More Sunroof and Short Shifter Issues
07-02-2010 | 05:46 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 02-06-2010
Posts: 580
From: Shreveport, LA
More Sunroof and Short Shifter Issues
I need help.
With respect to the sunroof, I just got it back from the dealer. The sunroof is working now. They replaced the broken rail and the wind deflector. However, THEY DID NOT REPLACE THE OTHER SIDE. They handed me the replacement rail for the other side, which I had special-ordered, so I would have it "for when it broke later." My impression is that in the TSB it suggests replacing both sides, even though the old and new parts look identical. So, are the parts identical? Should they have replaced the unbroken side while they were there? How likely is it to break again? The TSB says "Replace the bracket on the other side following steps 3 through 10. " https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...sunroof&page=2
The dealer installed my TWM short shifter a couple of months ago. The next day, it broke, because of problems with the weak OEM cable clip. Dealer fixed it. However, the shift knob is pointed the wrong way (TWM says this is an easy fix with a 15mm and a 9/16 inch end wrench). There is also noise when I shift that sounds like a metal piece on the shift boot is hitting on the shifter shaft. TWM advised putting electric tape on the shaft, and dealer supposedly did that. Dealer now says they are no longer wanting to work on it any more, and were washing their hands of it. I plan to take it to an independent shop and have the installation fixed, at my expense. Should I be unhappy at this? Should I complain somewhere? I haven't specifically challenged the service MANAGER, as opposed to the service ADVISOR about this yet, which I plan to do before I try anything else.
With respect to the sunroof, I just got it back from the dealer. The sunroof is working now. They replaced the broken rail and the wind deflector. However, THEY DID NOT REPLACE THE OTHER SIDE. They handed me the replacement rail for the other side, which I had special-ordered, so I would have it "for when it broke later." My impression is that in the TSB it suggests replacing both sides, even though the old and new parts look identical. So, are the parts identical? Should they have replaced the unbroken side while they were there? How likely is it to break again? The TSB says "Replace the bracket on the other side following steps 3 through 10. " https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...sunroof&page=2
The dealer installed my TWM short shifter a couple of months ago. The next day, it broke, because of problems with the weak OEM cable clip. Dealer fixed it. However, the shift knob is pointed the wrong way (TWM says this is an easy fix with a 15mm and a 9/16 inch end wrench). There is also noise when I shift that sounds like a metal piece on the shift boot is hitting on the shifter shaft. TWM advised putting electric tape on the shaft, and dealer supposedly did that. Dealer now says they are no longer wanting to work on it any more, and were washing their hands of it. I plan to take it to an independent shop and have the installation fixed, at my expense. Should I be unhappy at this? Should I complain somewhere? I haven't specifically challenged the service MANAGER, as opposed to the service ADVISOR about this yet, which I plan to do before I try anything else.
07-02-2010 | 07:32 PM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: 03-06-2010
Posts: 6,869
From: Ohio
I wouldn't have gone to a dealership for any aftermarket installs, it's not their expertise and if there were problems down the road I would expect the result they are giving you.... I am actually surprised they did the work at all. Just my 
Never use my sunroof so I can't help there....... Again, at a "stealership" they will do as little as possible, so only replacing the one side..... typical.
Never use my sunroof so I can't help there....... Again, at a "stealership" they will do as little as possible, so only replacing the one side..... typical.
07-03-2010 | 01:29 PM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: 10-19-2005
Posts: 20,687
From: Miami
With respect to the sunroof, I just got it back from the dealer. The sunroof is working now. They replaced the broken rail and the wind deflector. However, THEY DID NOT REPLACE THE OTHER SIDE. They handed me the replacement rail for the other side, which I had special-ordered, so I would have it "for when it broke later." My impression is that in the TSB it suggests replacing both sides, even though the old and new parts look identical. So, are the parts identical? Should they have replaced the unbroken side while they were there? How likely is it to break again?
I had the arm on my sunroof break a little over 3 years ago. The whole assembly was replaced (TSB for fix was not out yet). No problems since then and haven't heard of any reoccurrence from those who have had it fixed.
07-06-2010 | 10:42 AM
#5
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 02-06-2010
Posts: 580
From: Shreveport, LA
The Saga Continues
With respect to the sunroof repair, the dealer's service MANAGER says that their tech experienced with sunroofs has figured out how to repair it WITHOUT REMOVING THE HEADLINER. Therefore, all their labor was to replace the broken rail on one side. That's how they could get it done so fast (2 hours). They are also saying that despite the parts looking identical (down to the numbers stamped on it), the replacement sunroof rail is STRONGER. That's why there are not subsequent sunroof failures when the repair is done according to the TSB (that is, BOTH SIDES). The dealer has agreed to replace the 2nd side rail for the difference between what I paid for the first side ($210 plus parts) and the original repair estimate ($276).
With respect to the short shifter, the rattling was coming from inside the SHIFT KNOB. I unscrewed the knob, and it rattled in my hand when I shook it! I talked to TWM, and there is a spacer for height adjustment that can be put in the shift knob, allowing the shifter length to be adjusted to personal preference. There is a nut inside the knob, whose sole purpose is to tighten down that spacer to keep it from rattling. I discovered that the nut was only screwed in hand tight. I unscrewed the nut and removed the spacer, and there's no longer any rattle (but a very short shift shaft, as opposed to shift throw). The shift pattern is not straight because there is a nut (TWM calls it a jamb nut) that screws onto the shaft to fine-tune the adjustment. That nut is missing. TWM also includes a special tool to make working on all this easier. The dealership threw it away! TWM will assmble a "hardware kit" that includes the missing pieces (jamb nut, spacer kit), the special tool, and another instruction manual. They will send it to me for $17.50 delivered and talk me through the installation. The dealer has agreed to credit the cost of that kit against the additional amount I'm paying for repair of the 2nd side of the sunroof.
After all the dust settles, I should have both a working short shifter and a properly-repaired sunroof. There's nothing like dealing with the service MANAGER rather than a service writer.
With respect to the TWM short shifter, I again want to clarify that all the problems have to do with installation. TWM has been helpful throughout. This is not TWM's fault.
With respect to the short shifter, the rattling was coming from inside the SHIFT KNOB. I unscrewed the knob, and it rattled in my hand when I shook it! I talked to TWM, and there is a spacer for height adjustment that can be put in the shift knob, allowing the shifter length to be adjusted to personal preference. There is a nut inside the knob, whose sole purpose is to tighten down that spacer to keep it from rattling. I discovered that the nut was only screwed in hand tight. I unscrewed the nut and removed the spacer, and there's no longer any rattle (but a very short shift shaft, as opposed to shift throw). The shift pattern is not straight because there is a nut (TWM calls it a jamb nut) that screws onto the shaft to fine-tune the adjustment. That nut is missing. TWM also includes a special tool to make working on all this easier. The dealership threw it away! TWM will assmble a "hardware kit" that includes the missing pieces (jamb nut, spacer kit), the special tool, and another instruction manual. They will send it to me for $17.50 delivered and talk me through the installation. The dealer has agreed to credit the cost of that kit against the additional amount I'm paying for repair of the 2nd side of the sunroof.
After all the dust settles, I should have both a working short shifter and a properly-repaired sunroof. There's nothing like dealing with the service MANAGER rather than a service writer.
With respect to the TWM short shifter, I again want to clarify that all the problems have to do with installation. TWM has been helpful throughout. This is not TWM's fault.
Last edited by Doctuh; 07-06-2010 at 11:54 AM.
07-06-2010 | 11:37 AM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: 10-02-2005
Posts: 1,245
From: VA
With respect to the sunroof repair, the dealer's service MANAGER says that their tech experienced with sunroofs has figured out how to repair it WITHOUT REMOVING THE HEADLINER. Therefore, all their labor was to replace the broken rail on one side. That's how they could get it done so fast (2 hours). They are also saying that despite the parts looking identical (down to the numbers stamped on it), the replacement sunroof rail is STRONGER. That's why there are not subsequent sunroof failures when the repair is done according to the TSB (that is, BOTH SIDES).
With respect to the short shifter, the rattling was coming from inside the SHIFT KNOB. I unscrewed the knob, and it rattled in my hand when I shook it! I talked to TWM, and there is a spacer for height adjustment that can be put in the shift knob, allowing the shifter length to be adjusted to personal preference. There is a nut inside the knob, whose sole purpose is to tighten down that spacer to keep it from rattling. I discovered that the nut was only screwed in hand tight. I unscrewed the nut and removed the spacer, and there's no longer any rattle (but a very short shift shaft, as opposed to shift throw). The shift pattern is not straight because there is a nut (TWM calls it a jamb nut) that screws onto the shaft to fine-tune the adjustment. That nut is missing. TWM also includes a special tool to make working on all this easier. The dealership threw it away! TWM will assmble a "hardware kit" that includes the missing pieces (jamb nut, spacer kit), the special tool, and another instruction manual. They will send it to me for $17.50 delivered and talk me through the installation. The dealer has agreed to credit the cost of that kit against the additional amount I'm paying for repair of the 2nd side of the sunroof.
After all the dust settles, I should have both a working short shifter and a properly-repaired sunroof. There's nothing like dealing with the service MANAGER rather than a service writer.
With respect to the TWM short shifter, I again want to clarify that all the problems have to do with installation. TWM has been helpful throughout. This is not TWM's fault.
With respect to the short shifter, the rattling was coming from inside the SHIFT KNOB. I unscrewed the knob, and it rattled in my hand when I shook it! I talked to TWM, and there is a spacer for height adjustment that can be put in the shift knob, allowing the shifter length to be adjusted to personal preference. There is a nut inside the knob, whose sole purpose is to tighten down that spacer to keep it from rattling. I discovered that the nut was only screwed in hand tight. I unscrewed the nut and removed the spacer, and there's no longer any rattle (but a very short shift shaft, as opposed to shift throw). The shift pattern is not straight because there is a nut (TWM calls it a jamb nut) that screws onto the shaft to fine-tune the adjustment. That nut is missing. TWM also includes a special tool to make working on all this easier. The dealership threw it away! TWM will assmble a "hardware kit" that includes the missing pieces (jamb nut, spacer kit), the special tool, and another instruction manual. They will send it to me for $17.50 delivered and talk me through the installation. The dealer has agreed to credit the cost of that kit against the additional amount I'm paying for repair of the 2nd side of the sunroof.
After all the dust settles, I should have both a working short shifter and a properly-repaired sunroof. There's nothing like dealing with the service MANAGER rather than a service writer.
With respect to the TWM short shifter, I again want to clarify that all the problems have to do with installation. TWM has been helpful throughout. This is not TWM's fault.
Shoot, you NEED to learn how to do some of your own work. How the heck would you expect a DEALER to know how to install the TWM shifter??
Having done it, it is relatively easy and works fantastic! 
As for the sunroof issue... Before the newer proceedure, they would replace the ENTIRE tray ass'y, when the only problem was the POORLY DESIGNED bracket for the wind deflector. Later (DOH, GM?!?!) they realized that only replacing the bracket would save them $$$$$$. But, also realize that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" comes into play on your expectations that they would replace BOTH sides. I had one break and they replaced the entire tray ass'y. The newer one has the exact same (inferior design!) brackets. Give credit to GM ignorance, financial situation and lack of proper design for that BS. Welcome to the new GM!!
07-06-2010 | 11:59 AM
#7
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 02-06-2010
Posts: 580
From: Shreveport, LA
The brackets
Service manager says the new bracket is different. It looks the same to me, and has the same stamping, though it has a paper label saying "Made in Korea!" IS IT DIFFERENT OR NOT?
Edit - ChevyMgr, our moderator and a service manager, PM'ed me and said that since it has a different part number than the old one, then it must have been revised and should be replaced.
Edit - ChevyMgr, our moderator and a service manager, PM'ed me and said that since it has a different part number than the old one, then it must have been revised and should be replaced.
Last edited by Doctuh; 07-06-2010 at 09:30 PM.
03-06-2011 | 09:34 PM
#8
Joined: 01-08-2011
Posts: 6
From: san clemente, ca
I did it myself. Video taped a number of steps and documented my experiences. Read the whole version here
http://srikanajan.blogspot.com/2011/...of-broken.html
How to Fix Chevy HHR SunRoof Broken Wind Deflector Bracket TSB #08-08-67-018
http://srikanajan.blogspot.com/2011/...of-broken.html
How to Fix Chevy HHR SunRoof Broken Wind Deflector Bracket TSB #08-08-67-018
03-06-2011 | 09:53 PM
#9
Joined: 01-08-2011
Posts: 6
From: san clemente, ca
Its a design defect guys. NO PART REPLACEMENT WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. Read my blog entry on this issue:
http://srikanajan.blogspot.com/2011/...of-broken.html
http://srikanajan.blogspot.com/2011/...of-broken.html
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