CAMPAIGN:MIS-ADJUSTED TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE. Buick Coachbuilder 1994

SUBJECT: MIS-ADJUSTED TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE

MODELS AFFECTED: CERTAIN 1994 ROADMASTERS

IMPORTANT: THIS BULLETIN SUPPLEMENTS INFORMATION IN DCS 94-12, DATED DECEMBER 23, 1993

General Motors has determined that certain 1994 Buick Roadmaster vehicles may have the transmission shift linkage improperly adjusted. This mis-adjustment may allow transmission fluid to leak into an incorrect hydraulic circuit while the vehicle is being operated. Continued operation with hydraulic pressure in the wrong circuit could lead to a burnt low/reverse clutch which would make the transmission inoperative in reverse.

To correct this condition, dealers are to inspect the transmission fluid of all vehicles involved for signs of heat (burned fluid) and properly adjust the transmission shift linkage, utilizing a revised procedure.

VEHICLES INVOLVED:

Involved are all 1994 Buick Roadmaster vehicles within the following "VIN" breakpoints: Plant Through and Year Plant Code From Including ---- ----- ----- ---- ----------- 1994 Arlington R RR400001 RR404514

Involved vehicles have been identified by Vehicle Identification Number Computer listings. Computer listings contain the complete vehicle Identification Number, owner name and address data, and are furnished to involved dealers with the campaign bulletin. Owner name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow-up with owners involved in this campaign.

These listings may contain owner names and addresses obtained from State Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of law in several states. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this campaign. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the campaign bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.

OWNER NOTIFICATION:

Owners will be notified of this campaign on their vehicles by Buick Motor Division (see copy of owner letter included with this bulletin).

DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY:

All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to the campaign MUST be held and repaired per the service procedure of this campaign bulletin BEFORE owners take possession of these vehicles.

Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this campaign at no charge to owners, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.

Owners of vehicles recently sold from your new vehicle inventory, with no owner information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer, and arrangements made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. This could be done by mailing to such owners a copy of the owner letter accompanying this bulletin. Campaign follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose since the owner may not as yet have received the notification letter.

In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this campaign enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, please take the steps necessary to be sure the campaign correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

PARTS INFORMATION:

In most instances, parts will not be required to complete this campaign. However, if transmission fluid shows signs of excessive heat, a transmission will be required and should be ordered from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). These parts should be ordered on a "C.I.O." order, with no special instruction code, but on an advise code (2).

SERVICE PROCEDURE:

All vehicles involved in this recall must have the transmission shift linkage re-adjusted, using the following revised procedure:

1. Inspect the transmission fluid for signs of excessive heat (burnt smell and/or color changed to brown). If transmission fluid is burnt, replace the complete transmission before adjusting the linkage. If the fluid is not burnt or discolored, use steps 1 through 7 to properly adjust the linkage.

2. Place the steering column shift lever in the "neutral" position.

3. Loosen the bolt which clamps the shift rod to the shift lever at the side of the transmission under the vehicle.

4. Hang or attach a 3 pound weight on the shift lever at the steering column to bias the linkage toward the "OD" (overdrive) position (see illustration).

NOTE: Kent-Moore tool number J8092, driver handle, weighs approximately 3 pounds and may be a possible choice.

5. Verify the transmission is still in "neutral."

6. Re-tighten the bolt to 28 N.m (21 lb. ft.).

7. Remove weight and verify shift linkage and steering column range selector for proper operation.

8. Install campaign identification label.

CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL:

Each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this product campaign bulletin will require a "Campaign Identification Label." Each label provides a space to include the 5 digit dealer code of the dealer performing the campaign service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ballpoint pen.

Each "Campaign Identification Label" is to be located on the radiator core support in an area which will be visible when the vehicle is brought in for periodic servicing of the owner.

Apply "Campaign Identification Label" only on a clean, dry surface.

IMPORTANT SERVICE INFORMATION:

The new service adjustment procedure indicated MUST BE USED on all 1994 4L60E transmissions anytime the transmission is removed and replaced or re-installed.

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION:

Use the one appropriate labor operation.

PART FAILED PART FAILURE LABOR LABOR OTHER OPER COUNT PART NO ALLOW CODE OP NO HRS HRS ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Inspect transmission fluid and adjust linkage -- -- -- 96 V8540 0.4 *0.1

Inspect transmission fluid, replace transmission, and adjust linkage # ** 96 V8541 4.1 *0.1

IMPORTANT: WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR THIS CAMPAIGN MUST BE HELD AND SUBMITTED AFTER JANUARY 129 1994.

* Campaign Administrative Allowance

** The "Parts Allowance" should be the sum total of the current GMSPO dealer net price, plus 40%.

# Use actual parts count for one transmission, plus fluid required.

Dear Buick Roadmaster Owner:

We, at Buick Motor Division, are committed to improving the Buick customer ownership experience. We have discovered a condition that could develop on your vehicle and are writing to you today with our action to resolve this condition.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION RECALL FOR:

ACTION:

------ To correct this condition, dealers are to inspect the transmission fluid of all vehicles involved for signs of heat (burnt fluid) and properly adjust the transmission shift leakage. This service will be performed for you at no charge.

CONTACTING YOUR BUICK DEALER:

Please contact your Buick dealer as soon as possible to arrange a service date. Instructions for performing this service have been sent to your dealer. Please ask your dealer if you wish to know how much time will be needed to schedule and process your vehicle.

OWNER REPLY CARD:

The enclosed owner reply card identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this card to your dealer will assist in making the necessary correction in the shortest possible time. If you have sold or traded your vehicle, please let us know by completing the postage paid reply card and returning it to us.

We are sorry to cause you this inconvenience; however, we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.

Buick Motor Division GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION

Object Number: 84113 Size: FS

Object Number: 89111 Size: MF

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.