Customer Satisfaction - Liftgate Strut Attachment Bracket

On certain 2005 model year Chevrolet Equinox vehicles, the liftgate strut attachment bracket may deform and allow the strut to contact the metal body surface. Continued contact during liftgate operation may cause the strut to twist and detach. If this were to occur, the remaining strut may not be capable of retaining the liftgate in the open position.

Dealers are to replace both liftgate brackets.

Involved are certain 2005 model year Chevrolet Equinox vehicles equipped built within these VIN breakpoints:

Important: Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through GMVIS (GM Vehicle Inquiry System) prior to beginning program repairs. [Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.]

For US

For dealers with involved vehicles, a Campaign Initiation Detail Report containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data has been prepared and will be loaded to the GM DealerWorld, Recall Information website. Dealers that have no involved vehicles currently assigned, will not have a report available in GM DealerWorld.

For Canada

For dealers with involved vehicles, a Campaign Initiation Detail Report containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data has been prepared, and is being furnished to involved dealers. Dealers that have no involved vehicles currently assigned, will not receive a Campaign Initiation Detail Report.

The Campaign Initiation Detail Report may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose other than follow-up necessary to complete this program is a violation of law in several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the follow-up necessary to complete this program.

Parts required to complete this program are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please refer to your "involved vehicles listing" before ordering requirements. Normal orders should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. In an emergency situation, parts should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.

The following procedure provides instructions for replacing the brackets that attach the liftgate struts to the rear body opening.

Caution: When a liftgate hold-open device is being removed or installed, provide alternate support to avoid the possibility of damage to the vehicle or personal injury.

1. Open the liftgate and support as necessary.




Important: The spring clip should not be completely removed from the strut in the next step.

2. Slightly rotate the left support on the ball stud (2) located on the body bracket.
3. Using a small flat-bladed screwdriver, lift the spring clip partially outward and remove the support strut end from the ball stud on the bracket.
4. Remove the two 10 mm hex head bolts (1) that attach the bracket to the body and remove the bracket.
5. Position the new bracket to the body and install the two bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the two bolts to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

6. Return the spring clip to its original seated position on the support strut end.

Important: There should be adequate lubricant remaining in the opening of the support strut and therefore, additional lubricant should not be required.

7. Align and press the support strut end onto the ball stud on the new bracket until fully seated.
8. Repeat the procedure on the opposite side bracket.
9. Close, open and close the liftgate to confirm proper operation.

The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product recall is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.

Submit a Product Recall Claim with the information indicated below.

Note: Canadian dealers should refer to the Canadian distribution of the bulletin for detailed claim information.

Refer to the General Motors WINS Claim Processing Manual for details on Product Recall Claim Submission.

General Motors will notify customers of this program on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter included with this bulletin).

All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this program MUST be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this program bulletin BEFORE customers take possession of these vehicles.

Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this program 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 customer letter accompanying this bulletin. Program 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 program enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the program correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

Dear General Motors Customer:

This notice is sent to inform you that Chevrolet is conducting a customer satisfaction program that affects certain 2005 model year Chevrolet Equinox vehicles.

We have learned that the liftgate strut attachment bracket on your vehicle may deform and allow the strut to contact the metal body surface. Continued contact during liftgate operation may cause the strut to twist and detach. If this were to occur, the remaining strut may not be capable of retaining the liftgate in the open position.

To prevent this condition from occurring, your dealer will replace both liftgate brackets. This service will be performed for you at no charge .

We recommend that you contact your dealer to arrange a service date. Presenting the enclosed customer reply form to your dealer will assist in making the necessary correction in the shortest possible time. If you no longer own this vehicle, please check the appropriate box and provide the new owner information, if available.

The enclosed customer reply form identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this form 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 form and mailing it back to us.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, just contact your dealer or the appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below. The Customer Assistance Center hours of operation are from 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM, EST, Monday through Friday

If your vehicle is within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty your dealer may provide you with shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation while your vehicle is at the dealership for this repair. Please refer to your Owner's Manual and your dealer for details on Courtesy Transportation.

This free online service offers vehicle and ownership related information and tools tailored to your specific vehicle. To join, visit www.mygmlink.com and enter your vehicle's 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) shown on the enclosed form to get the most personalized information for your vehicle.

We sincerely regret any inconvenience or concern this may cause you. We want you to know that we will do our best, throughout your ownership experience, to ensure that your Chevrolet Equinox provides you many miles of enjoyable driving.

General Motors Corporation

Enclosure

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