CAMPAIGN:EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE FAILURES

PRODUCT CAMPAIGNS 98047 SEPTEMBER, 1998

PRODUCT RECALL CAMPAIGN

PRODUCT EMISSION CAMPAIGN

SUBJECT: 98047 - EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE FAILURES

MODELS: 1998 CHEVROLET CAMAROS AND PONTIAC FIREBIRDS

GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A VOLUNTARY EMISSION CAMPAIGN INVOLVING CERTAIN 1998 CHEVROLET CAMARO AND PONTIAC FIREBIRD MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.7L ENGINES (RPO LS1). THESE VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) VALVE COULD FAIL DUE TO INTERNAL CORROSION. IF THE EGR VALVE FAILS, IT CAN RESULT IN SETTING A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT (MIL). IF THE MIL IS IGNORED, THE VEHICLE MAY FAIL TO MEET APPLICABLE EMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS.

TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, DEALERS ARE TO INSPECT THE EGR VALVE FOR BAR CODE NUMBER AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE WITH A NEW DESIGN EGR VALVE.

VEHICLES INVOLVED

INVOLVED ARE CERTAIN 1998 CHEVROLET CAMARO AND PONTIAC FIREBIRD MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.7L ENGINE (RPO LS1) AND BUILT WITHIN THE FOLLOWING VIN BREAKPOINTS:

YEAR DIVISION MODEL PLANT CODE FROM THROUGH 1998 CHEVROLET CAMARO ST. THERESE 2 W2100004 W2152446 1998 PONTIAC FIREBIRD ST. THERESE 2 W2200001 W2232200

NOTICE: DEALERS SHOULD CONFIRM VEHICLE ELIGIBILITY THROUGH VISS (VEHICLE INFORMATION SERVICE SYSTEM) PRIOR TO BEGINNING CAMPAIGN REPAIRS. NOT ALL VEHICLES WITHIN THE ABOVE BREAKPOINTS MAY BE INVOLVED.

INVOLVED VEHICLES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED BY VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. COMPUTER LISTINGS CONTAINING THE COMPLETE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, CUSTOMER NAME AND ADDRESS DATA HAVE BEEN PREPARED, AND ARE BEING FURNISHED TO INVOLVED DEALERS WITH THE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN. THE CUSTOMER NAME AND ADDRESS DATA FURNISHED WILL ENABLE DEALERS TO FOLLOW-UP WITH CUSTOMERS INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. ANY DEALER NOT RECEIVING A COMPUTER LISTING WITH THE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN HAS NO INVOLVED VEHICLES CURRENTLY ASSIGNED.

THESE DEALER LISTINGS MAY CONTAIN CUSTOMER NAMES AND ADDRESSES OBTAINED FROM STATE MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION RECORDS. THE USE OF SUCH MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION DATA FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE IS A VIOLATION OF LAW IN SEVERAL STATES. ACCORDINGLY, YOU ARE URGED TO LIMIT THE USE OF THIS LISTING TO THE FOLLOW-UP NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THIS CAMPAIGN.

PARTS INFORMATION

AN INITIAL SUPPLY OF EGR VALVES AND GASKETS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THIS CAMPAIGN, EQUIVALENT TO 20% OF INVOLVED VEHICLES, WILL BE PRE-SHIPPED TO INVOLVED DEALERS OF RECORD. THIS PRE-SHIPMENT WILL OCCUR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 7, 1998. PRE-SHIPPED PARTS WILL BE CHARGED TO THE DEALER'S OPEN PARTS ACCOUNT.

ADDITIONAL PARTS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THIS CAMPAIGN ARE TO BE OBTAINED FROM GENERAL MOTORS SERVICE PARTS OPERATIONS (GMSPO). PLEASE REFER TO YOUR "INVOLVED VEHICLES LISTING" PRIOR TO ORDERING REQUIREMENTS. NORMAL ORDERS SHOULD BE PLACED ON A DRO = DAILY REPLENISHMENT ORDER. AN EMERGENCY REQUIREMENT SHOULD BE ORDERED ON A CSO = CUSTOMER SPECIAL ORDER.

PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION QUANTITY/ VEHICLE

17113589 EGR VALVE 1 (IF REQUIRED)

12558353 GASKET-EGR VALVE 1 (IF REQUIRED)

NOTICE: DUE TO THE SMALL NUMBER OF VEHICLES INVOLVED AND DUE TO LIMITED INITIAL PARTS AVAILABILITY, DEALERS ARE ENCOURAGED NOT TO ORDER CAMPAIGN PARTS FOR USE AS SHELF STOCK.

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

CUSTOMERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THIS CAMPAIGN ON THEIR VEHICLES BY GENERAL MOTORS (SEE COPY OF TYPICAL CUSTOMER LETTER INCLUDED WITH THIS BULLETIN - ACTUAL DIVISIONAL LETTER MAY VARY SLIGHTLY).

IN ORDER TO ENSURE FULL PROTECTION UNDER THE EMISSION WARRANTY, AND THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN FUTURE RECALLS, THE CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER RECOMMENDS THAT CUSTOMERS HAVE THEIR VEHICLES SERVICED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. IT ALSO ADVISES THAT FAILURE TO DO SO COULD LEGALLY BE DETERMINED TO BE LACK OF PROPER MAINTENANCE. THE VEHICLE MAY FAIL A STATE OR LOCAL EMISSION INSPECTION TEST IF THE RECALL WORK IS NOT COMPLETED.

DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY

ALL UNSOLD NEW VEHICLES IN DEALERS' POSSESSION AND SUBJECT TO THIS CAMPAIGN MUST BE HELD AND INSPECTED/REPAIRED PER THE SERVICE PROCEDURE OF THIS CAMPAIGN BULLETIN BEFORE CUSTOMERS TAKE POSSESSION OF THESE VEHICLES.

DEALERS ARE TO SERVICE ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THIS CAMPAIGN 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 APPROPRIATE DIVISIONAL CUSTOMER LETTER ACCOMPANYING THIS BULLETIN. CAMPAIGN 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 CAMPAIGN ENTERS YOUR VEHICLE INVENTORY, OR IS IN YOUR DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE IN THE FUTURE, PLEASE TAKE THE STEPS NECESSARY TO BE SURE THE CAMPAIGN CORRECTION HAS BEEN MADE BEFORE SELLING OR RELEASING THE VEHICLE.

WHEN A CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS CAMPAIGN IS COMPLETED BY A GM DEALER, THE DEALER MUST PROVIDE THE VEHICLE OWNER A "PROOF OF CORRECTION CERTIFICATE" WHICH THE OWNER MAY NEED TO PRESENT TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES (DMV) WHEN RENEWING THEIR VEHICLE REGISTRATION. WITHOUT THIS CORRECTION CERTIFICATE, THE OWNER MAY BE UNABLE TO RENEW THEIR VEHICLE REGISTRATION.

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATES CAN BE OBTAINED, AT NO CHARGE, FROM VISPAC, INCORPORATED BY CALLING 1-800-269-5100, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 8:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. EASTERN STANDARD TIME. ASK FOR GM ITEM NUMBER 1825 WHEN ORDERING.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. INSPECT EGR VALVE LABEL FOR THE BAR CODE NUMBER. THE BAR CODE NUMBER IS LOCATED ON THE SIDE OF THE EGR VALVE LABEL . IF THE FOUR NUMBERS ON THE BAR CODE LABEL ON THE EGR VALVE ARE 9322, THEN NO REPLACEMENT IS REQUIRED AND PROCEED TO STEP 10. IF THE FOUR NUMBERS ON THE BAR CODE ARE NOT 9322, THEN REPLACEMENT IS REQUIRED AND PROCEED TO STEP 2.

2. DISCONNECT THE EGR VALVE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR.

3. REMOVE THE EGR VALVE BOLTS.

4. REMOVE THE EGR VALVE AND GASKET. IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO SCRAPE GASKET MATERIAL FROM THE EGR PIPE ASSEMBLY.

NOTICE: DO NOT ALLOW GASKET MATERIAL TO ENTER THE OPENINGS OF THE EGR PIPE ASSEMBLY. CAP OR COVER OPENINGS AS REQUIRED.

5. INSTALL NEW EGR VALVE GASKET P/N 12558353 AND NEW EGR VALVE FROM KIT P/N 17113589.

6. TIGHTEN THE EGR VALVE BOLTS A FIRST PASS TO 10 NM (89 LB IN).

7. TIGHTEN THE EGR VALVE BOLTS A FINAL PASS TO 30 NM (22 LB FT).

8. CONNECT THE EGR VALVE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR.

9. INSPECT THE CONTROLS SYSTEM FOR ANY DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. CLEAR CODES AS REQUIRED.

10. INSTALL THE GM CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL.

11. CALIFORNIA DEALERS ONLY, PROVIDE OWNER WITH A "VEHICLE EMISSION RECALL PROOF OF CORRECTION" CERTIFICATE.

CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL

EACH VEHICLE CORRECTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS OUTLINED IN THIS PRODUCT CAMPAIGN BULLETIN WILL REQUIRE A "CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL". EACH LABEL PROVIDES A SPACE TO INCLUDE THE CAMPAIGN NUMBER AND THE FIVE (5) DIGIT DEALER CODE OF THE DEALER PERFORMING THE CAMPAIGN SERVICE. THIS INFORMATION MAY BE INSERTED WITH A TYPEWRITER OR A BALL POINT PEN.

EACH "CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL" IS TO BE LOCATED ON THE RADIATOR CORE SUPPORT IN AN AREA WHICH WILL BE VISIBLE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BROUGHT IN BY THE CUSTOMER FOR PERIODIC SERVICING. WHEN INSTALLING THE CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL, BE SURE TO PULL THE TAB TO ALLOW ADHESION OF THE CLEAR PROTECTIVE COVERING. ADDITIONAL CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABELS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM VISPAC INCORPORATED BY CALLING 1-800-269-5100 (MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. EST). ASK FOR ITEM NUMBER S-1015 WHEN ORDERING.

APPLY THE "CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL" ONLY ON A CLEAN, DRY SURFACE.

CLAIM INFORMATION

SUBMIT A PRODUCT CAMPAIGN CLAIM WITH THE INFORMATION INDICATED BELOW:

REPAIR PERFORMED COUNT PART NO. ALLOW CC-FC OP * HOURS ITEM

INSPECT EGR VALVE BAR CODE NUMBER NO REPLACEMENT REQUIRED 0 N/A N/A MA-96 V0214 0.2

INSPECT EGR VALVE BAR CODE NUMBER AND INSTALL NEW EGR VALVE 2 17113589 ** MA-96 V0215 0.4

* FOR CAMPAIGN ADMINISTRATIVE ALLOWANCE, ADD 0.1 HOURS TO THE "LABOR HOURS".

** THE "PARTS ALLOWANCE" SHOULD BE THE SUM TOTAL OF THE CURRENT GMSPO DEALER NET PRICE PLUS 40% FOR AN EGR VALVE AND GASKET NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR.

REFER TO THE GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION CLAIMS PROCESSING MANUAL FOR DETAILS ON PRODUCT CAMPAIGN CLAIM SUBMISSION.

FIGURES: 1

GM BULLETINS ARE INTENDED FOR USE BY PROFESSIONAL TECHNICIANS, NOT A "DO-IT-YOURSELFER". THEY ARE WRITTEN TO INFORM THESE 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 TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, 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 YOUR DEALER/RETAILER FOR INFORMATION ON WHETHER YOUR VEHICLE MAY BENEFIT FROM THE INFORMATION.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

98047

(SAMPLE OF NOTIFICATION USED)

SEPTEMBER, 1998

DEAR <DIVISION(S)> CUSTOMER:

THIS NOTICE IS SENT TO INFORM YOU THAT GENERAL MOTORS IS CONDUCTING A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION RECALL CAMPAIGN, INVOLVING AN EMISSION COMPONENT, THAT INCLUDES YOUR VEHICLE.

REASON FOR THIS RECALL: GENERAL MOTORS HAS DETERMINED THAT CERTAIN 1998 CHEVROLET CAMARO AND PONTIAC FIREBIRD MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.7L ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) VALVE COULD FAIL DUE TO INTERNAL CORROSION. IF THE EGR VALVE FAILS, IT CAN RESULT IN SETTING A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT (MIL). IF THE MIL IS IGNORED, THE VEHICLE MAY FAIL TO MEET APPLICABLE EMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS.

WHAT WILL BE DONE: TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, YOUR DEALER WILL INSPECT THE EGR VALVE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE WITH A NEW DESIGN EGR VALVE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FOR YOU AT NO CHARGE.

CONTACTING YOUR DEALER: PLEASE CONTACT YOUR DEALER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO ARRANGE A SERVICE DATE AND TO ASSURE PARTS AVAILABILITY INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING THIS CORRECTION HAVE BEEN SENT TO YOUR DEALER. PLEASE ASK YOUR DEALER IF YOU WISH TO KNOW HOW MUCH TIME WILL BE NEEDED TO SCHEDULE, PROCESS AND REPAIR YOUR VEHICLE.

SHOULD YOUR DEALER BE UNABLE TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE DATE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, YOU SHOULD CONTACT THE APPROPRIATE CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT THE LISTED NUMBER BELOW:

DIVISION

NUMBER DEAF, HEARING IMPAIRED OR SPEECH IMPAIRED *

CHEVROLET 1-800-222-1020 1-800-833-2438

PONTIAC 1-800-762-2737 1-800-833-7668

* UTILIZES TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES FOR THE DEAF/TEXT TELEPHONES (TDD/TTY)

CUSTOMER REPLY CARD: THE ENCLOSED CUSTOMER REPLY CARD IDENTIFIES YOUR VEHICLE. PRESENTATION OF THIS CARD 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 POSTAGE PAID REPLY CARD AND RETURNING IT TO US.

EMISSION LAW INFORMATION: IN ORDER TO ENSURE YOUR FULL PROTECTION UNDER THE EMISSION WARRANTY MADE APPLICABLE TO YOUR VEHICLE BY STATE OR FEDERAL LAW, AND YOUR RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN FUTURE RECALLS, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU HAVE YOUR VEHICLE SERVICED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD LEGALLY BE DETERMINED TO BE LACK OF PROPER MAINTENANCE OF YOUR VEHICLE ALSO, YOUR VEHICLE MAY FAIL A STATE OR LOCAL EMISSION INSPECTION IF THIS RECALL IS NOT ACCOMPLISHED.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS

THE CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD (CARB) REQUIRES VEHICLE EMISSION RECALL CAMPAIGNS BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO CALIFORNIA REGISTRATION RENEWAL. UNCORRECTED EMISSION RECALL CAMPAIGNS WILL RESULT IN THE INABILITY TO RENEW YOUR CALIFORNIA VEHICLE REGISTRATION.

AT THE TIME OF EMISSION CAMPAIGN COMPLETION, YOUR CALIFORNIA DEALER WILL ISSUE A "PROOF OF CORRECTION CERTIFICATE". KEEP THIS CERTIFICATE AND, IF REQUIRED, PRESENT IT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES WHEN RENEWING YOUR CALIFORNIA REGISTRATION AS PROOF OF CAMPAIGN COMPLETION.

WE ARE SORRY TO CAUSE YOU THIS INCONVENIENCE; HOWEVER, WE HAVE TAKEN THIS ACTION IN THE INTEREST OF YOUR CONTINUED SATISFACTION WITH OUR PRODUCTS.

<DIVISION(S)> GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION

ENCLOSURE

COPYRIGHT 1998 GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.