Recall - ECM/TCM Update For EGR Cooler Performance: Overview
PRODUCT EMISSIONBulletin No.: 09285
Date: November 23, 2009
Subject: 09285 - Service Engine Soon Light Illuminated - Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler Plugging Prevention
Models:
2007-2009 Chevrolet Express, Kodiak
2008-2009 Chevrolet Silverado
2007-2009 GMC Savana, Sierra, TopKick
Equipped with a Duramax 6.6L Diesel Engine (LMM)
Condition
General Motors has decided to conduct an emission recall involving certain 2007-2009 model year Chevrolet Express and Kodiak; 2008-2009 model year Chevrolet Silverado; and 2007-2009 model year GMC Savana, Sierra, and TopKick vehicles equipped with a Duramax 6.6L diesel engine (LMM). During engine operation, exhaust gases containing particulate matter flow through the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler and valve into the air intake manifold. Engine operation at idle or vehicle operation at low vehicle speeds/loads create low exhaust gas temperatures and low exhaust gas flow through these components, promoting the formation of wet/sticky particulate matter which can accumulate on the fins of the EGR cooler. If enough particulate matter accumulates on the fins inside the EGR cooler, the Service Engine Soon light will illuminate, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0401 may set, and the EGR cooler may require cleaning or replacement. Vehicle drive cycles that include extended idle times and/or slow average vehicle speeds can accelerate this condition.
Correction
Dealers are to reprogram the ECM only on TopKick/Kodiak (All), Silverado/Sierra (ambulance applications only), and some Express/Savana (non-ambulance, non-shuttle bus), and are to reprogram the ECM and TCM on some Express/Savana (ambulance and shuttle bus). This reprogramming will reduce the likelihood of particulate matter accumulation in the EGR cooler during prolonged idle operation, and will reduce the incidence of EGR cooler fouling.
Vehicles Involved
Involved are certain 2007-2009 model year Chevrolet Express and Kodiak; 2008-2009 model year Chevrolet Silverado; and 2007-2009 model year GMC Savana, Sierra, and TopKick vehicles equipped with a Duramax 6.6L diesel engine (LMM), and built within these VIN breakpoints:
Important
Dealers are to confirm vehicle eligibility prior to beginning repairs by using GMVIS (dealers using WINS) or Investigate Vehicle History (dealers/retailers using GWM). Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.
For dealers with involved vehicles, a listing with involved vehicles containing the complete vehicle identification number, customer name, and address information has been prepared and will be provided to US and Canadian dealers through the GM GlobalConnect Recall Reports, or sent directly to export dealers. Dealers will not have a report available if they have no involved vehicles currently assigned.
The listing may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose other than follow-up necessary to complete this recall is a violation of law in several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the follow-up necessary to complete this recall.
Parts Information
No parts are required for this recall.
Recall Identification Label (California/Connecticut/Massachusetts/Maine/Oregon/ Vermont/Washington Vehicles Only)
Place a Recall Identification Label on each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Recall Bulletin. Each label provides a space to include the recall number and the five-digit dealer code of the dealer performing the recall service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ballpoint pen.
Put the Recall Identification Label on a clean and dry surface of the radiator core support in an area that will be visible to people servicing the vehicle.
When installing the Recall Identification Label, be sure to pull the tab to allow adhesion of the clear protective covering. Additional Recall Identification Labels for US dealers can be obtained from Dealer Support Materials by ordering on the web from DWD Store, www.gmdealerworld.com, and then click on the DWD Store link. Request Item Number S-1015 when ordering.
Customer Reimbursement - For GM US
All customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs for the condition will be handled by the Customer Assistance Center, not by dealers.
A General Motors Customer Reimbursement Procedure and Claim Form is included with the customer letter.
Important
(GM US Only) Refer to the GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual, section 6.1.12, for specific procedures regarding customer reimbursement and the form.
Customer Reimbursement - For Canada and Export
Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs related to the condition described in this bulletin are to be submitted to the dealer prior to or by November 30, 2010.
All reasonable customer paid receipts should be considered for reimbursement. The amount to be reimbursed will be limited to the amount the repair would have cost if completed by an authorized General Motors dealer.
When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:
- Proof of ownership at time of repair.
- Original paid receipt confirming the amount of repair expense(s) that were not reimbursed, a description of the repair, and the person or entity performing the repair.
Claims for customer reimbursement on previously paid repairs are to be submitted as required by WINS.
Important
Refer to the GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual, section 6.1.12, for specific procedures regarding customer reimbursement verification.
Claim Information
1. Submit a claim using the table below.
2. Courtesy Transportation - For dealers using WINS, submit using normal labor code; for dealers using GWM - submit as Net Item under the repair labor code.
* The amount identified in "Net Item" should represent the dollar amount reimbursed to the customer.
Customer Notification - For US and Canada
General Motors will notify customers of this recall on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter included with this bulletin).
In order to ensure full protection under the emission warranty, and the right to participate in future recalls, the customer notification letter recommends that customers have their vehicles serviced as soon as possible. It also advises that failure to do so could legally be determined to be lack of proper maintenance. The vehicle may fail a state or local emission inspection test if the recall work is not completed.
Customer Notification - For Export
Letters will be sent to known owners of record located within areas covered by the US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. For owners outside these areas, dealers should notify customers using the attached sample letter.
In order to ensure full protection under the emission warranty, and the right to participate in future recalls, the customer notification letter recommends that customers have their vehicles serviced as soon as possible. It also advises that failure to do so could legally be determined to be lack of proper maintenance. The vehicle may fail a state or local emission inspection test if the recall work is not completed.
Dealer Recall Responsibility
All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this recall must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this recall bulletin before customers take possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.
Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. A copy of the customer letter is provided in this bulletin for your use in contacting customers. Recall follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.
In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
***THE FOLLOWING 2 PARAGRAPHS ARE NOT FOR CANADA OR EXPORT***
When a California emissions recall is completed by a GM dealer, the dealer must provide the vehicle owner a "Proof of Correction Certificate" which the owner may need to present to the California Department Of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when renewing their vehicle registration. Without this correction certificate, the owner may be unable to renew their vehicle registration.
Additional Certificates can be obtained, at no charge, from Dealer Support Materials by ordering on the web from the DWD Store, www.gmdealerworld.com, and then click on the DWD Store link. Request GM Item Number 1825 when ordering.
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