Product Safety - Windshield Wiper Operation

General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2002 and 2003 model year Chevrolet TrailBlazer and TrailBlazer EXT, GMC Envoy and Envoy XL, and Oldsmobile Bravada vehicles. Under certain conditions, water may seep into the windshield wiper module. If this were to happen, it could result in windshield wipers that will not turn on, cease operation while driving, fail to turn off, turn on by themselves, and/or continuous windshield washer pump operation. Improper operation of the windshield wiper system in a severe weather situation could reduce the driver's visibility, resulting in a possible vehicle crash without prior warning.

Dealers are to inspect and seal the windshield wiper motor. In some cases, the windshield wiper module may require replacement.

Involved are certain 2000 and 2003 model year Chevrolet TrailBlazer and TrailBlazer EXT, GMC Envoy and Envoy XL, and Oldsmobile Bravada vehicles built within these VIN breakpoints:

Important: Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through GMVIS (GM Vehicle Inquiry System) before beginning recall 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 & IPC

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

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 other purpose 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 Pre-Ship Information - For US and Canada

Important: An initial supply of windshield wiper transmission seal assemblies required to complete this recall will be pre-shipped to involved dealers of record. This pre-shipment is scheduled to begin the week of June 28, 2004 and will be approximately 20% of each dealer's involved vehicles. Pre-shipped parts will be charged to dealer's open parts account.

Additional parts, if required, are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please refer to your "involved vehicles listing" before ordering parts. 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.

* Sealer kits have a shelf life of 1 year. Do not over-order.

** Less than 10% of the population worldwide is expected to require module replacement. Please order parts accordingly. Seal assemblies will not be required if the WSW module is replaced.

The following procedure provides instructions for inspecting the windshield wiper module, installing a breathable seal to the vent on the wiper motor cover if applicable, or if necessary, installing a new windshield wiper module.

Inspection Procedure

Using a flashlight, look down through the air inlet screen (1) at the location shown.

Repair Procedure

1. Verify that all of the functions of the wiper system (low, high, delay, etc.) operate properly.
2. Turn the key to the OFF position.
3. Open the hood.



4. Remove the three push-in retainers that attach the air inlet grille (leaf screen) to the plenum sheet metal.
5. Lower the hood to the secondary latch.
6. Using a suitable marker or masking tape, mark the location on both wiper blades on the windshield.
7. Remove the covers from the nuts that attach the wiper arms.
8. Remove the nuts from the wiper arms.

Important: If the rocking action in the next step fails to loosen the wiper arm, it may be necessary to use a standard top-post battery cable terminal puller to remove the wiper arm.

9. Rock the wiper arms back and forth to loosen and remove them from the wiper transmission shaft.
10. Remove the antenna mast.
11. Remove the 10 mm hex head nut that attaches the left and right ends of the air inlet grille to the plenum sheet metal.
12. Remove the air inlet grille and reposition it up to the windshield. It is not necessary to disconnect the washer hose.



13. Remove the two 10 mm hex head bolts that attach the wiper module to the plenum sheet metal.
14. Disconnect the electrical connector.
15. Remove the wiper module and place on a suitable work surface.



16. Inspect the inside of the electrical connector on the wiper motor for moisture or water. If no moisture or water is found, continue inspecting for evidence or signs that moisture or water was present at some earlier time. Indicators include water stains, dried dirt, etc. (1).

•

If moisture or water is found in the electrical connector, or if there was moisture or water present at an earlier time, the complete wiper motor module (including the motor) MUST be replaced. Obtain a new wiper module and proceed to Step 20. The new wiper modules already have a different style of breathable seal on the wiper cover. DO NOT install a breathable seal described later in this recall on new wiper modules.

•	If there is no moisture or water found in electrical connector, or if there is NO evidence that moisture or water was present at an earlier time, a breathable seal must be installed over the vent in the wiper motor cover. Proceed to the next step.




17. Clean the exterior surface of the wiper motor cover thoroughly (1). It must be free of dirt, grease, oil and other contamination.

Important: To ensure good adhesion of the seal being installed in the next steps, make sure that your hands are clean and free of oil and grease before proceeding.

18. Using the alcohol wipe included in the kit, wipe the complete exterior surface of the wiper cover thoroughly. Allow the surface to dry approximately 30-45 seconds before proceeding.

Important: When using the adhesion promoter in the next step:

•	DO NOT open the adhesion promoter until you are ready to apply it.

•	Use the complete contents of the packet as soon as it is opened.

•	If the packet is dried-out when opened, obtain another seal kit or use P/N 12378462 (4 oz can of adhesion promoter).

•	Do not allow the liquid to "spill" inside of the vent opening on the wiper motor cover when applying.

•	Allow to dry 30-90 seconds before applying the seal.

19. Carefully apply the adhesion promoter that is included in the kit.

Important: The seal must be inspected before installing. If there are any creases in the seal or backing material, the seal must NOT be used. Obtain another sealer kit.

If you are unable to remove the backing material from the seal in the next step, the seal is beyond its shelf life of one year. Obtain another sealer kit. Do NOT touch the adhesive surface on the seal when removing the backing material.
20. Remove the backing material from the seal, align it over the wiper motor cover so that it completely covers the vent (2) and press it firmly into place as shown in the above illustration. Apply firm pressure across the entire surface of the seal and around all outside edges. Continue applying pressure a second time to the edges to assure full adhesion.
21. Position the wiper module to the vehicle and connect the electrical connector.
22. Install the wiper module in the plenum sheet metal.
23. Install the two 10 mm hex head bolts that attach the module to the plenum sheet metal.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 8 N·m (71 lb in).

24. Install the air inlet grille to the plenum sheet metal.
25. Install the 10 mm hex head nut that attaches the left and right ends of the air inlet grille tot he plenum sheet metal.

Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 4 N·m (35 lb in).

26. Install the antenna mast.

Important: If installing a NEW wiper module, you must verify that the new wiper motor and transmissions are in the PARK position before installing the wiper arms.

27. If installing a NEW wiper module, turn the ignition switch to the ON position, turn the wiper switch ON, and visually verify that the wiper transmissions operate. After visually verifying operation, turn the wiper switch to the OFF position and allow the wiper transmissions to stop moving before turning the ignition switch to the OFF position. The wiper motor will now be in the PARK position.
28. Using the marks or masking tape that were placed on the windshield, align and position the wiper arms on the wiper transmission shafts.
29. Install the nuts on the wiper transmission shafts.

Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

30. Install the covers on the wiper arm nuts.
31. Remove the marks or masking tape from the windshield.
32. Open the hood.
33. Install the three push-in retainers that attach the air inlet grille to the plenum sheet metal.
34. Close the hood.
35. Verify that all functions of the wiper system (low, high, delay, etc.) operate properly.

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

A General Motors Product Recall Customer Reimbursement Procedure Form is included with the customer letter.

Important: Refer to the GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual, section 1.6.12, for specific procedures regarding customer reimbursement verification.

Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the condition addressed in this bulletin are to be submitted by July 31, 2005.

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:

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.

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:

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

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

Letters will be sent to known owners of record located within areas covered by the US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. For owners outside these areas, dealers should notify customers using the attached sample letter.

The US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act provides that each vehicle which is subject to a recall of this type must be adequately repaired within a reasonable time after the customer has tendered it for repair. A failure to repair within sixty days after tender of a vehicle is prima facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time. If the condition is not adequately repaired within a reasonable time, the customer may be entitled to an identical or reasonably equivalent vehicle at no charge or to a refund of the purchase price less a reasonable allowance for depreciation. To avoid having to provide these burdensome remedies, every effort must be made to promptly schedule an appointment with each customer and to repair their vehicle as soon as possible. In the recall notification letters, customers are told how to contact the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration if the recall is not completed within a reasonable time.

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. A copy of the customer letter is provided in this bulletin for your use in contacting customers. 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.

If you have paid to have this recall condition corrected prior to receiving 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 need assistance with any other concern, please contact 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 eastern standard time Monday through Friday

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:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Federal regulation requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.

General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2002 and 2003 model year Chevrolet TrailBlazer and TrailBlazer EXT, GMC Envoy and Envoy XL, and Oldsmobile Bravada vehicles. Under certain conditions, water may seep into the windshield wiper module. If this were to happen, it could result in windshield wipers that will not turn on, cease operation while driving, fail to turn off, turn on by themselves, and/or continuous windshield washer pump operation. Improper operation of the windshield wiper system in a severe weather situation could reduce the driver's visibility, resulting in a possible vehicle crash without prior warning.

Your GM dealer will inspect and seal the windshield wiper motor. In some cases, the windshield wiper module may require replacement. This service will be performed for you at no charge .

This inspection will take approximately 15 minutes. If the motor requires sealing or replacement, an additional 15 minutes will be required. However, due to service scheduling requirements, your dealer may need your vehicle for a longer period of time.

To limit any possible inconvenience, we recommend that you contact your dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for this repair. By scheduling an appointment, your dealer can ensure that the necessary parts will be available on your scheduled appointment date.

Should your dealer be unable to schedule a service date within a reasonable time, you should contact the appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below. The hours of operation are 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM, EST, Monday through Friday.

If, after contacting the appropriate customer assistance center, you are still not satisfied that we have done our best to remedy this condition without charge and within a reasonable time, you may wish to write the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington, DC 20590 or call 1-888-327-4236.

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.

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

If your vehicle is within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty your dealer may provide your 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.

More information about this program (including answers to frequently asked questions) is available online at the Owner Center at My GMLink. 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 customer reply form to get the most personalized information for your vehicle.

We are sorry to cause you this inconvenience; however, we have taken this action in the interest of your safety and continued satisfaction with our products.

General Motors Corporation

Enclosure

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