G6 power steering &window failure

[driver123]

Hi - I'm so glad this forum exists. I just brought back my G6 from the dealer - I lost power steering while parallel parking yesterday, turned off the car, turned it back on, and it came back, no problem since. Also, about three times, I've tried to lower driver window, but pressing the button yielded no results. After about seven tries, though, the window was fine. Also had the problem of CD changer jamming, but was fine the next day.

So, the dealer conducted "tests", couldn't fine anything wrong, said, "if it happens again, bring it in...". I am nervous. I have a three year old son, and I feel like I don't want to have the steering cut out again on the highway while taking an off ramp curve, or worse. Or on my grandmother's "Canal Road" which I sometimes travel and which has no barrier to the 20 foot deep canal. Am I wrong to contact the owner of the dealership, say, "I can't take a chance with this car, it's not my problem, give me a new car and don't increase my lease price"? Should I first contact GM head office?

My husband is one of Canada's top lawyers and a law professor. It's ironic that you would think they'd be nervous to put us in a position where we might have an accident and sue. But I guess GM is much more powerful than my husband. I would never threaten to use my husband's name to pressure them as I don't want to create an adversarial situation. Any advice out there?

[nsap]

First off, what model is your G6? GT? GTP?

[W.A.F.U.]

Your husband is one of the top lawyers in Canada and he can't afford to put you in something better than a G6?

Something smells pretty fishy here.

[driver123]

Yeah, the G6 is our "expensive car". My husband's a criminal lawyer, not a civil or corporate lawyer. He does a lot of pro-bono work; there's not a lot of money in fighting for people's rights on principle.

[mgescuro]

There have been reports of the steering failing, but I believe those were the 2005 models.
What model, year, etc.

[driver123]

Originally Posted by nsap

First off, what model is your G6? GT? GTP?

2005 G6 - there was only one model that year.

[fp115]

It is obvious there is either a wiring problem, power failures or something of the sort. Because everything you mention is power related, though none of which can cause an accident. If anything goes wrong while you are driving, if it is only the power steering you can easily steer the car onto the shoulder and bring the car to a stop.

If you really think it is that serious, go see an other GM Goodwrench and do not mention seeing an other one. Tell them about the power failures, they will hopefully check the wiring and steering column.

[driver123]

Originally Posted by fp115

It is obvious there is either a wiring problem, power failures or something of the sort. Because everything you mention is power related, though none of which can cause an accident. If anything goes wrong while you are driving, if it is only the power steering you can easily steer the car onto the shoulder and bring the car to a stop.

If you really think it is that serious, go see an other GM Goodwrench and do not mention seeing an other one. Tell them about the power failures, they will hopefully check the wiring and steering column.

That's definitely a last resort, thanks for the suggestion. But to start, I don't really want to pay another mechanic to look over the car.

If my steering fails on slush or another slippery surface, wouldn't it be hard to correct the wheels? I'm very happy if it's not hard, but I don't have experience with non-power steering.

[driver123]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

There have been reports of the steering failing, but I believe those were the 2005 models.
What model, year, etc.

Would you know where I could find those reports?

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by driver123

2005 G6 - there was only one model that year.

There was the G6 V6 and the G6 GT.
I have a 2005 G6 GT.

[driver123]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

There was the G6 V6 and the G6 GT.
I have a 2005 G6 GT.

Yes, you're right, of course. I'm embarrassed. I had always assumed that since the back of the car said, "G6" only that there was no other model designation. But there is, accroding to our paperwork. It's a GT. Thanks for pointing that out.

[TiburonJT]

I've heard of a lot of steering columns being replaced in G6s and Malibus. Also, I've heard some talk of a sensor that is involved steering problems.

[Ed753]

Originally Posted by driver123

If my steering fails on slush or another slippery surface, wouldn't it be hard to correct the wheels? I'm very happy if it's not hard, but I don't have experience with non-power steering.

I don't think it is nearly as bad as when a hydraulic p/s system fails, is it?

[Carver]

^^It's not. This is why GM's electric power steering system is so bad. When it fails it can completely lock up the wheel.

Originally Posted by W.A.F.U.

Your husband is one of the top lawyers in Canada and he can't afford to put you in something better than a G6?

Something smells pretty fishy here.

I know she already responded but...

Many wealthy people, especially self-made, live beneath their means, especially with depreciating assets like cars. That's the kind of financial sense that helps people get rich in the first place. Several of my professors in grad school own newer Hondas and Subarus, one drives some 80s GM car (and these people all make in excess of US$200k). It's the middle-class and the nouveau riche that often try to max out their lifestyles (at the expense of their future).

[rearden82]

Originally Posted by Ed753

I don't think it is nearly as bad as when a hydraulic p/s system fails, is it?

It's worse, actually.

GM's electric power steering consists of an electric motor mounted to the steering column. It acts like an extra pair of hands to help you crank the steering wheel. If that motor locks up, or if the sensor tells it you're turning left when you're actually trying to turn right, you won't be able to control the car.

If a hydraulic system fails (which VERY rarely happens), you just won't have power assist. Although this would make the car very difficult to drive in a parking lot, you'd barely miss it at speed. Many cars with variable-assist steering provide almost no boost at 60+ mph because it's just not necessary.

I will never understand why GM came up with something so incredibly stupid.