under car shield

C "T" ess · #1 (**permalink**) 08-24-09, 12:58 PM

Has anyone removed the under car shield while changing the oil. I had the dealer change my oil and now the shield is missing. They claim they never remove them therefore they didn't lose it. I don't remember it falling off and getting run over. If it isn't important and serves no mechanical function, then I'll just leave it off, but if it does something then I'll make an issue of it.

1stCad · #2 (**permalink**) 08-24-09, 01:33 PM

I had to remove mine when I changed my oil so I'm sure they did as well.

crystal_red · #3 (**permalink**) 08-24-09, 02:41 PM

From what I understand the shield may provide some protection from road debris, but the main reason Cadillac put it there was to help dampen ground and engine noise. You can be the judge if either of those reasons is really valid!

yatesd · #4 (**permalink**) 08-24-09, 06:38 PM

It may also impact drag coefficient. Have you noticed a reduction in top speed? What about gas mileage?

Have you had it serviced anywhere other than the dealer? I doubt it would just fall off....I would also want to know what procedure they are using for changing the oil and whether it is a GM recommended procedure.

I've heard of some places basically sucking the oil out of the vehicle, but maybe I am a little old fashioned. I prefer when the bad stuff drains out via gravity.

redvett94 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-24-09, 09:06 PM

You have to remove the noise shield to change oil. Find out if the drain or suck the oil out and if they drain then they forgot it.

C6Vette · #6 (**permalink**) 08-24-09, 10:00 PM

Regardless of how it got lost the dealer should replace it if it's still under warranty. If a part falls off the car, they better replace it. I'd argue it either way.

endo · #7 (**permalink**) 08-24-09, 10:03 PM

Yeah I think they forgot to put the cover back. But GM said they add all those cover just to reduce the noise of the engine. But I also agree with yatsed about the drag coefficient. Oh and I think the cover you are talking about, that cover has 4 screws that you have to remove before you can take the cover out. So I don't think the cover can just fall out unless they forgot to put the screws back on.

1stCad · #8 (**permalink**) 08-25-09, 12:23 AM

You do have to remove screws before you can drop the pan. If it fell off you would know it. Its there for a reason so have them replace it.

C "T" ess · #9 (**permalink**) 08-25-09, 01:18 AM

They want the car back today to put it up on the lift to see what is missing. Now they think that not all CTS' have the shield. See the mentality I'm dealing with. I'll check out how the oil change is done and if they remain obstinate, then I'll make an issue of it. Thanks for all of your input so far.

Z71 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-26-09, 03:33 PM

When ever the service people give me any crap I go right to my salesman. A couple of times over the years when the service guys tried to BS me I told him your service people are giving me a hard time. I don't get mad as that's puts them on the defensive. When he goes and talks with them, their attitude changes quickly.

exm22psu · #11 (**permalink**) 08-26-09, 03:49 PM

I concur that it should be there, and that it is not just going to fall off. If you don't go to your salesperson, meet face to face with the service manager. Given all the problems I have had with the service reps, I often just call and ask to speak with "Todd," and he gets it all taken care of. It's either a warranty issue, or a mistake on the part of the service individuals. Either way, it is not your problem, especially if you have never changed the oil.

Bandit1 · #12 (**permalink**) 08-26-09, 04:55 PM

Remove the shield every time I change the oil. Its the only way to gain access to the oil drain plug. However, if the stealership forgot to reinstall the retaining clips for the shield it wouldn't take long for it to disconnect from the front air dam assembly and fall off. And BTW....ALL CTSs do have it installed.

C "T" ess · #13 (**permalink**) 08-26-09, 04:59 PM

I took the car to the dealer and they put it up on the lift. I don't know what I saw but it wasn't the shield. There are no clips to indicate there ever was a shield or any marks to show one was there. We looked at several other cars and some had them and some didn't/ We came to the conclusion that at some point in the 08 model run the shield was added and before that there was none. They confirmed that the shield is for engine noise reduction, but I don't hear any noise on the interstate or on local roads. As for drag coefficient; I rarely drive above 80 mph so what ever I lose to drag is insignificant. So much for that,'nother problem solved; or is it.

Bandit1 · #14 (**permalink**) 08-26-09, 05:03 PM

Yes, the Stealership is somewhat correct. The shield is part of the DI sound deadening design. However, the shield can also be found on the regular FI CTSs and is used to protect the underside of the engine and pan. If you have a DI engine package, the shield must be in place.

roddie17 · #15 (**permalink**) 08-26-09, 05:12 PM

I have an earlier model 08 (Oct 07) and it has the shield. I was driving home from trip approx 100 mls away and thought i had flat tire. Pulled over checked the tires and did not see any with low air. Got back in and proceeded along, approx 75-80 mls / hr. A car acme up next to me and was pointing under my car. I pulled off again, only to look under the car this time. The fron of the shield was actually dragging the ground, binding the shield from the car going forward. i tried to get shield off, and could not. Had no tools and it was about 9:00pm on a saturday night. Long story short, i continued to drive home approx 75 additional miles. Somewhere along the trip the shield actually bent in half and now was at last dragging in the same direction as the car. Took it to my dealer the next day. They ordered a new shield, no questions asked and installed it as soon as it came in 4-5 days later. No questions asked.