TOP 5 Problems With The Chevy Traverse SUV (1st Generation 2009-2017)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- Hey Good People,
In this video I go over the top 5 problems with this 1st Generation Chevrolet Traverse. I go over the problems that a consumer may run into if they were to buy this particular SUV or if they already own it.
I hope this video helps you out. Comment below if you own this SUV and have experienced some of these issues or tell us about issues that I may not have named in this video.
Your favorite Mechanic,
Alex
It’s hard now a days to find a honest mechanic , we need more people in this world like this mechanic
That is true
I don’t trust dealers
I just put an engine in an awd Traverse a few weeks ago! I see a ton of these with timing chain failures and or locked up engines. I can pull an engine/trans out the bottom or out the top on these. The traverse I had recently done I removed the front bumper, headlights, core support, rad and condenser and then I removed the engine trans and transfer case out the top/through the front of the vehicle. Been watching y’all videos for awhile I enjoy your videos a lot and it’s a blessing that your wife is so supportive of you and your business love y’all’s videos!
@@downshiftingisfun7046 were you located?
That's very adorable of your family to help another family this is why we all keep coming back because aside from the vast knowledge you share you and your family are just good people
Thanks for your comment, we try to help when we can. I’ll never know when I need help, and need someone to be there for me.
I have a 2011 Traverse and the only real issues I had was the purge valve, wheel steering rack and the power steering pump and they was all replaced. Outside of that everything else was of little convenience. I get my oil change every 5 to 6 months at the Chevy dealership with full synthetic oil and I have never had any transmission issues. People say the Traverse is a bad vehicle and complain about it but I see lots of these vehicles on the road 🤷🏿♂️.
You need to do more videos with " top 5 problems ".
I’m working on it!
I agree I have had my traverse for 7 years now I haven't had any major issues with it the only thing I've had to change was the fuel pump the starter the alternator purge valve and other little small sensors but otherwise in that I've had no major problems with mine majorly either so I agree with you these are some great running trucks. Oh yeah and the power steering and rack but I didn't replace them yet.. and I've also changed the throttle body. But once again this is normal wear and tear on any car. So once again I would definitely purchase another one. Mine is a 2011 as a well.
I have a knocking sound what could that be
It could be an exhaust leak, spark plugs, bad sensor or any other issue related. I'm no mechanic I'm just a infant DIY guy. Does the sound comes from the engine bay or underneath the body frame????@@kejuanaltman2243
@@Mr.NyCiTy I have a 2017 LTZ AWD and it has about 104K on it. Transmission was replaced under warranty at 101,900. The dealership DID the work. Front struts were replaced. Power steering pump was replaced. Along with a few sensors that made the auto-start unavailable. It has to go back after 2,500 miles because its constantly spotting up my driveway. It was not leaking before that swap. Engine has been good besides the usual ticking which is common with these engines. And I worked at that assembly plant in Lansing that built these vehicles, so don't blame the workers! The truck in itself is very solid, and drives comfortably. We just ASSEMBLE the vehicles! It's a disappointment that these types of issues happen with these trucks. All I can say in a self-defense way is I help every vehicle like I'm going to buy it!!! Now I'm waiting on my damn timing chain to self destruct!!
It was the “ knocking like the 👮♂️ for me 😂😂💀
😂😂😂
me too I bout died 😂
I own a 2012 traverse, and I had the same knocking noise when it started and went away within a minute, then when you accelerated the car, the knocking would return. It had 141k miles. It had oil, I never ran it dry, never overheated on me. and came to find out my cylinder #3 was broken from the cam shaft. The mechanic took pictures and sent me everything as they worked on my car. Now, it has a remanufactor motor in it since my extended warranty covered my motor 😀😀. But other than that, I haven't had any other problems with my car. It drives awesome, very comfortable, and i still have it.
What kind of extended warranty do you have?
Thanks for taking time from your busy shop for the educational video 👍
That coolant fitting 😮
Thank you for this video my wife drives a 2017 Traverse and it’s been giving issues especially with sucking up gas like it’s water and when cold starting it makes a weird rattling sound but you don’t here it once it’s running not when you turn it off and on again after it’s been driven for a while but every morning cold start it makes that noise Thanks again for all your helpful videos
Could be an early sign of the timing chain.
Mine does that too. Has anything come of it?
I have the Enclave and I definitely had to change my timing chain. Good thing it was still running before I changed it though
Right! 💯
He's correct on everything. Change those fluids frequently. The coolant line problem could be fixed with a hose clam A direct connection to the rubber to nozzle like it should be.
I own the 2010 Chevy traverse and yes I agree with him 💯 percent I'll never own another one they are a pain to work on
Thanks for making this video. I was just gifted one of these vehicles. So far, there are no issues, but I'm going to check that transmission fluid today.
Thanks for doing some good with yours. 🙏🏼
This guys videos are so well done! Much appreciated!
Like you said. The 3.6 isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires a lot of love. Our 2016 Acadia has been a phenomenal car since new. Regular Transmission drain and fills and I change the oil every 4K with pennzoil platinum 5/30 with oem filter. Every timing chain failure I see is either due to extended OCI or the engine literally has no oil in it. These 3.6s love to eat oil.
thank you man!!. I just got a 2012. the speakers are blown I heard that's normal for these. but I'm more concerned about extending the life of my vehicle. I need to save this and when I get this check from my new job I'm a start getting my ride all way together. this is nicest thing I ever owned. it must be decent if the car doctor drives one!! lol appreciate ya
You hit this right on 💯 everybody I talk to I steer them away from the equinox 2.4 Ecotec also. Also junk. All GM 3.6. Even some Cadillac’s have it. The Chrysler Pentastar 3.6L is actually awesome and very reliable if synthetic oil changes every 5k and change out the plastic oil cooler. Agreed that the stupid Motorad t’stat housing can be junk, but overall our 219K mile example doesn’t burn oil and is great power too! This is one instance where I praise the 3.6L Pentastar.
The Pentastar definitely get a bad rep! But it’s the best affordable option.
I so appreciate your honesty as a mechanic!!! Please do more videos. I love your sense of humor as well and wife for helping you out ❤😊
I am in the market of looking for another vehicle. I was considering a Traverse because of the 3 row seating and the size is nice. I am so glad for taking the time to research the pros and cons of being vehicle of choice before actually buying! I officially scratched the Traverse off my list. Not sure about the 2nd generation. Moving onto a used Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander
You're a mechanic and take someones elses advice on reliability of vehicles? CLOSE SHOP!!
@elcomandante9299 huh? Didn't say she or he is a mechanic
I wished I known this 9 months ago. Thank you for being so honest.
I never really see trans issues but with it having a dipstick I see people change it. I would switch it out for AC line leaks. Good video
Yes, I forgot about that. Those dang AC lines.
This dude good I don’t replaces purge valve once a year ago and it’s about to go out again
I don't know where you got your information from. I have been using my Traverse LT since 2010, and it's still going strong. Regularly service and currently on 178,000 km. I LOVED IT!
@@Dotskey your comment doesn't make sense as he said if you take care of the vehicle, you should be fine and since you've been the only owner and taking care of the vehicle, it's kind of like a duh moment. But when a vehicle goes through one or two or three owners as most do nowadays. That's when you run into all the issues that he speaks of.
178,000 km converts to 110,000 miles. You will start getting Transmission Fluid Pressure codes before long.
You should make a top 5 vehicles, one for SUVs, compact vehicles, trucks, etc. Youll definitely get the views and will make your channel grow.
I like it! Let me see what I can cook up!
you should do a top five problems with the 09-12 ford escapes. Just bought a used one not to long ago curious to know what I should specifically look out for thanks!
Will do
Ooh, you have that infamous battery under the wiper cowl?😢
Then, havecto do a battery BCM reset?
Thanks for the video. I've been doing research because I have a chance to buy one cheap that has a transmission shudder. I'm going to test drive it and try adding an additive to fix the shudder. If it fixes it, I'll buy it and flip it.
5 problems without watching the video are purge valve issues intake manifold gaskets leaking transmission issues timing chain issues plastic fittings breaking loose or possible leakage
Nice
You do not have to drop the cradle Mr. Alex. I just did one last week, engine in vehicle. Pull front clip, remove fuse box n do the job. 13 hours with new timing set, water pump, upper dog bone and several little parts.
I know. But when you’re on the internet sharing things, you gotta share the “proper” procedures. But yes you can do it without dropping the cradle!
I have a 2012 Traverse and have had almost every issue you just mentioned. Its down again with a misfire. I fix one thing and the other goes. Im tired of it too.
How did you fix that? It's what I have right now too. Also 2012
@ Found cylinder #3 was misfiring. Replaced coil. Good for now.
@Guillermo-hf9xc I have to go to the mechanic. Wrong month. Christmas is now shot to heck. Hopefully my repair will be easy but even to get to the air filter 6 bolts and remove MAF sensor, etc. These cars are for people with heated garages or a mechanic. Ughh.
Thank you for your time, you put into, and information in the video.
No problem 👍 I appreciate your support
You are an honorable man for giving the customer his money back. You surely didn’t have to.
Nope, I didn’t have to at all. But somehow, he still got made at me. Can’t please everyone
i had a 2011 traverse and its been a good one, changed my oil every 5000 miles and i had over 200000 miles on it, i changed the transmission fluid too, but the oil filter was a pain in the butt to get too i dont no what chevy was thinking, i got a ford explore now and loving it.
6:30 the transmission fail because you can't change the filter. New fluid will not go through a dirty filter.
Great input! Thanks for the info!
My first time here. Thanks for helping me make a decision not to buy the traverse. I did a lot of research before coming to your TH-cam video.
Well I WAS thinking of buying one of these. Not now. Thanks man!
Ah man! So sorry this vehicle has been a bad purchase for you and the one you sold it to. I guess don't touch another one to buy, don't be tempted! But darn, I feel sad for you. Nice you did the right thing and bought it back. You are good people! Also nice your going to use some of the good parts to help others in need.
I promise I’m not buying another one EVER!
Mine sounded like that and it was the timing chains, guides had broke and chain stretched causing it to bang against timing covers, just finished replacing mine in the driveway and it cranked on sounds beautiful. lol
Thank you so much for your review. I've been thinking about buying a used Traverse for business...No way.
I got the 2013 Enclave with 159000 on the dash, no issues besides tire pressure monitor (fixed at Walmart for $160) 02 sensor’s replacement at 158000 ($2200) rather that then buy a new car and pay $1000 a year for 6 years. Other than that it runs great and everything works. But hey to each his own! Whatever car you get you have to take care of it and maintain it accordingly as it age. If it can go another 159000 with only costing $2400 to maintain then that’s a win in my book instead of putting these bankers kids through college on these ridiculous car loans.
I own one and I had timing chain issues did it right in the vehicle and it runs perfectly is it tight absolutely but doable
Yeah I agree with your assessments. I would stay away from those vehicles unless you're mechanically inclined and can work on them yourself it's really not a wise investment to buy one of these vehicles second hands. Too risky IMO!
Thank you for being honest with us. Your voice kind of sounds like Bizzy Bone.
Wow. Great straightforward review.
Anyone that has 2007-2014 Tahoe has the same problem with the coolant hose from the water pump over time it will break get it from Dorman made with Aluminum works very well.
I thank you for this very informative video. I have a traverse as we speak. And I’m definitely going to keep my fluids up lol
My 2014 Buick Enclave with 116K miles still strong, I replaced spark plugs and PCV valve at 100K miles. Transmision was drained and refilled at 80K miles. I'm looking to replace the fluid again at 120K miles. Each oil change is happening at 5K miles or under with only full synthetic oil and a high quality oil filter.
Hey have you seen any fuel pump failures around 100 k miles on this one.
I’ve seen a couple time where the a ticking noise that sounds like it’s the engine is really the exhaust manifold has a crack on the under side where it bolts to the engine. Not saying it’s the same problem as the Traverse but you may want to keep that mind. You’re correct though the Traverse is awful as is the Acadia imo.
I was told the reason for the knock is because of oil not being where it needs to be because of valve covers needing to be changed.
Hey bro .I would love to hear your top 10 most durable car, Suv, and truck lists. thanks in advance
😂i laughed so hard when it broke, i was like nope don't touch that LMAO SNAP!
Excellent video
Look and sound like Marlon Wayons😁
Appreciate the info brotha definitely helped me understand better about mine (2017 standard Traverse) bought brand new, and still have.. Your #1 problem is exactly what is wrong with mine, Purge Valve.. Also I have (what I believe) is a bad ECT part... My temp gage is showing that my car.is cold when it really isn't, the fan comes on and A/C doesn't work when the gage is not working... turn car off and fan continues to run for a little bit... so gotta do something fast I live in HOT FLORIDA 😓😓 😂
We have a 2011 buick enclave 200K miles we flush transmission rvery 100K & change oil every 5K ish, no major issues the only problem we have ever had is the thermostat went out, besides that our 2012 buick enclave with that 3.6L & 6 speed auto has bedn a tank
Thermostat went out at 180K miles
You can change all plugs with out pulling intake... Ive done it on an enclave
How you reach the back 3 plugs against the firewall?
@@ricebike my arm fits to reach plugs as is
You do have to remove the purge solenoid on front side of engine to get plug under it... its one bolt and electric connection.
My woman has the same car were getting rid of right now.. kind of the kind of car to run away from in the market 💯 timing chains common all day as well.. especially with lack of maintenance..
We have a 2011 traverse and Acadia the Acadia has 297k miles on it qnd running great well maintained and so have had no mager issues the traverse got a year ago has 134k miles on it not problems transmission serviceing them today to maintain it
Thank you so much for this video and your honesty!
What’s your thoughts about the newer Toyota highlanders? Maybe from about 2019-2023 , v6 engines
I haven’t heard anything bad about them, and I rarely see them in my shop so that’s a good thing.
I've got a 2010 Buick enclave. It definitely made me into a better mechanic. ;)
👨🏽🔧👨🏽🔧👨🏽🔧💯
Great content! Keep it up doc
Thanks, will do!
Thank you for posting these informative videos that educate people. I do have a question for you. You mentioned GDI in this video, I have heard nothing good about GDI engine's. What is your opinion on GDI ?
I have a Buick enclave 2014 which shares the same engine and platform as the Chevy traverse and Its funny I saw how you mentioned the power steering hose and I checked mine and now it has gunk over it☹️. How much do you think I could be looking at to replace it?
Owner of a 2013 Acadia FWD. 140k, 2nd trans was put in at 95k, water pump at the same time. Lots of little issues with HVAC, interior plastic rattles to heck. Next car will probably be a non-turbo Toyota.
Look, I completely agree, it's a garbage car. I would have never gotten it when my wife asked to get one if I knew anything about all the bad issues. Here's a good list of what I've replaced also.
Starter motor (slowly died and killed 2 batteries with it, pulling 500 amps on startup intermittently for a while until it finally smoked the starter to a slow crank only)
Coolant lines shown in the video
Wheel bearings
Power steering pump (it's been much better since replacing with Valvoline Maxlife ATF, in your video it looks like the OEM type fluid, chevy now calls for dexron II/III ATF in new ones and old ones to fix this)
PCV
Oil consumption problems that caused Catalytic converters to get completely plugged and blew out the flex on the Y pipe....
Alternator shorted B+ terminal to ground and almost caused a fire. Get this, the ECU was constantly outputting 11-12v signal on the L terminal and it killed 2 other alternator regulators before i figured out that it wasn't just junk reman' units. Now I have completely bypassed the smart control of the L terminal and have it on a constant charge of 14.2v from a signal generator wired and mounted in the engine bay.
Transmission code for failing to see pressure during a shift in time, this still needs fixed soon.
And of course the timing chains/Cam phasers. My phasers were so bad with rattle on startup, I thought the chain was shot too and ended up doing them all anyway. I also put a new oil pump on because it was giving me low oil pressure faults, either due to the oil pump being bad or due to something in the chain tensioning system allowing too much oil to bypass.
BTW - I did the timing chains WITHOUT dropping the engine or frame. Just did it with everything still in place in the engine bay. It wasn't too terrible to do and it only took a little more than 12 hours because I took the time to clean and replace every single gasket that came off, including valve covers, spark plug seals, and cleaned all the valve covers out to get rid of any and all old crap oil so no bits and chunks would get stuck in the oil passageways.
These cars are complete crap and sometimes I wish the thing would just break bad enough that I can't fix it. but I always look at the alternative that a car in decent shape of good quality (Anything toyota from before 2015) is going to cost 5x more than this car does. If the transmission finally lets go, that's it for me and this crapmobile.
I didn't own this vehicle until it was already at 155k, and the last vehicle I bought with 130k on the clock, lasted til 345k and only got rid of it due to hail damage and being able to recoup all my invested money in it from the last 13 years of ownership.
There are other small annoyances too. Like how bad the HVAC door motors are, people call them servos, but they are NOT servos. they are just junk DC motors with potentiometer feedback and they literally run themselves to a hard stop and keep pushing until they don't see any movement on the pot sweeping to "calibrate".... but it's a metal pinion inside a plastic gear and who woulda thought that something like that would strip out so easily. I know they do this crap on purpose, there are far better ways to calibrate a motor than to run it to a limit and keep pushing it waiting to see a lack of movement.
Or how about wires inside the drivers door accordion loom literally breaking due to just being opened and closed a normal amount of times, the wires are crap quality and needed to reconnect just to get the car to recognize a closed door and shut things off. I didn't include the leaky water pump, because what car doesn't have a leaking water pump after 150k. or dead coils..... wow.
Hey Alex. For the heater hose you said to replace with a different type? Is there a link to that one. Cause I just see the same one online. 😅
I have an old pontiac G5 with a parasitic draw. Battery ground was redone, as well as the alternator replaced. But yet still kills the battery after 2 days or so. Any ideas where to look next??
Gotta roll up your sleeves and do a "parasitic draw test"
Various videos on it to find which circuit is the problem
About top issues for 2021 Traverse? Is 2021 easy to own & how to properly to take care it for long run?
Thanks. I was looking at these used. All high miles, 190,000 to 220,000 miles. This first gen.
I am considering a Mazda CX9 instead. A 2004 or 2005 model AWD.
What do you think of those? Has a 3.7L in it.
What frustrates me about these post-2000ish cars with timing chains is how short-lived they seem to last. It used to be a timing chain was good for 500,000 miles or longer. Not anymore. Now with the plastic parts and crap, lucky to get 150,000 miles from the newer chain-timed vehicles. Sad, eh?
I've had mine for 2 yrs, guy rebuilt the motor at 150k, at 195k, my main issues have been the wiring harness in the door frames, build up a lot of moisture and break the connectors which then shorts the BCM, and now I'm having issues with it showing misfires, so replacing the TPS and hoping that fixes the other issues. Seems that all the issues happen at once with these
Hoping that fixes other issues? You need another mechanic. Most mechanics are parts changers.
Another great video
I appreciate that
I have a 2010 traverse LT why would my radiator fan turn on when I start my vehicle and stay on even when I'm driving until I turn my vehicle off
Hey Alex. We have an 09 and all of a sudden it started misfiring. I had already replaced the timing chain, converters. The misfire is on cylinders 4,5 and 6. Went in and replaced the plugs and coils to see if that would fix but, still the misfires are there. Any suggestions??
2011 Chevy traverse 235kmi.
Timing chain ✔️
Transmission ✔️
Control arms ✔️
No AC ✔️
New window control board ✔️
No wiper fluid pump ✔️
And now:stabilitrac light, abs light, traction control light, misfire in 3 and 5 cylinder ✔️
When do i send it to the back 40?
Dang! That's loud knocking in that engine. If rack and pinion seals leak, try AT 205 seal conditioner. It really works. It's not just snake oil. It'll fix the seals for about a year. Then you'll have to add some more.
👀 I’m gonna try that on my Honda!
@@AlexTheCarDoctorHonda? So you already changed out the pressure & suction o rings that infamous to these Hondas Acuras?
@@gemeinschaftsgeful what's the cause of he loud knocking
Good vid and I agree with your comments
Check the adjusting cam sprocket for internal failure.
Hey man, I apreciate your video, very good job, I have a friend that has a 2013 he had the transmission fluid changed, a few months back, runs good , the other day it stopped pulling and now when he puts it in gear it will not move, he said that when the guy come to pick it up with rollback that the tires were locked up, said that it has 1 code that says 0722, output speed sensor, I would not think that would keep the transmission from pulling would it, I think it has 150000 miles on it, my thoughts his transmission is toast,
What’s your thoughts
Update to this comment, talked back with him to make sure, he said it had been shattering quite a bit before it stopped pulling,
So would the purge valve cause it to throw a fuel pump code? Mine gave me a fuel pump code but 2 years later I still have yet to change the fuel pump and it still runs just fine. It hasn’t stumbled or acted like it is starving for fuel.
Mine broke down right in front of GM head quarters 😒 🙄 😑 😤 I really liked that SUV burning oil between oil changes Trans began to slip the timing chain I could hear slip brought it home on AAA flat bed several times.
😢 I should have known!!! I have a question my shakes when it accelerate!! What is it
What do you think of the 2018 Ford Escape 4 cylinder 1.5
I have not seen to many problems out of it
@@AlexTheCarDoctor thank you I greatly appreciate your help on that
What's your thoughts on a 2008 chevy trailblazer with the 4.2 inline 6 i had mine for 6 years when i got it it only had 70k now it has 223k on it don't burn oil in 12:28 between oil changes
Those trucks are tanks. I wish I could still buy one new.
Alex can you tell a lifter noise from a rod bearing noise just with your stethoscope or do you have to open it up to diagnose? Thanks so much for all your help!
I can tell the difference
#1 is the rear evp core with the coper shavings corrosion from motor. See GM service bulletin about updated motor.
Would you please guide us on which coolant lines fittings to use???
@nessa90 Dorman Products. Theirs have clamps instead of the cheap aluminum crimps, and the plastic tee's are upgraded to aluminum lines.
Power steering hose at 4:51 is completely soaked in my traverse smh
Thank you!!!
You're welcome!
Thank you for sharing my sound the same like that. So you didn't say what is the problem with that, So what is it?
What do you think about a 2014 Ford explorer...
We have a 2015 traverse. It’s been parked outside in 96-110 degree weather for over a week and now I can’t access the DIC. We are preparing to sell and I need the odometer reading. Is there a work around to access or am I out of luck?
Hook up a scanner. It'll tell u the mileage.
Cover the light sensor on the dashboard with a book or something or check it at night.
Great tradesman 😊
Just changed out my high Pressure pump , fuel rail sensor, bank 2 sensor 2 02 sensor, and cleaned out my clogged fuel injectors. It was causing my car to jerk/ stutter smoke out the tail pipe. kept getting the stability tracked and limp mode
Good advice.
Can you give any tips and thoughts on a 2014 Buick LaCrosse Premium 3.6 Front Wheel Drive? I rarely see Buicks mentioned in car repair videos, and I don't know if that's a good or bad thing. Lol
It's not premium at all except you need a premium salary to maintain it 😅
@ricebike it's been good to me so far, and the issues I've had I have been able to fix myself.
@@terrellblue357 hopefully you stay proactive and fix the issues shown on this video
Like they said maintenance and replacing the trouble parts is key to any vehicle
I’ve been maintaining a customer’s LaCrosse. She gets her oil changed religiously and aside from regular maintenance or wear and tear items it’s been good to her. She has over 200k miles.
I have about 207,000 miles on mine. Lol@@AlexTheCarDoctor
its amazing how far dorman has come. years ago, i wouldnt have trusted a license plate holder from dorman if they made one. i prefer going oem with parts unless theyre stupid expensive, depending on what part, ill go aftermarket. dorman is making things that oem has stopped making and making undated parts to fix plastic parts oem made that cause nothing but issues. good on them for that.
What AWD vehicle with room do u suggest?
Hey might be a long shot but does anyone knows what those coolant fitting part number would be or if they have a aluminum one for it
Great video man ,how much do you think the timing chain would cost on average?
Around $5000
The rear AC line rubs against a fitting in the back creating a hole in the line
Hello I have a random question. I’m looking at starting a junk removal business and I want a reliable powerful truck to pull. I prefer an older truck. I really like the f250 7.3 but they are hard to come by. In your opinion what wound be my best bet? Could you give me like 3 options. Thank you.
Hey there my personal favorite is the 7.3 I drive one every day, can’t go wrong with the Cummings the 12v or the 24valve,Chevy truck with the 6.0 or 8.1 liter engine
All new vehicles are built with space at a premium under the hood . Engineers don't care about serviceability. They have limited space to include the normal things like AC compressor, Alternator, power steering pump etc . Add in all the other optional equipment and things get really tight . Engines being surrounded by lots of room those days long gone and not going to return .
I have a 2014 Traverse that i've had since 2020 and the only major issue i just had is that the starter just went out on me. It's at 190,000+ miles