CAMPAIGN: REAR AXLE OIL LEVEL LOW. GMC Truck Sonoma Pickup

IMPORTANT: CANADIAN VERSION OF 98053 IS LOCATED BELOW THE U.S. VERSION ______________________________________________________________________

PRODUCT CAMPAIGNS 98053 OCTOBER, 1998

PRODUCT RECALL CAMPAIGN

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN

SUBJECT: 98053 - REAR AXLE OIL LEVEL LOW

MODELS: 1998 CHEVROLET AND GMC S/T PICKUPS AND UTILITIES BUILT AT LINDEN ASSEMBLY PLANT

GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT CERTAIN 1998 CHEVROLET AND GMC S/T PICKUP AND UTILITY MODEL VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH LOW LEVELS OF REAR AXLE OIL. VEHICLES THAT GENERATE HEAVY AXLE BEARING LOADS FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME MAY EXHIBIT AN OVERHEAT CONDITION OF THE REAR AXLE OIL, RESULTING IN A NOTICEABLE "BURNT LUBE" ODOR. IF THE OPERATOR WERE TO IGNORE THIS WARNING AND THE AXLE BEARING LOADS WERE MAINTAINED, INCREASED THROTTLE MAY BE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN A CONSTANT SPEED DUE TO THE INCREASED AXLE FRICTION. IF THE OPERATOR IGNORED THESE WARNINGS AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE, AXLE DAMAGE COULD OCCUR.

TO PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS CONDITION OCCURRING, DEALERS ARE TO INSPECT THE LEVEL OF THE REAR AXLE OIL, AND IF NECESSARY, FILL TO THE PROPER LEVEL.

VEHICLES INVOLVED

INVOLVED ARE CERTAIN 1998 CHEVROLET AND GMC S/T PICKUP AND UTILITY MODEL VEHICLES BUILT AT LINDEN ASSEMBLY PLANT AND BUILT WITHIN THE FOLLOWING VIN BREAKPOINTS:

YEAR DIVISION MODEL PLANT CODE FROM THROUGH

1998 CHEVROLET S/T LINDEN "K" WK233449 WK243332 1998 GMC S/T LINDEN "K" WK520252 WK521433

IMPORTANT: 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

PARTS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THIS CAMPAIGN ARE TO BE OBTAINED FROM GENERAL MOTORS SERVICE PARTS OPERATIONS (GMSPO). PLEASE REFER TO YOUR "INVOLVED VEHICLES LISTING" PRIOR TO ORDERING REQUIREMENTS. NORMAL ORDERS SHOULD BE PLACED ON A DRO = DAILY REPLENISHMENT ORDER. AN EMERGENCY REQUIREMENT SHOULD BE ORDERED ON A CSO = CUSTOMER SPECIAL ORDER.

PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION QUANTITY/ VEHICLE

1052271 LUBE - SAE 80W90 AS NEEDED

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. RAISE THE VEHICLE AND SUITABLY SUPPORT REAR AXLE TO SIMULATE IN CAR POSITION/CURB HEIGHT.

2. REMOVE REAR AXLE FILL PLUG AND CHECK FLUID LEVEL. IF THE LEVEL IS WITHIN 9.5 MM (3/8 INCH) OF THE FILL HOLE, NO ADDITIONAL FLUID IS REQUIRED. PROCEED TO STEP 5. IF THE FLUID LEVEL IS MORE THAN 9.5 MM (3/8 INCH) BELOW THE FILL HOLE, FILL TO WITHIN 9.5 MM (3/8 INCH) OF THE FILL HOLE.

3. INSTALL THE FILL PLUG AND TORQUE TO 35 NM (26 LBS. FT.).

4. LOWER THE VEHICLE

5. INSTALL THE GM CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL.

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 PULL THE TAB TO ALLOW ADHESION OF 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:

PART FAILED PARTS LABOR LABOR NET REPAIR PERFORMED COUNT PART NO. ALLOW CC-FC OP * HOURS ITEM

INSPECT OIL LEVEL (INCLUDES FILL IF NECESSARY) 0 --- N/A MA-96 V0255 0.3 **

* FOR CAMPAIGN ADMINISTRATIVE ALLOWANCE, ADD 0.1 HOURS TO THE "LABOR HOURS".

OF THE CURRENT GMSPO DEALER NET PRICE PLUS 40% FOR ACTUAL AMOUNT OF LUBE ** THE AMOUNT IDENTIFIED IN THE "NET ITEM" COLUMN SHOULD REPRESENT THE SUM TOTAL NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REQUIRED REPAIRS, NOT TO EXCEED $5.83.

REFER TO THE GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION CLAIMS PROCESSING MANUAL FOR DETAILS ON PRODUCT CAMPAIGN CLAIM SUBMISSION.

FIGURES: 0

GM 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 DEALER/RETAILER FOR INFORMATION ON WHETHER YOUR VEHICLE MAY BENEFIT FROM THE INFORMATION.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

98053

(SAMPLE OF NOTIFICATION USED)

OCTOBER, 1998

DEAR CHEVROLET/GMC 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 1998 CHEVROLET AND GMC S/T PICKUP AND UTILITY MODEL VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH LOW LEVELS OF REAR AXLE OIL. VEHICLES THAT GENERATE HEAVY AXLE BEARING LOADS FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME MAY EXHIBIT AN OVERHEAT CONDITION OF THE REAR AXLE OIL, RESULTING IN A NOTICEABLE "BURNT LUBE" ODOR. IF THE OPERATOR WERE TO IGNORE THIS WARNING AND THE AXLE BEARING LOADS WERE MAINTAINED, INCREASED THROTTLE MAY BE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN A CONSTANT SPEED DUE TO THE INCREASED AXLE FRICTION. IF THE OPERATOR IGNORED THESE WARNINGS AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE, AXLE DAMAGE COULD OCCUR.

WHAT WILL BE DONE: TO PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS CONDITION OCCURRING, YOUR DEALER WILL INSPECT THE LEVEL OF THE REAR AXLE OIL, AND IF NECESSARY, FILL TO THE PROPER LEVEL. 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 APPROPRIATE CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT THE LISTED NUMBER BELOW:

DIVISION

NUMBER DEAF, HEARING IMPAIRED OR SPEECH IMPAIRED *

CHEVROLET 1-800-222-1020 1-800-833-2438

GMC 1-800-462-8782 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.

CHEVROLET/PONTIAC-GMC DIVISION GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION

********************************************************************** CANADIAN VERSION ********************************************************************** PRODUCT CAMPAIGNS 98053 OCTOBER 1998

PRODUCT RECALL CAMPAIGN

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN

SUBJECT: CAMPAIGN 98053 REAR AXLE OIL LEVEL LOW

MODELS: 1998 CHEVROLET AND GMC S/T PICKUPS AND UTILITIES BUILT AT LINDEN ASSEMBLY PLANT

DEFECT INVOLVED

GENERAL MOTORS OF CANADA LIMITED HAS DECIDED THAT CERTAIN 1998 CHEVROLET AND GMC S/T PICKUP AND UTILITY MODEL VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH LOW LEVELS OF REAR AXLE OIL. VEHICLES THAT GENERATE HEAVY AXLE BEARING LOADS FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME MAY EXHIBIT AN OVERHEAT CONDITION OF THE REAR AXLE OIL, RESULTING IN A NOTICEABLE "BURNT LUBE" ODOUR. IF THE OPERATOR WERE TO IGNORE THIS WARNING AND THE AXLE BEARING LOADS WERE MAINTAINED, INCREASED THROTTLE MAY BE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN A CONSTANT SPEED DUE TO THE INCREASED AXLE FRICTION. IF THE OPERATOR IGNORED THESE WARNINGS AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE, AXLE DAMAGE COULD OCCUR.

TO PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS CONDITION OCCURRING, DEALERS ARE TO INSPECT THE LEVEL OF THE REAR AXLE OIL, AND IF NECESSARY, FILL TO THE PROPER LEVEL.

VEHICLES INVOLVED

INVOLVED ARE CERTAIN 1998 CHEVROLET AND GMC S/T PICKUP AND UTILITY MODEL VEHICLES BUILT AT LINDEN ASSEMBLY PLANT AND BUILT WITHIN THE FOLLOWING VIN BREAKPOINTS:

YEAR DIVISION MODEL PLANT CODE FROM THROUGH

1998 CHEVROLET S/T LINDEN "K" WK233449 WK243332 1998 GMC S/T LINDEN "K" WK520252 WK521433

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.

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

PARTS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THIS CAMPAIGN ARE TO BE OBTAINED FROM GENERAL MOTORS SERVICE PARTS OPERATIONS (GMSPO). PLEASE REFER TO YOUR "INVOLVED VEHICLES LISTING" PRIOR TO ORDERING REQUIREMENTS.

PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION QUANTITY/VEHICLE

10950849 LUBE - SAE 80W90 AS NEEDED

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.

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. RAISE THE VEHICLE AND SUITABLY SUPPORT REAR AXLE TO SIMULATE IN-CAR POSITION/CURB HEIGHT.

2. REMOVE REAR AXLE FILL PLUG AND CHECK FLUID LEVEL.

IF THE LEVEL IS WITHIN 9.5 MM (3/8 INCH) OF THE FILL HOLE, NO ADDITIONAL FLUID IS REQUIRED. PROCEED TO STEP 5.

IF THE FLUID LEVEL IS MORE THAN 9.5 MM (3/8 INCH) BELOW THE FILL HOLE, FILL TO WITHIN 9.5 MM (3/8 INCH) OF THE FILL HOLE.

3. INSTALL THE FILL PLUG AND TORQUE TO 35 N M (26 LBS. FT.).

4. LOWER THE VEHICLE

5. INSTALL CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL.

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.

INSERT CAMPAIGN NUMBER

INSERT DEALER CODE

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:

PART FAILED PARTS LABOR LABOR NET REPAIR PERFORMED COUNT PART NO. ALLOW CC-FC OP * HOURS ITEM

INSPECT OIL LEVEL (INCLUDES FILL IF NECESSARY) --- --- N/A MA-96 V0255 0.3 **

* FOR CAMPAIGN ADMINISTRATIVE ALLOWANCE, ADD 0.1 HOURS TO THE "LABOUR HOURS".

** THE AMOUNT IDENTIFIED IN THE "NET ITEM" COLUMN SHOULD REPRESENT THE SUM TOTAL OF THE CURRENT GMSPO DEALER NET PRICE PLUS 40% FOR ACTUAL AMOUNT OF LUBE NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REQUIRED REPAIRS, NOT TO EXCEED $5.29.

REFER TO THE GENERAL MOTORS CLAIMS PROCESSING MANUAL FOR DETAILS ON PRODUCT CAMPAIGN CLAIM SUBMISSION.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION