Special Policy Adjustment-Windshield Wiper Motor Failures

This recall bulletin is being revised to add 1996 Blazer, S10, Jimmy, Sonoma and Bravada models. Please discard Special Policy 02054, dated February, 2003.

Some customers of 1996-1997 Chevrolet Blazer, S10 Pickup; 1995-1997 Chevrolet Astro, C/K Crew Cab; 1994-1997 C/K Pickup, Tahoe, Suburban; 1996-1997 GMC Jimmy, Sonoma; 1995-1997 GMC Safari, Sierra Crew Cab; 1994-1997 GMC Sierra Pickup, Yukon, Suburban; and 1996-1997 Oldsmobile Bravada vehicles not involved in recall 98043 may experience a windshield wiper failure due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board.

This special policy covers the 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, or for those vehicles currently outside of this coverage, until February 29, 2004. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after February 21, 2003, are covered by this special policy and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to February 21, 2003 must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

Involved are certain 1996-1997 Chevrolet Blazer, S10 Pickup; 1995-1997 Chevrolet Astro, C/K Crew Cab; 1994-1997 C/K Pickup, Tahoe, Suburban; 1996-1997 GMC Jimmy, Sonoma; 1995-1997 GMC Safari, Sierra Crew Cab; 1994-1997 GMC Sierra Pickup, Yukon, Suburban; and 1996-1997 Oldsmobile Bravada vehicles not involved in recall 98043 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 the special policy on their vehicles by General Motors (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin -- actual divisional letter may vary slightly).

1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
2. Remove the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) and disconnect the wiper motor electrical connector.



3. Remove the three screws that secure the cover to the wiper motor and remove the cover.
4. Inspect for sealant on the inside of the cover and then discard the cover and screws.

Important: If sealant was found on the old cover, it will be necessary to remove any old sealant from the motor housing in Step 6.

5. Carefully remove the module (circuit board) from the wiper motor by lifting up on the end of the module electrical connector.
6. If necessary, remove any old sealant from the wiper motor housing (refer to Step 4).

Notice: When handling the new module in the next step, be careful not to damage or bend the electrical contacts on the bottom side of the module.

7. Install the module into the wiper motor housing, making sure that the module is fully seated. When fully seated, the edges of the module circuit board will be flush (even) with the motor housing along all sides.



8. Carefully apply a bead of silicone sealant, P/N 12345739 (or GE-162 sealant of the equivalent) in the groove of the NEW cover (Figure 2). Remove any excess sealant that is outside of the groove.

Important: Only apply enough sealant to fill the groove in the cover.

9. Install the new cover on the wiper motor housing and install the three new screws.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 2.6 N·m (23 lb in).

10. Reconnect the wiper motor electrical connector to the wiper motor assembly and install the CPA.
11. Turn the ignition key to the ON position and check the wiper system for proper operation (delay/low/high/etc.).

For vehicles repaired under the terms of this special policy, submit a claim with the information indicated below:

Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct a failed wiper motor are to be submitted prior to or by February 29, 2004, (this time limitation may be longer depending upon the law in your state). Repairs must have occurred before March 14, 2003.

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 the applicable Division 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.

Dear General Motors Customer:

As the owner of a 1996 or 1997 Chevrolet Blazer or S10 Pickup; 1995, 1996 or 1997 Chevrolet Astro or C/K Crew Cab; 1994, 1995, 1996 or 1997 C/K Pickup, Tahoe, or Suburban; 1996 or 1997 GMC Jimmy or Sonoma; 1995, 1996 or 1997 GMC Safari or Sierra Crew Cab; 1994, 1995, 1996 or 1997 GMC Sierra Pickup, Yukon, or Suburban; or a 1996 or 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us. 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 1996 and 1997 Chevrolet Blazer and S10 Pickup; 1995, 1996 and 1997 Chevrolet Astro and C/K Crew Cab; 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 C/K Pickup, Tahoe, and Suburban; 1996 and 1997 GMC Jimmy and Sonoma; 1995, 1996 and 1997 GMC Safari and Sierra Crew Cab; 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 GMC Sierra Pickup, Yukon, and Suburban; and 1996 and 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada vehicles may have a windshield wiper motor that fails due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. This will cause the windshield wipers to work intermittently or not at all.

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

To address the above mentioned condition, General Motors is providing owners with special warranty coverage. If this condition occurs on your 1996 or 1997 Chevrolet Blazer or S10 Pickup; 1995, 1996 or 1997 Chevrolet Astro or C/K Crew Cab; 1994, 1995, 1996 or 1997 C/K Pickup, Tahoe, or Suburban; 1996 or 1997 GMC Jimmy or Sonoma; 1995, 1996 or 1997 GMC Safari or Sierra Crew Cab; 1994, 1995, 1996 or 1997 GMC Sierra Pickup, Yukon, or Suburban; or a 1996 or 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 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 .

Repairs and adjustments qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a General Motors dealer. You may want to call the service department at your 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 a convenient time 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.

(Statement for all states except as shown below)

If you have already paid for some or all of the cost to have your wiper motor replaced and you have not received reimbursement under a Vehicle Service Contract, and the repair was performed before March 14, 2003, 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 February 29, 2004.

(STATEMENT FOR CALIFORNIA, CONNECTICUT, VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN)

If you have already paid for some or all of the cost to have wiper motor replaced, and you have not received reimbursement under a Vehicle Service Contract, and the repair was performed before March 14, 2003, you should write to your division 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.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, must contact your dealer or 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.

General Motors Corporation

Enclosure