HELP-Check Engine Light Flashed 3 Times~~

[Dropped HYbro]

That would be the most expensive differential I’ve heard of. Call around for some quotes. The cost of towing will be easily saved in the repair bill.

I know your right...Im just concerned on these hybrid trucks they have degenerative braking which is controlled br braking and in turn charges the batteries...which has a lot to do with gearing...I am going to the dealership today and see if they will negotiate...I really need the guarantee/warranty/peace of mind and am willing to pay a little extra for it....but not twice the amount the repair should cost....I have priced parts and checked average hours to do this repair....just don't have the luxery with the hours I work to just tow from here to there checking prices and getting quotes.....uggh!

 

[Dropped HYbro]

That would be the most expensive differential I’ve heard of. Call around for some quotes. The cost of towing will be easily saved in the repair bill.

out of curiosity what gear ratio do you run in your bagged truck??...is it a chevy ring and pinion or is it an aftermarket
like auburn,richmond,maxtrac,etc???...have you ever had differential problems with the size wheels and lowering on your truck??
just curious man.

 

[Rocket Man]

I know your right...Im just concerned on these hybrid trucks they have degenerative braking which is controlled br braking and in turn charges the batteries...which has a lot to do with gearing...I am going to the dealership today and see if they will negotiate...I really need the guarantee/warranty/peace of mind and am willing to pay a little extra for it....but not twice the amount the repair should cost....I have priced parts and checked average hours to do this repair....just don't have the luxery with the hours I work to just tow from here to there checking prices and getting quotes.....uggh!

You should be able to call around for quotes.

out of curiosity what gear ratio do you run in your bagged truck??...is it a chevy ring and pinion or is it an aftermarket
like auburn,richmond,maxtrac,etc???...have you ever had differential problems with the size wheels and lowering on your truck??
just curious man.

It’s a narrowed GM rear end with Moser axles. The ring and pinion is stock. No problems.

 

[wjburken]

out of curiosity what gear ratio do you run in your bagged truck??...is it a chevy ring and pinion or is it an aftermarket
like auburn,richmond,maxtrac,etc???...have you ever had differential problems with the size wheels and lowering on your truck??
just curious man.

I don't think you need to tow it around at all just to get quotes. You know what is wrong now, just call different places, explain what your situation is and have them give you a quote to put a new differential into your vehicle. Make sure you ask what kind of warranty they will put on their work.

 

[Dropped HYbro]

You should be able to call around for quotes.


It’s a narrowed GM rear end with Moser axles. The ring and pinion is stock. No problems.

give me a best guess or approximation of what this job should cost in your opinion....I guestimated/researched around $12-1500 total including new ring and pinion,carrier,bushings,seal,etc....and based it off of 5-7 total hours of labor...am I far off you think??

 

[Dropped HYbro]

I don't think you need to tow it around at all just to get quotes. You know what is wrong now, just call different places, explain what your situation is and have them give you a quote to put a new differential into your vehicle. Make sure you ask what kind of warranty they will put on their work.

I am calling AMOCO and firestone today plus another guy that was recommended to me ...Im just concerned with the hybrid issues and not sure if I can trust some of these other places to have the experience needed in regards to making sure I don't ruin the hybrid recharging system by gearing it with a higher gear ratio....not sure if these other shops have the means or technology to reprogram shift points and speedometer for higher gear ratios???

 

[Doubeleive]

I am not real familiar with the hybrid drivetrain but if it is some form of awd you will need to change the front gearing as well.
you can get a Eaton Detroit put in there for probably $1200, the ring & pinion add additional cost & labor but probably not more than another $400 since they are doing it all once.
The higher cost from the Dealership is there over priced oem parts and add-on labor, I would call another local dealers service department and ask them what is the book time for the same job

 

[wjburken]

I am calling AMOCO and firestone today plus another guy that was recommended to me ...Im just concerned with the hybrid issues and not sure if I can trust some of these other places to have the experience needed in regards to making sure I don't ruin the hybrid recharging system by gearing it with a higher gear ratio....not sure if these other shops have the means or technology to reprogram shift points and speedometer for higher gear ratios???

Shift points and speedometer resets would be one of the questions I would definitely ask.

As for your regenerative charging, I will admit that I am not an expert by any means on the system used on your vehicle, but in general, I am thinking it shouldn't be an issue. Others with more knowledge may inform me that I am completely wet in the head on this, but here is my reasoning.

The system, I presume, takes the electric motor, or motors, and turns it into a generator when you are braking. The resistance caused by generating electricity slows the vehicle down and this stopping force can be varied automatically by controlling the amount of resistance in the system. All it is seeing the rotational speed of the shaft in the transmission and it is designed to handle the full range of speeds that the vehicle may be stopping from.

 

[Big Mama]

I’m with Wade on the concept of regenerative breaking including wet. 2 points.
1. When you call around get their hourly rate. I had to take a car to my dealer and his rate was $120 hr where indie was $60-$90
2. Is changing the gear and everything that changes/costs more worth it along with lower mileage? (I’m guessing here) If you tow heavy a lot I can see it but if it’s light to light maybe not?

 

[Dropped HYbro]

I’m with Wade on the concept of regenerative breaking including wet. 2 points.
1. When you call around get their hourly rate. I had to take a car to my dealer and his rate was $120 hr where indie was $60-$90
2. Is changing the gear and everything that changes/costs more worth it along with lower mileage? (I’m guessing here) If you tow heavy a lot I can see it but if it’s light to light maybe not?

I just don't understand why our dealerships make things so difficult...service and repairs should be treated with respect and understanding..instead they try and leave you with no options and try and suck the every dollar out of your pocket they can...they know whats reasonable and whats not....Im not against them making money and being profitable...just don't wear a ski mask and try to rob us blind....I feel so bummed out with GMC right now...and the individual dealerships....a lot on a my plate and I was looking forward to it being turkey....ugggh!

 

[swathdiver]

2008 GMC hybrid-114K...excellent service records...drives like a dream...just purchased 3K miles ago....so I decided to take a 4 hour trip to let my new suspension settle....bout half way through...2 hours or so..I notice my check engine light blink 3 times....whoa!!...panicked and pulled over checked all fluids and let truck "rest" for 15 minutes????

got back on road and truck drove fine for another 3 hours with no activity....can anybody chime in if this is a "one time" thing or if I should be overly concerned and change ALL....PLUGS,WIRES,AND COILS IMMEDIATELY??

Don't have a scanner yet but plan on purchasing a tech 2 soon...just reading up on them.

any input is appreciated!

Ike, is this a RWD truck?

 

[Dropped HYbro]

Ike, is this a RWD truck?

yes sir...rear wheel 2WD....14 bolt 9.5" pumpkin.

 

[swathdiver]

yes sir...rear wheel 2WD....14 bolt 9.5" pumpkin.

Ok, that's what I thought. Why not get a used one and swap it out? Shop labor for a swap is 4.2 hours. A complete internal overhaul is at least 8 hours shop labor.

The 2009 Escalade Hybrids have 3.42 gears. This same axle and gearing is found behind the RWD Escalades and Denalis and some more obscure models. The others are yours with the 3.08 gear set.

Somewhere out there is a brand new entire unit too...

 

[BG1988]

so an update..took truck to dealership Saturday...had to use a wheel loader so they wouldn't drag it up the flatbed...back wheels all locked up...they called me yesterday ..Monday...theyre telling me that the rear end differential is completely done...shot out...and in need of total replacement...new ring and pinion....bushings...everything inside the pumpkin....they are quoting me $700-$900 for parts and $1400-$1600 for labor...according to the service writer...it is 12 hour flag time for total tear down and rebuild....I think this is overpriced to say the least.So I asked a few questions before I authorize any work:

1.I want to replace the original 3.08 ring and pinion with a 3.73 ring and pinion- Can this be done with our Hybrids...keeping in mind the degenerative braking system where our batteries charge(reason- my wheel and tire combo is 33.81" tall...a little over 2" taller than stock wheel/tires)???

2.All the research and websites that Ive found say 5-8 hours flag time- from start to finish...total tear down and rebuild
why are they stating that it takes 12 hours labor for total tear down/rebuild???

3.will they calibrate the speedometer and transmission to the new gear ratio using theyre software or "tech2"'s??

4. they offered a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty for the rebuild services....what do you guys think??

5.Is there anything else I should have them do if I move forward with this rebuild while they have my truck service wise??

I know I could get this job done for less $$$....I am going to the dealership to try and negotiate with them today in regards to pricing....the facts are the truck is there and it needs repair....I just don't want to get soaked by the dealership...I am not confident enough in doing this repair myself...though I do know a little about rear end differential its lack of expeience actually putting them in....plus I get the guarantee and peace of mind if anything happens the work is warrantied and guaranteed!

all responses and comments are welcome and really appreciated

with 3.73 your mileage will drop quite a bit


Engine
2184 RPM = 80MPH with 3.73 and current tire size
1780 RPM =80MPH with current ratio and tire
1850RPM =80MPH with stock tire and stock ratio
2323 RPM with stock tire size 31.5" and 3.73 ratio



you will lose 2.5mpg

 

[BG1988]

I just don't understand why our dealerships make things so difficult...service and repairs should be treated with respect and understanding..instead they try and leave you with no options and try and suck the every dollar out of your pocket they can...they know whats reasonable and whats not....Im not against them making money and being profitable...just don't wear a ski mask and try to rob us blind....I feel so bummed out with GMC right now...and the individual dealerships....a lot on a my plate and I was looking forward to it being turkey....ugggh!

at lest it was not the transmission good thing you did not keep driving it you would have tore up the transmission and drive shaft with it

 

[Big Mama]

Great point James. Most yards have a pile of rear ends and you can check it over, remove the cover, before leaving. Much faster, less expensive and a possible DIY if it’s a straight swap with same gears.

 

[Dropped HYbro]

Ok, that's what I thought. Why not get a used one and swap it out? Shop labor for a swap is 4.2 hours. A complete internal overhaul is at least 8 hours shop labor.

The 2009 Escalade Hybrids have 3.42 gears. This same axle and gearing is found behind the RWD Escalades and Denalis and some more obscure models. The others are yours with the 3.08 gear set.

Somewhere out there is a brand new entire unit too...

good morning,so I started looking...found some for $650+275 shipping...Im going to try and locate some closer to home...im in southern California....just a quick update...I have the chevy dealership 2 miles from the GMC stating 7.5 hours labor total tear down and rebuild...when I told them the other dealership wanted 12 hours the service tech almost fell off his chair....though after talking to the GMC tech in person...he was giving worst case scenarios as they "always do"...he was knowledgeable and seemed honest in regards to his work....I just don't understand why they don't lock down a window of repair costs...I understand its hard to "approximate" without opening up the rear pumpkin......but I really feel that "double" the cost of many quotes to do this work is why - we as GMC/Chevy Owners have really lost faith in our dealerships....I have had past dealership experiences with other brands...literally sipping coffee and enjoying the free breakfasts while my vehicle would be getting fully detailed after services provided....I don't understand why GMC/Chevy is so out of tune with it's customers and dedicated owners...

with that being said...I will look into more options as far as a total replacement...it's just hard with the holidays here and a major storm hitting our area with the only time off from work I have...thanks James for the insight.

 

[Dropped HYbro]

at lest it was not the transmission good thing you did not keep driving it you would have tore up the transmission and drive shaft with it

for real...I asked a million questions yesterday when I was talking to the technician...such as did he turn the shaft by hand ??...he stated yes and NO noticeable sounds...although he stated he did not put a scanner on the vehicle yet...he said he would....he just wanted it to be mechanically sound from the rear end before he checked for any prior codes or current codes...though there were NO current codes...unsure of prior ones...I think at some point he tried to scare me stating with his worse case scenario that what if the housing was cracked through....I then asked if there were any leaks found and he stated NO...its currently on stocks....but with my wheels...the total height is 33.81....I really appreciate the numbers you gave me in regards to RPM and gas mileage...its making me rethink going with any other gears than the stock 3.08...were those numbers based on the tire/rim size I just listed??

 

[Dropped HYbro]

at lest it was not the transmission good thing you did not keep driving it you would have tore up the transmission and drive shaft with it

yes - I am very thankful...the technician yesterday when I went for a meet and greet to discuss or negotiate repairs stated that the input/output shaft was fine and that hes had a lot of experience with the hybrids...that hes never seen a broken one yet...he also was explaining to me that the transmission on these trucks were designed around heavy duty/bus applications and that from his experience the transmissions are solid

 

[Dropped HYbro]

at lest it was not the transmission good thing you did not keep driving it you would have tore up the transmission and drive shaft with it