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Campaign - PCM Update/Torque Converter Replacement: Overview

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

Bulletin No.: 10285A

Date: March 29, 2011

Subject: 10285A - Vehicle Vibration - Reprogram Powertrain Control Module

Models:
2005-2007 Saturn VUE
Equipped with 5-Speed Automatic Transmission (MJ7/MJ8)

Supercede:
Step 2.2 in the Service Procedure has been revised. Dealers are to select the "Tech2 Legacy Pass-Thru" option. Please discard all copies of bulletin 10285, issued February 2011.

***********THIS PROGRAM IS IN EFFECT UNTIL FEBRUARY 28, 2014.*************

Condition

On certain 2005-2007 model year Saturn VUE vehicles equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission, a transmission torque converter condition may result in a transmission vibration or shaking motion (judder) while driving at speeds between 20 and 45 mph (30 and 70 km/h).

Correction

Dealers are to reprogram the powertrain control module, and in some cases, replace the torque converter.

Vehicles Involved

Involved are certain 2005-2007 model year Saturn VUE vehicles, equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission (MJ7/MJ8). 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 dealers through the GM GlobalConnect Recall Reports. 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 program 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 program.

Parts Information

Note
Over 99% of the vehicles will NOT require a torque converter. Do not order for shelf stock.

If however, you do have a vehicle that requires a torque converter, it should be obtained from General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales (GMCC&A). 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.





Service Procedure

Not all vehicles within the affected VIN range will have a lock-up clutch judder condition. All vehicles in the affected VIN range, however, must have the powertrain/vehicle control module reprogrammed. Refer to PCM/VCM Programming in this bulletin.

Note
If a customer claims the vehicle exhibits a judder condition, reprogram the powertrain/vehicle control module (PCM/VCM) and then test drive the vehicle to determine if the judder condition is still present. Refer to Road Test in this bulletin.

Note
If a customer returns within 6 months of having the reprogramming performed and the vehicle exhibits the judder condition, replace the torque converter. Obtain wholesale authorization to submit the transaction.

PCM/VCM Programming

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(R) and TIS2WEB with the calibration update. When using a MDI or Tech 2(R) for reprogramming, ensure that it is updated with the latest software version. Use TIS2WEB on or after 01/10/11 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 Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Refer to SI and Service Programming System (SPS) documentation for programming instructions, if required.

1. Connect the Tech 2(R) to the vehicle.
2. Select Tech2 Legacy Pass-Thru and Reprogram ECU from the Select Diagnostic Tool and Programming Process screen.
3. Select PCM/VCM Powertrain/Vehicle Control Module from the Supported Controllers screen.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

3. Clear all DTCs using the Tech 2(R).

Road Test - (required only if customer claimed the vehicle had a judder condition when the vehicle was brought in to dealership)

To determine if the judder condition is present, test drive the vehicle on a smooth road, preferably one with a slight uphill incline. Set the cruise control speed between 35 and 40 mph (55 and 65 km/h), and monitor the engine RPM using the vehicle's tachometer, or use the Tech 2(R) to take a snapshot of engine RPM. A driveline judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 - 45 mph (30 and 70 km/h), and may be accompanied by transmission hunting, surging, or excessive slip. Judder is defined as an abnormal vibration in a mechanical system, especially due to grabbing between friction surfaces.

- If the judder condition is present after reprogramming the PCM/VCM, replace the torque converter. Refer to Torque Converter Assembly Removal in SI.
- If the judder condition is NOT present after programming the PCM/VCM, no further action is required.

Customer Reimbursement - For US

All customer requests for reimbursement for previous 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
(For GM 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

Customer requests for reimbursement for previous repairs for the condition are to be submitted to the dealers by February 29, 2012.

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 GWM.

Important
Refer to the GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual, section 6.1.12, for specific procedures regarding customer reimbursement verification.

Warranty Transaction Information

Submit a transaction using the table below.





* Labor code T5808 is to be used if the customer had the reprogram performed and the vehicle exhibits a judder condition within 6 months. Wholesale authorization is required when submitting the transaction.

Customer Notification

General Motors will notify customers of this program on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter included with this bulletin).

Dealer Program Responsibility

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 February 28, 2014.

Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the involved vehicle 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. 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 facility for service through February 28, 2014, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the program correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.





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