A. General Information
1981 vehicles are covered by two types of emission control systems warranties the Emission Components Defect Warranty and the Emission Performance Warranty. The Defect Warranty, which became effective with 1972 models, is a requirement of the Clean Air Act as amended in 1970. It applies to all car and truck models, and is covered in the 1981 Service Policies and Procedures Manual. The Performance Warranty is also a requirement of the Clean Air Act which recently has been implemented through regulations issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It applies to all 1981 passenger cars and trucks operating in states or local jurisdictions with I/M programs as noted above.
B. Instructions to Owners on Emission Warranties
The Performance warranty statement along with the Components Defect Warranty is presented in the Cadillac Warranty Information folders provided to vehicle owners. In addition, the folders present important information (adjacent to the warranty statements) on replacement parts, maintenance service, parts coverage and claims procedure. Dealership personnel responsible for warranty administration should be familiar with the folder information, as well as the information contained in this bulletin.
C. Adjustments Under the Performance Warranty
The Performance warranty period is for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. However, after the vehicle has been in operation for over 24 months or 24,000 miles, the repairs or replacements covered by the warranty are limited (by law) to only those components which were installed on or in a vehicle for the sole or primary purpose of reducing vehicle emissions and not in general use prior to model year 1968.
IN THOSE JURISDICTIONS WHERE IT IS APPLICABLE, THE PERFORMANCE WARRANTY MAY OVERLAP THE DEFECT WARRANTY. THIS COULD HAPPEN WHEN A LOCAL I/M TEST LEADS TO THE DISCOVERY OF A DEFECTIVE PART WHICH QUALIFIES FOR REPLACEMENT UNDER THE DEFECT WARRANTY. UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE WARRANTY COVERAGE WHICH IS BROADEST WILL APPLY.
Vehicles will be eligible for adjustments under the Performance Warranty only if all of the following conditions are met:
The vehicle has been maintained and operated in accordance with the instructions for proper maintenance and use set forth in the Owner's Manual, the Maintenance Schedule and the Warranty Information folder supplied with the vehicle;
The vehicle fails to conform for a period of 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first, to the applicable emission standards of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as judged by an EPA-approved I/M test; and
The failure to conform results or will result in the owner of the vehicle having to bear a penalty or other sanctions (including the denial of the right to use the vehicle) under local, state or federal law. EXCEPTION: This condition does not apply to a vehicle submitted for repair under the terms of the dealer certification procedure discussed under item F of this bulletin. The owner need not incur a penalty or sanction if his/her vehicle fails an EPA approved emission test within the 3 month/4,000 mile dealer certification period.
1. Procedure for Evaluating and Handling a Claim
The following procedure should be followed in evaluating a claim under the Performance Warranty:
(1) Ask the owner for evidence that the vehicle failed an I/M test and that he/she will bear a penalty or other sanction as a result.
(2) Determine if the vehicle is still under the 5 year/50,000 mile terms of the warranty.
(3) Check for reasonable evidence of vehicle maintenance. Refer to item C2, page 3, for information on evaluating maintenance.
(4) Determine the cause of the failure using the diagnostic information provided in the Cadillac Service Manual.
(5) Determine if the parts and/or labor-only operations required to repair the vehicle are covered under warranty by referring to item D, page 5.
(6) Determine if the parts causing the failure are genuine GM parts, non-GM parts labeled "Certified to EPA Standards" or neither. GM parts and "certified" parts are covered under the warranty while non-certified parts will generally not be covered. Refer to item C3, page 3, for policies on emission control systems replacement parts.
(7) If the vehicle qualifies for repair under the Performance Warranty, notify the owner accordingly. If repairs do not qualify, notify the zone office immediately. Refer to item C4, page 4, for policies on owner notification.
(8) Complete qualifying repairs within 30 days or within the time period required by local, state or federal law, whichever is stiorter. Refer to item C5, page 4, for policies on warranty repairs.
(9) Prepare and submit a warranty claim in accordance with the current Claims Preparation Guide.
C. 2. Compliance with Maintenance and Use Instructions
Evidence of an owner's compliance with a maintenance instruction may consist of:
A Maintenance Schedule folder which has been validated at the approxi- mate time or mileage intervals specified for service by a dealer or any other qualified automotive service or repair establishment.
A repair order or other form of receipt showing that scheduled mainte- nance has been performed at the approximate time or mileage intervals specified in the folder by the repair establishment.
A statement by the vehicle owner that he or she performed the mainte- nance service at the approximate time or mileage interval specified, including some evidence that:
- The owner purchased and used proper parts; and
- The owner is able to perform the maintenance properly.
C. 3. Policies on Emission Control Systems Replacement Parts
The Performance Warranty covers genuine GM parts as well as parts marked "Certified to EPA Standards". The Performance Warranty regulations define a "certified part" to mean "a part certified in accordance with EPA's aftermarket part certification regulations".
If, upon diagnosis, it is found that the vehicle failed an I/M test as a result of a properly installed non-GM part which ts labeled "Certified to EPA Standards", you must repair or replace the part under the Performance Warranty, at no charge to the vehicle owner. (Procedures will be established upon receipt of the aftermarket part certification regulations which will enable Cadillac to obtain reimbursement from the manufacturer of failed "certified" parts.)
If, on the other hand, the I/M test failure is caused by a non-GM part which is not labeled as being "certified", then you may deny warranty coverage if the part is:
Either defective in materials or workmanship or not equivalent from an emission standpoint to the original equipment part; and
The owner is unable to rebut the evidence.
EPA regulations also set forth the following additional policies on parts:
A part not scheduled to be replaced at a definite interval in accordance with the Cadillac Maintenance Schedule is warranted for the full term of the warranty.
A part (other than a maintenance item) replaced as the result of an instruction in the Maintenance Schedule which reads "check and replace as needed" is covered for the full term of the warranty (e.g. spark plug wires).
If an owner does not follow a "check and replace as needed" maintenance instruction prior to the failure of an I/M test and, as a result, another part failed which relates to the test failure, then this failed part is not covered under the warranty.
Replacement parts installed before the expiration of the warranty are covered for the balance of the warranty period but not less than 90 days or 4,000 miles.
Certified non-GM parts having a maintenance or replacement interval different from that specified in the Cadillac Maintenance Schedule are to be serviced at the ttme and/or mileage interval specified by their manufacturer. It is the responsibility of the owner to arrange for vehicle service at the proper interval.
C. 4. Policies on Owner Notification
Performance Warranty regulations require that the vehicle owner be notified whether or not a repair is covered under the warranty within a "reasonable" time:
"Reasonable" is defined as a period of time not to exceed 30 days from the date the vehicle is initially presented for repair or within the time period during which an owner is required by local, state or federal law to have the vehicle repaired without incurring further penalties or sanctions, whichever is shorter.
The only exceptions would be if the owner requests or agrees to an extension, or if a delay results from events beyond the control of the dealership or Cadillac.
In the event a repair does not qualify under the terms of the Performance Warranty, EPA regulations require that notification of denial be in writing to the owner. In such cases, contact your Zone Service Office immediately, providing full details. They will issue the written denial as applicable. Failure to follow this procedure can lead to severe penalties.
C. 5. Policies on Warranty Repairs
All qualifying adjustments, repairs and replacements made under the Performance Warranty are to be performed within a "reasonable" time and in a good and workmanlike manner to assure that the vehicle:
Complies with applicable EPA emission standards;
Will continue to comply for the remainder of its useful life (if prope, maintenance and operation are continued); and
Will operate in a safe manner.
EPA regulations prohibit adjustments or repairs which are intended only to pass the I/M test without setting the vehicle to manufacturer's specifications. However, this does not mean that dealers are authorized to undertake wholesale replacements of emission control conponents. Rather, every effort should be made to identify and correct only the true cause of I/M test failure.
If for any reason it appears that qualifying repairs cannot be completed within the "reasonable" time period specified in item C4 above, contact your Zone Service Office immediately for assistance.
C. 6. Additional Considerations in Evaluating a Claim
A Performance Warranty claim may be denied on the basis of non-compliance with proper maintenance instructions and use only if:
An owner is unable to comply with a request for maintenance evidence as outlined in item C2; or
The vehicle failed an emission I/M test because:
- The vehicle was abused, or
- Maintenance service was improperly performed, or
- A component affecting the vehicle's emission was removed or rendered inoperative, or
- An uncertified part was used as described in item C3.
In no case, however, may a Performance Warranty claim be denied on the basos of:
Warranty work or pre-delivery service performed by a Cadillac dealer; or
Work performed in an emergency situation to rectify an unsafe condition (including an unsafe drivability condition) provided the vehicle owner has taken steps to put the vehicle back in a conforming condition in a timely manner; or
The use of any uncertified part which is not relevant to the reason the vehicle failed to comply with applicable emission standards; or
Non-compliance with any written instructions for proper maintenance and use which is not relevant to the reason the vehicle failed to comply with applicable emission standards.
D. Performance Warranty Parts List
Listed below is a detailed listing of the parts and labor-only operations covered under the Performance Warranty. This list is the same as the Defect Warranty list in the 1981 Service Policies and Procedures Manual except for the footnotes and deletion of the California Exhaust Emission Option parts (and heavy duty vehicle parts) which are not covered under the Performance Warranty. The numbered headings correspond with the items listed in the Emission Control Systems Warranty presented in the Warranty Information folder. If an owner asks for more information on the specific parts covered by the Performance Warranty, you may give him/her a copy of this list. Also, any parts listed on repair orders should reflect this same terminology.
All items listed below are covered under the Performance Warranty for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first, except for maintenance items and labor-only operations (identified by +) and items identified with an asterisk (*). Maintenance items and labor-only operations are covered only to the point of scheduled replacement as indicated in the Maintenance Schedule folder. For example, a PCV valve which is scheduled for replacement at 30,000 miles, is warranted up to 30,000 miles only.
The asterisked items (*) are the parts which have been in general use prior to model year 1968 and which have not been installed on or in the vehicle for the sole or primary purpose of reducing vehicle emissions. As provided by law, they are covered under the Performance Warranty for 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
(1) Thermostatic Air Cleaner Switch, Control Valve and Associated Parts
*Air temperature sensor *Vacuum hoses and fittings *Vacuum motor *Gasket-air cleaner to carburetor *Thermal door *Vacuum check valve *Hot air duct *Aspirator
(2) Air Injection Reactor (AIR) Pump, Air Distributor and Valves
AIR pump Check valve Air management valves Distribution manifold Pump drive belt Air delivery tube Pulley assembly Gaskets Adjustment bracket Hoses, fittings and clamps
(3) Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve and Associated Parts
+PCV valve Crankcase depression regulator valve Grommets Hoses, fittings and clamps Flow control valve (diesel)
(4) Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve and Associated Controls
+EGR valve Exhaust pressure regulator valve EGR thermal vacuum switch Vacuum hoses and fittings EGR passages in inlet Vacuum pump manifold Vacuum regulatory valve EGR electrical solenoid Gasket-valve to manifold
(5) Choke Switches and Carburetor Parts (Conventional and Electro-Mechanical Carburetors)
*Metering jets *Air horn assembly *Metering rods *Power enrichment spring *Needle and seat *Float bowl assembly *Power valve *Gaskets *Float assembly +Adjust idle speed *Vacuum break *Adjust idle mixture *Choke thermostatic coil *Adjust vacuum break *Choke linkage *Adjust float level Choke thermal vacuum switch *Throttle position sensor seal Choke (elec) htr/coil *Pump seal *Idle stop solenoid *Vacuum hoses and fittings *Throttle body assembly *Idle speed actuator-vacuum *Accelerator pump
*24 month/24,000 mile coverage under Performance Warranty.
+Maintenance item. Covered only to the point of scheduled replacement or adjustment.
(6) Diesel Fue Injection Pump, Nozzles and Lines
*Fuel injection pump *Fuel metering valve *Fuel injector nozzles *Bell crank and/or linkage idle so
(7) Computer Command Control: Digital Fuel Injection
Modulated displacement Coolant temperature sensor *a) solenoid-disengage valves +Oxygen sensor *b) driver amplifter *Fuel injector *c) wiring harness *Throttle body injection unit lianifold absolute temp. sensor Electronic control module Speed sensor Computer command control wiring Manifold absolute pressure *Idle speed actuator-electric sensor Computer command control vacuum Barometer absolute pressure hoses and fittings sensor Throttle position sensor
(8) Early Fuel Evaporation (EFE) Valve and Associated Controls
*EFE valve *Vacuum solenoid *Thermal vacuum switch-TVS *Vacuum hoses and fittings *Vacuum check valve
(9) Computer Command Control: Carbureted Engines
Coolant temperature sensor Manifold absolute pressure sensor Speed sensor Throttle position sensor +Oxygen sensor Transmission third gear switch Barometric absolute pressure Computer command control wiring sensor Computer command control vacuum Electronic control module hoses and fittings *Park/neutral switch Electro-mechanical carburetor: a) lean authority screw b) rich authority screw c) mixture control solenoid d) air bleed valves
(10) Catalytic Converter, Catalyst and Associated Parts
Catalytic converter *Pipe-Manifold to converter Catalyst *Exhaust manifold gasket *Exhaust manifold
(11) Distributor Parts and Associated Controls
*Rotor +Adjust timing *Distributor cap/coil *Electronic spark timing *High energy ignition module ignition module *Centrifugal advance assembly
(12) Spark Plugs and Ignition Wires
+Spark plugs *Ignition wires
* 24 month/24,000 mile coverage under Performance Warranty.
+ Maintenance item. Covered only to the point of scheduled replacement or adjustment.
(13) Fuel Tank, Filler Cap, Restrictor and Vapor Control Valves
*Fuel tank filler cap Tube-tank to canister Fuel tank filler tube Fuel tank-pressure control valve restrictor Orifice
(14) Evaporative Emission Control Carbon Canister and Associated Controls
Canister and purge control Thermostatic bowl vent line assembly Solenoid canister purge control Canister control valve Vacuum hoses and fittings Canister purge thermal Vacuum hoses and fittings vacuum switch Air cleaner carbon absorber
E. Retention of Failed Parts
Failed GM parts and non-GM parts which have been replaced under the Performance Warranty are to be retained the same as other warranty parts in accordance with the Service Policies and Procedures Manual. (Upon release of aftermarket part certification regulations by EPA, further instructions will be provided for handling failed non-GM parts marked "Certified to EPA Standards".)
F. Dealer Certification (Applies to all Dealers)
EPA Performance Warranty regulations require that upon sale of each vehicle, the dealer will furnish to the purchaser a certificate that the vehicle conforms to all applicable EPA emission standards. This certificate is the independent responsibility of the selling dealer (not Cadillac or General Motors Corporation) and must state that it is being made upon the basis of all of the following:
The dealer's knowledge that the vehicle is covered by an EPA certificate of conformity;
The dealer's inspection of the vehicle, including the engine, to assure that all emission related components have been properly installed; and
The dealer's performance of all emission related preparation required by the manufacturer prior to the sale or delivery of the vehicle.
This dealer certificate must further state that if the vehicle fails an EPA-approved emission test prior to the expiration of 3 months or 4,000 miles and the vehicle has been maintained and used in accordance with the written instructions for proper maintenance and use, then the vehicle manufacturer shall remedy the nonconformity under the Emission Performance Warranty. In this case, as mentioned in Paragraph C, the manufacturer is obligated to make no charge repairs without regard to whether a penalty or sanction is imposed upon the owner.
Because this dealer certification responsibility is imposed upon dealers by the Clean Air Act and EPA regulations, Cadillac does not provide forms of certificate. Therefore, they should be prepared in the dealership or obtained from a supplier of dealer forms. An example of the form prepared by NADA is attached for your information only, and should not be considered as having been approved or disapproved by Cadillac.
In the case of courtesy deliveries, the selling dealer should arrange for the servicing dealer to issue the certificate to the purchaser at time of delivery.
*24 month/24,000 mile coverage under Performance Warranty. +Maintenance item. Covered only to the point of scheduled replacement or adjustment.
SAMPLE NADA CERTIFICATION FORM
A WORD FROM YOUR DEALER ABOUT THE EMISSION CONTROL EQUIPMENT ON YOUR NEW
We (the Dealer) want you to know that at the time your new____________ is being delivered that:
1. Based upon____________ (furnished by the manutacturer), we have knowledge that this vehicle is covered by an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certificate of Conformity.
2. We have made a visual inspection of the vehicle, including the engine; based upon such visual inspection, all emission related components have been properly installed by the manufacturer.
3. We have performed all emission related preparation required by the manufacturer prior to the sale of the vehicle, as set forth in the current predelivery service manual provided by the manufacturer.
4. If the vehicle fails an EPA-approved emission test prior to the expiration of three months or 4,000 miles (whichever occurs first) from the date or mileage at the time of delivery to the ultimate purchaser, and the vehicle has been maintained and used in accordance with the written instructions for proper maintenance and use, then the vehicle manufacturer shall remedy the nonconformity free of charge to the vehicle owner under the terms of the manufacturer's 5 year/ 50,000 mile emission performance warranty.
The above statement is required by Section 207 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7541) and the EPA regulations issued thereunder.
(Dealership Name)
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.