Thanks for that, they are 42 miles away so I think I will definitely use them in the future.
Possible bearing problem
Hi there. I am new to the Ampera having only picked mine up in June, it is a 2013 Electron with 44000 miles on the clock.
I have been really enjoying driving it until last night when I went to use the car for a trip into London and I noticed that the reversing camera did not come on and then as I went to drive away it made a strange whining noise and felt a little laboured in pulling away. I abandoned my journey and parked up ax not to cause any damage.
I have no warning lights coming on bug the noise is the same in drive and reverse and both ice and electric modes.
I have only had the car 3 months and purchased a warranty but I am guessing certain things will not be covered.
Is the bearing issue covered under the battery warranty or is this likely to be an expensive bill coming my way.
Grateful for any advice.
Thanks.
I have been really enjoying driving it until last night when I went to use the car for a trip into London and I noticed that the reversing camera did not come on and then as I went to drive away it made a strange whining noise and felt a little laboured in pulling away. I abandoned my journey and parked up ax not to cause any damage.
I have no warning lights coming on bug the noise is the same in drive and reverse and both ice and electric modes.
I have only had the car 3 months and purchased a warranty but I am guessing certain things will not be covered.
Is the bearing issue covered under the battery warranty or is this likely to be an expensive bill coming my way.
Grateful for any advice.
Thanks.
41 - 60 of 134 Posts
I am afraid this was exactly the dilemma I faced with mine. I went with it, but as the 100k mile point approached, that pro-con balance tipped.Thanks Donald
This almost makes me want to just return the car and get something else, I really don't have the time to have constant arguments over who should be paying for a bill, but I do love the car but can only think the service will get worse over time not better.
You 'just' need to find yourself a half-decent dealer and gain some confidence with them.
Hmm , at present I'm hanging onto ' my Ampera ' with it being adopted by my better half and still sub 40K mileage +a maintained service record . however I am concerned this isn't just ignorance but a hardening of the already convoluted Voltec Drive warranty by the new Vauxhall owners. Still undecided !
At 96k miles it won't be long before your old car tips over the 100k mile mark. BTW I've no regrets buying it @donald
Would it be beneficial for other Ampera owners who've had their bearings replaced to post which dealers they had it done at, so we can collectively compile a list of which dealers have in the past accepted the work under warranty, and perhaps how long ago it was too?
Would it be beneficial for other Ampera owners who've had their bearings replaced to post which dealers they had it done at, so we can collectively compile a list of which dealers have in the past accepted the work under warranty, and perhaps how long ago it was too?
It has been said before in the past that it would be a good idea if we had an idea of the number of bearing replacements done on Volt/Ampera's.
The occurrence isn't exactly often but does pop up every now and then on this forum hence how so many of us know about the hoops that you need to jump through to get the warranty work done.
I wonder if a word with trading standards would wake Vauxhall up a bit as this "is it or is it not" fight with them seems to happen very regularly.
There seem to be a number of Emails from Vauxhall confirming the warranty cover floating about so why are they so reticent?
Wheel refurbishment/replacement, steering lock replacement and door switches as well as steam in rear lights all seem to be covered by the standard warranty with little argument yet the 8 year one is chucked aside.
Sorry Vauxhall but its in black and white!
The occurrence isn't exactly often but does pop up every now and then on this forum hence how so many of us know about the hoops that you need to jump through to get the warranty work done.
I wonder if a word with trading standards would wake Vauxhall up a bit as this "is it or is it not" fight with them seems to happen very regularly.
There seem to be a number of Emails from Vauxhall confirming the warranty cover floating about so why are they so reticent?
Wheel refurbishment/replacement, steering lock replacement and door switches as well as steam in rear lights all seem to be covered by the standard warranty with little argument yet the 8 year one is chucked aside.
Sorry Vauxhall but its in black and white!
Be careful when rejecting cars, a firend of mine has a situation with a car where he gave the dealer 3 goes at fixing it as a result they are saying he acceped the car with the defect, so it seems you have to give them an opportunity to fix it, if they don't then reject the car immediately quoting the relevant sale of goods legislation to avoid any doiubt.
With the BBC's current fixation on EV's perhaps "Watchdog" would like to take this up?
"Car manufacturer fails to support warranty" is a nice headline...
"Car manufacturer fails to support warranty" is a nice headline...
Star City Birmingham know this job, having done it on my/Garry's car. It took a little training on my behalf, however. What really didn't ring true was that they said they had done quite a few of them, but then questioned whether it was covered under warranty? Had to send through the above email to prove to them it was. Odd? Were people going along and swallowing the cost themselves? I know that some had been done there before because some folks here had mentioned it. Maybe they were within the 3 year 'full' warranty so the question of the 8 year coverage didn't come up? Anyhow, Star City was vaguely passable, though the guy who did mine no longer works there. The new Ampera tech seems competent, but there was only the one there the last time I went. I trust they'd do the job better next time. I regret to say I think @Friends Electric view point that tech support will decline over time seems more likely true than not, that is to say until someone has the balls to strike up an independent garage for Ampera. If they could sort some arrangement for flat-bedding the cars in from far afield, I think they'd have virtually a captive market for the 1,000 or so cars in the UK. Whether that constitutes a business model or not, that would be for an accountant to figure out.
It's up to Vauxhall how much support they are going to give Ampera owners, and although it was passable service, I didn't want to be beholden to them into post-warranty. Just my personal preference, I wanted to have the confidence that it was either someone else's problem, or alternatively that reasonably priced help and support was just down the road. I didn't think this condition would be met for Ampera for me after 100k. Very happy that Garry is please with the car. They are just super great cars and you all are lucky to have one. I still regret selling it and did debate getting a newer one. But the same decision point would come again in the future.
It's up to Vauxhall how much support they are going to give Ampera owners, and although it was passable service, I didn't want to be beholden to them into post-warranty. Just my personal preference, I wanted to have the confidence that it was either someone else's problem, or alternatively that reasonably priced help and support was just down the road. I didn't think this condition would be met for Ampera for me after 100k. Very happy that Garry is please with the car. They are just super great cars and you all are lucky to have one. I still regret selling it and did debate getting a newer one. But the same decision point would come again in the future.
Don't forget, all, that the ex Chevy Volt dealers can also work on them.
I personally know the guys at ex-Cambridge Chevy (now MG/Subaru) and they are happy to order parts from Chevy and can work on the cars. As they are not listed as a current Chevy dealer, Vauxhall told me they weren't able to service the car to validate the warranty, but were indicating that current Chevy dealers authorised to work on the Volt were able to service and validate warranty.
Just another option for any work to be done.
I personally know the guys at ex-Cambridge Chevy (now MG/Subaru) and they are happy to order parts from Chevy and can work on the cars. As they are not listed as a current Chevy dealer, Vauxhall told me they weren't able to service the car to validate the warranty, but were indicating that current Chevy dealers authorised to work on the Volt were able to service and validate warranty.
Just another option for any work to be done.
This one has rattled around before, and it seems, for reasons that cannot be fathomed by any rational being, Chevrolet and Vauxhall will refuse to do warranty work for each other. If you pay them, I am sure the ex-Chevrolet dealers would be happy. But AFAIK Vauxhall dealers would refuse to do paid work on Chevrolets.Don't forget, all, that the ex Chevy Volt dealers can also work on them.
I personally know the guys at ex-Cambridge Chevy (now MG/Subaru) and they are happy to order parts from Chevy and can work on the cars. As they are not listed as a current Chevy dealer, Vauxhall told me they weren't able to service the car to validate the warranty, but were indicating that current Chevy dealers authorised to work on the Volt were able to service and validate warranty.
Just another option for any work to be done.
I did hear murmurings about Ampera servicing being opened up to all Vauxhall dealers that wanted to do it, but I have no idea if that was casual or meaningful gossip.
Hutchings Vauxhall in Pontypridd have told me several times they are happy to service my Volt. Unfortunately I have always had warranty work done along with each service so I haven't tried them out yet.But AFAIK Vauxhall dealers would refuse to do paid work on Chevrolets.
I did hear murmurings about Ampera servicing being opened up to all Vauxhall dealers that wanted to do it, but I have no idea if that was casual or meaningful gossip.
That is where I bought my Volt and had it serviced from new, they really know their stuffDon't forget, all, that the ex Chevy Volt dealers can also work on them.
I personally know the guys at ex-Cambridge Chevy (now MG/Subaru) and they are happy to order parts from Chevy and can work on the cars. As they are not listed as a current Chevy dealer, Vauxhall told me they weren't able to service the car to validate the warranty, but were indicating that current Chevy dealers authorised to work on the Volt were able to service and validate warranty.
Just another option for any work to be done.
Vauxhall still claiming it is not covered I have now sent them the details supplied by @donald so am waiting for a response although she said she would not be able to get back to me until Friday.
She sounded a little shocked when I read the email out to her!
She sounded a little shocked when I read the email out to her!
They really are numb-nuts.
As it happened, I specifically probed on this question, which they also resisted at the time, because I was aware of the bearing issue, and even though there were very few out of the initial warranty, I still had my concerns. Just as well, because Vauxhall were still flapping, like with you, when the time came.
Why oh why must we be subjected to this nonsense?
FWIW, this was the entirety of the email exchange, just so you know (my comments in bold theirs in italics). The last exchange should also be very interesting to people. If you think your warranty has expired due to lack of servicing, just say "but there is no servicing on the electric system, ergo none has been missed";-
___________________________________________________
From: donald
Sent: 01 February 2015 23:48
To: [email protected]
Subject: Warranty on 2nd hand Amperas (in the UK).
Would it be OK if I direct this question to you?
My local Vauxhall dealer does not seem entirely sure.
If I buy a 2012, 2nd hand Ampera, what warranty cover do I inherit?
(Though I have heard that it is generally a very reliable car, I am particularly concerned in regards a fault that appears to be common, some plastic ring in the gearbox that is now being manufactured from brass, sounds very expensive and a very involved repair.)
Am I right in saying that there is an 8 year, 100,000 mile warranty on the electric drive train and battery, from first registration?
Could you please provide me anything in print to explain the warranty coverage that would still exist on a 2012 Ampera?
Thank you.
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 4th February 2015
Dear Mr Donald
Thank you for your email received 2nd February 2015, regarding the Vauxhall Ampera.
I can confirm the New Vehicle Warranty for the Ampera is for a period of 3 years/60,000 miles from the original registration date and the Battery and High Voltage components are covered up to 8 years/100,000 miles.
If you have any further queries, please respond via return email or feel free to call us on 0800 026 0275 quoting your reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
Customer Service Manager
My Ampera Specialist
Thank you for your reply, however, could you please clarify the ambiguity on whether the whole of the transmission is considered to be a 'high voltage component' (as it contains the high voltage motors). e.g., if there is a motor bearing failure, is this a 'high voltage component' covered by the 8 year warranty? Is a motor reduction gear within the 4ET50 transmission a 'high voltage component'?
I would have thought that the electric drivetrain, the subject of the 8 years warranty, would consist of;
1. battery,
2. inverters,
3. chargers and sockets,
4. complete 4ET50 transmission
Is this correct?
Thank you, I would appreciate the clarification.
Best regards,
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 4th February 2015
Dear Mr Donald
Thank you for your further email.
As requested, please see below for confirmation of the components which are covered by the 8 year/100,000 mile warranty:
- Battery
- High voltage wiring
- Control modules
- E-compressor
- Traction power inverter module
- Accessory power module
- On board charger
- Brake modulator assembly
- Electric drive unit assembly and internal components
- Auxiliary fluids pump controller & 3 phase cables
If you have any further queries, please respond via return email or feel free to call us on 0800 026 0275 quoting your reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
Customer Service Manager
My Ampera Specialist
Thank you for the list.
At the risk of taking up too much of your time, can I please just check if 'Electric drive unit assembly and internal components' means the complete 4ET50 transmission?
Also, I am not sure if you may be able to answer or direct me accordingly, I have asked my local Vauxhall dealer about buying an extended warranty but he had no specific figures for the Ampera. He suggested it would probably come under the warranty covering '1.4 litre' size of engine, for which he had a price. Would this be correct, or can you advise me who else I might make the enquiry to?
Best regards,
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 5th February 2015
Dear Mr Donald
Thank you for your further email.
I can confirm the transmission is a standard automatic transmission and therefore holds the manufacturer’s warranty, which is for a period of 3 years or 60,000 miles.
In relation to an extended warranty, as a manufacturer this is not something that we supply, any extended warranties are purchased directly from a Vauxhall retailer, they would be able to answer any questions you have surrounding this.
If you require any assistance in the meantime, please respond via return email or feel free to call us on 0800 026 0034, quoting your reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
Customer Service Manager
Vauxhall Customer Care
I'm sorry but there is nothing standard about the automatic transmission. It consists of the engine directly attached to a motor, with a hub clutched to an epicyclic component of a 2nd [main] drive motor, with a single reduction gear to the output differential, all in one housing. It is a single assembly which GM call the 4ET50 transmission, containing those two motors, reduction gears and clutch sets. There are no components anyone would regard as 'conventional'.
There are no other transmission components other than the 4ET50 assembly.
Please can I ask you to revisit that question: I cannot tell what components you are referring to as 'Electric drive unit assembly and internal components' if it is not the 4ET50 transmission.
Best regards,
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 6th February 2015
Dear Mr Donald
Thank you for your further email.
I will review this matter further with our Technical Team to see if I can provide you with any further information, I will then come back to you by Tuesday 11th February with an update.
In the meantime, if you require any assistance, please respond via return email or feel free to call us on 0800 026 0275, quoting your reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
Customer Service Manager
My Ampera Specialist
Thank you for your reply.
For information, I believe the term 'transmission' I have used is misleading and, is not actually used by GM for that component of the Ampera. Instead they refer to it as a 'multi-mode electric transaxle'.
Best regards,
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 9th February 2015
Dear Mr Donald
I write further to my previous email sent to you.
Please accept my apologies for the confusion in my last email, I have now confirmed with our Technical Team that the Electriv Drive Unit assembly and internal components refers to the 4ET50 Transmission, which is covered for 8 years/100,000 miles.
If you require any further assistance, please respond via return email or feel free to call us on 0800 026 0275, quoting your reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
Customer Service Manager
My Ampera Specialist
Thanks. That's great to know, and thank you for your time.
.....(later...)
Hello.
Thank you for your previous correspondence regarding warranty coverage on the Ampera.
If I may ask to clarify one matter, and raise a second on a different matter;-
1) You have said the electric power train warranty covers "Auxiliary fluids pump controller & 3 phase cables". I'd like to clarify if this means it covers the Auxiliary fluids pump itself. i.e. does it mean;-
"Auxiliary fluids pump, controller & 3 phase cables"
or
"The controller of the Auxiliary fluids pump, & 3 phase cables"
2) I would like to understand what happens when you put on winter tyres, as I usually run such tyres, but if they have no TPMS sensors. I note that several Vauxhall models with TPMS do not require TPMS sensors in a set of winter tyres, and if the car detects no sensors on any of the wheels it does not give an error signal but simply goes blank, or shows a signal 'winter tyres fitted'. What does the Ampera do if you fit it with a set of wheels that have no TPMS sensors in any of the wheels? Does it function like other Vauxhall models and show 'blanks' for pressure, or does it show an error?
Thank you for looks at these questions for me and any clarifications you can provide.
Best regards,
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 24th March 2015
Dear Mr Bradley
I write further to our previous contact.
I have forwarded your queries onto our Product Team who have provided me with the following information:
The Auxiliary fluid pump, auxiliary fluid controller and 3 phase cables are all included within the 8 year warranty.
In regards fitting winter tyres if you are just changing the tyres then the system will auto learn, once the vehicle is driven for at least 9 miles above 25mph.
If wheels/tyres are fitted without TPMS sensors the message “winter mode” will appear approximately 20 times and then disappear, the pressure display will show only dashes as info, there is no pressure info from the sensors.
I hope I have answered your questions.
Should you require any further assistance, please respond via return email or call us on 0800 026 0275, quoting your reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
Customer Service Manager
My Ampera Specialist
Thank you for your previous correspondences in regards supporting my enquiries about warranty coverage. It has all been very helpful.
I regret I am having some difficulty in finalising my decision whether to go ahead with the additional (non-HV components) warranty cover. In part it is because of the high prices of the routine servicing of the 'normal' parts of the car to keep the warranty active.
For example, I have been quoted 0.5 hrs labour for the replacement of the cabin filter in my Ampera. Is this the correct hourly rate for this operation, and if so, why is it listed as taking so long?
Because of these elevated prices, with some regret I am therefore contemplating *NOT* continuing having a routine Vauxhall standard service. If I were to decide not to have my Ampera remain under dealer servicing, what would I need to do to maintain the 100,000 mile warranty on the high voltage components? I seem to recall there is a smaller inspection that can be requested to be done, rather than the full services. Is that correct?
Sincerely,
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 20 April 2015
Dear Mr Donald
I write further to your previous contact with us regarding the Vauxhall Ampera.
With regards to the servicing that is required, I have spoken with our Technical Team who have advised that only the high voltage parts have to be serviced by an Ampera Specialist Dealer to keep the warranty going, the rest of the vehicle could be serviced outside of the dealer network.
I hope this answers your query. If I can be of any further assistance, please respond via return email or call us on 0800 026 0275, quoting your case reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
My Ampera Specialist
Vauxhall Customer Care
As it happened, I specifically probed on this question, which they also resisted at the time, because I was aware of the bearing issue, and even though there were very few out of the initial warranty, I still had my concerns. Just as well, because Vauxhall were still flapping, like with you, when the time came.
Why oh why must we be subjected to this nonsense?
FWIW, this was the entirety of the email exchange, just so you know (my comments in bold theirs in italics). The last exchange should also be very interesting to people. If you think your warranty has expired due to lack of servicing, just say "but there is no servicing on the electric system, ergo none has been missed";-
___________________________________________________
From: donald
Sent: 01 February 2015 23:48
To: [email protected]
Subject: Warranty on 2nd hand Amperas (in the UK).
Would it be OK if I direct this question to you?
My local Vauxhall dealer does not seem entirely sure.
If I buy a 2012, 2nd hand Ampera, what warranty cover do I inherit?
(Though I have heard that it is generally a very reliable car, I am particularly concerned in regards a fault that appears to be common, some plastic ring in the gearbox that is now being manufactured from brass, sounds very expensive and a very involved repair.)
Am I right in saying that there is an 8 year, 100,000 mile warranty on the electric drive train and battery, from first registration?
Could you please provide me anything in print to explain the warranty coverage that would still exist on a 2012 Ampera?
Thank you.
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 4th February 2015
Dear Mr Donald
Thank you for your email received 2nd February 2015, regarding the Vauxhall Ampera.
I can confirm the New Vehicle Warranty for the Ampera is for a period of 3 years/60,000 miles from the original registration date and the Battery and High Voltage components are covered up to 8 years/100,000 miles.
If you have any further queries, please respond via return email or feel free to call us on 0800 026 0275 quoting your reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
Customer Service Manager
My Ampera Specialist
Thank you for your reply, however, could you please clarify the ambiguity on whether the whole of the transmission is considered to be a 'high voltage component' (as it contains the high voltage motors). e.g., if there is a motor bearing failure, is this a 'high voltage component' covered by the 8 year warranty? Is a motor reduction gear within the 4ET50 transmission a 'high voltage component'?
I would have thought that the electric drivetrain, the subject of the 8 years warranty, would consist of;
1. battery,
2. inverters,
3. chargers and sockets,
4. complete 4ET50 transmission
Is this correct?
Thank you, I would appreciate the clarification.
Best regards,
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 4th February 2015
Dear Mr Donald
Thank you for your further email.
As requested, please see below for confirmation of the components which are covered by the 8 year/100,000 mile warranty:
- Battery
- High voltage wiring
- Control modules
- E-compressor
- Traction power inverter module
- Accessory power module
- On board charger
- Brake modulator assembly
- Electric drive unit assembly and internal components
- Auxiliary fluids pump controller & 3 phase cables
If you have any further queries, please respond via return email or feel free to call us on 0800 026 0275 quoting your reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
Customer Service Manager
My Ampera Specialist
Thank you for the list.
At the risk of taking up too much of your time, can I please just check if 'Electric drive unit assembly and internal components' means the complete 4ET50 transmission?
Also, I am not sure if you may be able to answer or direct me accordingly, I have asked my local Vauxhall dealer about buying an extended warranty but he had no specific figures for the Ampera. He suggested it would probably come under the warranty covering '1.4 litre' size of engine, for which he had a price. Would this be correct, or can you advise me who else I might make the enquiry to?
Best regards,
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 5th February 2015
Dear Mr Donald
Thank you for your further email.
I can confirm the transmission is a standard automatic transmission and therefore holds the manufacturer’s warranty, which is for a period of 3 years or 60,000 miles.
In relation to an extended warranty, as a manufacturer this is not something that we supply, any extended warranties are purchased directly from a Vauxhall retailer, they would be able to answer any questions you have surrounding this.
If you require any assistance in the meantime, please respond via return email or feel free to call us on 0800 026 0034, quoting your reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
Customer Service Manager
Vauxhall Customer Care
I'm sorry but there is nothing standard about the automatic transmission. It consists of the engine directly attached to a motor, with a hub clutched to an epicyclic component of a 2nd [main] drive motor, with a single reduction gear to the output differential, all in one housing. It is a single assembly which GM call the 4ET50 transmission, containing those two motors, reduction gears and clutch sets. There are no components anyone would regard as 'conventional'.
There are no other transmission components other than the 4ET50 assembly.
Please can I ask you to revisit that question: I cannot tell what components you are referring to as 'Electric drive unit assembly and internal components' if it is not the 4ET50 transmission.
Best regards,
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 6th February 2015
Dear Mr Donald
Thank you for your further email.
I will review this matter further with our Technical Team to see if I can provide you with any further information, I will then come back to you by Tuesday 11th February with an update.
In the meantime, if you require any assistance, please respond via return email or feel free to call us on 0800 026 0275, quoting your reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
Customer Service Manager
My Ampera Specialist
Thank you for your reply.
For information, I believe the term 'transmission' I have used is misleading and, is not actually used by GM for that component of the Ampera. Instead they refer to it as a 'multi-mode electric transaxle'.
Best regards,
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 9th February 2015
Dear Mr Donald
I write further to my previous email sent to you.
Please accept my apologies for the confusion in my last email, I have now confirmed with our Technical Team that the Electriv Drive Unit assembly and internal components refers to the 4ET50 Transmission, which is covered for 8 years/100,000 miles.
If you require any further assistance, please respond via return email or feel free to call us on 0800 026 0275, quoting your reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
Customer Service Manager
My Ampera Specialist
Thanks. That's great to know, and thank you for your time.
.....(later...)
Hello.
Thank you for your previous correspondence regarding warranty coverage on the Ampera.
If I may ask to clarify one matter, and raise a second on a different matter;-
1) You have said the electric power train warranty covers "Auxiliary fluids pump controller & 3 phase cables". I'd like to clarify if this means it covers the Auxiliary fluids pump itself. i.e. does it mean;-
"Auxiliary fluids pump, controller & 3 phase cables"
or
"The controller of the Auxiliary fluids pump, & 3 phase cables"
2) I would like to understand what happens when you put on winter tyres, as I usually run such tyres, but if they have no TPMS sensors. I note that several Vauxhall models with TPMS do not require TPMS sensors in a set of winter tyres, and if the car detects no sensors on any of the wheels it does not give an error signal but simply goes blank, or shows a signal 'winter tyres fitted'. What does the Ampera do if you fit it with a set of wheels that have no TPMS sensors in any of the wheels? Does it function like other Vauxhall models and show 'blanks' for pressure, or does it show an error?
Thank you for looks at these questions for me and any clarifications you can provide.
Best regards,
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 24th March 2015
Dear Mr Bradley
I write further to our previous contact.
I have forwarded your queries onto our Product Team who have provided me with the following information:
The Auxiliary fluid pump, auxiliary fluid controller and 3 phase cables are all included within the 8 year warranty.
In regards fitting winter tyres if you are just changing the tyres then the system will auto learn, once the vehicle is driven for at least 9 miles above 25mph.
If wheels/tyres are fitted without TPMS sensors the message “winter mode” will appear approximately 20 times and then disappear, the pressure display will show only dashes as info, there is no pressure info from the sensors.
I hope I have answered your questions.
Should you require any further assistance, please respond via return email or call us on 0800 026 0275, quoting your reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
Customer Service Manager
My Ampera Specialist
Thank you for your previous correspondences in regards supporting my enquiries about warranty coverage. It has all been very helpful.
I regret I am having some difficulty in finalising my decision whether to go ahead with the additional (non-HV components) warranty cover. In part it is because of the high prices of the routine servicing of the 'normal' parts of the car to keep the warranty active.
For example, I have been quoted 0.5 hrs labour for the replacement of the cabin filter in my Ampera. Is this the correct hourly rate for this operation, and if so, why is it listed as taking so long?
Because of these elevated prices, with some regret I am therefore contemplating *NOT* continuing having a routine Vauxhall standard service. If I were to decide not to have my Ampera remain under dealer servicing, what would I need to do to maintain the 100,000 mile warranty on the high voltage components? I seem to recall there is a smaller inspection that can be requested to be done, rather than the full services. Is that correct?
Sincerely,
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 20 April 2015
Dear Mr Donald
I write further to your previous contact with us regarding the Vauxhall Ampera.
With regards to the servicing that is required, I have spoken with our Technical Team who have advised that only the high voltage parts have to be serviced by an Ampera Specialist Dealer to keep the warranty going, the rest of the vehicle could be serviced outside of the dealer network.
I hope this answers your query. If I can be of any further assistance, please respond via return email or call us on 0800 026 0275, quoting your case reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
My Ampera Specialist
Vauxhall Customer Care
Thank you for this info it is really useful and very interesting. Out of interest which department were you emailing. I am in contact with [email protected] but I am not convinced they have clue what they are talking about.They really are numb-nuts.
As it happened, I specifically probed on this question, which they also resisted at the time, because I was aware of the bearing issue, and even though there were very few out of the initial warranty, I still had my concerns. Just as well, because Vauxhall were still flapping, like with you, when the time came.
Why oh why must we be subjected to this nonsense?
FWIW, this was the entirety of the email exchange, just so you know (my comments in bold theirs in italics). The last exchange should also be very interesting to people. If you think your warranty has expired due to lack of servicing, just say "but there is no servicing on the electric system, ergo none has been missed";-
___________________________________________________
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 4th February 2015
Dear Mr Donald
Thank you for your email received 2nd February 2015, regarding the Vauxhall Ampera.
I can confirm the New Vehicle Warranty for the Ampera is for a period of 3 years/60,000 miles from the original registration date and the Battery and High Voltage components are covered up to 8 years/100,000 miles.
If you have any further queries, please respond via return email or feel free to call us on 0800 026 0275 quoting your reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
Customer Service Manager
My Ampera Specialist
Thank you for your reply, however, could you please clarify the ambiguity on whether the whole of the transmission is considered to be a 'high voltage component' (as it contains the high voltage motors). e.g., if there is a motor bearing failure, is this a 'high voltage component' covered by the 8 year warranty? Is a motor reduction gear within the 4ET50 transmission a 'high voltage component'?
I would have thought that the electric drivetrain, the subject of the 8 years warranty, would consist of;
1. battery,
2. inverters,
3. chargers and sockets,
4. complete 4ET50 transmission
Is this correct?
Thank you, I would appreciate the clarification.
Best regards,
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 4th February 2015
Dear Mr Donald
Thank you for your further email.
As requested, please see below for confirmation of the components which are covered by the 8 year/100,000 mile warranty:
- Battery
- High voltage wiring
- Control modules
- E-compressor
- Traction power inverter module
- Accessory power module
- On board charger
- Brake modulator assembly
- Electric drive unit assembly and internal components
- Auxiliary fluids pump controller & 3 phase cables
If you have any further queries, please respond via return email or feel free to call us on 0800 026 0275 quoting your reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
Customer Service Manager
My Ampera Specialist
Thank you for the list.
At the risk of taking up too much of your time, can I please just check if 'Electric drive unit assembly and internal components' means the complete 4ET50 transmission?
Also, I am not sure if you may be able to answer or direct me accordingly, I have asked my local Vauxhall dealer about buying an extended warranty but he had no specific figures for the Ampera. He suggested it would probably come under the warranty covering '1.4 litre' size of engine, for which he had a price. Would this be correct, or can you advise me who else I might make the enquiry to?
Best regards,
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 5th February 2015
Dear Mr Donald
Thank you for your further email.
I can confirm the transmission is a standard automatic transmission and therefore holds the manufacturer’s warranty, which is for a period of 3 years or 60,000 miles.
In relation to an extended warranty, as a manufacturer this is not something that we supply, any extended warranties are purchased directly from a Vauxhall retailer, they would be able to answer any questions you have surrounding this.
If you require any assistance in the meantime, please respond via return email or feel free to call us on 0800 026 0034, quoting your reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
Customer Service Manager
Vauxhall Customer Care
I'm sorry but there is nothing standard about the automatic transmission. It consists of the engine directly attached to a motor, with a hub clutched to an epicyclic component of a 2nd [main] drive motor, with a single reduction gear to the output differential, all in one housing. It is a single assembly which GM call the 4ET50 transmission, containing those two motors, reduction gears and clutch sets. There are no components anyone would regard as 'conventional'.
There are no other transmission components other than the 4ET50 assembly.
Please can I ask you to revisit that question: I cannot tell what components you are referring to as 'Electric drive unit assembly and internal components' if it is not the 4ET50 transmission.
Best regards,
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 6th February 2015
Dear Mr Donald
Thank you for your further email.
I will review this matter further with our Technical Team to see if I can provide you with any further information, I will then come back to you by Tuesday 11th February with an update.
In the meantime, if you require any assistance, please respond via return email or feel free to call us on 0800 026 0275, quoting your reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
Customer Service Manager
My Ampera Specialist
Thank you for your reply.
For information, I believe the term 'transmission' I have used is misleading and, is not actually used by GM for that component of the Ampera. Instead they refer to it as a 'multi-mode electric transaxle'.
Best regards,
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 9th February 2015
Dear Mr Donald
I write further to my previous email sent to you.
Please accept my apologies for the confusion in my last email, I have now confirmed with our Technical Team that the Electriv Drive Unit assembly and internal components refers to the 4ET50 Transmission, which is covered for 8 years/100,000 miles.
If you require any further assistance, please respond via return email or feel free to call us on 0800 026 0275, quoting your reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
Customer Service Manager
My Ampera Specialist
Thanks. That's great to know, and thank you for your time.
.....(later...)
Hello.
Thank you for your previous correspondence regarding warranty coverage on the Ampera.
If I may ask to clarify one matter, and raise a second on a different matter;-
1) You have said the electric power train warranty covers "Auxiliary fluids pump controller & 3 phase cables". I'd like to clarify if this means it covers the Auxiliary fluids pump itself. i.e. does it mean;-
"Auxiliary fluids pump, controller & 3 phase cables"
or
"The controller of the Auxiliary fluids pump, & 3 phase cables"
2) I would like to understand what happens when you put on winter tyres, as I usually run such tyres, but if they have no TPMS sensors. I note that several Vauxhall models with TPMS do not require TPMS sensors in a set of winter tyres, and if the car detects no sensors on any of the wheels it does not give an error signal but simply goes blank, or shows a signal 'winter tyres fitted'. What does the Ampera do if you fit it with a set of wheels that have no TPMS sensors in any of the wheels? Does it function like other Vauxhall models and show 'blanks' for pressure, or does it show an error?
Thank you for looks at these questions for me and any clarifications you can provide.
Best regards,
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 24th March 2015
Dear Mr Bradley
I write further to our previous contact.
I have forwarded your queries onto our Product Team who have provided me with the following information:
The Auxiliary fluid pump, auxiliary fluid controller and 3 phase cables are all included within the 8 year warranty.
In regards fitting winter tyres if you are just changing the tyres then the system will auto learn, once the vehicle is driven for at least 9 miles above 25mph.
If wheels/tyres are fitted without TPMS sensors the message “winter mode” will appear approximately 20 times and then disappear, the pressure display will show only dashes as info, there is no pressure info from the sensors.
I hope I have answered your questions.
Should you require any further assistance, please respond via return email or call us on 0800 026 0275, quoting your reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
Customer Service Manager
My Ampera Specialist
Thank you for your previous correspondences in regards supporting my enquiries about warranty coverage. It has all been very helpful.
I regret I am having some difficulty in finalising my decision whether to go ahead with the additional (non-HV components) warranty cover. In part it is because of the high prices of the routine servicing of the 'normal' parts of the car to keep the warranty active.
For example, I have been quoted 0.5 hrs labour for the replacement of the cabin filter in my Ampera. Is this the correct hourly rate for this operation, and if so, why is it listed as taking so long?
Because of these elevated prices, with some regret I am therefore contemplating *NOT* continuing having a routine Vauxhall standard service. If I were to decide not to have my Ampera remain under dealer servicing, what would I need to do to maintain the 100,000 mile warranty on the high voltage components? I seem to recall there is a smaller inspection that can be requested to be done, rather than the full services. Is that correct?
Sincerely,
Service Request Number: 489214-913464397
Date: 20 April 2015
Dear Mr Donald
I write further to your previous contact with us regarding the Vauxhall Ampera.
With regards to the servicing that is required, I have spoken with our Technical Team who have advised that only the high voltage parts have to be serviced by an Ampera Specialist Dealer to keep the warranty going, the rest of the vehicle could be serviced outside of the dealer network.
I hope this answers your query. If I can be of any further assistance, please respond via return email or call us on 0800 026 0275, quoting your case reference number which is stated above.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Douglas
My Ampera Specialist
Vauxhall Customer Care
There used to be a special email [email protected] but I think that stopped working and all Ampera enquiries now go to general enquiries.
Thanks. That what I thought.There used to be a special email [email protected] but I think that stopped working and all Ampera enquiries now go to general enquiries.
Wow, with reference to the above Email stream from @donald , signing off as "My Ampera Specialist" is a bit much!
I did laugh with their description of the "automatic gearbox" on the Ampera.
They certainly felt the full force of the @donald !
There will have been a number of mechanics originally trained for Volt/Amperas over the years. I wonder how many are now in the independent sector and how can we can find them for future support as Vauxhall dealers certainly cannot be trusted.
Will Vauxhall be around soon (Rover???) as they seem to be the only company without an EV concept soon to be production car on the horizon despite having the only real world "hybrid" since 2012 that they still don't wish to be associated with.
I did laugh with their description of the "automatic gearbox" on the Ampera.
They certainly felt the full force of the @donald !
There will have been a number of mechanics originally trained for Volt/Amperas over the years. I wonder how many are now in the independent sector and how can we can find them for future support as Vauxhall dealers certainly cannot be trusted.
Will Vauxhall be around soon (Rover???) as they seem to be the only company without an EV concept soon to be production car on the horizon despite having the only real world "hybrid" since 2012 that they still don't wish to be associated with.
Oh well looks like I am going back to the place I bought it. They are claiming that the TSB they sent through is not covered by the warranty and say they only go by what the garage issue them.
I gave up with Vauxhall, as I have just about given up on humanity.
Where are all the logical sensible people I grew up with that could perform reasonably competent logical processes? Did they really all move to the US? I do realise there was a 'brain drain' in the 90's recession, but didn't realise how deep that went!
It is covered, but I agree that if you are facing this much problem in the context, then pass it to the people that supplied the car.
I'd be interested to know what possible response they could have given when you gave them my case number. Happy to get involved if you like and give them some grief, just PM me if you want and if you have not yet simply given up on the idea.
Where are all the logical sensible people I grew up with that could perform reasonably competent logical processes? Did they really all move to the US? I do realise there was a 'brain drain' in the 90's recession, but didn't realise how deep that went!
It is covered, but I agree that if you are facing this much problem in the context, then pass it to the people that supplied the car.
I'd be interested to know what possible response they could have given when you gave them my case number. Happy to get involved if you like and give them some grief, just PM me if you want and if you have not yet simply given up on the idea.
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