Campaign - Engine Coolant Leak: Overview
Bulletin No.: 03034Date: July, 2003
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM
SUBJECT:
03034 - ENGINE COOLANT LEAK
MODELS:
ALL 2000-2002 AND CERTAIN 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA, MONTE CARLO; PONTIAC GRAND PRIX, BONNEVILLE; AND BUICK REGAL, LESABRE, PARK AVENUE EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L V6 ENGINE (RPO L36 - VIN CODE K)
THIS PROGRAM IS IN EFFECT UNTIL JULY 31, 2005.
CONDITION
General Motors has decided that all 2000-2002 and certain 2003 Chevrolet impala, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix, Bonneville; and Buick Regal, LeSabre, Park Avenue model vehicles, equipped with 3.8L (RPO L36 - VIN Code K) engines, may have a condition in which engine coolant may leak at the upper intake manifold throttle body gasket, or at the upper intake manifold to lower intake manifold gasket. This condition may result in a low engine coolant level and higher engine operating temperatures.
CORRECTION
Dealers are to replace the three throttle body fastener nuts and add cooling system sealant to the radiator tank.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
Involved are all 2000-2002 and certain 2003 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix, Bonneville; and Buick Regal, LeSabre, Park Avenue model vehicles equipped with 3.8L (RPO L36 - VIN Code K) engines and built within the VIN breakpoints shown.
IMPORTANT:
Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through GMVIS (GM Vehicle Inquiry System) or GM Access Screen (Canada only) or DCS Screen 445 (IPC only) prior to beginning program repairs. [Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.]
Computer listings containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data of involved vehicles have been prepared, and are being furnished to involved dealers with the program bulletin. The customer name and address data will enable dealers to follow up with customers involved in this program. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the program bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.
These dealer listings may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of law in several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this program.
PARTS INFORMATION
Parts required to complete this program are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please refer to your "involved vehicles listing" before ordering parts.
Normal orders should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. In an emergency situation, parts should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.
IDENTIFICATION LABEL - For US and IPC
Place an Identification Label on each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Program Bulletin. Each label provides a space to include the program number and the five-digit dealer code of the dealer performing the program 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.
For US and IPC - 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.
Additional Recall Identification Labels for IPC dealers can be obtained from your Regional Marketing Office.
For Canada - Additional Recall Identification Labels for Canadian dealers can be obtained from DGN.
CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT - For US
All customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid coolant leaks that were repaired by replacing the upper intake manifold/gasket, throttle body nuts, or throttle body gasket will be handled by the Customer Assistance Center, not by dealers.
A General Motors Product Program Customer Reimbursement Procedure Form is included with the customer letter.
IMPORTANT:
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
All customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid coolant leaks that were repaired by replacing the upper intake manifold/gasket, throttle body nuts, or throttle body gasket are to be submitted by July 31, 2004.
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 1 6.2, for specific procedures regarding customer reimbursement verification.
COURTESY TRANSPORTATION
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 Warranty. 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.
CLAIM INFORMATION
Submit a Product Program Claim with the information shown.
Refer to the General Motors WINS Claims Processing Manual for details on Product Recall Claim Submission.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION - For US and CANADA
General Motors will notify customers of this program on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter shown in this bulletin).
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION - For IPC
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 sample letter.
DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY - ALL
All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this program must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this program bulletin before customers take possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this program at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, through July 31, 2005.
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 shown in this bulletin. Program 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 program enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service prior to August 1, 2005, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the program correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
Disclaimer