2005 STS - Numerous Problems

[CTS11723]

I have had numerous problems with my RWD 2005 STS that my dealer can't or claims can't be fixed or resolved. If anyone can shed some light on these issues, I would appreciate it.

1. Twice had vehicle to dealer when directional sound cuts out and so does audio from radio.
Answer: Dealer can't replicate. (Neither can I.)

2. Strange intermittent whining noise from vehicle. Can hear it most easily at lower speeds. Rear dif has already been replaced. Took Service advisor for a ride so he could hear it.
Answer: Dealer can't replicate. (I hear it daily.)

3. When turning off the ignition, the engine make a horrible short screeching noise like nails on a chalkboard.
Answer: That is normal. (I don't think so.)

4. When turning vehicle at low speeds, both forward and reverse, there is a loud grinding noise. I also had the Service Advisor in the car for this.
Answer: It is tire noise. (It is definitely not tire noise.)

5. Horrible smell coming from the A/C system vents. Smells slightly sweet and makes me sick to my stomach.
Answer: We don't smell anything. (Gosh, well how come my entire family can smell it?)

6. Previously had my vehicle in because washer fluid would pour right onto the ground of the vehicle. They said is was a loose clamp and fixed it. It has now happened again.

[MARKVIII]

Find another dealer and bring it there. I just brought my car to another dealer last week for 2 items that my regular dealer could not fix in three visits. Miracle upon miracle they fixed it at the new dealer i brought it to. talk to the service manager. tell him you have more important things to do then waste a day dealing with phantom issues. they only want to fix the items that they can replace with parts. they never want to investigate or take the time to sort it out.

[dhemrick]

It sounds like you have a bad dealer. This many problems from one car is not normal for these, but the dealer should have fixed them regardless.

Your profile doesn't state your location, but I would highly suggest taking it to another dealer even if you have to go to another city. If you post your location, I am sure the members will help you find another place to take it that is within reasonable distance from you.

[CTS11723]

I'm in Albany, New York. The next closest dealer is in Saratoga, about 1/2 hour away.

Also, the fan on my car is very loud. You can hear it turn on and off, especially when idle. Is this normal?

[tomm]

I feel guilty... My 2005 has given me NO problems.... Knock on wood!

[C&C]

# 3 sounds like a glazed unibelt; check the webbed side for a shiney glazey look. (easy fix, replace it)
# 5 sounds like you have an antifreeze leak in the heater core. This is an expensive fix, so if you are under warranty, get it fixed before your warranty runs out.
# 6 sounds as you may have a crack in the washer fluid resevoir nipple or bottle proper; dry it off, dust it with powder and see if you can determine the origin.

[CTS11723]

Re: #3 - Which belt is the "unibelt?" Would it be covered under warranty?

[cadillacroadside]

seems you have some issues there did you try another dealer, right off the bat, the smell from your hvac system is common, i doubt very much its a coolant leak, more along the lines of mircobial growth on your evap core, gm has a special coating that the techs should spray on to eliminate germ growth and enable your afterblow module, condensed water sits on the evap core after vehicle is shut off then turns to mildew, if it was leaking it would come out the hvac drain onto the ground
the screeching noise could be a belt, normally you would hear that while its running, there is also a tsb for hvac actuater arms moving into position which would happen when you power off the vehicle, is it coming from inside or the engine compartment?
the washer has a leak obviously...odd that they couldnt fix that
the directional and the audio cutting out has come up a few times....usually internal to the amp, all sound outputs run thru the amp, if it has a code its more than likely it
the rear noise i dont even want to speculate on that, we install many new rear diffs and have somewhat of a hum noise, engineering tells us its normal, it all depends on what the customer is tuned into, ive heard many rear diff hums....most people dont pay alot of attention to it

[CTS11723]

I haven't gone to another dealer yet. Thought I'd give them one last chance. By talking to other owners and searching through TSB's, I thought I could point them in the right direction.

I will mention to them the special coating to eliminate germ growth. They did fix the washer fluid leak, but it failed again. Do you know what the TSB number is for the HVAC Actuator?

As for the whining noise, I can't actually tell where it's coming from, but it is more like a whistle or howl.

The shut down screech seems to be coming from the engine compartment. To really hear it, I need to roll down the window and stick my head out.

What's really driving me nuts is the grinding noise when I make turns at slow speeds or pull in or back out of a parking spot.

[Benjamin Simon]

Originally Posted by CTS11723

What's really driving me nuts is the grinding noise when I make turns at slow speeds or pull in or back out of a parking spot.

My STS has always done this. I thought I read a solution somewhere... New steering rack I think, but don't quote me.

[triharley]

I've had my 05 for 5 months and 6 K miles, no problems, love the ride and the car.. Sorry for all your problems. But hey, I'm thinking about upgrading to an 08, any one interested in my car?