IMPROVED ENGINE STARTER CRANKING ABILITYGROUND STRAP

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1985-90 P3 TRUCKS

*This Bulletin is being revised to include 1990 trucks manufactured before the VIN breakpoints listed below.

THIS BULLETIN CANCELS AND REPLACES PRODUCT SERVICE BULLETIN 90-8-183 TO INCLUDE 1990 MODEL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEFORE THE VIN BREAKPOINTS. ALL COPIES OF 90-8-183 SHOULD BE DISCARDED.

Engine starter cranking ability can be improved by removing frame rail paint at the frame rail ground strap. If the starter fails to operate and no battery current draw is indicated, the frame rail ground strap should be checked for continuity prior to any other starter repairs. For vehicles which do not have continuity at the frame rail ground strap, the following service procedure should be performed.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.

2. Disconnect the frame rail ground strap at the frame.

3. Remove the frame rail paint in the vicinity of the frame rail ground strap mating surface. This step should be performed with a suitable sanding device.

4. Reconnect the frame rail ground strap at the frame.

5. Treat the affected area with a suitable rust inhibitor, such as GM part number #12345489 or equivalent.

6. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Vehicles built after the following VIN breakpoints have already had this service procedure performed at the Plant.

GMC: 1GDHP32KXL3500857 CHEVY: 1GBKP37N6L3306621

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.