This Oldsmobile Management Bulletin is being issued to supplement Dealer Technical Bulletin 85-T-58 dated January 13, 1988, 85-T-58A dated April 1988, 85-T-58B dated July 1988, and 88-T-1 39 dated May 1989 for repair of temporary reduction of power steering assist when cold.
Some Oldsmobile models (as listed above) equipped with power steering may exhibit a temporary reduction of power steering assist when the vehicle is started cold. After a short period of engine operation, full assist is restored. Also involved are the 1988 models of the above vehicles for Start of Production through the following VIN breakpoints:
Model Model Name Plant Through and Including ----- ---------- ----- --------------------- "J" Firenza Leeds JK308724
"N" Cutlass Calais Lansing JM248595
"A" Cutlass Ciera/ Framingham JG306227 Cruiser Oshawa #1 J9365964 Ste. Therese J2337334
"H" Eighty-Eight Wentzville J1830515 Willow Run JW365319
"C" Ninety-Eight Wentzville J1327171 Orion J4331110
"E" Toronado/ Hamtramck JU306708 Trofeo
Those Firenza models equipped with manual steering are not involved with this special policy.
Refer to Service ALERT 92-6, and Dealer Technical Bulletins 85-T-58, 85-T-58A & B, & 88-T-1 39.
The Seal Service Kit (Part Number 26010340) is intended for use with gears that have an aluminum surfaced bore in the valve housing.
PRIOR AUTHORIZATION IS REQUIRED FOR INSTALLATION OF SHORT GEAR ASSEMBLY.
In the unlikely event the Seal Service Kit does not correct the condition, installation of a short gear assembly may be necessary.
To ensure parts are obtained as soon as possible, order them from GM Service Parts Operations (GMSPO) on a C.I.O. order, with No special instruction Code, but order on an advise code 2. Use the following part numbers:
Quantity Per Description Part Number Vehicle ----------- ----------- ------------ Seal Service Kk 26010340 1
All Steering Gears replaced under the terms of Dealer Technical Bulletins 85-T-58A & B and 88-T-139 must be returned to Saginaw Division. Follow the procedures as listed in GM Service Parts Operation Bulletins 86-117, 87-161 and 88-48 as outlined below:
Gears are to be returned with dealer normal exchange return.
A copy of the repair order with the VIN and Labor Operation must be included.
Dealer code must be included.
"Special Policy Adjustment" is to be noted in the body of the PC659.
Gear is to be returned in the original carton with all plugs installed.
Gears are to be returned weekly.
Normal prepaid transportation will be credited to dealer's account.
The special policy covered the condition described above for a period of five (5) years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurred first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service regardless of owner- ship.
------------- Customer claims for reimbursement of reasonable charges for previously paid repairs to correct a temporary reduction of power steering assist when cold condition, are to be submitted using Labor Operation T4624 and trouble code 92. Total reimbursement amount requested should be shown in the sublet col- umn. Do not list parts or labor. Zone authorization is NOT required.
Claims must be supported by documentation that reasonably:
1. Discloses the associated repair expenses incurred to correct a temporary reduction of power steering assist when cold condition.
2. Identifies the entity or person who performed the repairs.
3. Identifies the date of such repairs.
4. Discloses the amount of unreimbursed repair expenses actually paid by the owner. Owners must provide original or certified receipts that are to be retained in the dealer files.
Claims for customer reimbursement on previously paid repairs are to be submitted according to the Warranty Claim Information Instructions. Use the "Owner Reimbursement" labor operation and list all owner expenses concerning previous repairs in the net items column of the warranty claim.
Should instances occur where owners requesting reimbursement do not have proper documentation, or the dealer considers the owners repair expense to be abnormally high, dealers should contact their zone personnel for a review of the owners request.
Submit a Warranty Claim with the following information:
"T" Operation Numbers T4622 and T4623 should be used only for vehicles within the stated policy. Repairs beyond the stated policy period should be claimed using the Labor Operation Numbers as applicable:
E9720 Gear Assembly R and R with appropriate S.T. not to exceed seal kit installation times.
E9730 Gear Assembly Short Replace.
Install Seal Service Kit Only, T4622:
MODEL YEAR LABOR HOURS ---------- ----------- Firenza Cutlass Cutlass Eighty- Ninety- Toronado/ Calais Ciera Eight Eight Trofeo
V6 Other V6 Other ALL ALL ALL ALL 1986-87 4.1 3.5 4.1 3.6 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.6 1988 - 3.5 4.1 3.6 3.1 2.8 2.8 3.4
Install Gear Kit, Steering Remove and Replace, ("Short Gear"), T4623*
MODEL YEAR LABOR HOURS ---------- ----------- Firenza Cutlass Cutlass Eighty- Ninety- Toronado/ Calais Ciera Eight Eight Trofeo
V6 Other V6 Other ALL ALL ALL ALL 1986-87 3.2 2.6 3.3 2.8 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.9 1988 - 2.6 3.3 2.8 2.3 2.0 2.0 1.9
*This "T" Operation is to be used only in the unlikely event the Seal Service Kit does not correct the condition. PRIOR ZONE AUTHORIZATION IS REQUIRED.
o Use Trouble Code (92) with both of the above "T" operations.
o Parts Allowance: Current dealer list price of applicable Kit plus 30%.
o Power steering fluid allowance may be applied in the usual manner.
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.