CAMPAIGN:NVG FUEL TANK RUPTURE. GMC Truck GMC C Pickup

MARCH, 1994

PRODUCT SAFETY CAMPAIGN 93C32 - NGV FUEL TANK RUPTURE

1992-93 C15-25 PICKUPS

TO: ALL (DIVISION) DEALERS

THE NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT, AS AMENDED, PROVIDES THAT EACH VEHICLE WHICH IS SUBJECT TO A RECALL CAMPAIGN OF THIS TYPE MUST BE ADEQUATELY REMEDIED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AFTER THE OWNER HAS TENDERED IT FOR REPAIR. THE REMEDY OF THE VEHICLE IN THIS CAMPAIGN IS, AS OUTLINED IN THE ATTACHED OWNER LETTER, REPLACEMENT OF THE VEHICLE WITH A COMPARABLE VEHICLE AT NO CHARGE OR A REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE.

DEFECT INVOLVED

PRODUCTION AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC. (P.A.S. INC.) HAS DETERMINED, AND GENERAL MOTORS AGREES, THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXISTS IN CERTAIN 1992-93 (DIVISION) C15-25 PICKUPS MODIFIED BY P.A.S. INC. TO OPERATE SOLELY ON COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS. THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS STORAGE TANKS, WHICH OVER TIME, MAY DEVELOP STRESS CRACKS IN THE E-GLASS WRAP ON THE EXTERNAL SURFACE OF THE TANK. CRACKING IN THE EXTERNAL SURFACE MAY LEAD TO TANK RUPTURES AND POSSIBLE INJURY TO INDIVIDUALS IN OR NEAR THE VEHICLE IF A RUPTURE OCCURS.

VEHICLES INVOLVED

INVOLVED ARE CERTAIN 1992-93 (DIVISION) C15-25 PICKUPS MODIFIED BY P.A.S. INC. TO RUN USING NATURAL GAS AS A FUEL. THE VIN BREAKPOINTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

CHEVROLET VEHICLES:

=================== PLANT YEAR MODEL PLANT CODE FROM THROUGH

1992 C15-25 PONTIAC "E" NE192683 NE235101

1993 C15-25 PONTIAC "E" PE154825 PE244746

GMC VEHICLES:

============= PLANT YEAR MODEL PLANT CODE FROM THROUGH

1992 C15-25 PONTIAC "E" NE510457 NE556451

1993 C15-25 PONTIAC "E" PE524031 PE562102

DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY

1. OWNERS OF NATURAL GAS VEHICLES (NGV), MOSTLY FLEETS AND MUNICIPALITIES, WILL RECEIVE A SAFETY CAMPAIGN LETTER OF NOTIFICATION. INCLUDED WITH THIS LETTER WILL BE A FORM THAT THEY ARE TO COMPLETE AND FAX TO (DIVISION) MOTOR DIVISION.

2. (DIVISION) MOTOR DIVISION WILL CONTACT THESE OWNERS, AND TOGETHER, WILL SELECT A COMPARABLE REPLACEMENT TRUCK. VEHICLE ORDERS WILL BE ENTERED BY (DIVISION) MOTOR DIVISION FOR PRODUCTION SCHEDULING.

3. (DIVISION) MOTOR DIVISION WILL NOTIFY DEALERS WHEN THE ORDER IS PROCESSED AND THE ESTIMATED PRODUCTION DATE IS DETERMINED. THE NAME OF THE OWNER AND THE APPROPRIATE CONTACT PERSON WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE DEALER AT THIS TIME ALSO.

4. WHEN THE DEALER RECEIVES THE REPLACEMENT VEHICLE YOU SHOULD SCHEDULE IT FOR DELIVERY AT A MUTUALLY AGREED UPON DATE AND TIME WITH THE CUSTOMER. EACH VEHICLE SHOULD BE DELIVERED WITH A FULL TANK OF FUEL.

5. AT THE TIME OF DELIVERY, THE NGV OWNER MUST PRESENT THE TITLE ONLY FOR THE NGV VEHICLE (NOT THE NGV EQUIPPED VEHICLE) TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE TITLE MUST BE FREE AND CLEAR OF ALL LIENS AND SIGNED OFF BY THE OWNER. THE TITLE IS TO BE ASSIGNED TO:

CHEVROLET ========= CHEVROLET MOTOR DIVISION 30007 VAN DYKE WARREN, MI 48090

NOTICE THE ASSIGNED NGV VEHICLE TITLE MUST BE SECURED BY THE DEALER BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE REPLACEMENT VEHICLE PROCESS.

6. DEALERS ARE TO FEDERAL EXPRESS THE TITLE FROM NGV VEHICLE TO CHEVROLET MOTOR DIVISION AT:

CHEVROLET MOTOR DIVISION 30007 VAN DYKE ATTN. NGV COORDINATOR BLDG. 2-5, ROOM 209-26 WARREN, MI 48090

CHEVROLET MOTOR DIVISION WILL CLOSE THE CAMPAIGN WHEN THE TITLE IS RECEIVED.

7. DEALERS SHOULD USE $14,000 AS THE NGV VEHICLE VALUE TO CALCULATE STATE SALES TAX IN THOSE STATES THAT ALLOW CALCULATION BASED ON THE DIFFERENCE IN PRICE BETWEEN THE NEW AND USED VEHICLE. A COPY OF THE REPLACEMENT VEHICLE INVOICE AND THE CERTIFICATE OF VEHICLE ORIGIN WILL BE MAILED TO INVOLVED DEALERS. THE TOTAL INVOICE AMOUNT INCLUDING DESTINATION CHARGES AND OPTIONS IS TO BE USED FOR CALCULATING TAXES AND REGISTRATION FEES.

8. DEALERS WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO STORE THE CUSTOMER'S VEHICLE. THESE NGV TRUCKS ARE NOT TO BE OPERATED IN ANY MANNER. IF ASKED, CUSTOMERS SHOULD BE ADVISED TO PARK THE TRUCK AT THEIR LOCATION AND RUN THE ENGINE UNTIL THE FUEL GAUGE READS BELOW ONE QUARTER TANK. (DIVISION) MOTOR DIVISION WILL ADVISE THE OWNERS WHEN THE VEHICLE WILL BE PICKED UP.

DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY (CON'T)

9. DEALERS ARE TO ENTER THE PDI CLAIM IN THE NORMAL MANNER. THE SALES AND DELIVERY INFORMATION SHOULD BE REPORTED VIA DCS IN THE CUSTOMARY MANNER. FUEL ALLOWANCE SHOULD BE CALCULATED FROM THE INFORMATION ON THE INVOICE AND SUBMITTED TO (DIVISION) CENTRAL OFFICE FOR PAYMENT AS SHOWN IN THE "WARRANTY INFORMATION" SECTION BELOW.

IF A VEHICLE SUBJECT TO THIS CAMPAIGN IS IN YOUR NEW OR USED VEHICLE INVENTORY, OR IT IS IN YOUR DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE, YOU SHOULD CONTACT (DIVISION) MOTOR DIVISION AT 1-800-334-5370 FOR INSTRUCTIONS.

OWNER NOTIFICATION

OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THIS CAMPAIGN ON THEIR VEHICLES BY (DIVISION) MOTOR DIVISION (SEE COPY OF OWNER LETTER INCLUDED WITH THIS BULLETIN). A LISTING OF OWNER NAME AND ADDRESSES WILL NOT BE FURNISHED TO DEALERS.

PARTS INFORMATION

NO PARTS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THIS CAMPAIGN.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

DEALERS SHOULD NOT PERFORM ANY SERVICE ON THESE VEHICLES.

CAMPAIGN CLOSING

THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE CLOSED BY CHEVROLET MOTOR DIVISION WHEN THE TITLE IS RETURNED TO (DIVISION) CENTRAL OFFICE.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

DEALERS ARE TO ENTER A CLAIM FOR EACH REPLACEMENT VEHICLE DELIVERED USING LABOR OPERATION T0136 (FOR CC-FC USE 02-95) IN THE NET AMOUNT COLUMN FOR THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE FOLLOWING:

TOTAL TAX, TITLE, LICENSE $ FUEL ALLOWANCE $ FEDERAL EXPRESS CHARGE $ COURTESY DELIVERY ALLOWANCE $100 TOTAL $

DEALERS ARE TO ENTER THE PDI CLAIM IN THE NORMAL MANNER.

NOTE 1: COPIES SUPPORTING ALL OF THESE CHARGES ARE TO BE ATTACHED TO THE SCRAPPING COPY OF THE REPAIR ORDER AND RETAINED AS DESCRIBED IN THE GM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL SECTION 1.6.2.

NOTE 2: FLEET OR RENTAL ALLOWANCES ARE NOT ALLOWABLE. THESE EXPENSES SHOULD BE REFERRED TO 1-800-334-5370.

--- SAMPLE LETTER ---

(NOTIFICATION USED BY (DIVISION) MOTOR DIVISION)

MARCH, 1994

DEAR (DIVISION) NGV TRUCK OWNER:

THIS NOTICE IS SENT TO YOU IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT.

REASON FOR THIS RECALL

PRODUCTION AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC. (P.A.S. INC.) HAS DETERMINED, AND GENERAL MOTORS AGREES, THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXISTS IN CERTAIN 1992- 93 (DIVISION) C15-25 PICKUPS MODIFIED BY P.A.S. INC. TO OPERATE SOLELY ON COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS. THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS STORAGE TANKS, WHICH OVER TIME, MAY DEVELOP STRESS CRACKS IN THE E-GLASS WRAP ON THE EXTERNAL SURFACE OF THE TANK. CRACKING IN THE EXTERNAL SURFACE MAY LEAD TO TANK RUPTURES AND POSSIBLE INJURY TO INDIVIDUALS IN OR NEAR THE VEHICLE IF A RUPTURE OCCURS.

WHAT WE WILL DO

TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, (DIVISION) MOTOR DIVISION WILL REPLACE THE NATURAL GAS PICKUP TRUCK WITH A COMPARABLE 1994 (DIVISION) 2-WHEEL DRIVE, GASOLINE POWERED PICKUP TRUCK OR REFUND YOUR PURCHASE PRICE IF YOU RESPOND TO THIS LETTER BY APRIL 30, 1994. AFTER APRIL 30, 1994 THE VEHICLES WILL BE REPURCHASED AT YOUR PURCHASE PRICE LESS A REASONABLE DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCE OF .001% OF THE PURCHASE PRICE FOR EACH ACCRUED MILE ON THE VEHICLE.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

ALL NGV TRUCKS SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. THE ENGINE SHOULD BE RUN UNTIL THE FUEL GAUGE READS BELOW ONE QUARTER TANK AND THE VEHICLE STORED AND NOT OPERATED IN ANY MANNER.

PLEASE COMPLETE THE ATTACHED FORMS AND FAX THEM TO (810) 492-5666. UPON RECEIPT OF YOUR COMPLETED FORMS YOUR DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE WILL BE CONTACTED BY (DIVISION) TO CONFIRM THE REPURCHASE OR REPLACEMENT OF YOUR VEHICLE.

EQUIPMENT INSTALLED BY YOU SHOULD BE REMOVED IN ANTICIPATION OF BEING REINSTALLED ON THE REPLACEMENT TRUCK. REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REMOVAL AND REINSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT WILL BE MADE BY (DIVISION) UPON SUBMISSION OF SUITABLE DOCUMENTATION. SUBMIT THIS DOCUMENTATION TO:

(DIVISION) MOTOR DIVISION 30007 VAN DYKE ATTN. NGV COORDINATOR BLDG. 2-5, ROOM 209-26 WARREN, MI 48090

REPLACEMENT OF YOUR VEHICLE IS DEPENDENT UPON YOUR PROMPT RETURN OF THE ATTACHED FORMS. ALL 1994 REPLACEMENT TRUCK ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED AND ENTERED INTO THE PRODUCTION SYSTEM NO LATER THAN APRIL 30, 1994. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS PROCESS, PLEASE CALL (DIVISION) MOTOR DIVISION AT 1-800-334-5370.

AFTER CONTACTING (DIVISION), IF 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, S.W., WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590 OR CALL 1-800-424-9393 (WASHINGTON D.C. RESIDENTS USE 366-0123).

WE ARE SORRY TO CAUSE YOU THIS INCONVENIENCE. GENERAL MOTORS IS FIRMLY COMMITTED TO ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES AND WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP THE TECHNOLOGY NEEDED TO DELIVER THE NEXT GENERATION VEHICLE DESIGNED TO OPERATE ON COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS.

(DIVISION) MOTOR DIVISION GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION

ENCLOSURE

1992-93 NATURAL GAS C15-25 TRUCK RECALL

IDENTIFY THE CONTACT FOR YOUR FLEET WHICH WILL BE USED FOR ANY FUTURE COMMUNICATIONS ON THIS SUBJECT:

FLEET NAME: _________________________________________________

PRIMARY CONTACT NAME: ___________________________________________

CONTACT ADDRESS: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

SECONDARY CONTACT NAME: ______________________________________________

SECONDARY CONTACT ADDRESS: ______________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

PRIMARY CONTACT PHONE: (____) ____ - ______ PREFERRED TIME TO CONTACT:

SECONDARY CONTACT PHONE: (____) ____ - ______

CONTACT FAX: (____) ____ - ______

NUMBER OF NATURAL GAS VEHICLES REQUIRING REPLACEMENT: _______ (SEE ATTACHED ORDER FORM) (ATTACH LISTING OF VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS)

NUMBER OF NATURAL GAS VEHICLES REQUIRING REPURCHASE: _______ (ATTACH LISTING OF VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS)

PHYSICAL LOCATION OF NATURAL GAS VEHICLES: ___________________________

DEALERSHIP FOR DELIVERY OF REPLACEMENT TRUCK:

DEALER NAME: _____________________________________________________

DEALER ADDRESS:

_______________________________________________________ _ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________

DEALER PHONE (IF KNOWN): (____) ____ - _______ DEALER FAX (IF KNOWN): (____) ____ - _______

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRING TRANSFERRING FROM THE NGV TRUCKS (I.E. RADIOS, TOOL BOX, ETC.): ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

SIGNED: _________________________________ DATE: ____/____/____

TITLE: ______________________________________________________

FAX TO (DIVISION) AT (810) 492-5666

1992-93 NATURAL GAS C15-25 TRUCK RECALL THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PROVIDED SO THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DETE BE BEST TO REPLACE THE NATURAL GAS VEHICLE (NGV) YOU CURRENTLY POSSESS INFORMATION AVAILABLE WHEN (DIVISION) CONTACTS YOU AS DESCRIBED IN THE EXPEDITE THE ORDERING PROCESS.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EMISSION EQUIPMENT MUST BE SELECTED FOR EACH VEHI OPERATING LOCATION. THE ORDER SUMMARY BOX AT THE BOTTOM CAN BE HELPFU

COMPANY NAME: ___________________________ FLEET ACCOUNT NUMBER _____

CONTACT NAME: _____________________________ PHONE NUMBER (___) ___

VEHICLE OPTION #1 VEHICLE OPTION #2

TC10903 2WD 1/2 TON PICKUP TC10903 2WD 1/2 TON PICKUP R9S SL DECOR YE9 SLE DECOR C5M 6,100 GVW C5M 6,100 GVW LO5 5.7L (350 CID) V8 LO5 5.7L (350 CID) V8 M30 4 SPD AUTO OVERDRIVE M30 4 SPD AUTO OVERDRIVE GU6 3.42 REAR AXLE RATIO GU6 3.42 REAR AXLE RATIO C60 AIR CONDITIONING C60 AIR CONDITIONING UM7 AM/FM STEREO W/CLOCK UM7 AM/FM STEREO W/ CLOCK V43 PAINTED REAR STEP BUMPER V43 PAINTED REAR STEP BUMPER VK3 FRT. LICENSE PLATE BRKT. VK3 FRT.LICENSE PLATE BRKT. PO1 WHEEL COVERS PO6 TRIM RINGS, HUB CAPS XFL B/W P235/75R15 W/ SPARE XFM W/S P235/75R15 W/SPARE D45 EXTERIOR MIRRORS TR9 AUXILIARY LIGHTING

VEHICLE OPTION #3 VEHICLE OPTION #4 TC20903 2WD 3/4 TON PICKUP TC20903 2WD 3/4 TON PICKUP R9S SL DECOR YE9 SLE DECOR C5Z 7,200 GVW C5Z 7,200 GVW LO5 5.7L (350 CID) V8 LO5 5.7L (350 CID) V8 M30 4 SPD AUTO OVERDRIVE M30 4 SPD AUTO OVERDRIVE GT4 3.73 REAR AXLE RATIO GT4 3.73 REAR AXLE RATIO C60 AIR CONDITIONING C60 AIR CONDITIONING UM7 AM/FM STEREO W/CLOCK UM7 AM/FM STEREO W/ CLOCK V43 PAINTED REAR STEP BUMPER V43 PAINTED REAR STEP BUMPER VK3 FRT. LICENSE PLATE BRKT. VK3 FRT.LICENSE PLATE BRKT. PO1 WHEEL COVERS PO6 TRIM RINGS, HUB CAPS XHH B/W P245/75R16/E W/ SPARE XHH B/W P245/75R16/E W/SPARE D45 EXTERIOR MIRRORS TR9 AUXILIARY LIGHTING

EMISSION REQUIREMENT - MUST SELECT ONE: FE9 FEDERAL EMISSION NA6 HIGH ALTITUDE EMISSION NG1 NEW YORK STATE EMISSION YF5 CALIFORNIA EMISSION

VINYL CLOTH PAINT - SOLID COLOR INTERIOR COLORS BENCH BENCH

56 AUTUMNWOOD, DARK BEIGE X X 55 AUTUMNWOOD, LIGHT BEIGE X X 41 BLACK, ONYX BEIGE GARNET GRAY X X 39 BLUE, INDIGO BLUE GRAY X X 20 BLUE, LT. QUASAR BLUE GRAY X X 96 QUICKSILVER BLUE GARNET GRAY X X 84 RED, DK. GARNET BEIGE GARNET GRAY X X 74 RED, VICTORY BEIGE GARNET GRAY X X 38 TEAL, BRIGHT BEIGE GRAY X X 50 WHITE BEIGE GARNET GRAY BLUE X X

ORDER SUMMARY:

VEHICLE INTERIOR VINYL OR DEALER NAME, QUANTITY OPTION EMISSION PAINT COLOR CLOTH CITY, STATE

FIGURES: 0

BULLETINS ARE INTENDED FOR USE BY PROFESSIONAL TECHNICIANS, NOT A "DO-IT-YOURSELFER". THEY ARE WRITTEN TO INFORM THESE TECHNICIANS OF CONDITIONS THAT MAY OCCUR ON SOME VEHICLES, OR TO PROVIDE INFORMATION THAT COULD ASSIST IN THE PROPER SERVICE OF A VEHICLE. PROPERLY TRAINED TECHNICIANS HAVE THE TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS, AND KNOW-HOW TO DO A JOB PROPERLY AND SAFELY. IF A CONDITION IS DESCRIBED, DO NOT ASSUME THAT THE BULLETIN APPLIES TO YOUR VEHICLE, OR THAT YOUR VEHICLE WILL HAVE THAT CONDITION. SEE YOUR RETAILER FOR INFORMATION ON WHETHER YOUR VEHICLE MAY BENEFIT FROM THE INFORMATION.