Customer Satisfaction - ECM EEPROM Excessive Writes-Reprogram ECM

THIS BULLETIN IS BEING REVISED TO INCREASE THE LABOR TIME ALLOWANCE IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE ECM REFLASH AND VTD RELEARN PROCEDURE; AND TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL 2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS VEHICLES TO THE RECALL. PLEASE DISCARD ALL COPIES OF 05524.

All 2004 Cadillac CTS, SRX; Buick Rendezvous and certain 2005 Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS; Buick Rendezvous, LaCrosse / Allure model vehicles, equipped with a 3.6L V6 (RPO LY7 - VIN 7) or 2.8L V6 (RPO LP1 - VIN T) engine, have an Engine Control Module (ECM) programming error, which can cause ECM memory damage resulting in the inability to start the engine. Cadillac vehicles will also display the message, "Starting Disabled, Remove Key" on the Driver Information Center. All vehicles will set a Diagnostic Test Code (DTC) of P1631 when the condition occurs.

Dealers are to reflash all affected 2004-2005 vehicles with corrected software/calibration. The memory location that was susceptible to damage will no longer be used.

All 2004 Cadillac CTS, SRX; Buick Rendezvous and certain 2005 Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS; Buick Rendezvous, LaCrosse/Allure model vehicles, equipped with a 3.6L V6 (RPO LY7 - VIN 7) or 2.8L V6 RPO LP1 - VIN T) engine, and built within these VIN breakpoints:

Important: Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through GMVIS (GM Vehicle Inquiry System) prior to beginning program repairs. [Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.]

For US and Canada

For dealers with involved vehicles, a Campaign Initiation Detail Report containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data has been prepared and will be loaded to the GM DealerWorld (US) Recall Information GMinfoNet (Canada) Recall Reports. Dealers will not have a report available if they have no involved vehicles currently assigned.

For Export

For dealers with involved vehicles, a Campaign Initiation Detail Report containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data has been prepared, and is being furnished to involved dealers. Dealers that have no involved vehicles currently assigned, will not receive a report with the recall bulletin.

The Campaign Initiation Detail Report 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.

Important: Do not attempt to order the calibration number from GMSPO. The calibration numbers are programmed into the ECM via a Techline Tech 2 scan tool with the calibration update from Techline Information System (TIS) 2000 with the calibration update. Use data version 2.75 or later, scheduled for broadcasting to dealers on February 27, 2005 (in Canada, March 3, 2005); and on TIS CD-ROM version 3.0 / 2005, scheduled for mailing to dealers beginning on March 14, 2005.

Caution: Before reprogramming, please check the battery condition to prevent a reprogram error of the ECM due to battery discharge. Battery voltage must be between 12 and 16 volts during reprogramming. If the vehicle battery is not fully charged, use jumper cables from an additional battery. Be sure to turn off or disable any system that may put a load on the battery such as: automatic headlamps, daytime running lights (DRL), interior lights, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, radio, engine cooling fan, etc.

1. Prep the vehicle for Engine Control Module (ECM) reprogramming. Refer to Service Programming Systems (SPS) in the appropriate vehicle service manual.
2. 2. Program the ECM using TIS 2000 data version 2.75, broadcast to dealers via GM Access on February 27, 2005 (in Canada March 3, 2005) or TIS 2000 CD-ROM version 3.0 / 2005, mailed to dealers beginning on March 14, 2005. Refer to up-to-date Techline equipment user instructions. Make sure that the Tech 2, CANDi module and cables are in good working order and that the Tech 2 is updated with the latest version of Tech 2 software. The cable must remain connected and undisturbed during PCM reprogramming.
3. Perform ECM reprogramming following SPS procedure. For 2005 STS, to turn ignition on, press and hold the ignition mode switch lower button for 5-6 seconds until the upper LED lights.
4. After reprogramming the ECM, perform this step on 2004 MODELS ONLY:

4.1.	With a scan tool, clear any DTCs in the ECM and TCM, even if no DTCs are present.

4.2.

Perform the "10-Minute Relearn Procedure" in Programming Theft Deterrent System Components. Ensure the "Vehicle Theft Deterrent Learn for Powertrain System" calibration is selected within Techline Information System (TIS) 2000 terminal. This clears the previously learned fuel continue password in the ECM and enables the ECM to learn the next fuel continue password it receives. DO NOT choose "Vehicle Theft Deterrent Learn for Passkey III System" . This will relearn the key(s) and any key not learned will not start the vehicle.

5. 2005 vehicles do not require any Vehicle Theft Deterrent learn procedure.
6. For both 2004 and 2005 vehicles, use the scan tool to clear any DTCs in all modules.

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 recall 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. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.

Submit a Product Recall Claim with the information indicated below.

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

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. This could be done by mailing to such customers a copy of the customer letter accompanying this bulletin. 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:

This notice is sent to inform you that General Motors is conducting a customer satisfaction program that affects all 2004 Cadillac CTS, SRX; Buick Rendezvous and certain 2005 Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS; Buick Rendezvous, LaCrosse / Allure model vehicles, equipped with a 3.6L or 2.8L V6 engine.

We have learned that your vehicle has an Engine Control Module (ECM) programming error, which can cause ECM memory damage and result in the inability to start the engine. Cadillac vehicles will also display the message, "Starting Disabled, Remove Key" on the Driver Information Center.

To prevent this condition from occurring, your General Motors dealer will reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM). This service will be performed for you at no charge .

We recommend that you contact your dealer to arrange a service date. Presenting the enclosed customer reply form to your dealer will assist in making the necessary correction in the shortest possible time. If you no longer own this vehicle, please check the appropriate box and provide the new owner information, if available.

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.

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.

This free online service offers vehicle and ownership related information and tools tailored to your specific vehicle. To get the most personalized information for your vehicle, visit www.mygmlink.com , and enter your vehicle's 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) shown on the enclosed customer reply form.

We sincerely regret any inconvenience or concern that this situation may cause you. We want you to know that we will do our best, throughout your ownership experience, to ensure that your Chevrolet vehicle provides you many miles of enjoyable driving.

General Motors Corporation

Enclosure

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