare the results, it doesn't cost a thing. Abd a second opinion never hurt.

 

[v1_0]

Re: Car repair second opinion/advice needed

Our 2007 Chevy Impala is at the shop right now because the check engine light is on. They told me it needs a new bypass hose (mine is clogged and it is not serviceable) which apparently goes from the airbox past the airpump or something like that. And, of course, this hose is $120 installed. Does anybody know what this is and is it something I can order and install myself? They said it's going to take up to 4 days to get the part so I have some time. Hopefully I'll have a part number on the invoice when I pick the car up this evening.

If it's just a hose, and you have a bit of time: why not. Have them show you the hose when you get there, so you know where it is... That's usually half the problem. It may even have writing on it telling you its size or part number. Then go off to the local autoparts store to see if they have it sooner...

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Car repair second opinion/advice needed

How many miles on the car? Cause an 07 is within factory warranty, based on time alone.

And while I have never owned or driven an 07 Impala, I have driven or owned 5 Impalas between the 2000 and 2004 model years, and none of them had an air pump on them. And the 3.5 V6 is the same basic engine as my 3.4s. You need more explanation of the part, it's location, it's function, and how it would get plugged. Maybe there is another problem with the car causing it?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Car repair second opinion/advice needed

50k miles. I've only have a powertrain warranty at this point. I have the receipt in front of me now and it says diagnosis: faulty bypass hose to AIR pump. I was just wondering if anyone knew anything about this part because $120 sounds a little steep for a hose.

On the plus side, they didn't charge me anything for the diagnosis. This is at my local small chevy dealer and I do trust them. They are the best shop I have dealt with and my 2 Chevy's are now serviced there exclusively. Their labor rate is high as it is at most dealers but they will often charge only quarter or half hours for quick jobs so I've found them to be fair. Most importantly whatever I take there to be fixed is fixed right the first time. However today I was just kinda taken back by a $120 hose.

 

[Wingnutt]

Re: Car repair second opinion/advice needed

Check your federal emissions warranty on that hose. Most emissions components are warrantied for 50, 75 or 100k miles depending on the part. I'm not saying that the dealership doesn't know how to fix the problem, but they should have checked the federally mandated warranties too.

 

[sportsmanphil]

Re: Car repair second opinion/advice needed

Check your federal emissions warranty on that hose. Most emissions components are warrantied for 50, 75 or 100k miles. I'm not saying that the place you took it to is out for a few extra $$ at your expense, but they should have checked the federally mandated warranties too.

This is close to correct Its 8 years and 80K miles federal emissions warranty. The airpump and its components are a part of the emissions and therefore covered by the federal emissions warranty.

With your owners manual there is a smaller book that covers your FEW. Go educate your service advisor

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Car repair second opinion/advice needed

Please take a picture of the AIR pump, I'd love to see where it is.

 

[sportsmanphil]

Re: Car repair second opinion/advice needed

Please take a picture of the AIR pump, I'd love to see where it is.

The airpumps on those engines were not belt driven like the old days, they were small and electric motor powered.

Here ya go. http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/wilkin4/?action=view&current=air_pump.jpg

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Car repair second opinion/advice needed

According to my research the emissions warranty is 50k miles. I have 50,500. $%^& me!

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Car repair second opinion/advice needed

Thanks for the picture, but i have never seen anything like that in the engine bay of my Impalas.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: Car repair second opinion/advice needed

Im not up on alot of the new car stuff,but from the looks of that thing I know someone made sure that you wouldnt be going to autozone and getting a cheap one and that the dealer would milk the future profits on selling them. We all know that a car is worthless with the CEL on . Nows theres a good motivator to spend cash for an overpriced part if ever there was one. I wonder if GM knows this sort of thing runs away customers...I know Ford doesnt.

 

[xtraham]

Re: Car repair second opinion/advice needed

According to my research the emissions warranty is 50k miles. I have 50,500. $%^& me!

I recommend you do some more research and searching on the 'emissions' warranty, I have a 2001 impala that some of the emissions items have been extended to 120,000 miles or 10 years, some 80,000 miles or 8 years, it's called a "special policy adjustment" this is not a recall and the owner has to become aware by research, it's a extended warranty on known problems that 'may' occur in some vehicles. The impalas had a problem with the catalytic converters that could cause this air hose to indeed fill with carbon and plug up. Do a search on your model, year, and manufacture for special policy or the known problem. If you do find something print it out and give your dealer the special policy number, I recently went through this and the dealer was not aware of the policy until I gave them the special policy number, and then they had to check it out and call me back.
Good Luck

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Car repair second opinion/advice needed

I've googled everything I can think of but haven't found anything out other than a site that has all the TSB's but you have pay $12 for access to them.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Car repair second opinion/advice needed

The TSB's are usually filed by VIN and manufacture date. Most dealerships should look them up and do that for free.

You do need to check the emmisions warranty but I will bet the pump falls under it but not the hose