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Service Update for Inventory and Customer Vehicles-OBD Distance Since Codes Cleared-Reprogram Engine and Transmission Control Modules

Subject:08194 -- Service Update for Inventory and Customer Vehicles On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Distance Since Codes Cleared -- Reprogram Engine and Transmission Control Modules - Expires with 8 year/80,000 mile (130,000 km) Emission Controller Warranty

Models:2008 Chevrolet Malibu
Equipped with 4-Cylinder (RPO LE5 - VIN B) Engine
and 6T40 (RPO MH8) 6-Speed Automatic Transmission


THIS SERVICE UPDATE INCLUDES VEHICLES IN DEALER INVENTORY AND CUSTOMER VEHICLES THAT RETURN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ANY REASON; AND WILL EXPIRE AT THE END OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLE'S 8 YEAR / 80,000 MILE (130,000 KM) EMISSION CONTROLLER WARRANTY PERIOD.

Purpose

This bulletin provides a service procedure to reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM) on certain 2008 model year Chevrolet Malibu vehicles, equipped with a 4-Cylinder (RPO LE5 - VIN B) engine and 6T40 (RPO MH8) 6-Speed Automatic Transmission. The OBD system update corrects a concern that prevents the "Distance Since Codes Cleared" data parameter from incrementing. To verify if an updated calibration is required, refer to the following procedure in this bulletin.

This service procedure should be completed as soon as possible on involved vehicles currently in dealer inventory and customer vehicles that return to the dealer for any type of service during the 8 year / 80,000 mile (130,000 km) emission controller warranty coverage period.

Vehicles Involved

A list of involved vehicles currently in dealer inventory is available on the "Service Update Bulletin Information" link under the "Service" tab in DealerWorld (GM US), or attached to the Dealer Communication (Canada), used to release this bulletin. Customer vehicles that return for service, for any reason, and are still covered under the vehicle's 8 year / 80,000 mile (130,000 km) emission controller warranty coverage period, and are within the VIN breakpoints provided below, should be checked for vehicle eligibility in GMVIS.

Year

Division

Model

From

Through

2008

Chevrolet

Malibu

8F09313

8F271680

Important: Dealers are to confirm vehicle eligibility prior to beginning repairs by using GMVIS. Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved. If the system indicates that Service Update Bulletin 08194 remains ‘open’ and ECM/TCM reprogramming has not taken place since 6/9/08, reprogram the ECM/TCM with the calibration update from TIS 2 Web.

Calibration Information

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 data version 6.5 for 2008 on or after 06/09/08 to obtain the calibration. If you cannot access the calibration, call the Techline Customer Support Center and it will be provided.

Service Procedure

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: 

   • 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
   • 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:
      - 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. Connect the MDI (or Tech 2®) to the vehicle.

    2. Important: The "Sequence Programming ECM/TCM" procedure must be performed using the "Pass-Thru" method. You must first select one of the following methods in TIS2WEB: J2534 MDI, J2534 Tech2 or Tech 2® Legacy Pass-Thru Programming. TIS does not support "Tech 2® Remote" for the 2008 model year.

    Important: The "J2534 MDI" is the preferred method as the MDI will reprogram the module in less time than the Tech 2® scan tool.

  2. Reprogram the engine control module (ECM) and transmission control module (TCM). Refer to SI and Service Programming System (SPS) documentation for programming instructions.
    3. 2.1. Select Sequence Programming ECM/TCM and follow the on-screen instructions.
    2.2. When programming is completed open the driver door and turn off the ignition for 30 seconds. Turn the ignition on and close the driver door.
    2.3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  3. Using the MDI, clear all DTCs, if required.

Claim Information

For vehicles repaired under this service update, use:

Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

V1827

Reprogram Engine Control Module (ECM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM)

0.4