Info - Preliminary Information (PI) Text Available in Service Information (SI)

At one time, GM technicians had to take time out of their schedule to contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) for specific repair suggestions contained in Preliminary Information (PI) documents. Only the titles of these PI documents were found in the Service Information software application. Efforts have been undertaken to give technicians access to PIs in SI.

In June, 2002, you may have noticed that both the Web-based and CD versions of SI had the PI title lines removed. Please don't mistake a reduction in PI information initially as a problem with your SI application. The SI application currently houses a tremendous amount of pertinent information. The elimination of PI titles is a temporary reduction necessary to eventually improve your access to vital data.

Technicians should now be able to see the title and the text of PIs when using the WEB-BASED version of SI. The CD version will be updated to reflect this PI enhancement in July, 2002, when a new set of SI CDs are shipped to your dealership.

TAC is reviewing current PI information and, if appropriate, will republish the information in the new format that will be viewable in SI.

The amount of PI information in SI may be minimal in the beginning. However, you will see this information increase over time.

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) will be required in order to access the PI text. The PI is tied to a specific vehicle and concern.

It is important to understand that a PI will apply to one vehicle and not another because of the symptoms/concerns. It is also important to access SI each time you work on a vehicle in order to get any PIs that may apply directly to that vehicle.

Due to system issues (inputting the data and publication timetable), PI information will be available through TAC one to ten days prior to the information being available in SI. PIs that do not indicate a specific fix will not be available through SI.

Preliminary Information is often the basis for bulletins. PIs will be removed from SI when a bulletin covering the same issue is published.

As a reminder, TAC is always available to help you with your diagnostic questions. Although the goal of this enhancement is to provide more information directly to you at the dealership, do not hesitate to call TAC if you need further assistance.

Having access to PI text is the number one request that TAC hears from Dealership Technicians and we are pleased to be able to do this. However, as with any change, there will be a period of time during which we are building the system to where it needs to be. Your cooperation and patience during this transition is appreciated.

The Service and Parts Operations website can be accessed at http://service.gm.com.