[GadgetGuy1981]

I just got my 2010 LTZ with the 3.6L and the 6-speed last week. I live in Cincinnati and have taken two "trips" in the car to Dayton (about 120 miles round trip). The first one, taken on the second day of ownership, was relatively normal, but I seem to be experiencing the shift uncertainty that I've read about everywhere else on the forum with the 6-speed/A6.

This second trip, taken last night, we had to stop off somewhere where the engine would be running. While sitting in park, I noticed a "rumble" or "Shudder" every few seconds. It felt like previous cars I've had that usually led to a need for new spark plugs (misfiring) or new/adjusted motor mounts. I even revved a little bit in park, and found it an easy to make the car shudder with some light revving.

Interesting thing is, this car was bought two weeks ago, but kept at the dealer while they fixed the famous "check air bag" problem before I took delivery. I asked while it was in to have ALL EEPROMs/Firmwares checked with a TECH II to ensure that I was getting a vehicle with all re-learns and software updates - I ask this for every vehicle I purchase, and I was told that it was completed before the car was detailed and made ready for me.

So I've got two issues:

- Does anyone else have the rough idle issues in PARK or NEUTRAL that I have? Is it related to the shudder/vibration in shifting?

- Is there any indicator that I can check myself to find out firmware versions of the control modules? I really wish I could count on these guys without having to bug another dealer, but I am not getting a good vibe.

I might just need to take it to another, more reputable, dealer (at least from a service perspective) and see if they can give me what I'm looking for. I just hate to be without it again, considering that I just bought it, and couldn't touch it for a week afterward (some of you will understand the excitement of getting behind the wheel of a new ride that you ordered just your way, then the crush of service issues from day one).

Otherwise, I'm loving the ride, and enjoying my two Chevys in the driveway.

Let me know if anyone has any thoughts on either of these problems.

 

[chevyguy8893]

The 6 speed takes some getting used to. The 6 speed is a very busy trans basically for fuel economy, but it is refined enough to where it isn't very noticeable when it is shifting. If you do feel that there is a problem take it to the dealer and tell them what is wrong, and have a tech ride with you so you can point out the issue and make sure they know exactly what it is.

As for the rough idle do you have the A/C on when it is happening? The engine will compensate for the added draw the compressor uses by increase the idle, but it will drop down at first.

Most dealers won't actually go through all the modules to check to see if the programming is up to date. This would take a long time to reprogram each module and it generally is not beneficial unless there is an issue. Most updates that GM releases for programming are to correct issues some vehicles have. The other issue is, if a dealer goes through and reprograms modules some may be for different parts that are installed for a service bulletin. There is no easy way of checking to see if it is all up to date, the only way is going through GM's programming site with a tech II and seeing which modules have updates.

Anyways, enjoy the new vehicle.

 

[mookdoc]

Look, the last post sounds like a Gm salesman! I have the same car exact same problem. You need to tell them to update the ECM and re-flash the computer with GM NEW metrics for that exact engine the 3.6lr not the 4cly. It will go away almost 100%. It's all about the dealer so hope yours is a good one good luck. Ask me anything else as I have done about 12-15 trips to the the dealer for this car!

 

[elcompaLalo]

Look, the last post sounds like a Gm salesman! I have the same car exact same problem. You need to tell them to update the ECM and re-flash the computer with GM NEW metrics for that exact engine the 3.6lr not the 4cly. It will go away almost 100%. It's all about the dealer so hope yours is a good one good luck. Ask me anything else as I have done about 12-15 trips to the the dealer for this car!

Not a salesman, but a GM tech. The man knows what he is talking about.

 

[Malo83]

Or the dreaded service writer

 

[Starship]

I seem to remember him calling himself by some archaic term "mechanic" whatever that means.*4

 

[DrivenDaily]

I have the 3.6/A6. I don't believe I have ever had the engine idling and had it shudder. Not sure if this helps, but here's at least one system that doesn't act the same. Hope you get it under control soon. I agree with your comment about it being a great car. I'm all too glad I bought it!

 

[chevyguy8893]

Look, the last post sounds like a Gm salesman! I have the same car exact same problem. You need to tell them to update the ECM and re-flash the computer with GM NEW metrics for that exact engine the 3.6lr not the 4cly. It will go away almost 100%. It's all about the dealer so hope yours is a good one good luck. Ask me anything else as I have done about 12-15 trips to the the dealer for this car!

I only gave my personal opinion on the matter to help guide them since I am not the one who drives it everyday. If there is an issue then, by all means, get it fixed. That is why there are warranties. Like previously said, I am not a salesman, just a mechanic, grease monkey, or the newer term automotive technician.

 

[Silver LTZ]

I have noticed a slight shudder at times when stopped in drive with the A/C on. My previous G6 did the same thing, and my friends Malibu does it too. Not sure if this is what you are getting, but it seems to be normal.

 

[GadgetGuy1981]

Thanks Silver, and everyone else who commented. I think I'm going to have my local dealer check out the firmware/updates just to be safe, but when driving it today, I didn't notice it as much, and I rolled over to 500 miles on my way home from the office. Could be a break-in thing, or a learn-in for updates that maybe/maybe didn't happen.

I wish there was an "about" screen in the DIC where you could get your versioning.

 

[Silver LTZ]

Thanks Silver, and everyone else who commented. I think I'm going to have my local dealer check out the firmware/updates just to be safe, but when driving it today, I didn't notice it as much, and I rolled over to 500 miles on my way home from the office. Could be a break-in thing, or a learn-in for updates that maybe/maybe didn't happen.

I wish there was an "about" screen in the DIC where you could get your versioning.

Have you heard about updates for this, or are you just guessing? Only updates I have heard about are for the A6. But I am curious.

 

[GadgetGuy1981]

I've heard about ECM updates and TCM updates for shudder, vibration, and shift points.

I just want to make sure that I've taken the dealer through all of the easy troubleshooting before we get to "Cannot replicate" land...

 

[Silver LTZ]

I've heard about ECM updates and TCM updates for shudder, vibration, and shift points.

I just want to make sure that I've taken the dealer through all of the easy troubleshooting before we get to "Cannot replicate" land...

Humm, I'm bringing my car in the week after next for service. Maybe I'll ask if my car can take any updates. I did have a transmission reflash done about 9 months ago though....

 

[GadgetGuy1981]

I called the purchase dealer today, after an inability to get an appointment at any other shops. On pulling up my VIN, the service mgr. reiterated that I received a TCM and ECM flash before taking delivery of the vehicle. Apparently they have record of a Sr. Tech, who did my airbag sensor replacement also checking and udpating both systems due to bulletins.

The Service Mgr. did get a Sr. tech on the phone, who explained that this A6 works with the TCM and ECM to calibrate for about 1000 miles after flashing (My Odo is only at approx. 570mi). This is the secret trick to the A6 optimized fuel mileage, and odd behavior, I suppose.

I appreciated the thorough service over the phone, avoiding the trip to Kentucky to have them take a look directly. They did mention that they can monitor idle revs, fluctuations in the camshaft, etc. and test on a dyno if there are still issues after 1500-2000 miles.

Maybe it was peace of mind, but I really didn't have any of the issues today, at least not with the extremity as was experienced over the weekend. I'll post updates as I learn/experience more.

 

[uni1999]

I have noticed a slight shudder at times when stopped in drive with the A/C on. My previous G6 did the same thing, and my friends Malibu does it too. Not sure if this is what you are getting, but it seems to be normal.

I've noticed the exact same thing with my new 3.6 Malibu and my previous 3.5 G6 as well. I assume it is fairly normal, my dad's 3.9 Impala also does it.

 

[GadgetGuy1981]

I've noticed the exact same thing with my new 3.6 Malibu and my previous 3.5 G6 as well. I assume it is fairly normal, my dad's 3.9 Impala also does it.

I confirmed with my selling dealer, and with another local dealer (4 within 10 miles - Gotta have a Chevy in these parts).

They even put it on a tech II and confirmed latest versions for me, and checked the idle readouts.

I'm going to guess that some of this is break-in (or re-learn on modern machines) and some of it is programming/calibrations because it's new.

I'm still only at ~650 miles, but I'm already noticing smoother shifting and less "what the..." moments when I'm getting on it.

The service manager/writer did mention that if I like to wind it up, that I should do so whenever its safe, which will help the car adjust for shift points at higher RPM, resulting in better overall shifting and better adjustment for durability. I'd say that from an "original issues" perspective, that my problems are solved.

I'm going to start a new thread on this, or join one already in progress, but do all of the sunroof shades on these things rattle like mine? Its killing me. My previous Malibus (Gen 5 LS's - Back when that meant premium) never had this problem, nor does my Equinox.

It seems like a cheap plastic part just thrown into the canopy like an afterthought. Dealer wants the car all day to fix, claiming that they have to take the roof off to mess with it. NOT loving that idea on a car with less than 1K on it. We'll see.

Thanks everyone for your input.

 

[DrivenDaily]

I'm taking mine in on Monday the 14th for service. The BT no longer connects to my Droid (used to for the first 3 weeks), sunshade rattle (2nd attempt), and moan or groan when turning, esp. when stopped or just barely moving.

Other than that, for the most part my car has been absolutely ideal. Last night I had 3 people from my local camera club ride with me to dinner and they all liked my car. They said it's so much nicer than the older ones they've seen before and rode real nice. Overall excellent comments. Of course, I just bought the car, didn't design it, but I agree. I'm truly impressed with it as well!

 

[Silver LTZ]

I'm going to start a new thread on this, or join one already in progress, but do all of the sunroof shades on these things rattle like mine? Its killing me. My previous Malibus (Gen 5 LS's - Back when that meant premium) never had this problem, nor does my Equinox.

There is a TSB for that.

 

[GadgetGuy1981]

There is a TSB for that.

Not to keep this thread going, but I found that, and took the info to the investigating dealer, but I guess it requires a teardown of the headliner/canopy - I'm worried about new "noises" from the "repair"...