Customer Satisfaction - Remote Start Interference with Safety Belt Reminder

The service procedure in this bulletin has been revised. Additional information on the Tech 2® software has been added. Please review the revised procedure immediately. Discard all copies of bulletin 07085A, issued October 2007.

Under certain conditions, use of the remote start function on certain 2006 model year Buick Allure, LaCrosse, Terraza; Chevrolet Uplander; Pontiac Grand Prix, Montana SV6; and Saturn Relay vehicles may interfere with the proper function of the safety belt reminder when the ignition key is turned to the ON position. If the remote start is used, the safety belt reminder may not always correctly activate.

Dealers/retailers are to recalibrate the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM).

Involved are certain 2006 Buick Allure, LaCrosse, Terraza; Chevrolet Uplander; Pontiac Grand Prix, Montana SV6; and Saturn Relay vehicles equipped with remote start and built within these VIN breakpoints:

Important: Dealers/retailers are to confirm vehicle eligibility prior to beginning repairs by using the system(s) below. Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.

For dealers/retailers 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 through the applicable system listed below. Dealers/retailers will not have a report available if they have no involved vehicles currently assigned.

-- US GM dealers and Saturn retailers - GM DealerWorld Recall Information

-- Canadian GM/Saturn/Saab dealers/retailers - GMinfoNet Recall Reports

-- Export dealers - sent directly to dealers

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.

No parts are required for this program.

Communication Errors When Attempting to Set Up the SDM

If the part number (End Model Part Number), which is read out via the Tech 2® is one of the part numbers listed below, do not perform this field action bulletin. The SDM contains software that does not require an update. Do not replace the SDM.

The Tech 2® screen will display an "End Model Part Number" to verify against the part numbers below.

The attached is a sample navigation path utilizing a Pontiac Grand Prix as an example.

Example Navigation Path

Diagnostics >> (6) 2006 >> Passenger Car >> (2) Pontiac >> W >> vehicle Control Systems >> (2) Pontiac >> W >> (4) 3.8L V6 L32 >> Computer/Integrating Systems >> CJ2 Dual Zone HVAC, Auto >> Module ID Information >> Supplemental Inflatable Restraint >> Supplemental Inflatable Restraint >> Module Information 1 >>.

Using the above navigation, refer to the part numbers below.

Important: Use Tech 2® version 27.012 to reprogram the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) on or before March 2, 2008. After March 2, 2008, use version 28.002 . A TIS2WEB SPS programming event is not required. If Tech 2® version 27.012 is required, refer to the instructions below. Refer to the service procedure for SDM calibration instructions.

1. Go to TIS2WEB.
2. Select Tech 2® Software Download (SWDL).
3. Once in SWDL, select "Custom" from the "Update Mode" selection, and then select "Next:".
4. From the "Select Applications" screen, scroll to the "North American Operations" folder.
5. Double click on "27.012-32MB" and highlight the desired language for download.
6. Select the right pointing arrow and "Next" to download the software.

Important: Verify that the procedure was successful by cycling the ignition key to the OFF position and then turn the ignition key to the RUN position with the engine OFF. Perform the service procedure a second time to verify that the Enhanced Buckle Up Reminder is ENABLED.

1. Turn the vehicle ignition key to the RUN position with the engine OFF.
2. Connect the Tech 2 to the vehicle’s data link connector (DLC) under the instrument panel.
3. Turn the Tech 2 "ON" by pressing the power button.
4. Press "ENTER" to access the "MAIN MENU".
5. Use the "UP" and "DOWN" buttons (arrows) on the Tech 2 to move the highlight bar to the selections described in the following steps. Refer to the appropriate vehicle line instructions below.

Buick LaCrosse/Allure

Follow the steps below from the Tech 2 Main Menu screen. Select:

1. Press Enter.
2. Press F0: Diagnostics.
3. Press 6 for 2006 and then choose Passenger Car.
4. Press 4 for Buick, then choose W, and then choose LaCrosse/Allure.
5. Press F6: Restraints and then choose Seatbelts.
6. Press F4: Module Setup.
7. Press F0: Supplemental Inflatable Restraint.
8. Press F0: Buckle Up Reminder.
9. Follow the on-screen instructions. To turn ON Enhanced Buckle Up Reminder, Select ENABLE.

Important: If the "No Communication with Vehicle" screen appears after following the steps above to turn on Enhanced Buckle Up Reminder, then rerun the procedure.

Pontiac Grand Prix

Follow the steps below from the Tech 2 Main Menu screen. Select:

1. Press Enter.
2. Press F0: Diagnostics.
3. Press 6 for 2006 and then choose Passenger Car.
4. Press 4 for Pontiac and then choose W.
5. Press F6: Restraints and then choose Seatbelts.
6. Press F4: Module Setup.
7. Press F0: Supplemental Inflatable Restraint.
8. Press F0: Buckle Up Reminder.
9. Follow the on-screen instructions. To turn ON Enhanced Buckle Up Reminder, Select ENABLE.

Important: If the "No Communication with Vehicle" screen appears after following the steps above to turn on Enhanced Buckle Up Reminder, then rerun the procedure.

Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac Montana SV6, Saturn Relay

Follow the steps below from the Tech 2 Main Menu screen. Select:

1. Press Enter.
2. Press F0: Diagnostics.
3. Press 6 for 2006 and then follow the screen choices for specific make and model of customer's vehicle.
4. Press F6: Restraints and then choose Seatbelts.
5. Press F4: Module Setup.
6. Press F0: Supplemental Inflatable Restraint.
7. Press F0: Buckle Up Reminder.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions. To turn ON Enhanced Buckle Up Reminder, Select ENABLE.

Important: If the "No Communication with Vehicle" screen appears after following the steps above to turn on Enhanced Buckle Up Reminder, then rerun the procedure.

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. GM Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines. Saturn US retailers should refer to GM messenger bulletins SAG20060292/SAG20060295 for Courtesy Transportation guidelines. Saturn Canada retailers should refer to applicable Home Office letter on this subject.

Submit a Product Claim with the information indicated below:

Refer to the General Motors WINS Claims Processing Manual for details on Product Recall Claim Submission.

1. To receive credit, submit a claim with the information below:

2. Check your Saturn SERVICELINE.XL Claim Memorandum daily. Remember to code the claim as a WC sale type, and VC case type. Contact your field representative if you need assistance.

3. Submit courtesy transportation using Net Item C.

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

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 attached sample letter.

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, from this time forward.

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 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 dealership for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the program correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

Dear General Motors Customer:

Safety belt use saves lives. Your vehicle has safety belt use reminders, a telltale, and an audible chime. Under some conditions, use of the remote start function on your 2006 model year Buick Allure, LaCrosse, Terraza; Chevrolet Uplander; Pontiac Grand Prix, Montana SV6; or Saturn Relay vehicle may interfere with the proper function of the safety belt reminder when the ignition key is turned to the "ON" position. If the remote start is used, the safety belt reminder may not always correctly activate. For 2007, we have enhanced our electrical system so even if the remote start function were to interfere with the safety belt reminder when the ignition key is turned to the "ON" position, after a short delay, the safety belt reminder would activate if the driver or passenger are not buckled up and the vehicle speed goes above 5 miles per hour (8 kilometer per hour). Following remote start for both 2006 and 2007 models, if the front seat occupants fasten their safety belts before the vehicle speed goes above five miles per hour, no safety belt reminder will activate.

What We Will Do: GM will update the computer in your 2006 vehicle to provide this improved safety belt reminder system to reflect the improvements incorporated into 2007 model year vehicles. This service will be performed for you at no charge .

What You Should Do: Your GM dealer will perform this service for you at your mutual convenience. If you do not want to make a special visit, your dealer can perform it the next time you have your vehicle serviced.

Customer Reply Form: The enclosed customer reply form identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this form to your dealer will assist in making the necessary correction in the shortest possible time. If you no longer own this vehicle, please let us know by completing the form and mailing it back to us.

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.

Courtesy Transportation: If your vehicle is within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty your dealer may provide you with shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation while your vehicle is at the dealership for this repair. Please refer to your Owner’s Manual and your dealer for details on Courtesy Transportation.

We want you to know that we will do our best, throughout your ownership experience, to ensure that your GM vehicle provides you many miles of enjoyable driving.

Scott Lawson

General Director,

Customer and Relationships Services

Enclosure

07085