Special Policy 00032 - Spark Plug Wire Failure

Some customers of 1998 and 1999 model year Chevrolet Cavalier, Pontiac Sunfire cars and Chevrolet S10, GMC Sonoma trucks, equipped with 2.2L L4 (RPO LN2 -- VIN Code 4) engine, may experience illumination of the Service Engine Soon (SES) light and code P0300 (general misfire), with driveability complaints of engine misfire, rough idle and hesitation. The cause of this condition may be improperly seated boots or loose spark plug wire terminals as a result of spark plug wire side loading, especially at the #2 and #3 wire connections.

This special policy covers the spark plug wire failure condition described above for a period of 7 years or 70,000 miles (112,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

Involved are certain 1998 and 1999 model year Chevrolet Cavalier, Pontiac Sunfire cars and Chevrolet S10, GMC Sonoma trucks, equipped with 2.2L L4 (RPO LN2-VIN Code 4) and built within the following VIN breakpoints:

Parts required to complete this Special Policy are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO).

Customers will be notified of this Special Policy on their vehicles by General Motors (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin -- actual divisional letter may vary slightly).

Refer to the appropriate Service Manual for Engine Driveability Diagnostics and Spark Plug Wire Replacement.

Important: The #2 and #3 spark plug wire positions are more susceptible to side loading conditions and are typically the only wires needing replacement.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, submit a claim with the information indicated below:

Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct spark plug wire failures are to be submitted prior to or by May 31, 2002, (this time limitation may be longer depending upon the law in your state/province/country). Repairs must have occurred within the 7 years of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, or 70,000 miles (112,000 km), whichever occurs first.

When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:

Customers from the States of California, Connecticut, Virginia, and Wisconsin must submit requests for reimbursement directly to (Divisions) per instructions in the owner letter.

If the work was done by someone other than a GM dealership, the amount of reimbursement will be limited to the amount that the repair would have cost GM to have it completed by a GM dealership.

Previously paid charges for diagnosis and/or replacement of other parts directed at repairing this condition will not be considered for reimbursement

Dear <<Division(s)>> Customer:

As the owner of a 1998 or 1999 model year Chevrolet Cavalier or Pontiac Sunfire car, Chevrolet S10 or GMC Sonoma truck, equipped with a 2.2L 4-cylinder engine, your satisfaction with our product is very important to use. Your vehicle was provided with a new vehicle warranty, which covers certain parts of your vehicle for a specified period. These warranties are of considerable value to you if you should experience problems with your vehicle.

This letter is intended to make you aware that some 1998 and 1999 model year Chevrolet Cavalier, Pontiac Sunfire car and Chevrolet S10 and GMC Sonoma truck, equipped with 2.2L 4-cylinder engine, may experience illumination of the Service Engine Soon (SES) light, engine misfire, rough idle and hesitation. These conditions may be due to spark plug wire failure. The cause of this condition may be improperly seated and loose spark plug wire terminals.

To address the above mentioned condition, General Motors is providing owners with special warranty coverage. If this condition occurs on your 1998 or 1999 model year Chevrolet Cavalier, Pontiac Sunfire car or Chevrolet S10, GMC Sonoma truck within 7 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 70,000 miles (112,000 km), whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge. Other conditions that may cause similar or different driveability complaints, or cause a Service Engine Soon light illumination, that are not a result of the spark plug wire failure, are NOT covered by this special policy. Any repairs that would be necessary due to other conditions would be your responsibility, if you elect to have your dealer provide the service.

This is not a recall campaign. Do not take your vehicle to your <Division> dealer as a result of this letter unless you believe that your vehicle has the condition as described above.

If you have already paid for some or all of the cost to have the spark plug wires replaced and your in-service time and mileage was less than 7 years and 70,000 miles (112,000 km), you should contact your dealer to seek reimbursement. Please provide your dealer with your original paid receipts or invoices verifying the repair, the amount charged, proof of payment, the date of payment of those charges, and proof of ownership of the vehicle at the time of the repair. Your request for reimbursement, including the information and documents mentioned above, must be received by your dealer by May 31, 2002.

If you have already paid for some or all of the cost to have the spark plug wires replaced and your in-service time and mileage was less than 7 years and 70,000 miles (112,000 km), you should write to <Divisional specific address> to seek reimbursement. Please provide your original paid receipts or invoices verifying the repair, the amount charged, proof of payment, the date of payment of those charges, and proof of ownership of the vehicle at the time of the repair. This information must be provided within two (2) years after the date on which you paid for the repair.

Repairs and adjustments qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a <Division> dealer. You may want to call the service department at the dealer to find out how long they will need to have your vehicle so that you may schedule the appointment at a time that is convenient for you. This will also allow your dealer to order parts if they are not already in stock. Keep this letter with your other important glovebox literature for future reference.

Should your dealer be unable to schedule a service date within a reasonable amount of time, you should contact the appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below:

We are sorry for any inconvenience you may experience; however we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.

<Division(s)>

General Motors Corporation