Special Policy - Catalytic Converter and Front Exhaust Pipe

THIS BULLETIN IS BEING REVISED TO ADD TWO PART NUMBERS TO THE PARTS TABLE. PLEASE DISCARD ALL COPIES OF 05021.

Some customers of 1998 Chevrolet S10 and GMC Sonoma model vehicles, equipped with a 2.2L (RPO LN2 - VIN 4) 4-cylinder engine, may experience illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and/or complaints of loss of power or rattle noise. This may be due to pieces of the flex couple joint inner liner of the front exhaust pipe breaking up and tumbling into the catalytic converter, which can cause failure of the catalytic converter.

This special policy covers replacement of the front exhaust pipe and catalytic converter for the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles (190,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after April 18, 2005 are covered by this special policy and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to April 18, 2005 must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

Involved are all 1998 Chevrolet S10 and GMC Sonoma model vehicles, equipped with a 2.2L (RPO LN2 - VIN 4) 4-cylinder engine and built within the following VIN breakpoints:

Parts required to complete this special policy are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO).

General Motors will notify customers of this special policy on their vehicles (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin - actual divisional letter may vary slightly).

Refer to appropriate service manuals to replace the front exhaust pipe and/or catalytic converter.

Important:  Dealers should replace the Front Exhaust Pipe when replacing the Catalytic Converter, unless the Front Exhaust Pipe was recently replaced with p/n 15168383.

For vehicles repaired under the terms of this special policy, submit a claim with the information indicated below:

All customer requests for reimbursement for previous repairs for the special policy condition will be handled by the Customer Assistance Center, not by dealers.

A General Motors Special Policy 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 requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the catalytic converter and front exhaust pipe are to be submitted prior to or by April 30, 2006. Repairs must have occurred within the 10 years of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, or 190,000 km (120,000 miles), whichever occurs first.

When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:

If the work was done by someone other than a GM dealership, the amount of reimbursement will be limited to the amount that the repair would have cost GM to have it completed by a GM dealership.

Dear General Motors Customer:

As the owner of a 1998 Chevrolet S10 or GMC Sonoma, equipped with a 2.2L 4-cylinder engine, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us.

This letter is intended to make you aware that some 1998 Chevrolet S10 and GMC Sonoma model vehicles, equipped with a 2.2L 4-cylinder engine, may experience illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and/or complaints of loss of power or rattle noise. This may be due to pieces of the inner liner of the front exhaust pipe breaking up and tumbling into the catalytic converter, which will cause failure of the catalytic converter.

This is not a recall. Do not take your vehicle to your General Motors dealer as a result of this letter unless you believe that your vehicle has the condition as described above.

General Motors is providing owners with additional protection for the front exhaust pipe and catalytic converter. If this condition occurs on your 1998 model year Chevrolet S10 or GMC Sonoma, equipped with a 2.2L 4-cylinder engine, within 10 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 120,000 miles (190,000 km), whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge .

Repairs and adjustments qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a General Motors dealer. You may want to call the service department at your dealer to find out how long they will need to have your vehicle so that you may schedule the appointment at a time that is convenient for you. This will also allow your dealer to order parts if they are not already in stock. Keep this letter with your other important glove box literature for future reference.

The enclosed form explains what reimbursement is available and how to request reimbursement if you have paid for repairs for the special policy condition.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, just contact your dealer or the appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below. The Customer Assistance Center’s hours of operation are from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, EST, Monday through Friday.

We are sorry for any inconvenience you may experience; however we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.

General Motors Corporation

Enclosure

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