Timing belt broke on 2006 sts with 53,000 miles!

papaisrollin · #1 (**permalink**) 07-29-09, 09:28 PM

I leased this car brand new in 2005. Due to turn in 6 months from now. Timing belt broke and the dealer is insinuating poor upkeep. Pure bs this was my 7th caddy and NEVER missed an oil change. They claim the engine only had a quart and a half in the engine with no leaks. They suggest I produce oil change records. The dealership where the oil changes were performed is no longer in business due to the recession. I was told give him one more day while he contacts someone at cadillac. I swear so much for reliability. If they don't do right by me lexus here I come!

next2pool · #2 (**permalink**) 07-29-09, 09:49 PM

I'm assuming your talking about a timing chain. Is it a V6 or V8? Also, was the dealer that closed a GM dealer?--if so the service should be on the computer under your VIN number.

Spencer's HIDs · #3 (**permalink**) 07-29-09, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by next2pool

I'm assuming your talking about a timing chain. Is it a V6 or V8? Also, was the dealer that closed a GM dealer?--if so the service should be on the computer under your VIN number.

Only warranty service will be in the computer. We dont even have information from the other GM dealers we own in the state. I didnt think there was a timing belt either....On either the v6 or v8

papaisrollin · #4 (**permalink**) 07-29-09, 10:21 PM

Its a v6 and I'm in a screwed up situation. If they don't fix it. They're talking 7000 in repairs. I don't think so.

dkozloski · #5 (**permalink**) 07-29-09, 11:20 PM

If the timing chain broke the valves, at least, are scrambled and possibly the heads and pistons.

next2pool · #6 (**permalink**) 07-29-09, 11:52 PM

Low mileage long block V6 engines (fully dressed) are available for around $1550--V8's around $1700

Force-1 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-30-09, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by papaisrollin

I leased this car brand new in 2005. Due to turn in 6 months from now. Timing belt broke and the dealer is insinuating poor upkeep. Pure bs this was my 7th caddy and NEVER missed an oil change. They claim the engine only had a quart and a half in the engine with no leaks. They suggest I produce oil change records. The dealership where the oil changes were performed is no longer in business due to the recession. I was told give him one more day while he contacts someone at cadillac. I swear so much for reliability. If they don't do right by me lexus here I come!

You didn't keep receipts/invoices for your oil changes?

WillySTS · #8 (**permalink**) 07-30-09, 12:11 PM

This is not very unusual for that engine. You really should check your oil level once a month. You really shouly keep your service records, if for no other reason, it adds to the resale value of the car and for insurance purposes if it gets totaled or stolen. I keep all of my service records and I work at the dealer.

WorkinWoodWheel.TX · #9 (**permalink**) 07-30-09, 12:33 PM

I love my cadillac but they have horrible service compared to a lot of other luxury car dealers.

EChas3 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-30-09, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WorkinWoodWheel.TX

I love my cadillac but they have horrible service compared to a lot of other luxury car dealers.

Like so many things, YMMV. My dealer takes good care of us. We have bought 5 used cars from him over 15 years and the service is good provided you make sure they understand the issue and expectation. Our Cadillacs have visited the shop more than others but they have a lot more features than the others.

next2pool · #11 (**permalink**) 07-30-09, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by papaisrollin

Its a v6 and I'm in a screwed up situation. If they don't fix it. They're talking 7000 in repairs. I don't think so.

I think these V6's have 3 timing chains--one primary and two secondary's so the overall damage may depend on which one broke. There were problems in 2007 but so far I haven't seen any indication that the quality problem affected 2006--could yours be a late 06? Also, did the chain actually break or did it slip. I suppose it could be attributed to low oil pressure, but I would ask some tough questions first.

SKATE50 · #12 (**permalink**) 07-30-09, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WorkinWoodWheel.TX

I love my cadillac but they have horrible service compared to a lot of other luxury car dealers.

Sorry to hear that but my Caddy dealer treats me like a KING, like I invented sliced bread or something!

papaisrollin · #13 (**permalink**) 07-30-09, 11:38 PM

3 repairs under warranty. This is the 4th problem and its major. They called today with 2 offers. First offer they pay 4000 and I pay 4000 to rebuild the engine. I pay 6000 to fix it and they provide a voucher for 4000 towards the purchase of my existing car or a new one. This sucks. Not unusual for this engine. I guess I learned a valuable lesson. Keep all records and warranty ,warranty,warranty.

mbnv992 · #14 (**permalink**) 07-30-09, 11:49 PM

$4,000 ?!?!?!?!?! That's crazy !!!!
My caddy has treated me just fine in the 20,000 miles that I've had it.

next2pool · #15 (**permalink**) 07-31-09, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by papaisrollin

3 repairs under warranty. This is the 4th problem and its major. They called today with 2 offers. First offer they pay 4000 and I pay 4000 to rebuild the engine. I pay 6000 to fix it and they provide a voucher for 4000 towards the purchase of my existing car or a new one. This sucks. Not unusual for this engine. I guess I learned a valuable lesson. Keep all records and warranty ,warranty,warranty.

Well I do think it is unusual for this engine! There were some oil consumption issues which really is not that common, nor should that become your problem. Also, I don't think that low oil level will cause a timing chain failure.It's a roller chain that can endure a lot of punishment--more so than bearings and rings. Don't give in yet!!