SPECIAL POLICY: PROM CHANGE COLD STARTABILITY ADJUSTMENT

Models Affected: 1983-1984 Skyhawks Equipped with 2.0L Engine (VIN Code P) Automatic Transmission and Federal Emission Systems

This supersedes Buick Dealer Service Bulletin 84-6E-30, dated December, 1984 and Supplemental Bulletin 84-6E-30A, dated February, 1985. These Bulletins were only sent to dealers located in certain northern states.

Some 1983-1984 Skyhawks equipped with 2.0L engine (RPO LQ5), automatic transmission and Federal Emissions system may experience no starts, poor cold start, and/or spark plug fouling. These starting conditions may be encountered at temperatures below -10 DEG F. (-23 DEG C).

SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT

There are no time nor mileage provisions relating to subject vehicles. This special policy adjustment offer will expire June 30, 1985. "Special Policy Bulletins," should be filed in the 3 ring binder furnished to the dealer by General Motors in September, 1982.

OWNER NOTIFICATION

Owners of vehicles registered in certain northern sates will be notified by letter of this Special Policy by Buick. However, all subject vehicles are covered by this policy regardless of where they are registered or operated.

PREVIOUSLY SERVICED VEHICLES

1983-1984 Skyhawks previously serviced with the cold startability adjustment parts identified in Service Bulletin 84-6E-30 which devloped a check engine light (Code 42) can now be corrected. The check engine light in many cases is being generated by false signals to the ECM and can be corrected by installing the correct prom identifed in the service procedure of this reissued bulletin.

PARTS INFORMATION

The parts required to perform this Special Policy modification are to be ordered from GMWDD.

To ensure these parts are obtained as soon as possible, they should be ordered from GMWDD on a CIO Order with NO special instruction code, but order on an advise code (2).

Description Usage Part Number ------------ ----- ------------ PROM 1983 1227253 PROM 1984 w/3.18 Axle 1227255 PROM 1984 w/3.43 Axle 1227257 Spark Bypass Relay Kit 1983-84 14086983 Spark Plugs 1983-84 5614009 Sun Visor Starting Label 1983-84 14085150

SERVICE PROCEDURE

PREVIOUSLY SERVICED VEHICLES - The check engine light malfunction may be remedied by the installation of the correct replacement prom identified in this reissued bulletin. In addition 1983 model years will require a new tune up label, P/N 14100954. No further action will be required.

VEHICLES NOT PREVIOUSLY SERVICED - The following procedure will provide a significant improvement in cold startability of these vehicles.

1. Install a new calibration prom per the following:

A. On 1983 models use P/N 1227253, prom.

INSTALL (NEXT TO PRODUCTION LABEL) SUPPLEMENTARY TUNE-UP LABEL, P/N 14100954 FOUND IN PROM PACKAGE.

B On 1984 models with base axle (3.18) use P/N 1227255, prom. (Refer to service part Identification Label).

C. On 1984 models with FW9 (3.43) axle, use P/N 1227257, prom. (Refer to service parts Identification Label).

2. On 1983 models set ignition timing to 6 DEG BTDC from 0 DEG TDC. On 1984 models timing should be checked to assure 6 DEG BTDC.

THE TIMING CONNECIOR MAY BE LEFT DISCONNECTED FOR THE NEXT STEP.

3. Install spark bypass relay kit, P/N 14086983 (1983-1984). Detailed instructions are included in the kit package. Reconnect the timing connector from Step #2,

4. REMOVE AND DISCARD THE FUSE labeled "crank" from the fuse block #2 position (3 amp fuse) (1983-1984).

5. Install new spark plugs, P/N 5614009 (1983-1984).

6. Install starting procedure label, P/N 14085150, on headliner side of drive sun visor. Required on all 1983 models and as required on 1984 models (installed in production Mid - 1984).

THE OWNERS OF SKYHAWK VEHICLES SHOULD BE ADVISED COLD WEATHER STARTING PERFORMANCE IS ALSO DEPENDENT ON THE USE OF 5W-30 SF OIL AS SPECIFIED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.

REIMBURSEMENT:

-------------- Claims for customer reimbursement or previously paid repairs are to be submitted to the Buick Zone Office for review and disposition.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

When performing the repairs outlined in the Service Procedure of this bulletin of a 1983 or 1984 Skyhawk, submit warranty claim for credit as follows:

Failed Part Labor Operation Trouble Labor Operation Number Number Code Time --------- ------ ------ ---- ---- Vehicle previously repaired under original Service Bulletin 64-6E-30 * T-1127 92 0.3 hr.

Vehicle Not Previously Repaired * T-1113 92 0.9 hr.

* List the part number of the new PROM installed in vehicle.

Zone authorization is not required for claims meeting the critieria outlined in this bulletin.

As part of Buick's continuing commitment to customer satisfaction, we want you to be aware of a product improvement that may be of value to you if you operate your Skyhawk in sub-zero environments.

The 1983-84 winter was abnormally cold in some areas. A few owners of 1983-84 Skyhawks complained of starting difficulties in sub-zero environments, especially where temperatures fell below -10 DEG F (-23 DEG C) for two or more consecutive days.

A modification has been developed for your Skyhawk to improve cold startability at sub-zero temperature extremes. Startability above 0 DEG F will not be affected. Cold weather starting performance is also improved by the use of 5W-30 SF oil as specified in the Owners Manual.

If you experienced a cold starting problem last winter or anticipate driving at temperatures below -10 DEG F (-23 DEG C), we invite you to bring your vehicle to your Buick Dealer for modification at no charge to you. Instructions for making the modification has been sent to your Buick Dealer. If you operate your car only in areas of the country that are not subject to these sub-zero temperatures, your car does not need this modification.

If you have previously encountered these conditions and paid for all or part of the servicing, you should contact your Buick Dealer, who will advise you with regard to requesting reinbursement. You should present the dealer with your original paid receipts or invoices verifying expenses incurred for such service. All requests for reinbursement or modification should be made prior to June 30, 1985.

We hope you have not experienced this condition, and regret any inconvience if you have. It is our goal that your Skyhawk service your driving needs under all conditions.

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.