[chlue99]

Hello -

I just purchased a used 2008 Saturn Outlook XR from private party. I had it checked over by a GM dealer and the Transmission Control Module has not had the current update. The GM dealer didn't really recommend the update because I would lose 0-2 mpg and it seemed to them it wouldn't help the longevity of the tranny. What has everyone else done and would you recommend doing the current update and losing the MPG? Thanks in advance.

Chad

 

[rbarrios]

I think most get the update- because they dont like the way the trans shifts.

Some do report lower MPG- but better trasn operation.

You may want to look at the Acadia and Enclave forum- as they also have the software update... read up on what they said about their results.

link to those sites on the upper right

 

[doropallo]

We had the update for 2 reasons, I hated stepping on the pedal and having no reaction by the Outlook, and I was driving on the PA Turnpike, it was raining and I was passing a car on a curve going up a steep incline. I stepped on the pedal, nothing, pressed harder and harder until it finally reacted by dropping 3 gears, spinning the tires and almost throwing us into the guardrail. I found the stock setting too dangerous, I love the new settings.

 

[KManzi]

I have a 2008 Outlook with 51k, which I really love, but unfortunately has given me so many problems. I have created a spreadsheet with every single fix or maintenance performed on the car, with mileage, date, service notes and grouped by category to I can quickly see the repeat issues that arise. I have also been tracking my fuel consumption for the last 6 months accurately, because I am nearly going broke filling the tank up 2x a week. The results are pretty shocking...read on.

The following list is in date order of everything that has been replaced in my car, most covered under warranty or recall, but this is a long list to have these things fixed. With no warranty, I had to pay for the power steering pump that went driving on the highway. So far, the following have been replaced: Sensor Camshaft, Cylinder Head Gasket,Dead Battery, Windshield Wiper Motor, Transmission Software Update (after multiple complaints),Airbag Wire Harness, Power Steering Rack & Gear, Front Pads and Rotors (1st time), Gasket for Intake Manifold, Gasket for Rear Valve Cover, Right Front Strut, Both Strut Mounts, Engine Mounts,Front Pads and Rotors (2nd time), Left Front Stabilizer Link, Front Pads and Rotors (3rd Time), Headlight Harness, Airbag Connector Kit, Engine Front Cover Crank Seal, Timing Cover Seal, Broken Bolts in Cylinder Head & Valve Cover, Exhaust Stud Broken Bolts, Power Steering Pump, Hose & Clamp.

More interesting is the fuel economy I have accurately documented, resulting in the finding out I get an estimated average of 11.85 MPG combined City/HWY AFTER the Transmission Software and Calibration Update was made in 2009 (orig.released on May 2008). For tracking data, I used a 6 month period from January - June 2012. (For those who don't know, the original transmission software had a hesitation when accelerating (providing a flat spot b/w 35-50 mpg). GM will not advertise this update, you must ask for it and be firm. However, the negative impact will be the fuel economy, which obviously GM did not research properly. A GM service rep told me that the software is an "option" and I should be glad to hear they offer that "option", my sales person should have review all of my options such as engine size, etc. It is a trade off between performance and fuel economy and if I wanted performance I should have bough a sports car. I responded, and quickly corrected him to say, no this is not an option, it is a manufacturers defect and I want it fixed. Here are the results of my findings...believe me, this took time to pull it all together, but it is accurate: Average MPG is 11.85 Combined City/Hwy from Jan - June 2012
Lowest MPG Recorded was 8.90, Highest MPG Recorded was 14.80
Total Miles from January - June 2012 is 6330 miles, using 587 gallons at an expense of $2170.
• TOTAL Cost of Excess Fuel Consumption Due to Software Update Since 2009: $5069.00
• TOTAL Cost of Excess Fuel Consumption Due to Software Update This Year : $768
Monthly unnecessary expense for gas is ~$152.00, that is a lot of extra money to spend each month that doesn't have to be wasted.
So I am in limbo until I get a response based on my data I provided (with back up documentation)....I guess we will see how this ends up....

Currently, GM has offered $3k towards a new GM vehicle, but to be honest, I cannot afford a new GM car right now, I am still paying off my excessive gas bill. $3k towards a new car really doesnt go too far. I have already contacted the National Highway Safety Admin, Better Business Bureau, and next steps are CT Attorney General, Possible EPA and perhaps small claims court for the $5000 refunded to me from gas.

Average Tank Filled was 18.3 gallons, which got about 204 miles for an estimated cost of $68.00

 

[doropallo]

I'll agree with you we go through a lot of gas, more than we do with my 4.8 2001 GMC Sierra.

 

[GM Customer Service]

I have read about your situation with your Saturn Outlook. You posted you are in limbo until you get a response; are you currently working with an agent within General Motors customer assistance? If so, can you provide me with the case number you have been provided? You can do this via private message as I uphold privacy of the customers I interact with.

Michelle, GM Customer Service

 

[KManzi]

Hi Michelle, I appreciate your response, but I through now. I wasted 2 months dealing with the fake Saturn Business Resource Center that is actually outsourced by GM to Aditya Birla Minacs Corporation. The rep assigned to my case "Donald" was just rude and would speak to me as if I wouldn't know any better...but the real kicker was when I found out he wasnt even a GM employee.

Aftwards, I contacted GM Executives offices, and went through the entire song and dance again, with a new case number (my 4th) and starting fresh with someone else who is not technical and has to call the same people again for information. At that point I couldnt believe this was actuallly happening. The outcome...I was offered $3k (apparently that is the "standard"). The GM offices didnt even know I was previsouly offered $3k and declined it! What is wrong with these people! I wanted $3k PLUS the Cost of excess fuel consumption of $5800 (june) now $5950. Every month I spend another $150 in unnessary fuel.

Michelle....I am done with GM, they have consumed way too much of my time. My next step is to contact the Attorney General of MI and afterwards small claims court. I was asking for $3k GM Loyalty Certificate PLUS $5800 fuel reimbursement PLUS Current Incentives to consider moving forward to buy a new car. Now I have no interest since this is they way GM treats its customers, especially after such a big bailout.

I have ALL data to support my findings, I have brought my car to do a fuel economy test (waste of my time since they are only going to drive it around - that is exacly what I do)...but to be honest, there is NO fix for this problem. I would need the money to apply towards a new GM and they will not give it to me.

If you think you can escalate this, I can give you all of the case numbers, including the very first one when I initially reported a problem with GM in 2009.

 

[rbarrios]

Gm wont reimburse you for the money- since for all they know- you were doing jackrabbit starts- and going 70+.

You should have let them do a fuel test that you declined...
They most likely would have driven it sensibly.

I merely say this because Ive had plenty of people tell me their cars get horrible mileage...and they drive easy....
Auto and stick....

Really?
I will take rides with them and guess what...
the easy driving they do-- is not.

some things Ive noticed---among them
They have AC going 24x7. (even when its 7o degrees).
They lug around half their belongings in the car.
Their tire pressures are way off.
They jackrabbit.
They race to a stop.

I remember one of my friends-- a female.. said she was easy..
When I saw her drive.... hehe

in the streets.... every gear (stick) she would essentially rev way up-- 5000 RPMs easy.
I then told her-- why do you let it revv so high?
She was confused by my question....
I told her she could accelerate-- and shift at a much lower rpms--

Pulled over--- and I drive the car... showed her the way she should drive...

 

[lkreykes]

I have a 2009 Outlook XE FWD built July of 2008, and I really hate the hesitation when you press the accelerator. So should I bring it to the dealer to see if the update is available? Would it cost any money? Any help would be appreciated, as the problems I'm having with this car keep building and I owe more than it's worth and I'm about to just sell it for as much as I can get. It's just a bad car. Thanks.

 

[GM Customer Service]

I have a 2009 Outlook XE FWD built July of 2008, and I really hate the hesitation when you press the accelerator. So should I bring it to the dealer to see if the update is available? Would it cost any money? Any help would be appreciated, as the problems I'm having with this car keep building and I owe more than it's worth and I'm about to just sell it for as much as I can get. It's just a bad car. Thanks.

If you were to take the vehicle into the dealership, they might diagnose this as something that could possibly be covered under the Powertrain warranty.

You will need to speak with the service department about assistance the cost of diagnosis.

Michelle, GM Customer Service