AC Delco, Remy Delco The product is defective face it. ripoff Grand Blanc Michigan
We purchased a used 2001 Oldmobile Aurora in Jan. 04. Less than thirty days into the purchase the cars control on the steering column went out, and all the dash and interior lights would just go off when they felt like it. We took it in and was told it was a faulty computer, it was replaced at our expense.
On August 18, 2004 my husband pulled into the driveway, got out came in the house for about 40 minutes and went back out to go somewhere and the car wouldn't say a word. He took my car and left, I went in the house and 10 minutes later the alarm kicked off all the windows went down and the radio was blaring. I called him he told me to disconnect the battery.
Well I pulled the backseat out, and reached for the battery and noticed the battery acid all over the tray. When I went to touch the positive cable it just fell off. When he came home he asked me why I did that, I told him it just fell off I barely touched it. We examined it and there was acid all over the terminal.
We went to the dealership and amazingly the 36 months was just up and since we didn't purchase the battery we don't have right to a warranty for the defective product. I am not happy having to take food out of my childrens mouth for a company that produces a bad product. That was 120 dollars we could have really used.
this is a copy of the letter I am sending to them:
To Whom It May Concern:
I am not satisfied with the company policy that you have concerning defective products. I do not believe that a company such as yours that has been in business for many years should treat consumers like they are unintelligent!
Yes the car I purchased came with your battery installed, and it just so happens that the car is out of the 36 month warranty by 2 weeks, but I know that it is not common place for a terminal to just fall off of a battery that is only 3 years old. That particular battery had a defect, the defect was from the manufacturer, therefore why should I as a consumer be held fully responsible for replacing that equipment just because I was not the actual purchaser of the product. Regardless of who purchased it, the item in question was DEFECTIVE.
I had to take 120 dollars and spend on a replacement battery, and take food out of my children's mouths to replace a battery that was not properly built. Is it my fault that the battery was built improperly, no its not? So why should I be wholly responsible for its replacement. The customer is allegedly always right? Well apparently not in this case. I have made this public on ripoffreport.com where I have found other dissatified customers. I feel it would be more than gracious of your company to reimburse us for half of the cost of the battery, because it was in fact a DEFECTIVE part and in that respect alone AC Delco should be at least take a partial responsibility for the product that is sold with their name on it.
Tanya
Conway, Arkansas
U.S.A.
12 Updates & Rebuttals
Let's Be Fair
San Antonio,Texas,
U.S.A.
AC Delco and Delco Remy confusion
#13Consumer Comment
Mon, January 28, 2008
It is important to be aware that AC Delco and Delco Remy are two very different companies with no relation other than they used to be suppliers to GM.
AC Delco parts are not original equipment most of the time! There is an underlying company that buys parts from the lowest bidder and puts them into AC Delco boxes. An example would be finding a "Wells" distributor cap in an Ac Delco box.
Delco Remy on the other hand is a supplier to GM for original equipment.
Delco Remy makes quality starters and alternators for automotive and heavy duty trucks.
The battery mentioned was not made nor distributed by Delco Remy.
Teresa
Holly Hill,Florida,
U.S.A.
I feel Tanya's pain. However, I faired better with my outcome.
#13Consumer Comment
Fri, October 01, 2004
For two mornings my battery was dead. Jump starting was not an easy task. It would not jump start like other batteries. My father & I noticed that only one side contact was badly corroded. I cleaned it off and then the Blazer would start. After, the second time I drove to the dealership and they called me later and stated that my bill would be over $350.00. I was shocked and asked why they explained that the battery had leaked corrosive onto the cable to the starter. I asked why the battery stated 5 year and the dealership would only give three year and therefore since my warranty was out (very recently) the cost was high. But I had a very good service advisor who went to the managers and they realized this was the same battery that was having issues of this nature. Therefore, they actually warranted my whole bill. My suggestion to anyone having this issue is to please do your research, contact a battery dealer in your area and see if they also have returns for this reason so you can have facts to present your case. Good luck.
Teresa
Holly Hill,Florida,
U.S.A.
I feel Tanya's pain. However, I faired better with my outcome.
#13Consumer Comment
Fri, October 01, 2004
For two mornings my battery was dead. Jump starting was not an easy task. It would not jump start like other batteries. My father & I noticed that only one side contact was badly corroded. I cleaned it off and then the Blazer would start. After, the second time I drove to the dealership and they called me later and stated that my bill would be over $350.00. I was shocked and asked why they explained that the battery had leaked corrosive onto the cable to the starter. I asked why the battery stated 5 year and the dealership would only give three year and therefore since my warranty was out (very recently) the cost was high. But I had a very good service advisor who went to the managers and they realized this was the same battery that was having issues of this nature. Therefore, they actually warranted my whole bill. My suggestion to anyone having this issue is to please do your research, contact a battery dealer in your area and see if they also have returns for this reason so you can have facts to present your case. Good luck.
Teresa
Holly Hill,Florida,
U.S.A.
I feel Tanya's pain. However, I faired better with my outcome.
#13Consumer Comment
Fri, October 01, 2004
For two mornings my battery was dead. Jump starting was not an easy task. It would not jump start like other batteries. My father & I noticed that only one side contact was badly corroded. I cleaned it off and then the Blazer would start. After, the second time I drove to the dealership and they called me later and stated that my bill would be over $350.00. I was shocked and asked why they explained that the battery had leaked corrosive onto the cable to the starter. I asked why the battery stated 5 year and the dealership would only give three year and therefore since my warranty was out (very recently) the cost was high. But I had a very good service advisor who went to the managers and they realized this was the same battery that was having issues of this nature. Therefore, they actually warranted my whole bill. My suggestion to anyone having this issue is to please do your research, contact a battery dealer in your area and see if they also have returns for this reason so you can have facts to present your case. Good luck.
Teresa
Holly Hill,Florida,
U.S.A.
I feel Tanya's pain. However, I faired better with my outcome.
#13Consumer Comment
Fri, October 01, 2004
For two mornings my battery was dead. Jump starting was not an easy task. It would not jump start like other batteries. My father & I noticed that only one side contact was badly corroded. I cleaned it off and then the Blazer would start. After, the second time I drove to the dealership and they called me later and stated that my bill would be over $350.00. I was shocked and asked why they explained that the battery had leaked corrosive onto the cable to the starter. I asked why the battery stated 5 year and the dealership would only give three year and therefore since my warranty was out (very recently) the cost was high. But I had a very good service advisor who went to the managers and they realized this was the same battery that was having issues of this nature. Therefore, they actually warranted my whole bill. My suggestion to anyone having this issue is to please do your research, contact a battery dealer in your area and see if they also have returns for this reason so you can have facts to present your case. Good luck.
John
Punta Gorda,Florida,
U.S.A.
I agree with .... DELCO is manufacturing "sealed maintenance free" 12-volt batteries
#13Consumer Comment
Tue, September 21, 2004
I agree with Tanya,
She is being reasonable by asking for warranty repair to cover some of her replacement costs.
DELCO is manufacturing "sealed maintenance free" 12-volt batteries. They do produce a variety of models with different warranties and sizes etc.., but they all are sealed for a reason. The reasons are many but here is just one: the customer doesn't need to maintain their battery - by adding water on a regular basis and cleaning the posts routinely. This makes it possible for the car manufacturer to hide the battery in places that are not common or even accessible to the buyer.
For instance Chrysler has been putting batteries behind the fender in front of the tire for years.
The corrosion in Tanya's car did not occur just during the two weeks after warranty ran out. It was a progressive problem. I would be willing to bet that her vehicle is not the only one that encountered this defect. It is possibly not a battery problem. It could be a faulty alternator / generator or voltage regulator. These items could have or are still sending too much voltage to the battery and causing it to over charge etc
Tanya should how ever take note that most if not all batteries warranties from a car manufacturer are fully covered and then pro rated after a certain time period up until the last month of this guarantee. This pro rata system is based on retail pricing. So, if you would be credited and had to buy a replacement at full retail price, it would have cost you more than if you went to a discount auto parts store or repair facility.
It seems that you have a case that would be decided by a factory official or representative. It would probably break down to his mood on that particular day if he were to decide in your favor.
Keep an eye on the new battery and inspect it on a normal basis.
Good Luck.
Tanya
Conway,Arkansas,
U.S.A.
My point is this....
#13Consumer Comment
Mon, August 23, 2004
The fact that I bought a used car is not the issue. It kinda sucks that the battery went out just after the warranty expired, I really could live with that. If the battery just failed because of age, I could live with that.
I have read here and on other fourms about the quality of that particular battery made by AC Delco. Apparently there is a leakage problem with the acid in the battery on the positive terminal side. So it's not just me that has a problem with this battery.
Could it not be possible that a bad lot came out of the factory? Just because it's not a life threatning situation (i.e. Firestone fiasco) does that make it any less of a situation that should not be rectified?
I mean I have to take my other car in for a recall on it. Just because I am the second owner does that make the recall any less effective?
The bottom line is terminals just don't fall off.
Tanya
Conway,Arkansas,
U.S.A.
My point is this....
#13Consumer Comment
Mon, August 23, 2004
The fact that I bought a used car is not the issue. It kinda sucks that the battery went out just after the warranty expired, I really could live with that. If the battery just failed because of age, I could live with that.
I have read here and on other fourms about the quality of that particular battery made by AC Delco. Apparently there is a leakage problem with the acid in the battery on the positive terminal side. So it's not just me that has a problem with this battery.
Could it not be possible that a bad lot came out of the factory? Just because it's not a life threatning situation (i.e. Firestone fiasco) does that make it any less of a situation that should not be rectified?
I mean I have to take my other car in for a recall on it. Just because I am the second owner does that make the recall any less effective?
The bottom line is terminals just don't fall off.
Tanya
Conway,Arkansas,
U.S.A.
My point is this....
#13Consumer Comment
Mon, August 23, 2004
The fact that I bought a used car is not the issue. It kinda sucks that the battery went out just after the warranty expired, I really could live with that. If the battery just failed because of age, I could live with that.
I have read here and on other fourms about the quality of that particular battery made by AC Delco. Apparently there is a leakage problem with the acid in the battery on the positive terminal side. So it's not just me that has a problem with this battery.
Could it not be possible that a bad lot came out of the factory? Just because it's not a life threatning situation (i.e. Firestone fiasco) does that make it any less of a situation that should not be rectified?
I mean I have to take my other car in for a recall on it. Just because I am the second owner does that make the recall any less effective?
The bottom line is terminals just don't fall off.
Tanya
Conway,Arkansas,
U.S.A.
My point is this....
#13Consumer Comment
Mon, August 23, 2004
The fact that I bought a used car is not the issue. It kinda sucks that the battery went out just after the warranty expired, I really could live with that. If the battery just failed because of age, I could live with that.
I have read here and on other fourms about the quality of that particular battery made by AC Delco. Apparently there is a leakage problem with the acid in the battery on the positive terminal side. So it's not just me that has a problem with this battery.
Could it not be possible that a bad lot came out of the factory? Just because it's not a life threatning situation (i.e. Firestone fiasco) does that make it any less of a situation that should not be rectified?
I mean I have to take my other car in for a recall on it. Just because I am the second owner does that make the recall any less effective?
The bottom line is terminals just don't fall off.
Darren
Neenah,Wisconsin,
U.S.A.
Almost a science
#13Consumer Comment
Sat, August 21, 2004
Tanya,
I don't know what to tell you. They have those things designed pretty much perfectly. Whether it is tires or batteries...
I can't tell you how many times I've had a battery die and when I look at the stickers on them they are within their warranty date by just a month or two.
Same with tires... if they are 30,000 miles tires then the chance of getting a few extra miles out of them is about nil.
It is frustrating, but after years of research and experimentation, they know exactly how to build them so they meet the minimum warranty.
Heck, if nothing else, but a replacement from a competitor so the original doesn't get the money... but the replacement is built just the same.
If anything, look for a battery or tire with a longer warranty.
Good Luck,
Cory
San Antonio,Texas,
U.S.A.
I'm Confused
#13Consumer Comment
Fri, August 20, 2004
Bought a brand new Toyota truck. 2 weeks after the 3 yr/36,000 mi. warranty runs out, the battery goes dead. I thought it was kind of a bummer but did I cry. Here you buy a 3 or 4 year old car used and expect to be partially reimbursed for an old used battery that you didn't pay anything for. Go to Pep Boys or Sears or whoever and buy your own battery. Nice try though.