Another 07 with low comp in #4. Warranty process - please read!!!

WaniuszY · 06-18-2008, 06:42 AM

It just happens that my thread is kinda simmilar to Think my claim will be honored? . But this is my story.
I have a 07 Ltd STi with 15.9k miles on it. The car is completely stock and was never tuned, which I actually regret because of the story about factory tune causing those problems. All I have is dealer installed SPT cat-back and mudflaps to protect doors from chipping.
About two weeks ago I left work, got to the car and started warming the engine up. I noticed engine vibrating more than usual and two minutes later check engine came on and cruise started blinking. So I drove to the house like an 80yr old grandma. Some time later on I got together with Amnesiac and borrowed his V1 AP. The ECU error was of course P0304 - Misfire in Cylinder #4. I called Subaru Of Gwinnett, and talked to one of the technicians about what could be the cause of my problem. He looked it up in his computer and told me that it's the spark plugs. So I told him that It don't make any sense for me to tow my car 180miles just to have spark plugs replaced and I would do it and see if that helps.
I got 100% OEM plugs from Advance Auto Parts and while I was in there I realized that with my plugs out I can do compression test to try to find out if it's not a more serious problem. So I got back to the garage, pulled the plugs and there was nothing wrong with them. Did my compression test and cyls read 135, 130, 142 and 45. I'm done. I call dealership telling them what I found and that I will be towing my car in a couple of days.
I think I will skip the part of towing truck operator sent by Roadside Assist. that tried to tear my front clip and eventually took off.
Anyways I dropped it off on thursday June 12th. Got my loanercar everything fine.
I called them yesterday (6/17) and she told me that they couldn't do it earlier and they just took my car to the shop and promised to call me whenever they find anything. She calls me today (6/18) and asks me for permission to tear the motor down. I'm like, why would you even ask me permission to do it? My car is broke and I got it to you so you can repair it. And she goes like, yeah but that will start warranty process and if it turns out it's not a mechanical failure.. I'm like, what??? Not a mechanical failure? Cylinder reading 45Psi is not a mechanical failure? She's like, yeah, but I need your permission because when they tear it down thay will send pictures to SOA and it's just in case it will not be honored as a warranty repair.
Whoa, the car is stock, never raced it, it has to be covered. Do whatever you need to do. So she said OK, my technician will get on it right away, and I will let you know as soon as I find out anything.

We'll see. I just hope they will repair it right. I had so much bad experrience with dealerships leaving air box open, lug nut gone after balancing wheels. I mean this is not a simple repair. It's easy to overlook something and leave some bolts loose and stuff.
I'll keep you updated as soon as I know anything.

UPDATE: July 02 08.
So after 20 days of delays, the service advisor being out sick and other excuses I called them today. She answered and told me she got to work couple hours ago and when she was gone service manager was on top of it so she will check with him and call me.
One hour later they BOTH call me and service manager told me they found broken 2 ringlands and that SOA told them that this will be NOT covered under warranty. I just couldn't believe my ears, told them it was ridiculous and stuff but he said that it wasn't regular failure but it was caused by overboost.
I was like "Say what? I didn't even put no AccessPort on it or anything. That's not my fault". So he said that they found out that I was manipulating with intake and that could be a reason for overboost. I told them I had SPT intake put on by Koby Subaru in Mobile and I put the stock box back on it because it was too loud for me and didn't notice no promised power increase.
He acted like he didn't even know what SPT was. So I told him I would call him back some time soon.
I didn't call SOA immediatelly 'cause I wanted to calm down a little after this huge frustration. I will call SOA tomorrow and see what they say.
This is just ridicuous. There's so many 07's with bad #4 and SOA don't seem to nitice that.

Anybody have any Ideas??

UPDATE: July 03 08.
Right after work called SOA only to find out they're closed for holiday weekend and will be back Monday 8:30. So I called the dealership again trying to ask for pictures they sent to SOA that decided about the case. Turns out they didn't send any because case was so obvious. He repeated that the decision was based on their description of condition of several components. He kinda implied that the car is stock "NOW" like he was suggesting it wasn't before. He said that ringland failure is not something that just breaks but is caused by abusive driving. That it would be cause by overboost and he noticed that I manipulated with intake and noticed overheated clutch. Seams like he had made the decision before even contacting SOA so based on his description they denied warranty. The guy is just not trying to work with customers but with SOA. WHY???
He's expecting a SOA representative on Monday that will also look at the car. I will make sure to give SOA a call before he gets there. As well as my lawyer.

BEWARE OF SUBARU OF GWINNETT Atlanta. They might be knowledgable but service manager is just
a prick and will screw you over on warranty claims!!!

UPDATE: July 08 08.

Mr Kevin Shoemaker from SOA (Same on that was dealing with KingNCSTI left me a message in my voicemail to let me know that SOA representative will be inspecting my car today and that they will contact me when they make thair decision and that I can contact him at SOA cust.serv. in the mean time.

UPDATE: July 10 08.
Since Mr. Shoemaker didn't call me back yesterday I called him today around 2:30PM. Basically he's denying warranty with stupid reasons.
Excessively worn e-brake. - I honestly and I know it's lame but I drove like 5 miles on partially engaged e-brake before realized.
Heat transfer on clutch - Never launched the car or nothing.
This is gonna be funny:
WORN TIRES

I wasn't calm during this conversation simply because I couldn't hold it inside, this is so ridiculous. He's gonna call me tommorow and arrange three-way conversation with him, me and the guy that inspected the car. When I confronted him about 07s breaking at much larger volume and specific case of KingncSTI, he didn't know if technician checked the ringland gap on the piston. He couldn't also answer when I asked him why he didn't instruct the technician to do so, since he had these problems before. He mentioned couple times that he didn't drive with me, but when confronted backed out quickly that those worn parts were not part of the decision, but the thing that they can NOT associate it with a part defect.
So my question is, should I pay just because some technician can't find the reason for failure, or just because it didn't happen to like 1000 people?
BTW it did happen to many of us already. Somebody should bring their attention to the problem with piston riglands.
Once again my car is 100% stock, never tuned or nothing.

So I'm asking you all for suggestions about what to ask the guy that I will be talking to tommorow, since all I know is what I learned here.

UPDATE: July 18 08.
Today I received the letter from SOA saying that this was caused by over-boosting, over-leaning or abuse, and they don't cover that, and on top of that it wasn't a part defect, This is just one huge scam!!!
If it's over-boosting or overleaning then they would be responsible for it anyways because it's their system that let such a condition to happen. As far as abusing they don't have no reason to claim that unless worn tires qualify as abusing it. If that's the case then look out folks, as you only have warranty for the life of your tires thread.
All this is bull**** to me. And please don't say nothing like "They should fix it under warranty cause it's pointless since I know they should, and that's why I'm so frustrated.

PM me if anybody has got like a lawyer they know that does this stuff or would be interested in arbitrating here. I will be exploring options and will keep you updated.

PS: Found out the guy's name spells with u - Kevin Shumaker .
More to come...

eze13sti · 06-18-2008, 06:47 AM

its a very un-settling feeling leaving your baby like that. hope everything works out mane

WaniuszY · 06-18-2008, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eze13sti

its a very un-settling feeling leaving your baby like that. hope everything works out mane

U can say that again.

**boondocksaint** · 06-18-2008, 07:12 AM

Subie of Gwinnett is supposedly a pretty good place. I've met Amnesiac before. It's nice to know there are a few people in the community down in my old stomping grounds. I wish you the best of luck, and remember that the warranty repair should also be warrantied.

If it were me, and it isn't, I'd get that joker tuned as soon as I got it back. Even bone stock, a good tune will go a long way to avoiding future headaches, methinks.

VROOM293 · 06-18-2008, 08:58 AM

If i had to bet...Id bet that you will be COVERED 100%
Waiting for the ''powers that be'' to render a disposition, much like for example;waiting for a test result for an STD... SUCKS! The end result here is much more predictable i.e WARRANTY HONORED!

***bue car*** · 06-18-2008, 09:11 AM

gahhh the 07's :[

STI Sibb · 06-19-2008, 04:13 AM

Sorry to hear about your situation. Let us know how it turns out.

**boxtwo** · 06-19-2008, 04:31 AM

Wow, sorry to hear about all this! Keep us posted!

WaniuszY · 07-02-2008, 06:02 PM

I updated my story today in first post.
Please tell me what you think.

USNSTI · 07-02-2008, 06:07 PM

I think you should get a lawyer.

boozy04 · 07-02-2008, 06:09 PM

that's some serious bull**** man. with all the 07's out there having ringland issues, AND in cylinder 4 you think they wouldn't even think twice about it. you'll get it straightened out though i'm sure. i'm pissed just reading this though so i'm sure you're pretty heated. i keep my fingers crossed everyday i drive my 07.

***solovus*** · 07-02-2008, 06:14 PM

I would compile everything you can from here and Nasioc and the internets in general and call an attorney. I would first talk to the dealership that installed your SPT Intake and see if they'll talk to the dealer that did the teardown about why the Intake looks messed with.

**Fletch07STI** · 07-02-2008, 06:19 PM

So sorry to hear that. Makes me scared to drive my 07 as most problems seem to happen around 15k and im almost 11k at the moment.

Raceroftomorrow · 07-02-2008, 06:33 PM

wow I feel bad for you man. I have an 07 too and it scares the crap out of me to drive it. When did you buy your car--> date wise?

STI Sibb · 07-02-2008, 06:34 PM

Overboosting? How does that cause a failure of the ringlands?

FYI, overboosting is the same statement issued to kingncsti when his 07 blew.

06-18-2008, 06:42 AM	#1
WaniuszY Junior STI Driver Car: 07 STi Ltd Fav Mod: ECU Tuning that I haven't done yet... Location: Montgomery, AL Posts: 76 Join Date: Jul 2007 Trader Rating: (1)	Another 07 with low comp in #4. Warranty process - please read!!! It just happens that my thread is kinda simmilar to Think my claim will be honored? . But this is my story. I have a 07 Ltd STi with 15.9k miles on it. The car is completely stock and was never tuned, which I actually regret because of the story about factory tune causing those problems. All I have is dealer installed SPT cat-back and mudflaps to protect doors from chipping. About two weeks ago I left work, got to the car and started warming the engine up. I noticed engine vibrating more than usual and two minutes later check engine came on and cruise started blinking. So I drove to the house like an 80yr old grandma. Some time later on I got together with Amnesiac and borrowed his V1 AP. The ECU error was of course P0304 - Misfire in Cylinder #4. I called Subaru Of Gwinnett, and talked to one of the technicians about what could be the cause of my problem. He looked it up in his computer and told me that it's the spark plugs. So I told him that It don't make any sense for me to tow my car 180miles just to have spark plugs replaced and I would do it and see if that helps. I got 100% OEM plugs from Advance Auto Parts and while I was in there I realized that with my plugs out I can do compression test to try to find out if it's not a more serious problem. So I got back to the garage, pulled the plugs and there was nothing wrong with them. Did my compression test and cyls read 135, 130, 142 and 45. I'm done. I call dealership telling them what I found and that I will be towing my car in a couple of days. I think I will skip the part of towing truck operator sent by Roadside Assist. that tried to tear my front clip and eventually took off. Anyways I dropped it off on thursday June 12th. Got my loanercar everything fine. I called them yesterday (6/17) and she told me that they couldn't do it earlier and they just took my car to the shop and promised to call me whenever they find anything. She calls me today (6/18) and asks me for permission to tear the motor down. I'm like, why would you even ask me permission to do it? My car is broke and I got it to you so you can repair it. And she goes like, yeah but that will start warranty process and if it turns out it's not a mechanical failure.. I'm like, what??? Not a mechanical failure? Cylinder reading 45Psi is not a mechanical failure? She's like, yeah, but I need your permission because when they tear it down thay will send pictures to SOA and it's just in case it will not be honored as a warranty repair. Whoa, the car is stock, never raced it, it has to be covered. Do whatever you need to do. So she said OK, my technician will get on it right away, and I will let you know as soon as I find out anything. We'll see. I just hope they will repair it right. I had so much bad experrience with dealerships leaving air box open, lug nut gone after balancing wheels. I mean this is not a simple repair. It's easy to overlook something and leave some bolts loose and stuff. I'll keep you updated as soon as I know anything. UPDATE: July 02 08. So after 20 days of delays, the service advisor being out sick and other excuses I called them today. She answered and told me she got to work couple hours ago and when she was gone service manager was on top of it so she will check with him and call me. One hour later they BOTH call me and service manager told me they found broken 2 ringlands and that SOA told them that this will be NOT covered under warranty. I just couldn't believe my ears, told them it was ridiculous and stuff but he said that it wasn't regular failure but it was caused by overboost. I was like "Say what? I didn't even put no AccessPort on it or anything. That's not my fault". So he said that they found out that I was manipulating with intake and that could be a reason for overboost. I told them I had SPT intake put on by Koby Subaru in Mobile and I put the stock box back on it because it was too loud for me and didn't notice no promised power increase. He acted like he didn't even know what SPT was. So I told him I would call him back some time soon. I didn't call SOA immediatelly 'cause I wanted to calm down a little after this huge frustration. I will call SOA tomorrow and see what they say. This is just ridicuous. There's so many 07's with bad #4 and SOA don't seem to nitice that. Anybody have any Ideas?? UPDATE: July 03 08. Right after work called SOA only to find out they're closed for holiday weekend and will be back Monday 8:30. So I called the dealership again trying to ask for pictures they sent to SOA that decided about the case. Turns out they didn't send any because case was so obvious. He repeated that the decision was based on their description of condition of several components. He kinda implied that the car is stock "NOW" like he was suggesting it wasn't before. He said that ringland failure is not something that just breaks but is caused by abusive driving. That it would be cause by overboost and he noticed that I manipulated with intake and noticed overheated clutch. Seams like he had made the decision before even contacting SOA so based on his description they denied warranty. The guy is just not trying to work with customers but with SOA. WHY??? He's expecting a SOA representative on Monday that will also look at the car. I will make sure to give SOA a call before he gets there. As well as my lawyer. BEWARE OF SUBARU OF GWINNETT Atlanta. They might be knowledgable but service manager is just a prick and will screw you over on warranty claims!!! UPDATE: July 08 08. Mr Kevin Shoemaker from SOA (Same on that was dealing with KingNCSTI left me a message in my voicemail to let me know that SOA representative will be inspecting my car today and that they will contact me when they make thair decision and that I can contact him at SOA cust.serv. in the mean time. UPDATE: July 10 08. Since Mr. Shoemaker didn't call me back yesterday I called him today around 2:30PM. Basically he's denying warranty with stupid reasons. Excessively worn e-brake. - I honestly and I know it's lame but I drove like 5 miles on partially engaged e-brake before realized. Heat transfer on clutch - Never launched the car or nothing. This is gonna be funny: WORN TIRES I wasn't calm during this conversation simply because I couldn't hold it inside, this is so ridiculous. He's gonna call me tommorow and arrange three-way conversation with him, me and the guy that inspected the car. When I confronted him about 07s breaking at much larger volume and specific case of KingncSTI, he didn't know if technician checked the ringland gap on the piston. He couldn't also answer when I asked him why he didn't instruct the technician to do so, since he had these problems before. He mentioned couple times that he didn't drive with me, but when confronted backed out quickly that those worn parts were not part of the decision, but the thing that they can NOT associate it with a part defect. So my question is, should I pay just because some technician can't find the reason for failure, or just because it didn't happen to like 1000 people? BTW it did happen to many of us already. Somebody should bring their attention to the problem with piston riglands. Once again my car is 100% stock, never tuned or nothing. So I'm asking you all for suggestions about what to ask the guy that I will be talking to tommorow, since all I know is what I learned here. UPDATE: July 18 08. Today I received the letter from SOA saying that this was caused by over-boosting, over-leaning or abuse, and they don't cover that, and on top of that it wasn't a part defect, This is just one huge scam!!! If it's over-boosting or overleaning then they would be responsible for it anyways because it's their system that let such a condition to happen. As far as abusing they don't have no reason to claim that unless worn tires qualify as abusing it. If that's the case then look out folks, as you only have warranty for the life of your tires thread. All this is bull**** to me. And please don't say nothing like "They should fix it under warranty cause it's pointless since I know they should, and that's why I'm so frustrated. PM me if anybody has got like a lawyer they know that does this stuff or would be interested in arbitrating here. I will be exploring options and will keep you updated. PS: Found out the guy's name spells with u - Kevin Shumaker . More to come... This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad. Last edited by WaniuszY : 07-18-2008 at 08:51 PM. Reason: Story updated in main post.

06-18-2008, 06:47 AM	#2
eze13sti Professional STI Racer Car: 05 STi Location: corpus Posts: 830 Join Date: May 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Another 07 with low comp in #4. Warranty process its a very un-settling feeling leaving your baby like that. hope everything works out mane

06-18-2008, 08:58 AM	#5
VROOM293 Silver Member Car: 7-STi-Born on fri-13 Location: Principality of CA. Posts: 548 Join Date: Dec 2007 Trader Rating: (3)	Re: Another 07 with low comp in #4. Warranty process If i had to bet...Id bet that you will be COVERED 100% Waiting for the ''powers that be'' to render a disposition, much like for example;waiting for a test result for an STD... SUCKS! The end result here is much more predictable i.e WARRANTY HONORED!

06-18-2008, 09:11 AM	#6
*bue car* Platinum Member Car: 07 STi Blue Fav Mod: stock :] Location: Torrance, California Posts: 496 Join Date: Sep 2007 Trader Rating: (1)	Re: Another 07 with low comp in #4. Warranty process gahhh the 07's :[

06-19-2008, 04:13 AM	#7
STI Sibb Senior STI Driver Car: Blue 07 WRX STI Fav Mod: Soap Location: Winston Salem, NC Posts: 381 Join Date: Apr 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Another 07 with low comp in #4. Warranty process Sorry to hear about your situation. Let us know how it turns out.

06-18-2008, 07:12 AM	#4
boondocksaint Reasonable Car: Boony's Motown STi Fav Mod: correct grammar Location: D3TR01T Posts: 22,628 Join Date: Jun 2006 Trader Rating: (5)	Re: Another 07 with low comp in #4. Warranty process Subie of Gwinnett is supposedly a pretty good place. I've met Amnesiac before. It's nice to know there are a few people in the community down in my old stomping grounds. I wish you the best of luck, and remember that the warranty repair should also be warrantied. If it were me, and it isn't, I'd get that joker tuned as soon as I got it back. Even bone stock, a good tune will go a long way to avoiding future headaches, methinks.

06-19-2008, 04:31 AM	#8
boxtwo Gold Member Car: 07 OBP STi Fav Mod: Venison front Bumper mod Location: Pennsyltucky Posts: 1,399 Join Date: Jun 2007 Trader Rating: (2)	Re: Another 07 with low comp in #4. Warranty process Wow, sorry to hear about all this! Keep us posted!

07-02-2008, 06:02 PM	#9
WaniuszY Junior STI Driver Car: 07 STi Ltd Fav Mod: ECU Tuning that I haven't done yet... Location: Montgomery, AL Posts: 76 Join Date: Jul 2007 Trader Rating: (1)	Re: Another 07 with low comp in #4. Warranty process I updated my story today in first post. Please tell me what you think.

07-02-2008, 06:07 PM	#10
USNSTI Silver Member Car: OBP 07 STI Fav Mod: Boost gauge Location: San Diego Posts: 1,430 Join Date: Dec 2006 Trader Rating: (6)	Re: Another 07 with low comp in #4. Warranty process I think you should get a lawyer.

07-02-2008, 06:09 PM	#11
boozy04 Grassroots STI Racer Car: 07 OBP STi Fav Mod: Valentine 1 Location: NW, Indiana Posts: 516 Join Date: Sep 2005 Trader Rating: (3)	Re: Another 07 with low comp in #4. Warranty process that's some serious bull**** man. with all the 07's out there having ringland issues, AND in cylinder 4 you think they wouldn't even think twice about it. you'll get it straightened out though i'm sure. i'm pissed just reading this though so i'm sure you're pretty heated. i keep my fingers crossed everyday i drive my 07.

07-02-2008, 06:14 PM	#12
*solovus* Lurker Car: STIzzle Fav Mod: Tint Location: Toledo, OH Posts: 1,756 Join Date: Mar 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Another 07 with low comp in #4. Warranty process I would compile everything you can from here and Nasioc and the internets in general and call an attorney. I would first talk to the dealership that installed your SPT Intake and see if they'll talk to the dealer that did the teardown about why the Intake looks messed with.

07-02-2008, 06:19 PM	#13
Fletch07STI Gold Member Car: Silver 07 STI Fav Mod: stg 2 Location: Chico, San Diego.. CA Posts: 225 Join Date: Mar 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Another 07 with low comp in #4. Warranty process So sorry to hear that. Makes me scared to drive my 07 as most problems seem to happen around 15k and im almost 11k at the moment.

07-02-2008, 06:33 PM	#14
Raceroftomorrow Junior STI Driver Car: Urban Grey 07 STI Fav Mod: Coming Soon Location: Hendersonville, TN Posts: 197 Join Date: Jan 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Another 07 with low comp in #4. Warranty process wow I feel bad for you man. I have an 07 too and it scares the crap out of me to drive it. When did you buy your car--> date wise?

07-02-2008, 06:34 PM	#15
STI Sibb Senior STI Driver Car: Blue 07 WRX STI Fav Mod: Soap Location: Winston Salem, NC Posts: 381 Join Date: Apr 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Another 07 with low comp in #4. Warranty process Overboosting? How does that cause a failure of the ringlands? FYI, overboosting is the same statement issued to kingncsti when his 07 blew. This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.