CAMPAIGN: PREMATURE PISTON FAILURE
NOTE: GM OF CANADA CAMPAIGN 97037(A) IS LOCATED BELOW THE U.S. VERSION
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN
SUBJECT: 97037(A) - PREMATURE PISTON FAILURE
MODELS: 1997 C6H, C7H, F6B, F7B, B7T MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS WITH 6.OL (LSO) OR 7.OL (LRO) ENGINES
THIS BULLETIN CANCELS ANS REPLACES BULLETIN 97037 ISSUED IN SEPTEMBER, 1997. THE "VEHICLES INVOLVED" HAVE BEEN EXPANDED.
General Motors has decided that certain 1997 C6H, C7H, F6B, F7B, and B7T model Medium-Duty trucks equipped with 6.OL (LSO) or 7.OL (LRO) engines may exhibit a condition in which loose spark plug wires may cause premature piston failures due to pre-ignition spark plug firing.
To prevent the possibility of this condition occurring, dealers are to modify the spark plug heat shields to eliminate any potential interference between the shields and spark plug wires, and inspect to assure that all spark plug wires are fully seated.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
Involved are certain 1997 C6H, C7H, F6B, F7B, and B7T model Medium-Duty trucks equipped with 6.OL (LSO) or 7.OL (LRO) engines and built within the following VIN breakpoints: PLANT YEAR DIVISION MODEL PLANT CODE FROM THROUGH
C6H, C7H, 1997 Chevrolet F6B, F7B, Janesville "J" VJ100001 VJ111287 B7T
C6H, C7H, 1997 GMC F6B, F7B, Janesville "J" VJ500005 VJ513766 B7T
1997 Chevrolet C6H, C7H Janesville "J" VJ850212 VJ850212
1997 GMC C6H, C7H Janesville "J" VJ850213 VJ850970
NOTICE: Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through VISS (Vehicle Information Service System) or ServiceNet (GMC only) prior to beginning campaign 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 campaign bulletin. The customer name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow-up with customers involved in this campaign. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the campaign bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.
These dealer listings may contain customer names and addresses obtained from State Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of law in several states. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this campaign.
PARTS INFORMATION
No parts will be required for this campaign.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
Customers will be notified of this campaign on their vehicles by General Motors (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin - actual divisional letter may vary slightly).
DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY
All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this campaign must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this campaign bulletin before customers take possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this campaign 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 appropriate divisional customer letter accompanying this bulletin. Campaign 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 campaign enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, please take the steps necessary to be sure the campaign correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Remove inner fenders.
2. Remove spark plug wires from spark plugs.
NOTICE: Pull by grasping the metal spark plug wire boot shields. Do not pull on wire to remove from spark plug.
3. Remove nuts retaining the waffle spark plug heat shields to the exhaust manifold studs. (Both sides of engine.)
4. Move the engine dipstick tube to the side.
5. Remove the waffle spark plug heat shields (2).
6. Cut off the end tabs of the heat shields at position 1 shown in the figure below.
7. Remove any sharp edges from heat shields using file or similar tool.
8. Install heat shields.
9. Reposition engine oil dipstick tube.
10. Install retaining nuts and tighten to 15 lb. ft./20 nm torque.
11. Install spark plug wires onto spark plugs, verifying/feeling that retainer snaps into place.
When installing spark plug wires, push on the metal spark plug wire boot heat shield and spark plug wire boot as a unit. (See Figure 2 and 3)
The boot must not be allowed to back out of the boot heat shield. (See Figure 4)
12. Install the GM Campaign Identification Label.
13. Install inner fenders.
CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Each vehicle corrected in -accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Campaign Bulletin will require a "Campaign Identification Label". Each label provides a space to include the campaign number and the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the campaign service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen.
Each "Campaign Identification Label" is to be located on the radiator core support in an area which will be visible when the vehicle is brought in by the customer for periodic servicing. When installing the Campaign Identification Label, be sure to install the clear protective covering. Additional Campaign Identification Labels can be obtained from VISPAC Incorporated by calling 1-800-269-5100 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST). Ask for Item Number S-1015 when ordering. Apply the "Campaign Identification Label" only on a clean, dry surface.
CLAIM INFORMATION
Submit a Product Campaign Claim with the information indicated below:
* REPAIR PART FAILED PARTS LABOR LABOR PERFORMED COUNT PART NO. ALLOW CC-FC 0P HOURS Modify the Spark Plug Shields and - - - MA-96 V0055 0.5 Assure All Spark Plug Wires Are Fully Seated
* For Campaign Administrative Allowance, add 0.1 hours to the "Labor Hours".
Refer to the General Motors Corporation Claims Processing Manual for details on Product Campaign Claim Submission.
97037 (Sample Of Notification Used) September, 1997
Dear <Division(s)> Customer:
This notice is sent to inform you of a recall campaign that includes your vehicle. Reason For This Recall: General Motors has decided that certain 1997 C6H, C7H, F6B, F7B, and B7T model Medium-Duty trucks equipped with 6.OL or 7.OL engines may exhibit a condition in which loose spark plug wires may cause premature piston failures due to pre-ignition spark plug firing.
What Will Be Done: To prevent the possibility of this condition occurring, your dealer will modify the spark plug heat shields on the engine to eliminate any potential interference between the shields and spark plug wires, and inspect to assure that all spark plug wires are fully seated. This service will be performed for you at no charge.
Contacting Your Dealer: Please contact your dealer as soon as possible to arrange a service date. 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 experience any trouble scheduling your vehicle or you have any questions regarding this recall action, please contact the Pontiac-GMC Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-462-8782. Deaf, hearing impaired or speech impaired call 1-800- 462-8583 (utilizes Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf/Text Telephones, TDD/TTY).
Customer Reply Card: The enclosed 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 postage paid reply card and returning it to us. We are sorry to cause you this inconvenience; however, we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.
<Division(s)> GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
Enclosure
** CANADIAN VERSION **
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN
SUBJECT: CAMPAIGN 97037(A) - PREMATURE PISTON FAILURE
MODELS: 1997 C6H, C7H, F6B, F7B, B7T MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS WITH 6.OL (LSO) OR 7.OL (LRO) ENGINES
THIS BULLETIN CANCELS AND REPLACES BULLETIN 97037 ISSUED IN SEPTEMBER, 1997. THE "VEHICLES INVOLVED" HAVE BEEN EXPANDED.
DEFECT INVOLVED
General Motors of Canada Limited has decided that certain 1997 C6H, C7H, F6B, F7B, and B7T model Medium-Duty trucks equipped with 6.OL (LSO) or 7.OL (LRO) engines may exhibit a condition in which loose spark plug wires may cause premature piston failures due to pre-ignition spark plug firing.
To prevent the possibility of this condition occurring, dealers are to modify the spark plug heat shields to eliminate any potential interference between the shields and spark plug wires, and inspect to assure that all spark plug wires are fully seated.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
Involved are certain 1997 C6H, C7H, F6B, F7B, and B7T model Medium-Duty trucks equipped with 6.OL (LSO) or 7.OL (LRO) engines and built within the following VIN breakpoints:
PLANT YEAR DIVISION MODEL PLANT CODE FROM THROUGH
1997 Chevrolet C6H, C7H, F6B, F7B, B7T Janesville "J" VJ100001 VJ111287 1997 GMC C6H, C7H, F6B, F7B, B7T Janesville "J" VJ500005 VJ513766 1997 Chevrolet C6H, C7H Janesville "J" VJ850212 VJ850212 1997 GMC C6H, C7H Janesville "J" VJ850213 VJ850970
NOTE: PLEASE CHECK DCS SCREEN 445 OR YOUR V.I.N. LISTING BEFORE PERFORMING CAMPAIGN TO ENSURE THAT THE VEHICLE IS AFFECTED. ONLY AFFECTED VIN'S WILL BE PAID.
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 campaign bulletin. The customer name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow-up with customers involved in this campaign. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the campaign bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.
These dealer listings may contain customer names and addresses obtained from the Inter-Provincial Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of provincial laws. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this campaign.
PARTS INFORMATION
No parts will be required for this campaign.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
All customers of record at the time of campaign release are shown on the attached computer listing and have been notified by first class mail from General Motors (see copy of customer letter included with this bulletin).
DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY
All unsold new vehicles in dealer's possession and subject to this campaign must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this campaign bulletin before customers take possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this campaign 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 appropriate customer letter accompanying this bulletin.
In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this campaign enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the campaign correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Remove inner fenders.
2. Remove spark plug wires from spark plugs.
NOTICE: Pull by grasping the metal spark plug wire boot shields. Do not pull on wire to remove from spark plug.
3. Remove nuts retaining the waffle spark plug heat shields to the exhaust manifold studs. (Both sides of engine.)
4. Move the engine dipstick tube to the side.
5. Remove the waffle spark plug heat shields (2).
6. Cut off the end tabs of the heat shields at position I shown in the figure below.
7. Remove any sharp edges from heat shields using file or similar tool.
8. Install heat shields.
9. Reposition engine oil dipstick tube.
10. Install retaining nuts and tighten to 20 N-m (I 5 lb. ft.) torque.
11. Install spark plug wires onto spark plugs, verifying/feeling that retainer snaps into place.
When installing spark plug wires, push on the metal spark plug wire boot heat shield and spark plug wire boot as a unit. (See Figure 2 and 3)
The boot must not be allowed to back out of the boot heat shield. (See Figure 4)
12. Install Campaign Identification Label.
13. Install inner fenders.
CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Campaign Bulletin will require a "Campaign Identification Label." Each label provides a space to include the campaign number and the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the campaign service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen.
Each "Campaign Identification Label" is to be located on the radiator core support in an area which will be visible when the vehicle is brought in by the customer for periodic servicing. Additional Campaign Identification Labels can be obtained from DGN by calling 1-800-668-5539 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST). Ask for Item Number GMP 91 when ordering.
Apply the "Campaign Identification Label" only on a clean, dry surface.
CLAIM INFORMATION
Submit a Product Campaign Claim with the information indicated below:
* REPAIR PERFORMED PART FAILED PARTS LABOUR LABOUR COUNT PART NO. ALLOW CC-FC 0P HOURS
Modify the Spark Plug Shields and Assure All Spark - - - MA-96 V0055 0.5 Plug Wires Are Fully Seated
* For Campaign Administrative Allowance, add 0.1 hours to the "Labour Hours".
Refer to the General Motors Claims Processing Manual for details on Product Campaign Claim Submission.
Dear General Motors Customer:
General Motors of Canada Limited has decided that certain 1997 C6H, C7H, F6B, F7B, and B7T model Medium-Duty trucks equipped with 6.OL or 7.OL engines may exhibit a condition in which loose spark plug wires may cause premature piston failures due to pre-ignition spark plug firing.
To prevent the possibility of this condition occurring, your GM dealer will modify the spark plug heat shields on the engine to eliminate any potential interference between the shields and spark plug wires, and inspect to assure that all spark plug wires are fully seated.
This service will be provided for you at no charge.
Please contact your GM dealer as soon as possible to arrange a service date.
If parts are required, ask your dealer for details regarding their availability. If parts are not in stock, they can be ordered before scheduling your service date.
This letter identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this letter to your dealer will assist their Service personnel in completing the necessary correction to your vehicle in the shortest possible time.
We are sorry to cause you this inconvenience; however, we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.
Customer Support Department General Motors of Canada Limited
97037(A)
/il
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those 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 equipment, tools, 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 a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
