Recall - Incorrect Engine Control Module Calibration: Overview
PRODUCT EMISSIONBulletin No.: 12009
Date: February 28, 2012
Subject: -12009 Incorrect Engine Control Module Calibration
Models:
2008 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe
2008 GMC Sierra, Yukon
Equipped with a 4.8L/6.0L Engine (LY2/L76) and Previously Serviced
Condition
General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall involving certain 2008 model year Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles, and GMC Sierra and Yukon vehicles, equipped with a 4.8L/6.0L engine (LY2/L76). This affects only those vehicles that were serviced between September 24, 2011, and December 15, 2011, and received an incorrect calibration in the Engine Control Module (ECM). The incorrect service calibration included incorrect spark calibrations relating to knock detection and could result in reduced engine power under certain high load conditions, such as when towing or hill climbing.
Correction
Dealers are to reprogram the ECM.
Vehicles Involved
Involved are certain 2008 model year Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe; GMC Sierra and Yukon vehicles equipped with 4.8L/6.0L engine (LY2/L76) and previously serviced.
Important
Dealers are to confirm vehicle eligibility prior to beginning repairs by using the Required Field Actions section in the Global Warranty system. Not all vehicles 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.
Service Procedure
Do not attempt to order the calibration number from GM Customer Care and Aftersales. The calibration numbers required for this service procedure are programmed into control modules via a Multiple Diagnostic Interface (MDI) or Tech 2 with the calibration update. When using a MDI or Tech 2 for reprogramming, ensure that it is updated with the latest software version. Use TIS2WEB on or after 01/25/12 to obtain the calibration. If you cannot access the calibration, call the Techline Customer Support Center and it will be provided.
For step-by-step programming instructions, please refer to SI and the Techline Information System (TIS) terminal.
1. Verify that there is a battery charge of 12 to 15 volts. The battery must be able to maintain a charge during programming. Only use an approved Midtronics(R) PSC 550 Battery Maintainer (SPS Programming Support Tool EL-49642) or equivalent to maintain proper battery voltage during programming.
2. Reprogram the engine control module (ECM). Refer to SI and Service Programming System (SPS) documentation for programming instructions, if required.
1. Connect the MDI or Tech 2 to the vehicle.
2. Select J2534 MDI or J-2534 Tech 2 and Reprogram ECU from the Select Diagnostic Tool and Programming Process screen.
3. Select ECM Engine Control Module from the Supported Controllers screen.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Clear all diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
4. California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont vehicles only: Install a Recall Identification Label. Also, for California vehicles complete a "Proof of Correction" certificate upon recall completion.
Recall Identification Label - California/Connecticut/Maryland/Massachusetts/Maine/Vermont 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 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.gmglobalconnect.com, and then click on the DWD Store link. Request Item Number S-1015 when ordering.
Courtesy Transportation - For US and Canada
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranties. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product program is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.
Warranty Transaction Information
Submit a transaction using the table below.
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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