Instrument - Cluster/Controller Exchange/Repair Program: Overview
88pontiac06Bulletin Number: 88-8-8A
Reference Number: 888304R
Publish Date: 4/88
Subject: 1988 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND DIC CONTROLLER EXCHANGE/REPAIR PROGRAM
Models
Affected: 1988 FIREBIRD, BONNEVILLE, SUNBIRD, FIERO, GRAND PRIX, AND 6000
This bulletin is being revised to include automatic transmission application under figure 3. Please discard bulletin 88-8-8 issued 12/87.
Pontiac is pleased to announce an Exchange/Repair Program for instrument clusters and DIC (Driver Information Center) controllers used on the above listed models. This program provides repaired instrument clusters or DIC controllers in exchange for inoperative ones at a cost substantially below new replacement parts.
Instrument clusters and DIC controllers are serviced by the exchange units listed in this bulletin. See pages with illustrations, for part numbers and applications.
Exchange units are obtained by telephoning one of the twenty nine authorized AC-Delco Service Centers listed on the last three pages of this bulletin. They are shipped with memo billings, via UPS (next-day UPS if specified by dealer), within 24 hours of the request. The memo billings are cancelled when inoperative instrument clusters or DIC controllers are received by the service center from which exchange units were obtained.
Please adhere to the following procedure when a vehicle requires dealer service for an inoperative instrument cluster or DIC controller.
1. Follow the diagnostics procedure in the service manual precisely and completely. Many problems perceived by the observer to be in the instrument cluster or DIC controller are often actually problems with remote sensors and connectors. Proper diagnostics will identify the source of the problem and avoid unnecessary removal and shipping of functional assemblies to service centers.
2. When diagnostics are complete and the fault is determined to be in the instrument cluster or DIC controller, call one of the service centers and request the appropriate exchange unit. If the service center called does not have the exchange unit in stock, call other service centers until an exchange unit is located. If the odometer is part of the exchange unit, tell the service center the mileage to which it should be set.
3. Upon receiving the exchange unit from the service center, take it into the vehicle still packed in the reusable shipping container. The container protects it from damage due to static electricity. Use care in handling the exchange unit and the inoperative instrument cluster or DIC controller. Hands must be free of dirt and grease. AVOID TOUCHING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS, AS ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE CAN DEGRADE PERFORMANCE OR CAUSE FAILURE.
4. Remove the inoperative instrument cluster or DIC controller and replace it with the exchange unit.
5. Include a description of the instrument cluster or DIC controller problem in the "Nature of Problem" area of the ACD-1078 form. Pack the inoperative instrument cluster or DIC controller in the reusable shipping container together with all five copies of the completed ACD-1078 warranty form.
6. Enclosed in the reusable container is an addressed shipping label. Attach this label to the outside of the box and ship immediately to the service center from which you obtained the exchange unit. The dealer copy of the ACD-1078 warranty form will be returned and the memo billing cancelled upon receipt of the inoperative instrument cluster or DIC controller at the service center.
7. Failure to return the inoperative instrument cluster or DIC controller in the SPECIAL REUSABLE CONTAINER, can result in a container replacement fee. Failure to return the ACD-1078 WARRANTY FORM within 30 days of the date the exchange unit was shipped, can result in a repair fee. Failure to return the INOPERATIVE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER OR DIC CONTROLLER within 30 days of the date the exchange unit was shipped, can result in a cluster or controller replacement fee.
The success of the instrument cluster and DIC controller Exchange/ Repair Program is dependent upon prompt return of the inoperative cluster or controller to the service center. Your cooperation is essential to maintaining sufficient quantities of exchange stock.