SPECIAL POLICY: A/C HIGH SIDE SERVICE FITTING
MODELS AFFECTED: 1988 SKYHAWK WITH AIR CONDITIONING
General Motors has determined that some 1988 Skyhawks equipped with air conditioning are missing the high side service fitting. This affects diagnostics of the air conditioning system if service is required.
Buick's concern in this instance is not with the operation of the air conditioning or with any other vehicle system. Rather, this bulletin addresses procedures dealer service technicians will follow when diagnosing random air conditioning complaints in the future.
CONDITION
For 1988 Skyhawk production, the orifice tube in the air conditioning system was moved; however, the High Side Service Fitting was not relocated on early built vehicles with the consequence that both the High Side and Low Side Service Fittings were on the low pressure side of the orifice tube.
If analysis of an air conditioning refrigeration complaint requires reading high side pressure in early built 1988 Skyhawks with 2.0L (VIN Code "K") engines, it will be necessary to replace the Hose Assembly - A/C Compressor and Condenser, with a new assembly, Part Number 22545477. The new assembly incorporates a Shrader-type valve fitting for reading the high side pressure.
SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT
General Motors will replace the Hose Assembly - A/C Compressor and Condenser at the time first use of the High Side Service Fitting is required to diagnose an air conditioning refrigeration complaint. This special policy adjustment is effective through the last day of September, 1994.
This "Special Policy" bulletin should be filed in the three ring binder previously furnished to the dealer by General Motors.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
1988 Skyhawk models with Air Conditioning built from the start of 1988 model year production through and including VIN JK418980.
REIMBURSEMENT
Customer claims for reimbursement on previously paid repairs are to be submitted according to the instructions included with this bulletin. Owners must submit ORIGTNAL DOCUMENTATION that reasonably confirms the amount of unreimbursed repair expense, a description of the repair, the date of the repair, ard the person or entity performing the repair.
Reimbursement shall be only for the reasonable cost of parts and labor to replace the Hose Assembly - A/C Compressor and Condenser, including discharge/charge of the A/C system.
To receive reimbursement for unreimbursed repair expense due to a previous replacement of the Hose Assembly - A/C Compressor and Condenser, for the purpose of reading pressures at the High Side Service Fitting for diagnosis of A/C refrigerant system complaints, eligible owners must submit claims to an authorized Buick dealer no later than September 30, 1994.
PARTS INFORMATION
Parts are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). To ensure these parts will be obtained as soon as possible, they should be ordered from GMSPO on a "C.I.O." order with NO special code, but on an advise code (2).
Part Number Description Quantity/Vehicle ----------- ----------- ----------------- 22545477 Hose Assembly - A/C Compressor 1 and Condenser
5887997 Seal, Suction Discharge Ports 2 (0-Rings at A/C Compressor)
Refrigerant-12 As Required
The following seals (0-Rings) are shipped already installed on the Hose Assembly - A/C Compressor and Condenser. However, if missing, use:
3094216 O-Ring Connector - Refrigerant Max 1, If Req'd (at A/C Accumulator outlet fitting)
3094214 Seal, A/C Condenser Fitting (0-Ring) Max 1, If Req'd (at condenser end of Discharge Line)
SERVICE PROCEDURE
To replace the Hose Assembly - A/C Compressor and Condenser, refer to the 1988 Buick Skylark/Skyhawk Service Manual, Sections 1B and lBl, for proper service information.
If the Hose Assembly - A/C Compressor and Condenser has been previously replaced with a correct part, a pressure fitting will be found on the high pressure "vapor" line which runs between the A/C Compressor and the Condenser at a point near the Condenser inlet (see illustration). In that case, replacement of the Hose Assembly - A/C Compressor and Condenser under the terms of this Special Policy would not be necessary.
When taking low side pressure readings, use the Shrader Valve fitting at the Accumulator Assembly only. Do not use the extra fitting near the condenser on the Tube Assembly - A/C Evaporator (pipe conveying liquid Refrigerant-12 from the condenser to the evaporator). See illustration.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
When performing the repairs outlined in the Service Procedure of this bulletin, submit a warranty claim for credit, as follows:
SUBLET FAILED PARTS FAILURE LABOR LABOR DEALER OPER PART NO ALLOW CODE OP NO HOURS MTL TWG ---- ------- ----- ---- ----- ----- -------
Replace Hose Assembly - A/C Compressor and Condenser and Discharge/Charge A/C System* --
22545477 ** 95 T4632 .8
Reimbursement for previously customer paid repairs.
--- -- 95 T4631 See Instructions For Reimbursement
*An allowance for Refrigerant-12 may be applied for in the normal manner. **List current dealer price of parts, plus 30%.
REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT INSTRUCTIONS
1. Customer presents dealer with original paid receipts covering repairs.
2. Dealer completes a Repair Order (R.O.) showing the following:
- Repair order date. - Vehicle Identification Number. - Current mileage. - Owner's address. - Attaches original owner's or dealer's paid invoices/receipts covering repair within the Special Policy September 30, 1994, guidelines. - Use Labor Operation Number T4631 and Failure Code 95. - Enters total of reimbursement based on 100% of OWNERS EXPENSE related to covered replacement of the Hose Assembly - A/C Compressor and Condenser.
3. Owner signs the repair order as acknowledgement of reouested reimbursement amount.
4. Owner is given a copy of repair order.
5. Dealer assigns a Warranty Management System (WMS) authorization code to the claim and enters it on the WMS Authorization Log.
6. The dealer submits a claim to Buick for processing.
7. Dealer issues the owner a reimbursement check for the approved amount. The check number must be entered on the repair order and a copy of the check must be attached to original paid invoices/receipts.
8. All supporting documentation must be available for review by Buick personnel as needed.
NOTICE: Refer to Buick Service Policies and Procedures Manual, Section 1.6.1 1 for specific procedures for Customer Reimbursement verification.
In the event the Dealer Service Manager and the owner cannot reach agreement on amount eligible for reimbursement after review of invoices/receipts, the Zone/Branch should be contacted for determination of covered expenses. In such cases, an explanation should be included on the R.O.
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.
