Do you have cold, cool, cold, cool, A/C?

[Lovgun7 75]

40 degree air in a Spark? LOL, I call that wishful thinking. Mine only gets to 58 degrees, typically 61 degrees at idle, doesn't seem to matter how hot it is outside the car. At least mine works better than some of the others. Not bad enough to make me unload the car just yet. I encourage others who live in states that have strong enough lemon laws to pursue getting them bought back after the appropriate number of unsuccessful repair attempts, and take their money elsewhere. GM deserves this after leaving so many to deal with this on their own with dealers.

when the dealer called me about my A/C (3rd trip have yet to test correctly) they told me at idle it was blowing 51 and while driving it was in the 40s.

At this point ... its been almost 2 weeks since my "repair" and i can not test the A/C correctly since LITERALLY the temp has dropped into the 60s in the mornings when before the 3rd trip it was in the mid 80s at 6am here in L.A...

ive decided that unless i can test the A/C soon ill just wait for next summer and figure out if the A/C is working or not... if its not then Lemon here we come since the 2015 models are suppose to be redesigned...

I called the "specialist" today since i haven't gotten a call back. Im sure the dealer said "its working" and he closed the case without a final call to make sure things where working...But i let him know that i haven't been able to try the A/C out and that there is another issue regarding the compressor and the dealer (the lack for freon that they failed to add)

[WaltK 305]

ive decided that unless i can test the A/C soon ill just wait for next summer and figure out if the A/C is working or not... if its not then Lemon here we come since the 2015 models are suppose to be redesigned...

I called the "specialist" today since i haven't gotten a call back. Im sure the dealer said "its working" and he closed the case without a final call to make sure things where working...But i let him know that i haven't been able to try the A/C out and that there is another issue regarding the compressor and the dealer (the lack for freon that they failed to add)

It's probably the way to go, here in the northeast, in mid September, we are out of the miserable day after day heat, maybe a day here, or a day there, but not enough consistent days to test, or prove out a solid permanent fix. I would need a couple of solid weeks to be satisfied, that everything is working properly. I just hope that GM doesn't feel the same way.

We weren't prepared for this, but come next summer, I will be armed with printouts, etc. most of what I gather here, as I think most will be.

[Greg_E 211]

The service manual may also be available so we will know how the dealer tests the system, maybe their testing method leaves a lot to be desired or interpreted.

[Ataristic 5]

Typical, I think your suspicions are correct, I also suspect that in some cases, some dealers are being kept in the dark. Have you called the GM customer line? If you haven't, call and get a rep on the phone, these are only level 1 people, but raise some hell, and be sure to insist on getting a service request#, this is not going to do much for you, as far as the repair, but it will get you documented, and eventually you will be contacted by a higher level rep. The reason being, they can't close out your ticket, until you are satisfied with your repair. I've kept mine open since 7/1, and occasionally I get a call, asking if my problem has been resolved.

I filed a ticket with Chevrolet customer support, here is the conversation, needless to say, It was not pleasant. I am posting it here so that other forum members facing this issue will be aware of the sort of ineptitude they will be facing when contacting Chevrolet about this.

Welcome to Chevrolet. Please wait while we find an agent to assist you...

[You are now chatting with Akida.]

16:10:21 Akida:Hello! Thank you for contacting Chevrolet. My name is Akida , how may I help you today?

16:12:15 Customer:Hello, I have purchased a 2013 Spark LS, and I am experiencing an issue with the airconditioner, the symptoms are as listed in Techlink bulletin PIC5858A, insufficient cooling at idle. I took the car in for service, but the dealer techs claim the system is working to specifications, so no action was taken

16:12:51 Akida:Thank you for coming in to chat with us today! Just a moment while I transfer you to our Customer Assistance Center who should better be able to assist you with this issue.

[You have been transferred to department: Customer Assistance Center]

[You are now chatting with Stacie.]

16:13:20 Stacie:Hello! Welcome to GM Customer Assistance. My name is Stacie, please allow me a moment to review the already provided information so I can best assist you today with your concern.

16:13:34 Stacie:Be just a brief moment and I will be right with you. Thanks.

16:14:31 Stacie:Thank you for your patience while I reviewed your previous conversation. Much appreciated.

16:15:12 Stacie:I apologize you are having a concern with your air conditioner.

16:15:26 Stacie:I am not familiar with that document you noted, is that a GM document?

16:15:40 Customer:absolutely, this is a GM Techlink document

16:16:09 Customer:the document ID is 3471240

16:16:50 Stacie:Thank you for the clarification, I am in our customer service department and with us not being trained certified technicians we are not familiar with that terminology.

16:17:12 Stacie:Can I ask if you work for GM?

16:17:20 Customer:No, I do not

16:18:04 Stacie:What concern are you having exactly with your A/C?

16:20:54 Customer:At idle, during hot weather, the vent temperature will only be slightly cool, If the throttle is depressed, the vent output will get considerably cooler. This translates to the AC having insufficient cooling capacity in city driving, as constant stop and go driving means the AC is not cooling at the level it would be at highway speeds. The RPM difference for this symptom to occur is as little as 200RPM on the throttle. This problem is not noticeable if outside temperatures are under 90F, such as at night.

16:22:05 Stacie:I would be glad to look into this for you.

16:22:09 Customer:please do

16:23:01 Stacie:Can I get your VIN and approximate mileage? Also, I will need to get both your contact information and the dealership's information you already went to.

16:23:36 Stacie:I am going to check a few resources here currently if you could provide me 2-5 minutes to step away from my computer, then I will be right back. Thank you.

16:23:55 Stacie:Is this ok?

16:24:12 Customer:One moment while I input the vin

16:24:24 Stacie:I will be back in just a moment. Thanks.

16:24:46 Customer:"entered vin"

16:28:27 Stacie:Thank you. I did check and I am unable to see that repair document here in our customer assistance center. But I would be glad to follow up and discuss your concern with the dealership, and then we will proceed from there when I am in contact with you.

16:28:46 Customer:I can send a copy of the document to you

16:29:05 Customer:there are actually two bulletins available

16:29:38 Stacie:I would have to speak directly to the dealership since I do not have a trained eye for that knowledge.

16:29:57 Stacie:Can I get your contact information and name, and the dealership's information as well?

16:30:24 Customer:can you transfer me to someone else who would be able to use such information?

16:31:15 Stacie:Our trained technicians are all at the dealerships that we utilize for customer contact.

16:32:30 Customer:This dealer was not able to identify the problem, do you think they will be able to tell you any different than what they told me?

16:35:08 Stacie:I would review what they did to check into your concern.

16:35:34 Customer:I can send you a copy of their invoice, if you are willing to receive it

16:35:38 Stacie:You always do have that option of a second opinion at another dealership if you like.

16:41:52 Customer:I am awaiting your answer, are you still there?

16:42:04 Stacie:Yes.

16:43:25 Stacie:The attachments will not come through to our live chats, I would encourage you to continue to work with your dealership direct or if you would like to provide me your contact information I would be glad to make contact with them on Monday and then get in touch with you once I have an update.

16:43:56 Customer:give me a fax number, I will fax them to you

16:46:35 Stacie:Please understand that our trained service technicians are at the dealership, providing the documents to me will me of no use. I would recommend allowing me to follow up with your dealership, or taking your vehicle to another GM dealership for a 2nd opinion.

16:48:16 Customer:So, I am offering you with GM documents, the technicians notes and observations, and you still want me to invest more time getting a second opinion from another dealer? Is it that you do not wish to take ownership of my concern.

16:52:19 Stacie:I would be more than happy to look into this for you, however since I do not have your vehicle here with me and am not a trained technician. I would need to rely on the words of our trained service technicians and speak with them directly as my first step. So far I do not know any of your contact information or the dealerships information.

16:53:37 Customer:You have not even asked me my name. Is there a event or case number for this conversation?

16:55:30 Stacie:At the start of our conversation after where you explained your concern I asked for your contact information and the dealership information as well, neither was provided to me.

16:57:16 Customer:Is there an event or case number for this conversation

16:58:16 Stacie:I would need to be provided your name and contact information, and your vehicle's VIN to be able to file a case in the system.

16:58:32 Stacie:Would you like me to look into this for you with your local dealership?

16:59:25 Customer:vin "entered vin, name, phone number, and email"

17:00:10 Customer:may I have the case number please

17:01:37 Stacie:Which dealership are you working with Mr. R?

17:01:51 Customer:Ron Craft Chevrolet , Baytown Tx

17:02:54 Stacie:Please allow me a moment to document our conversation and provide you a case number. I will be with you in 2-5 minutes. Thank you.

17:07:12 Stacie:"Case number provided"

17:07:25 Stacie:This is your service request number regarding your case.

17:07:59 Stacie:I will follow up with the dealership on Monday and then be in touch with you by Wednesday.

17:09:00 Stacie:I can be reached at cacwebchat@gmexpert.com and by referencing the given case number "case number provided"

So, in this conversation, "Stacie" admitted to not being able to interpret technical information, to not be able to receive the actual documents and bulletins as provided by the dealer, more like not willing to receive documents, yet she would follow up with the techs at the dealer. They will not tell her any different. She just did not want to get involved and it shows, she obviously has an email address as provided in the end of the conversation.

Take notice of the time stamps and the time it took her to respond between simple questions. This is not good, but at least now I have proof of customer service ineptitude. I can make a prediction, the dealer will tell her "no problem found" , she will say "no problem found" at which time I will raise up the volume, and I will be transferred to a tier 2 or 3 representative who would at least have access to tech link as we communicate. This is going to turn into one of those circular odysseys.

[WaltK 305]

16:15:12 Stacie:I apologize you are having a concern with your air conditioner.

At his point, she is now lost. Been there, done that. The main thing is you had it documented, and got the SR #. You will probably hear from another low level tech full of ideas. I just basically tell them that I am not going to be running back and forth to the dealership, with a documented problem that no one has been able to fix, and that I will take it in, when GM has a valid repair. I pushed them to have someone monitor this forum, but it seems that all we got was a part time cheerleader.

[bluer101 241]

I'm glad I have not done a thing, sounds like a big headache so far.

[Lovgun7 75]

UPDATE

today the temp was in the upper 90s and my car was under the shade for the most part of the day but still outside.

So I started the car and turned on the ac... Took maybe 2 min for the air to come out cool... Then I started driving and the car was blowing cool...Got on the freeway and the ac kicked in And i felt cold air ...

the ac was blowing much better and to date the best its ever worked

It still goes from one temp to another if the car is idle or running... At this point again its an improvement and not enough time to call it a definite fix.

I'm curious and will probably stop by a dealer to test drive a 2014 model... Im literally going to say "hey I'm thinking about this spark can I drive it?" then take it around the block plus drive it on the freeway just to test the A/C.. then step out of the car and say THANKS then leave

its really the only way I can compare both models...

He'll I might ask to drive an LS LT AND AND EV

[Ataristic 5]

16:15:12 Stacie:I apologize you are having a concern with your air conditioner.

At his point, she is now lost. Been there, done that. The main thing is you had it documented, and got the SR #. You will probably hear from another low level tech full of ideas. I just basically tell them that I am not going to be running back and forth to the dealership, with a documented problem that no one has been able to fix, and that I will take it in, when GM has a valid repair. I pushed them to have someone monitor this forum, but it seems that all we got was a part time cheerleader.

Its the total avoidance of the issue that really got to me, I offered to send her all the documents, and all she was interested in was talking to the dealer, I even told her what do you expect the dealer to tell you, the same dealer that found no problem. You just told me you are not technically inclined!

I still believe in my prediction, GM knows full well they put in an inadequate AC system in the US models, and is waiting for the cold months to start , so the issue goes away for a while and gives them time to implement a cost effective solution, cost effective for them, a solution that they will magically announce next summer. Let's watch and see.

[Greg_E 211]

They are waiting for warranty to run out, then they will come up with a for pay fix.

[Lovgun7 75]

They are waiting for warranty to run out, then they will come up with a for pay fix.

even if the warranty runs out but you have it documented as an issue aren't they obligated to keep trying to fix it

[WaltK 305]

Its the total avoidance of the issue that really got to me, I offered to send her all the documents, and all she was interested in was talking to the dealer, I even told her what do you expect the dealer to tell you, the same dealer that found no problem. You just told me you are not technically inclined!

I still believe in my prediction, GM knows full well they put in an inadequate AC system in the US models, and is waiting for the cold months to start , so the issue goes away for a while and gives them time to implement a cost effective solution, cost effective for them, a solution that they will magically announce next summer. Let's watch and see.

I know it is frustrating, talking to these level1 people, they are nothing more than paid sacrificial lambs. Their job is to answer the phone, and be cursed and yelled at, while filling out a form, with your name, address, and nature of complaint. You will never hear from her again, if you are contacted, it will be by another rep, who will probably be not much brighter.

[WaltK 305]

even if the warranty runs out but you have it documented as an issue aren't they obligated to keep trying to fix it

I would think so, but not really sure. The lemon law, in NJ, must be invoked during the first two years of ownership, or 24,000 miles. After that, you're on your own. Starting next spring, I am going to become extremely noisy.

[Lovgun7 75]

I would think so, but not really sure. The lemon law, in NJ, must be invoked during the first two years of ownership, or 24,000 miles. After that, you're on your own. Starting next spring, I am going to become extremely noisy.

this might actually turn out to be a better situation... Im almost hoping a Dame fix won't come... I can drive off in an 2015 spark and make all the same mods I did to a 2013...

probably jumping ahead of myself but it's just wishful thinking.

[Smikster 10]

Thats my plan

[austex04 48]

Hate to burst some of your bubbles, but I know some insider information about how GM's so called customer service works. Tier I and tier II reps are not even employed by GM, they're working for a 3'rd party call center contracted by GM to handle their dirty work. All they can do is listen and log the complaints, then call back to see if it was resolved, just be patient and give them the information, their job is a very hard one. They're reading from scripts, toggling between pages on their screen, hence the delayed responses. They have no technical information on the vehicles, or corporate contacts. If the call isn't resolved after two attempts by tier I, then it's sent over to the tier II departments. Tier II personal are who emails the reps who actually work for GM, and decides if they need to send the email out, so try not to irritate them. One such call center was located here in Austin, and I used to know someone who worked at one. Very high turnover at those call centers. I thought about a Cobalt back when those came out, found out it was the number one complained about GM vehicle back in '05. If I only knew what I know now about the Spark, I would have kept the Hyundai, and waited to buy another Hyundai.

Edited September 15, 2013 by austex04

[whoknew1985 5]

Hate to burst some of your bubbles, but I know some insider information about how GM's so called customer service works. Tier I and tier II reps are not even employed by GM, they're working for a 3'rd party call center contracted by GM to handle their dirty work. All they can do is listen and log the complaints, then call back to see if it was resolved, just be patient and give them the information, their job is a very hard one. They're reading from scripts, toggling between pages on their screen, hence the delayed responses. They have no technical information on the vehicles, or corporate contacts. If the call isn't resolved after two attempts by tier I, then it's sent over to the tier II departments. Tier II personal are who emails the reps who actually work for GM, and decides if they need to send the email out, so try not to irritate them. One such call center was located here in Austin, and I used to know someone who worked at one. Very high turnover at those call centers. I thought about a Cobalt back when those came out, found out it was the number one complained about GM vehicle back in '05. If I only knew what I know now about the Spark, I would have kept the Hyundai, and waited to buy another Hyundai.

It is a shame that not only General Motors, but other mainstream corporations use third party company's that employ people who generally don't know anything technically about the issues that consumers call in and try to resolve over the phone and get away with calling it customer support. Where is the actual support?!!!! You almost have to feel sorry for the people who handle the high stress situations that must be experienced on a daily basis. I hope that learning all of this information about the a/c issues, customer support issues and dealership experiences make me a better, yet frustated, consumer dealing with the new realities that we unwillingly have to deal with. I am hopeful that we will finally make our voices heard and Cherolet will at least acknowledge the issues at hand.

[Ataristic 5]

getting close to 1000 miles on the odometer, and I can see that the AC cools effectively for the most part, but only under the best of conditions. Temperatures here in Texas have finally gotten just under 90, and i am able to cool the interior at the number 2 blower setting. I still believe the AC system in these Sparks was designed too small, for the sake of fuel economy, any flaw in cooling which would be dismissible in other cars will translate to a serious lack of cooling in the Spark. I feel the thing to do, even if your A/C is working, is to complain about this to GM so that this AC can be upgraded in the future, as this will be a serious inconvenience to ownership during summer months, in areas with hot weather.

[whoknew1985 5]

My car was fixed almost two weeks ago. I am content with the repair and my car is finally cooling at idle. Am I convinced that the issue is completely fixed? I am not so sure. The temperatures here in Memphis have cooled off and the humidity has decreased. That does not give me the confidence to say that I am 100% sure that my a/c is ready for the dog days of next summer. I am happy it seems to be working better, but am sure that this a/c system is not as strong as it should be for our cars.

[Lovgun7 75]

My car was fixed almost two weeks ago. I am content with the repair and my car is finally cooling at idle. Am I convinced that the issue is completely fixed? I am not so sure. The temperatures here in Memphis have cooled off and the humidity has decreased. That does not give me the confidence to say that I am 100% sure that my a/c is ready for the dog days of next summer. I am happy it seems to be working better, but am sure that this a/c system is not as strong as it should be for our cars.

i got a call from chevy at my house ... even though ive told them numerous times to call my cell...

i took up Chevy Customer Cares offer here and i sent the member an email regarding my situation...

I dont understand why chevy doesnt just switch out the 2013 system for 2014 systems if they are working fine.

Edited September 23, 2013 by Lovgun7

[Trancer07 30]

My dealer finally got my in-cabin air temp sensor that they believe is the faulty component making my air conditioner not function properly. I've got an appointment for Thursday morning. We'll see what happends!

[respdoc 4]

I dont understand why chevy doesnt just switch out the 2013 system for 2014 systems if they are working fine.

No reason to start that silly nonsense debate again...since no one 2014 owner here has recently posted their A/C system is working fine.

You even stated a few posts back you were going to do your own "comparison" test....but haven't wrote anything in regards to any followup.

My dealership doesn't have any '14's in stock..so I couldn't test out the A/C even if I wanted to.

Edited September 23, 2013 by respdoc

[Lovgun7 75]

if they only switched out the compressor for a 2014 compressor all our problems would be solved... including world hunger... (feeding troll =D)

[WaltK 305]

My dealer finally got my in-cabin air temp sensor that they believe is the faulty component making my air conditioner not function properly. I've got an appointment for Thursday morning. We'll see what happends!

How's the weather in Michigan? I would guess, it must be cooling down. Can you really stress the a/c, to make a determination? That's the problem with running for repairs now, in my neck of the woods, I couldn't really tell if it is working properly. We are looking at 60 deg. temps, I'm done now, until next year some time.

[respdoc 4]

if they only switched out the compressor for a 2014 compressor all our problems would be solved... including world hunger... (feeding troll =D)

The only troll here seems to be you. Instead of just writing babble..why don't you do something useful....like followup on your "comparison" test.

It has already started to cool off most days where I live...so if and when my dealership gets any '14's in..it would be difficult to confirm either way.

Edited September 23, 2013 by respdoc

[Greg_E 211]

I ran the heater on both parts of my commute today.