LOW CLUTCH ENGAGE/ENGINE HARD TO START CONDITION

Model and Year: 1988-90 L CARS

Some 1988-90 L-cars may exhibit a low clutch engagement or engine hard-to-start condition. The customer may describe the hard-to-start condition as a situation where they are able to start the vehicle only after applying extra effort to the pedal when it reaches the floor.

Either of these conditions may very likely be the result of the clutch pedal or driver's foot hitting the carpet while disengaging the clutch. The carpet contact usually results in the driver not fully depressing the pedal, which brings about the hard-to-start comment, as well as the feel of low clutch engagement.

To repair the condition, it will be necessary to pull the carpet back in the area of contact and trim away the sound barrier underneath the carpet/pedal interference point.

Trim the sound barrier until the carpet will conform to the contour of the floor pan. It may be necessary to use an adhesive for example, 3M Spray Trim Adhesive, or equivalent to ensure that the carpet stays in place. Care should be taken not to cut excess sound barrier away, as this may result in added road and engine noise inside the vehicle.

Labor Operation Number: T1609

Labor Time: .3 Hour

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.