Special Policy - Tail Lamps/Stop Lamps

Some 2002-2004 model year Chevrolet TrailBlazer and TrailBlazer EXT, GMC Envoy and Envoy XL, Oldsmobile Bravada vehicles, and 2004 Buick Rainier vehicles have tail lamp/stop lamp(s) that may become inoperative.

This special policy covers the condition described above for a period of 6 years or 72,000 miles (116,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after June 3, 2004, are covered by this special policy and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to June 3, 2004 must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

Involved are 2002-2004 model year Chevrolet TrailBlazer and TrailBlazer EXT, GMC Envoy and Envoy XL, Oldsmobile Bravada vehicles, and 2004 model year Buick Rainier vehicles built within the following VIN breakpoints:

Parts required to complete this special policy are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO).

Customers will be notified of the special policy on their vehicles by General Motors (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin -- actual divisional letter may vary slightly).

1. Open the rear liftgate.



2. Remove the two screws that attach both the left and right tail lamp assemblies and remove the lamps from the body.



3. Inspect the part number on both the left and right tail lamp circuit boards.

Chevrolet - New P/N 16532713

Chevrolet Export - New P/N 16532714

Buick and Oldsmobile - New P/N 16532715

GMC - New P/N 16532716

•	If the part number printed on a circuit boards IS one of the part number listed above, then the circuit board is the new design and does NOT need to be replaced.

•	If the part number printed on a circuit board is NOT one of the part numbers listed above, then the circuit boards is the old design and MUST BE REPLACED. Proceed to the next step if either circuit board needs to be replaced.

4. Turn on the tail lamps, directional signals, etc. and determine if there are any bulbs that require replacement.
5. Disconnect the electrical connector from the circuit board being replaced.



6. Remove the three screws attaching the circuit board to the tail lamp and remove the circuit board.
7. Install a NEW stop lamp bulb in a NEW circuit board.

•	On Chevrolet, Buick and Oldsmobile vehicles, the stop lamp bulb is located in the UPPER (top) socket in the circuit boards.

•	On GMC vehicles, the stop lamp bulb is located in the LOWER (bottom) socket in the circuit board.

Important: This special policy will cover the cost of replacing the stop lamp bulb(s). All other bulbs that require replacement are to be submitted under the normal warranty operation, if applicable.

8. Transfer the remaining bulbs from the old circuit board to the new circuit board. Replace any burned out bulbs.
9. Connect the electrical connector to the new circuit board(s).
10. Turn on the tail lamps, directional signals, etc. and verify that all bulbs are functional.
11. Install the circuit board to the tail lamp and install the three screws.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 1.9 N·m (17 lb in).

12. Install both the left and the right tail lamp assemblies to the body and install the screws.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 1.9 N·m (17 lb in).

13. Close the liftgate.

For vehicles repaired under the terms of this special policy, submit a claim with the information indicated below:

Important: This special policy will cover the cost of replacing the stop lamp bulb(s). All other bulbs that require replacement are to be submitted under the normal warranty operation, if applicable.

All customer requests for reimbursement for previous repairs for the special policy condition will be handled by the Customer Assistance Center, not by dealers.

A General Motors Special Policy Customer Reimbursement Procedure Form is included with the customer letter.

Important: Refer to GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual, section 6.1.12, for specific procedures regarding customer reimbursement and the form.

Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to replace tail lamp circuit board(s) and tail lamp/stop lamp(s) are to be submitted prior to or by December 31, 2005. Repairs must have occurred within the 6 years of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, or 116,000 km, whichever occurs first.

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

If the work was done by someone other than a GM dealership, the amount of reimbursement will be limited to the amount that the repair would have cost GM to have it completed by a GM dealership.

If you have paid to have this special policy condition corrected prior to this notification, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement.

Requests for reimbursement may include parts, labor, fees and taxes. Reimbursement may be limited to the amount the repair would have cost if completed by an authorized General Motors dealer.

Your claim will be acted upon within 60 days of receipt.

If your claim is:

Please follow the instructions on the Claim Form provided on the reverse side to file a claim for reimbursement. If you have questions about this reimbursement procedure, please call the toll-free telephone number provided at the bottom of the form. If you have any questions or need assistance with any other concern, please contact the appropriate Customer Assistance Center between the hours of 8:00 AM and 11:00 PM, EST, Monday through Friday. They can be reached at the number(s) shown on your letter.

Please mail this claim form and the required documents to:

General Motors Corporation

P.O. Box 33170

Detroit, MI 48232-5170

All recall reimbursement questions should be directed to the following number: 1-800-204-0261.

Dear General Motors Customer:

As the owner of a 2002, 2003 or 2004 model year Chevrolet TrailBlazer or TrailBlazer EXT, GMC Envoy or Envoy XL, Oldsmobile Bravada, or 2004 model year Buick Rainier, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us.

This letter is intended to make you aware that some of these vehicles may have a condition where the tail lamp/stop lamp(s) may become inoperative.

This is not a recall. Do not take your vehicle to your dealer as a result of this letter unless you have a tail/stop lamp that is burned out.

General Motors is providing owners with additional protection for the tail lamp/stop lamps. If this condition occurs on your 2002, 2003 or 2004 model year Chevrolet TrailBlazer or TrailBlazer EXT, GMC Envoy or Envoy XL, Oldsmobile Bravada vehicle, or 2004 Buick Rainier within 6 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 72,000 miles (116,000 km), whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge .

Repairs and adjustments qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a General Motors dealer. You may want to call the service department at your dealer to find out how long they will need to have your vehicle so that you may schedule the appointment at a time that is a convenient time for you. This will also allow your dealer to order parts if they are not already in stock. Keep this letter with your other important glovebox literature for future reference.

The enclosed form explains what reimbursement is available and how to request reimbursement if you have paid for repairs for the special policy condition.

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

We are sorry for any inconvenience you may experience; however we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.

General Motors Corporation

Enclosure

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