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Customer Satisfaction - Reduced Heating and Cooling-Reprogram Module

Subject:08266 -- Reduced Heating and Cooling - Reprogram Module

Models:2008 Chevrolet Impala
With Dual Zone Manual Climate Control (RPO CJ3)



THIS PROGRAM IS IN EFFECT UNTIL AUGUST 31, 2009.

Condition

Certain 2008 model year Chevrolet Impala vehicles equipped with dual zone manual climate control (RPO CJ3) may have software that does not allow the heating and air conditioning system to deliver maximum cold or maximum hot output. If this occurs, the vehicle may not warm or cool as intended.

Correction

Dealers are to reprogram the HVAC control head module.

Vehicles Involved

Involved are certain 2008 model year Chevrolet Impala vehicles equipped with dual zone manual climate control (RPO CJ3) and built within these VIN breakpoints:

Year

Division

Model

From

Through

2008

Chevrolet

Impala

81301713

81369196

Important: Dealers are to confirm vehicle eligibility prior to beginning repairs by using the GM Vehicle Inquiry System (GMVIS). Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.

For dealers with involved vehicles, a listing with involved vehicles containing the complete vehicle identification number, customer name, and address information has been prepared and will be provided through the applicable system listed below. Dealers will not have a report available if they have no involved vehicles currently assigned.

- US dealers - GM DealerWorld Recall Information

- Canadian dealers - GMinfoNet Recall Reports

The listing 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 Information

No parts are required for the program.

Service Procedure

Do not attempt to order the calibration number from GMSPO. The calibration numbers required for this service procedure are programmed into control modules via a Multiple Diagnostic Interface (MDI) or Tech 2® scan tool and TIS2WEB with the calibration update. Use TIS2WEB on or after 07/30/08 to obtain the calibration. If you cannot access the calibration, call the Techline Customer Support Center at 1-800-828-6860 (English) or 1-800-503-3222 (French) and it will be provided.

Service Programming System (SPS)

For step-by-step programming instructions, please refer to SI and the Techline Information System (TIS) terminal.

Review the information below to ensure proper programming protocol.

Important: 

   • DO NOT program a control module unless you are directed by a service procedure or you are directed by a General Motors Corporation service bulletin. Programming a control module at any other time will not permanently correct a customer's concern.
   • It is essential that the Multiple Diagnostic Interface (MDI) or Tech 2® and the TIS terminal are equipped with the latest software before performing (SPS).
   • Due to the time requirements of programming a controller, it is recommended that an external power source be used to maintain system voltage. Stable battery voltage is critical during programming. Any fluctuation, spiking, over voltage or loss of voltage will interrupt programming. To ensure trouble-free programming, GM recommends using one of the following external power sources:
      - A Midtronic PCS charger.
      - A fully charged 12V jumper or booster pack disconnected from the AC voltage supply.
      - Some modules will require additional programming/setup events performed before or after programming.
      - Some vehicles may require the use of a CANDi module for programming.
      - Review the appropriate service information for these procedures.
      - DTCs may set during programming. Clear DTCs after programming is complete.
      - Clearing powertrain DTCs will set the Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) system status indicators to NO.

Ensure the following conditions are met before programming a control module:

    • Flex Fuel (E85) Vehicles
       - The fuel composition learn function is inactive. Programming with the fuel composition learn active will result in fuel trim DTCs.
       - If necessary, drive the vehicle until the scan tool indicates that the fuel composition learn is inactive.
    • Vehicle System Voltage
       - There is not a charging system concern. All charging system concerns must be repaired before programming a control module.
       - Battery voltage is greater than 12 volts but less than 16 volts. The battery must be fully charged before programming the control module.
       - Turn OFF or disable any system that may put a load on the vehicles battery, such as the following components:
       - Twilight sentinel
       - Interior lights
       - Daytime running lights (DRL) - Applying the parking brake, on most vehicles, disables the DRL system
       - Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
       - Engine cooling fans, radio, etc.
    • The ignition switch must be in the proper position. SPS prompts you to turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. DO NOT change the position of the ignition switch during the programming procedure, unless instructed to do so
    • Make certain all tool connections are secure, including the following components and circuits:
       - The RS-232 communication cable port.
       - The connection at the data link connector (DLC)
       - The voltage supply circuits
    • DO NOT disturb the tool harnesses while programming. If an interruption occurs during the programming procedure, programming failure or control module damage may occur.
    • DO NOT turn OFF the ignition if the programming procedure is interrupted or unsuccessful. Ensure that all control module and DLC connections are secure and the TIS terminal operating software is up to date. Attempt to reprogram the control module. If the control module cannot be programmed, replace the control module.
  1. Verify that there is a battery charge of 12 to 16 volts. The battery must be able to maintain a charge during programming. Only use approved Midtronics PCS charger, a fully charged 12V jumper, or booster pack disconnected from the AC voltage supply to maintain proper battery voltage during programming.
  2. Reprogram the HVAC control module. Refer to SI and Service Programming System (SPS) documentation for programming instructions, if required.
  3. 2.1. Connect the MDI or Tech 2® to the vehicle.

            Important: Select J2534 MDI or Tech 2® Legacy Pass-Thru and Reprogram ECU from the Select Diagnostic Tool and Programming Process screen. The J2534 MDI will reprogram the module in less time than the Tech 2® scan tool.

    2.2. Select HVAC Control Module from the Supported Controllers screen.
    2.3. Follow the on-screen instructions. Select HVAC Control Module with Manual Dual Zone (RPO CJ3).
    2.4. Select Latest New Calibrations to Enable OAT for use with up level instrument panel (RPO UH8).
  4. Using the MDI or Tech 2®, clear all DTCs if required.

Courtesy Transportation

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 Warranties. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product program 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.

Claim Information

Submit a Product Claim with the information indicated below:

Repair Performed

Part Count

Part No.

Parts Allow

CC-FC

Labor Op

Labor Hours

Reprogram HVAC Control Module

N/A

N/A

N/A

MA-96

V1853

0.4

Courtesy Transportation for vehicles within the New Vehicle Limited Warranties (US & Canadian GM Dealers)

N/A

N/A

N/A

MA-96

*

N/A

* Submit courtesy transportation using normal labor operations for courtesy transportation as indicated in the GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual for vehicles within the New Vehicle Limited Warranties.

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

Customer Notification

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

Dealer Program Responsibility

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, through August 31, 2009.

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. A copy of the customer letter is provided in this bulletin for your use in contacting customers. 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 through August 31, 2009, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the program correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

August 2008

Dear General Motors Customer:

We have learned that your 2008 model year Chevrolet Impala equipped with dual zone manual climate control may have software that does not allow the heating and air conditioning system to deliver maximum cold or maximum hot output. If this occurs, the vehicle may not warm or cool as intended.

Your satisfaction with your Chevrolet Impala is very important to us, so we are announcing a program to prevent this condition or to fix it if you have experienced this condition.

What We Will Do: Your Chevrolet dealer will reprogram the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control head module. This service will be performed for you at no charge until August 31, 2009 .

What You Should Do: To limit any possible inconvenience, we recommend that you contact your dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for this repair.

Customer Reply Form: 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 to better understand related repairs, please contact your dealer.

Courtesy Transportation: 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.

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

Scott Lawson

General Director,

Customer and Relationship Services

Enclosure

08266