Campaign - Cold Startability Adjustment
Bulletin 84-6E-30Date Dec. 1984
Ref. No. 85-083-6E
SUBJECT: SPECIAL POLICY: COLD STARTABILITY ADJUSTMENT
MODELS AFFECTED: 1983 AND 1984 SKYHAWKS EQUIPPED WITH 2.0L ENGINE (ENGINE VIN CODE P), AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND FEDERAL EMISSION SYSTEMS
Some 1983-1984 Buick Skyhawk models equipped with 2.0L engines (RPO LQ5) automatic transmission and Federal Emissions system may experience no starts, poor cold start, and/or spark plug fouling. These starting conditions may be encountered at temperatures below -10~F (-23~ C).
SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT
There are no time nor mileage provisions relating to subject vehicles. This special policy adjustment offer will expire June 30, 1985.
A copy of this "Special Policy bulletin," should be filed in the 3-ring binder furnished to the dealer by General Motors in September 1982.
OWNER NOTIFICATION
Owners of vehicles registered in certain Northern states will be notified by letter of this special policy by Buick. However, all subject vehicles are covered by this policy regardless of where they are registered or operated.
PARTS INFORMATION
The parts required to perform this Special Policy modification are to be ordered from GMWDD.
To ensure these parts are obtained as soon as possible, they should be ordered from GMWDD on a CIO Order with NO special instruction code, but order on an advise code (2).
Description Usage Part Number
PROM 1983 1226823
PROM 1984 w/3.18 Axle 16047637
PROM 1984 w/3.43 Axle 16047649
Spark Bypass Relay Kit 1983-84 14086983
Spark Plugs 1983-84 5614009
Sun Visor Starting Label 1983-84 14085150
SERVICE PROCEDURE
The following procedure will provide a significant improvement in cold startability of these vehicles:
1. Install a new calibration PROM per the following:
A. On 1983 models use P/N 1226823, PROM.
INSTALL (NEXT TO PRODUCTION LABEL) SUPPLEMENTARY TUNE-UP LABEL PART NUMBER 14086563 FOUND IN PROM PACKAGE.
B. On 1984 models with base axle (3.18), use part number 16047637, PROM. (Refer to service parts Identification Label).
C. On 1984 models with FW9 (3.43) axle, use part number 16047649, PROM. (Refer to service parts Identification Label).
2. On 1983 models, set ignition timing to 6~ BTDC from 0~ TDC. On 1984 models, timing should be checked to assure 6~ BTDC.
THE TIMING CONNECTOR MAY BE LEFT DISCONNECTED FOR THE NEXT STEP.
3. Install spark bypass relay kit, part number 14086983, (1983-1984). Detailed instructions are included in the kit package. Reconnect the timing connector from Step 2.
4. Remove and discard the fuse labeled "crank" from the fuse block #2 position (3 amp fuse) (1983-1984).
5. Install new spark plugs, part number 5614009 (1983-1984).
6. Install starting procedure label, part number 14085150, on headliner side of driver sun visor. Required on all 1983 models and as required on 1984 models (installed in production mid - 1984).
THE OWNERS OF SKYHAWK VEHICLES SHOULD BE ADVISED COLD WEATHER STARTING PERFORMANCE IS ALSO DEPENDENT ON THE USE OF 5W-30 SF OIL AS SPECIFIED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
REIMBURSEMENT:
Claims for customer reimbursement or previously paid repairs are to be submitted to the Buick Zone Office for review and disposition.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
When performing the repairs outlined in the Service Procedure of this bulletin on a 1983 or 1984 Skyhawk, submit warranty claim for credit as follows:
Labor Operation Trouble Labor
Failed Part No. Number Code Time
* T-1113 92 .9 hrs.
*List the part number of the new PROM installed in vehicle.
Zone authorization is not required for claims meeting the criteria outlined in this bulletin.
Dear Buick Skyhawk Owner:
As part of Buick's continuing commitment to customer satisfaction, we want you to be aware of a product improvement that may be of value to you if your operate your Skyhawk in sub-zero environments.
The 1983-84 winter was abnormally cold in some areas. A few owners of 1983-1984 Skyhawks complained of starting difficulties in sub-zero environments, especially where temperatures fell below -10~F (-23~C) for two or more consecutive days.
A modification has been developed for your Skyhawk to improve cold startability at sub-zero temperature extremes. Startability above 0~F will not be affected. Cold weather starting performance is also improved by the use of 5W-30 SF oil as specified in the Owners Manual.
If you experienced a cold starting problem last winter or anticipate driving at temperatures below -10~F (-23~C), we invite you to bring your vehicle to your Buick Dealer for modification at no charge to you. Instructions for making the modification has been sent to your Buick Dealer. If you operate your car only in areas of the country that are not subject to these sub-zero temperatures, your car does not need this modification.
If you have previously encountered these conditions and paid for all or part of the servicing, you should contact your Buick Dealer, who will advise you with regard to requesting reimbursement. You should present the dealer with your original paid receipts or invoices verifying expenses incurred for such service. All requests for reimbursement or modification should be made prior to June 30, 1985.
We hope you have not experienced this condition, and regret any inconvenience if you have. It is our goal that your Skyhawk serve your driving needs under all conditions.