Intercooler pump and dealership... what should I do?

[NCStateRedline]

I had a strong suspicion that my i/c pump was dead (no fluid movement, didn't rise when I pinched either hose) and I confirmed the wires were reversed (the TSB on this) when I was under my car installing the K&N.

I called the dealership and they said there was nothing they could do (my car is just out of warranty) so I called the company I bought extra warranty from (my car was used and I got it at a lot). They wouldn't talk to me until I had it checked by a certified mechanic shop, so I called Saturn back and asked them if they'd do the diagnostic.

I took in my car and they said they'd drop the diagnostic fee (~$75) if I had them switch the wires for (~$44) and that my car should be right as rain. I told them I was concerned that the pump had burnt out and asked them to check it first and through some black magic (hooking it up to a computer someway) confirmed it was fine. I had them fix the wires and I got my receipt indicating that everything with the intercooler was fine at that point.

I was out of town when they did this (my uncle took my car for me, I talked to them over the phone) and just checked the car today, the day after they "fixed" it. I still don't see any fluid moving in the neck and pinching the hoses doesn't do anything than raise the fluid from me pinching it. I'm afraid if I take it in again I'll just pay for them checking it with the computer again.

What is everyone's opinion/ are there any techs that can lend their 2 cents?

[Dainslaif]

There's a simple 2 step process;

1: Look in your manual and call the regional Saturn customer service office.
2: Bitch.

Worked for me.

[hawlyns711]

or call Saturn Corporate 1-800-553-6000

they always help

[crazybrew609]

go to the dealer.. have the advisor look under th hood with u and while the car is idling have him notice that the fluid is not moving at all.. if the advisor is clueless and says he's gunna have to have a tech look out it ask to make sure that when the tech wants to look at it that you can talk to the tech himself and have him explain to you, how did you check the pump the first time with the tech 2 to make sure the pump is good.. if he explains to you some way then ask him to show you it right now...second make sure you have him pinch the hose while the car is at idle and have him explain why the coolant still doesn't move

if they say your pump is bad and you need to pay to replace it complain, tell them they said it was fine and now less then a week later it's bad... if they still don't budge call saturn and tell them the situation and saturn will call the dealer and they might good will the new parts or atleast cut you a good deal

either way customer service right now is huge.. and if saturn feels like you are getting a raw deal they will normally step in and help out.. make sure you talk to the service manager and have him aware of the situation and your plan of action

[NCStateRedline]

thanks a lot, saturn is getting a call in the morning...

[Big Knight]

One other thing, be polite. Yelling will not get you any kind of break. Be firm but polite. Do not raise your voice. Go up the chain of management if necessary. Good Luck.

BTW, from what I have read on the forums, the diagnostic scanner will usually show the pump is fine, even when it is burned out. You need to do the flow test to really see if it works or not.

[RedlineNoob]

I made a post somewhere with a few videos of mine flowing after I put my pump in... Ill look it up...

New Intercooler Installed +VID +Treats 4 U

[NCStateRedline]

Originally Posted by RedlineNoob

I made a post somewhere with a few videos of mine flowing after I put my pump in... Ill look it up...

New Intercooler Installed +VID +Treats 4 U

Thanks, I actually found that last night and that's what made me decide I was right and it wasn't working. That video made all the difference in the world in telling. After I wake up enough, I'm calling them.

[mrphoto103]

Listen to Crazy and BigKnight, very very important points.

[NCStateRedline]

Blast it all.

I called and told them my concern (no coolant movement, I've seen a working one) and all they could say was that them hooking it up to a computer was all they could do. Apparently, the diagnostic tells them that the pump is on and I asked them how they knew if it was actually running or not. They said that was the only way for them to check it and didn't know what to tell me.

I then asked them if there was any way to check IAT's and if I could come in and show them what I was talking about (and implement some of what crazybrew said above). He said it would be fine but the only open appointment they had was Monday. I'm going back to friggin school 4 hours away Sunday.

I guess I'm just going to have to wait till I can get an opening in my schedule and go talk to the Saturn dealership in Raleigh.