INTERIOR TRIM SOILING SOURCE OF CONDITION/PREVENTION

Soiling of the lighter colored interior fabrics is most often the result of engine blow-by from the under hood area. Another source is oil residue from hot engine components. The soiling has been found to be primarily caused by dirt entering the car through the cowl intake. The soiling is not caused by diesel exhaust soot.

The soiling could be affected by the following items:

1. Any source of airborne dust and dirt entering the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system will settle on the trim.

2. A poor seal at cowl to hood or evaporator case to dash or seals at hood stop bolts will allow oily residue to be drawn in through the ventilation system.

3. Engine oil leaks or diesel fuel leaks will be contributors to the condition.

4. Excessive engine blow-by.

5. Prolonged engine idling and city driving will also contribute to the condition.

Should you encounter any of these conditions, you may wish to determine the source of the condition by filtering the air coming into the car by operating the car at idle with a piece of facial tissue taped over the heater inlet. To increase action, operate with the blower motor on high speed. After you have determined that contaminants are entering through the ventilation system, you should make any necessary corrections as indicated in the above mentioned sources. Should you encounter engine blow-by, replace the engine oil filler (breather) cap, listed under GR. 1.758.

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.