December 2009 Archives

Service Information (SI) connector end views have been undergoing a transformation recently. The first part of this change was related to the electronic navigation/display of connector end views. The second part is how the repair information is listed.

Electronic Navigation/Display of Connector End Views

Each connector for the 2008-2010 model years are being converted into their own document IDs, with service parts information updated, and linked individually from the master electrical component list. Currently, all 2010 model year programs have been converted to their own doc IDs. The service part information update and links from the master electrical component list for the 2010 model year are scheduled to be completed in January 2010.  An example of these master electrical component list links can be seen on the 2010 Camaro. The 2008 and 2009 model years are scheduled to be completed in April 2010.

Connector End View Repair Information

The primary update to the connector repair information is to support the terminal repair strategy, which includes that all major harness connectors and terminals be serviceable in some fashion.

Connector Parts

Connectors on main harnesses that are 8 cavities or less are serviced by a connector assembly (pigtail). Connectors on main harnesses that are 9 cavities or more are serviced by a connector kit (connector body with terminals/terminated leads).

Main harnesses are defined as:

Forward Lamp

Engine

Body

I/P

Headliner

Chassis

Harnesses other than the main harnesses are generally serviced by harness replacement. Some examples of non-main harnesses are:

Seat

Steering Wheel

Taillamp

Console

Extension

Regardless of connector size and harness type, if a connector has an existing service part available, it will be provided in the connector end view information.

Connector Part Information is organized by:

Harness Type

OEM Connector

Service Connector

Description

Harness Type - Lists the harness family name. Some examples are Body, I/P, Engine, Headliner, Forward Lamp, and Chassis.

OEM Connector - Lists the harness supplier connector part number. This number is for reference only. It cannot be used to order the service part.

Service Connector - Lists the service part number. This indicates the actual service part number or one of the following phrases:

Service by Harness - See Part Catalog (This means that the connector is not available separately and the repair of the connector is by harness replacement)

Service by Component Assembly - See Part Catalog (This means that the connector is not available separately and the repair of the connector is by component replacement)

TIP: If the connector is a new connector, the connector end view information will list Pending until the service part is created. Once the service part becomes available, the connector information will be updated.

Description - The harness manufacturer description includes the number of cavities in the connector, the gender and family name of the terminals, whether the connector is sealed, and the color of the connector body.

Terminal Parts

Terminals parts are serviced in two ways: individual terminals or terminated leads. Since the Terminal Repair Kit is only available in North America, the part information for both strategies is listed for vehicles sold in North America. Vehicles sold outside of North America will only support the terminated lead strategy. Lastly, all new terminals will only be supported as terminated leads.

Terminals and terminated leads are also related to the size of the connector and the harness type.

Main harness connectors 8 cavities or less will only have a terminal or terminated lead part number if a service part already exists.  If a terminal doesn't have either of these parts available, repair/replace the terminal with a connector assembly (pigtail).

Main harness connectors 9 cavities or more will always have a terminal or terminated lead part number.

Non-main harness connectors, regardless of size, will only have a terminal or terminated lead part number if a part number already exists. If a terminal doesn't have either of these parts available, repair/replace the terminal with a connector assembly (pigtail) if the connector has one available, or replace the harness/component assembly.

Terminal Part Information is organized by:

Terminated Lead

Release Tool

Diagnostic Test Probe

Terminal/Tray

Core/Insulation Crimp

Terminated Lead - Lists the service part number. This will indicate the actual service part number for the terminals in the connector, or one of the following phrases:

Service by Connector Assembly - xxxxxxxx (This means that the terminal is not available separately and the repair of the terminal is to replace with a pigtail.  xxxxxxxx = Connector Service Part Number and only applies to connectors that are 8-way or less)

Service by Harness - See Part Catalog (This means that the terminal is not available separately and the repair of the terminal is by harness replacement)

Service by Component Assembly - See Part Catalog (This means that the terminal is not available separately and the repair of the terminal is by component replacement)

TIP: If the terminal is a new terminal, the connector end view information will list Pending until the service part is created. Once the service part becomes available, the connector information will be updated.

Release Tool - Lists the part number of the terminal release tool. If there isn't a service terminal available, the release tool will list Not Available. If there is a service terminal and the relationship between the terminal and the removal tool hasn't been made, the release tool will list Pending. Once the terminal to release tool relationship has been made, the connector information will be updated.

Diagnostic Test Probe - Lists the part number and color of the test probe tool. In some rare instances when the connector is on an inaccessible harness or a small jumper harness, the test probe information may not be available and will list Not Available.  If there is a service terminal and the relationship between the terminal and the diagnostic test probe hasn't been made, the test probe will list Pending. Once the terminal to test probe relationship has been made, the connector information will be updated.

Terminal/Tray - Lists the service part number of the individual terminal and the tray number where the terminal is located within the kit. This will only be listed in connector end views if the vehicle is sold in North America. Also note that if the individual terminal does not already have a service part, the Terminal/Tray will list Not Available.

Core/Insulation Crimp - Lists the crimping tool crimp jaw to be used when replacing an individual terminal.  This will only be listed in connector end views if the vehicle is sold in North America. Also note that if the individual terminal does not already have a service part, the Core/Insulation Crimp will list Not Available.

Example:

YPERLINK "http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?docSyskey=2363404&from=sm" \l "oth1-2363404" B1 A/C Refrigerant Pressure Sensor (Fig. 1)

Connector Part Information

Harness Type: Forward Lamp 

OEM Connector: 15477863 

Service Connector: 88988301 

Description: 3-Way F GT 150 Series, Sealed (BK)

Terminal Part Information

Terminated Lead: Service by Connector Assembly - 88988301

Release Tool: 15315247

Diagnostic Test Probe: J-35616-2A (GY)

Terminal/Tray: 15326267/19 

Core/Insulation Crimp: E/4 

Pin Wire Circuit Function

1 0.5 TN 5514 Low Reference

2 0.5 GY 2700 5-Volt Reference

3 0.5 OG/BK 380 A/C Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Signal

- Thanks to Lou Winters

To take advantage of new technology to enhance customer service and productivity, GM continues to test, evaluate and recommend dealership infrastructure guidelines. The GM Dealer IT Techline Guidelines are updated about two times each year, and the latest guidelines have recently been released.

Dealers looking to invest in laptop computers or tablets, service department PCs, IT software and network systems should review the updated infrastructure guidelines so they can understand the network and hardware infrastructure that is necessary to optimize the dealership network and fully utilize the Techline application to properly repair vehicles.

The GM Dealer IT Techline Guidelines are available in a PDF format on the GM Dealer Equipment website. Go to www.gmdesolutions.com, click the Techline IT solutions link, and then GM IT Standards. In Canada, refer to the Canadian version on GM GlobalConnect; click Library > Service > Tools and Processes > GM IT Techline Guidelines.

TIP: One of the new standards recommended for desktop PCs, laptops and tablets in the service department is the Windows^® Vista Business 32 bit, SP1 operating system. GM does not support consumer-grade or 64-bit operating systems.

For additional information, contact Techline Customer Support at 1-800-828-6860.

- Thanks to Lisa Scott

A critical part of GM's continuous improvement process is obtaining technical information first hand from the dealership technician who has dealt with a specific customer concern. It is often critical to obtain specific information before or during the repair process. Information obtained in this way will be used by Engineering to help "root cause" the customer concern and develop and validate a field fix. Technicians who participate in this process are compensated for their time.

Bulletin #04-00-89-053C was released to explain the step-by-step process. Refer to this bulletin for details.

When Engineering determines the need to conduct research on a condition, vehicles that qualify are flagged with an Engineering Information (EI) code in the GMVIS system.

When the service consultant runs a GMVIS on the vehicle and notices the vehicle has been flagged, and this is the same as the customer concern, the consultant should identify the EI number on the R.O. for the technician's information and attach a copy of the GMVIS screen to the R.O. (Fig. 2)

The technician will then need to refer to the appropriate Preliminary Information - Engineering (PIE) before beginning work on the vehicle, and then should complete the information according to the instructions in the PIE. The PIE also includes specific instructions for relaying the information to Engineering.

TIP: A unique labor operation is set up for each EI issue. The operation includes the time to complete the repair as well as to compensate for the additional diagnostic time.

TIP: Once Engineering has determined that enough information has been gathered, the EI is removed from the GMVIS system. Technicians will not be compensated for cases after the EI has been removed.

When Engineering has developed and validated a field fix, the PIE will be updated to a Technical Service Bulletin that will contain the field fix information.

- Thanks to Ed Laskowski

When GM identifies a potential vehicle system or component concern and is trying to minimize its impact on customers, a Service Update Bulletin (SUB) is released. Involved dealers are notified by an administrative message that is posted on GM GlobalConnect. (In Canada, a Dealer Communication message is sent to involved dealers by email.)

A SUB can be released in one of two ways. The first is Inventory Only, which affects only the vehicles currently in dealer inventory. The second way is Inventory and Customer Vehicles, which authorizes dealers to correct all involved inventory vehicles along with any involved customer vehicles that return to the dealership for service whether or not the vehicle is exhibiting the concern, provided its base warranty has not expired.

Attached to the administrative message is a copy of the subject bulletin and instructions for accessing a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) listing of each dealer's involved vehicles in dealer inventory.

TIP: To help dealers reach the 100% SUB completion objective for inventory vehicles, a SUB information link is available in GM GlobalConnect (U.S. only). Using their Business Associate Code (BAC), the dealer can see the most current list of vehicles involved in a SUB that are still open and assigned to the dealership.

What to Do If Your Dealership Receives a SUB

Time limit

Your dealership must have 100% of the involved inventory vehicles completed within 30 days of SUB release

The required correction must be performed before vehicle sale and delivery or customer test drive

Vehicles involved

All listed vehicles currently in inventory, whether or not the vehicle is exhibiting the concern

All listed vehicles being dealer traded or spot delivered

TIP: If an involved vehicle has been dealer traded, the receiving dealer should be contacted immediately regarding the new SUB.

TIP: If an involved vehicle has been sold and delivered to a customer, no further action is required and the customer should not be contacted. In fact, dealers are prohibited from contacting involved customers for the express purpose of performing SUB corrections. Such vehicles can be corrected only if they return to the dealership for any type of service and the base warranty has not expired.

- Thanks to Loren Rusk

A revised Fuel Filter Kit (p/n 12633243) is now available and will service all 2001-09 trucks equipped with the 6.6L Duramaxâ„¢ diesel engine (VINs 1, 2, D, 6 - RPOs LB7, LLY, LBZ, LMM)

The new coalescer filter (Fig. 3)

provides the following benefits and improvements over the existing dual pleat design:

150-200% increase in service life, depending on contaminant type

Improved fuel system protection with some premium diesel and B5 biodiesel blends 

Coarse water droplet removal efficiency comparable to previous design (both 100%)

Greatly improved removal of emulsified water, a major contributor to fuel system issues (old filter 25%, new filter 100%)

Water in diesel fuel is a contaminant which can cause damage to the fuel system. Water in fuel can take two forms:

Coarse water droplets that drop out of suspension and can be filtered out

Emulsified water particles suspended in the fuel, which can pass through some filters 

Proper fuel filter servicing and the use of clean diesel fuel that is free of water or contaminants are critical for the longevity of fuel system components of a modern direct injected diesel engine. Adherence to the fuel filter change interval will help to ensure that the Duramax fuel system will be protected from contaminants and that the engine will continue to operate as designed. Purchasing fuel from a high volume fuel retailer increases the chances that the fuel is fresh and of good quality.

Additional Diesel Fuel Information

The Water in Fuel Sensor can be tested after removing it from the fuel filter assembly. A good sensor will have continuity when the float is manually raised. Use a DVOM to check for continuity. The float can be tested by placing it in water and in clean diesel fuel. A good float will float in water and sink in diesel fuel. Refer to PIP4706 for more information.

Customer use of diesel fuel additives are neither required nor recommended for the Duramax diesel engine. (Fig. 4)

Alcohol-based additives permit water to pass the fuel filter and water separator, causing damage to the fuel system. GM Diesel Fuel Conditioner, p/n 88861009 (in Canada, p/n 88861038) is alcohol-free and utilizes water demulsifiers to cope with water in the fuel. Refer to bulletin #03-06-04-017E.

Fuel distributors blend no. 1 and no. 2 diesel fuels for seasonal requirements in a particular region. No other blending of fuels is recommended. If a customer desires to use a winter fuel additive to prevent fuel waxing or icing during extreme cold snaps, the winter fuel additive must not contain alcohol or other water emulsifiers that may compromise the water removal effectiveness of the fuel filtering system. Refer to bulletin #03-06-04-017E.

Diesel fuel gelling or waxing (also called cloud point) at low temperatures may result if the fuel is not blended properly for the temperatures being experienced. Further, biodiesel begins to wax at temperatures of 10 to 20 degrees higher than no. 2 winter blend fuel. Fuel waxing is not considered a warrantable condition. Refer to PIP3317G for details.

Useful information about diagnosing the effects of contaminants in diesel fuel and testing for the presence of contaminants, including fungi, water, gasoline, and biodiesel in amounts larger than 5%, can be found in the Service Information under Engine / Engine Controls and Fuel / Diagnostic Information and Procedures

- Thanks to Bill Carnevale

Some owners of a 2009-10 Impala may comment that the front passenger seat belt is difficult to pull outward across the occupant when attempting to latch the buckle or the seat belt rattles when the seat is unoccupied.

There is stitching on the front passenger seat belt approximately 6 inches above the button. The stitching is needed to position the latching plate away from any interior parts that would cause a noise when the seat belt is not buckled.

Some 2009-10 Impalas may have stitching that allows the latching plate to slip past it and fall down to the button. If this occurs, it may be difficult for some customers to move the latching plate back up past the stitching. Additionally, if the front passenger seat belt is unbuckled and it has moved past the stitching, it could rest on the button and cause a rattle noise.

When the front passenger seat belt is in the rested/unoccupied position, the latching plate should rest just above the stitching. If the latching plate is found to rest on or under the stitching, replace the front passenger seat belt.

All service replacement parts have belt webbing labels. Replace the belt assembly only with one that has the identifier 194R09 or greater (for instance, 195R09, 196R09) on the belt webbing label.

TIP: Starting at webbing label 194R09, the size of the stiching was increased to prevent the latching plate from slipping past it.

- Thanks to David Eplin

Some owners of a 2010 SRX may comment that the navigation screen binds or makes a noise while going up or down. They may also comment that the display screen will not respond to different commands or that it is necessary to push hard on the screen before it responds.

This concern may be caused by the navigation screen rubbing the Integrated Center Stack (ICS). The root cause may be that the plastic instrument panel is being pushed rearward by an excessive weld bead for the instrument panel alignment pin. (Fig. 5)

Remove plastic material from the instrument panel using the following new service procedures.

Remove the navigation screen to gain access to the location shown. Follow published procedures in the Service Information to remove the panel.

Use a 1-inch hole saw to remove the plastic material around the alignment pin. (Fig. 6)

After drilling, check and clean all plastic around the alignment pin to ensure clearance to the excessive weld bead. (Fig. 7)

Once the material is removed, the plastic carrier will move forward.

TIP: Be sure to remove all plastic shavings from the instrument panel area to avoid navigation mechanism contamination.

Reinstall the display screen and confirm that the issue has been corrected.

- Thanks to Jeremy Richardson

This information applies to the 2009 Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe and Yukon, with Rear Power Liftgate (RPO E61).

Some owners may state that the rear power liftgate is inoperative with the inside switch and the outside door handle. The power liftgate works OK from the RKE key fob.

Starting in mid model year 2009, a change was made for opening the power liftgate from the inside switch and the outside door handle to meet Federal Motor Vehicle requirements. The change requires all the doors to be unlocked before opening the power liftgate. This can be accomplished by pressing the unlock button on the key fob twice or pressing the unlock button on the door panel. The change applied to the power liftgate module only when using the inside switch and the outside door handle. The power liftgate will open at any time when pressing the power liftgate button on the RKE fob.

Some 2009 MY vehicles that were built in calendar year 2008 may have older software and may not operate as described above. This may be a concern only if a customer compares this vehicle with one that was built in calendar year 2008. Both vehicles are built to factory specs and no parts should be replaced to change the operation of either vehicle.

TIP: If a customer has a concern where the power liftgate is inoperative, have the customer press the unlock button on the door panel and then see if the liftgate starts to work before starting with normal diagnosis.

- Thanks to Paul Radzwilowicz

2010 Aveo owners may comment that the engine requires a long cranking time to start the engine. This condition is caused by an engine calibration that turns the engine two additional times at start-up to clear any exhaust gas from the intake manifold.

The vehicle also has a Computer-Controlled Cranking System. It assists in starting the engine and protects components. If the ignition key is turned to Start, and then immediately released when the engine begins cranking, the engine will continue cranking for a few seconds or until the engine starts. With the 2010 engine calibration, the computer-controlled crank time will be extended slightly.

- Thanks to Jerry Parsell

A 2010 Equinox with a 3.0 LF1 engine and SES light on may have DTC P0133 or P1133.

Check for the post- and pre-oxygen sensor connectors being swapped. The DTCs may occur if the pre-oxygen sensor is connected to the post-oxygen sensor connector and the post-oxygen sensor is connected to the pre-oxygen sensor connector.  

- Thanks to Ron Mitchell

When replacing the engine mounts on a 2004-07 CTS with 3.6 LY7/2.8 LP1 for any reason, follow this modification procedure.

Order p/n19210426, and then follow these steps to prepare and install the new mount.

IMPORTANT: The new part does not include the exhaust heat shield which must be re-used.

Follow the appropriate Engine Mount Replacement procedure in SI to remove the old mount from the vehicle.

Once the mount is removed, mark the hole location of the alignment pin on the mount heat shield. (Fig. 8, A)

Using a suitable tool, remove the retaining spring nut (Fig. 8, B) from the top of the mount heat shield and discard the old mount.

Prepare the replacement mount by cutting the lower locating pin off using a die grinder and cutting wheel. (Fig. 9, A)

Align the marked hole on the heat shield with the top alignment pin (Fig. 9, B) on the replacement mount.

Follow the appropriate Engine Mount Replacement procedure in the Service Information to install the new mount with heat shield into the vehicle.

Verify that the heat shield is properly located on the mount.

TIP: A retaining spring nut is not required.

- Thanks to Ron Mitchell

The owner of a 2009 Traverse may comment that, with cruise control engaged and descending a hill, the transmission will downshift (Cruise Grade Braking), but when the road flattens out, the transmission will not upshift.  

Install new calibration "Calibration Change for 17-inch tire" to correct this condition.

- Thanks to Ron Mitchell

Technicians may experience some difficulty installing the new style ignition lock cylinder on the following models: 2008-2009 CTS (built prior to VIN breakpoint 90163371), 2005-2009 Cobalt (built prior to April 14, 2009), 2006-2009 HHR and Solstice (built prior to April 14, 2009), 2007-2009 Equinox (built prior to July 2008), 2005-2006 Pursuit (Canada only), 2007-2009 G5 (built prior to April 14, 2009) and Torrent (built prior to July 2008), 2006-2009 SKY (built prior to April 24, 2009) -- with an automatic transmission only.

Inspect the housing for debris or damage before installation. The new lock cylinder must be fully seated into the housing to ensure it latches into position.

- Thanks to Jim Loomis

Some owners of a 2010 SRX (AWD only) may report a ticking or squeaking noise from the rear of the vehicle while accelerating or decelerating. This may occur only in certain speed ranges.

The source of the noise may be the prop-shaft slightly rubbing the heat shield. This contact may be difficult to locate. (Fig. 10)

Another way to identify this condition is to observe the gap on each side of the prop-shaft as it passes under the fuel tank. The fuel tank should be centered over the prop-shaft. (Fig. 11)

Because the heat shields are attached to the fuel tank, it is necessary to adjust the fuel tank position.

TIP: Be sure the fuel tank is properly supported when moving it.

Slightly loosen the fuel tank straps and move the fuel tank so the gaps between the prop-shaft and fuel tank heat shield are equal on both sides of the prop-shaft. Re-secure the fuel tank straps and evaluate the repair.

- Thanks to Jeremy Richardson

On a 2010 LaCrosse, the rear strut dust cover may look as if it has become dislodged and needs to be re-attached. (Fig. 12)

The strut dust cover will move on the strut rod. This is design intent, so no action should be taken. 

- Thanks to John Mason

This information applies to these vehicles: 

2008-09 Cobalt, Cobalt SS, HHR, HHR SS, Malibu, G5, G6, AURA and VUE equipped with these engines:

2008-09 2.0L (RPO LNF)

2009 2.2L (RPO LAP)

2009 2.2L (RPO LE8) 

2008-09 2.4L (RPO LE5/LE9/LAT)  

An oil leak may occur at the front timing cover/crank/pulley seal. If you determine the front crank seal is leaking, replace the seal, pulley, bolt and drive belt.

- Thanks to Jeff Gorenflo

Refer to the following information if working on a 2008-09 G8 that requires a front end alignment and needs caster or camber adjustments.

To adjust caster, order a caster adjustment kit (p/n 92218339). The kit includes one replacement control arm retaining bolt, two offset washers, and one replacement prevailing torque locknut. (Fig. 13)

One kit will do one side of the vehicle. Follow SI document ID 2322935 for installation. 

To adjust camber, turn the M10 X 1.5 X 40 (8mm socket) camber adjustment bolt. (Fig. 14)

Follow SI document ID 2322935 for more information. 

- Thanks to David Eplin

10209.12 -- Emerging Issues

December 10, 2009

For Emerging Issues seminars: Log in to www.gmtraining.com, select Service Know-How/TECHAssist from the menu, select Emerging Issues, and then Searchable Streaming Video to choose the current Emerging Issues seminar or past programs.