Customer Satisfaction - Propeller Shaft (Drive Shaft) Fracture

THIS RECALL IS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 2005.

General Motors has decided that certain 2003 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana 3500 Series export vehicles equipped with a 4.10 rear axle ratio (GT5) and LT245/75R16/E tires (YLP) can reach speeds that may cause the drive shaft to fracture. If the drive shaft fractures, a loss of power to the rear wheels will occur and the vehicle will coast to a stop.

Dealers are to reprogram the speed limiter in the powertrain control module (PCM).

Involved are certain 2003 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana 3500 Series export vehicles equipped with a 4.10 rear axle ratio (GT5) and LT245/75R16/E tires (YLP) and built within these VIN breakpoints:

Important: Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through DCS Screen 445 prior to beginning program repairs. [Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.]

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 program bulletin. The customer name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow up with customers involved in this program. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the program bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.

These dealer listings 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 listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this program.

No parts are required for this recall.

The service calibration required for this procedure is included in TIS 2000 beginning with data version 10, broadcast to dealers via GM Access on September 29, 2003, and on TIS 2000 beginning with CD-ROM version 10, scheduled for mailing to dealers on October 3, 2003.

1. Follow normal Service Programming System (SPS) procedure to reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the new calibration (P/N 12589173).
2. Program the PCM using the TIS 2000 data version 10, broadcast via GM Access on September 29, 2003, or TIS-2000 CD-ROM version 10, scheduled for mailing to dealers on October 3, 2003. Refer to up-to-date Techline equipment user instructions.
3. Install the GM Identification Label.

Place a Recall Identification Label on each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Program Bulletin. Each label provides a space to include the program number and the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the program service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen.

Put the Program Identification Label on a clean and dry surface of the radiator core support in an area that will be visible to people servicing the vehicle. When installing the Program Identification Label, be sure to pull the tab to allow the adhesion of the clear protective covering. Additional Program Identification Labels for IPC dealers can be obtained from your Regional Marketing Office.

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 Program Claim with the information indicated below.

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

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 suggested dealer letter.

All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this program MUST be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this program bulletin BEFORE customers take possession of these vehicles.

Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this program at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, through November 30, 2005.

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 customer letter accompanying this bulletin. Program 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 program enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service prior to November 30, 2005, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the program correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

Dear General Motors Customer:

This notice is sent to inform you that General Motors is conducting a voluntary customer satisfaction program that affects certain 2003 model year Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana 3500 Series vans equipped with a 4.10 rear axle ratio and LT245/75R16E tires.

We have learned that your vehicle may have the potential to reach speeds that may cause the drive shaft to fracture. If the drive shaft fractures, a loss of power to the rear wheels will occur and the vehicle will coast to a stop.

To prevent this condition from occurring, your GM dealer will reprogram the speed limiter in the powertrain control module. This service will be performed for you at no charge until November 30, 2005.

We recommend that you contact your dealer to arrange a service date. Presenting the attached card to your dealer will assist in making the necessary correction in the shortest possible time. If you no longer own this vehicle, please check the appropriate box and provide the new owner information, if available.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, just contact your dealer or your Customer Assistance Center.

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

We sincerely regret any inconvenience or concern that this situation may cause you. We want you to know that we will do our best, throughout your ownership experience, to ensure that your GM vehicle provides you many miles of enjoyable driving.

General Motors Corporation

Enclosure