Product Emission - Air Injection Reactor (A.I.R.) Pump System Failures

General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall involving all 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix; and Oldsmobile Cutlass model vehicles equipped with 3.4L DOHC V6 (RPO LQ1 - VIN Code X) engine. The Air Injection Reactor (A.I.R.) pump emission control system on these vehicles may fail to operate and cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) to illuminate. This condition may be due to corrosion of a solenoid internal to the A.I.R. pump.

Dealers are to install a new A.I.R. pump assembly kit that is designed to protect the A.I.R. pump system from failure due to internal corrosion.

Involved are all 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, Pontiac Grand Prix and Oldsmobile Cutlass model vehicles equipped with 3.4L DOHC V6 (RPO LQ1 - VIN Code X) engine and built within these VIN breakpoints:

Important: Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through GMVIS (GM Vehicle Inquiry System) or GM Access Screen (Canada only) or DCS Screen 445 (IPC only) prior to beginning recall 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 recall bulletin. The customer name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow-up with customers involved in this recall. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the recall bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.

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

Parts required to complete this recall 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. It is necessary to order both kits for each AIR pump installation.

Important: The service procedure contained in this recall is different from the service procedure found in the appropriate Service Manual(s). In the near future the Service Manual(s) will be updated with this new service procedure. Please be advised that the labor time allowance listed in the labor time guide is not affected by this new service procedure.

1996 3.4L DOHC AIR Pump Procedure

1. Open the AIR pump kit, P/N 88880033, remove and discard the following:

•	Label, P/N 12568750

•	Nut, P/N 10242827

•	Vacuum harness attached to solenoid

•	Hose and two clamps attaching shut-off valve to AIR pump outlet

•	Isolators and compression limiters from AIR pump

Place a Recall Identification Label on each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Recall Bulletin. Each label provides a space to include the recall number and the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the recall service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen.

Put the Recall Identification Label on a clean and dry surface of the radiator core support in an area that will be visible to people servicing the vehicle. When installing the Recall Identification Label, be sure to pull the tab to allow the adhesion of the clear protective covering. Additional Recall Identification Labels for US dealers can be obtained from Dealer Support Materials by either ordering on the web from DWD Store, gm-dealerworld.com, or calling 1-866-700-0001 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST). Ask for Item Number S-1015 when ordering.

Additional Recall Identification Labels for IPC dealers can be obtained from your Regional Marketing Office.

Place a Recall Identification Label on each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Recall Bulletin. Each label provides a space to include the recall number and the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the recall service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen.

Put the Recall Identification Label on a clean and dry surface of the radiator core support in an area that will be visible to people servicing the vehicle. Additional Recall Identification Labels for Canadian dealers can be obtained from DGN by calling 1-800-668-5539 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST). Ask for Item Number GMP91 when ordering.

Submit a Product Recall Claim with the information indicated below.

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

Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the A.I.R. pump system are to be submitted prior to or by March 31, 2004 (this time limitation may be longer depending upon the law in your state/province/country).

All reasonable customer paid receipts should be considered for reimbursement. The amount to be reimbursed will be limited to the amount the repair would have cost if completed by an authorized General Motors dealer.

When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:

Customers from the States of California, Connecticut, Virginia, and Wisconsin must submit requests for reimbursement directly to (Divisions) per instructions in the owner letter.

Claims for customer reimbursement on previously paid repairs are to be submitted as required by WINS.

Important: Refer to the GM service policies and procedures manual, section 1.6.2, for specific procedures regarding customer reimbursement verification.

Customers will be notified of this recall on their vehicles by General Motors (see copy customer letter included with this bulletin).

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.

Registered letters will be sent to known owners of record located within areas covered by the U.S. National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, as amended. For owners outside these areas, the attached suggested letter is recommended and should be sent by dealers.

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.

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

Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall 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. Recall 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 recall enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, please take the steps necessary to be sure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

*** THE FOLLOWING 2 PARAGRAPHS ARE NOT FOR CANADA OR IPC ***

When a California emissions recall 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 Dealer Support Materials by calling 1-866-700-0001 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST). Ask for GM Item Number 1825 when ordering.

Dear General Motors Customer:

This notice is sent to inform you that General Motors is conducting a voluntary emission recall that includes your vehicle.

General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall involving all 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix; and Oldsmobile Cutlass model vehicles equipped with 3.4L DOHC V6 engine. The Air Injection Reactor (A.I.R.) pump emission control system on these vehicles may fail to operate and cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) to illuminate. This condition may be due to corrosion of a solenoid internal to the A.I.R. pump.

Dealers are to install a new A.I.R. pump assembly kit that is designed to protect the A.I.R. pump system from failing due to internal corrosion. This service will be performed for you at no charge .

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.

If you have any questions or need assistance, just contact your dealer or the appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below:

The attached 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 card and returning it to us in the postage paid envelope.

(Statement for all states except as shown below)

If you have already paid for some of all of the cost to have your A.I.R. pump repaired, you should contact your dealer to seek reimbursement. Please provide your dealer with your original paid receipts or invoices verifying the repair, the amount charged, proof of payment, the date of payment of those charges, and proof of ownership of the vehicle at the time of the repair by March 31, 2003. Only repairs performed prior to the release of this recall are eligible for reimbursement.

(Statement for California, Connecticut, Virginia, and Wisconsin)

If you have already paid for some or all of the cost to have your A.I.R. pump repaired, you should write to your divisional specific address to seek reimbursement. Please provide your original paid receipts or invoices verifying the repair, the amount charged, proof of payment, the date of payment of those charges and proof of ownership of the vehicle at the time of the repair. Only repairs performed prior to the release of this recall are eligible for reimbursement. This information must be provided within two (2) years after the date on which you paid for the repair or by March 31, 2004, whichever is later.

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.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires vehicle emission recalls be completed prior to California registration renewal. Uncorrected emission recalls will result in the inability to renew your California vehicle registration.

At the time of emission recall 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 recall 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.

General Motors Corporation

Enclosure