COLD STARTABILITY BELOW -10F STARTING PROCEDURE

Model and Year 1985 SPECTRUM WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TO: ALL CHEVROLET DEALERS

Customer comments of hard starting or no start conditions at very cold temperatures may be due to a slow cranking electric starter or to improper starting procedures.

Where low cranking speeds are determined to be the cause of poor startability conditions, a new starter should be installed. The new electric starter, P/N 94141664, is rated at .8 KW replacing the original starter rated at .6 KW. The VIN breakpoint for the new starter is F8425905.

The recommended starting procedure has been revised to include provisions for very cold weather conditions (below -10 DEG F or -23 DEG C.) At these temperatures, the operator should perform the following:

1. Before cranking the engine, fully push down the accelerator pedal three (3) times and slowly release it.

2. Push down the accelerator pedal to 1/3 of its travel and hold. Crank the engine by turning the ignition key clockwise to "START". To prevent the engine from stopping after it starts, it may be necessary to release the accelerator pedal slowly for ten (10) seconds from 1/3 of its travel to normal idle. Additional warm-up time may be required to avoid the engine stopping upon shifting into gear. If the engine starts but fails to run, repeat Step #2.

NOTICE:Do not crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 15 to 30 seconds before trying again. This will prevent damage to the starter.

Use applicable labor operation for starter replacement.

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.