INTERMITTENT NO CRANK DURING COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES

SUBJECT: Intermittent No Crank During Cold Ambient Temperatures (Replace --------------------------------------------------------------- Theft Deterrent Relay) ----------------------

MODELS AFFECTED: 1997 Saturns built before and including VIN VZ259806 ----------------------------------------------------

CONDITION: Vehicles that are subjected to cold ambient temperatures of 0 C (32 F) or lower for extended periods of time may intermittently exhibit a no crank condition.

IMPORTANT: The no crank condition applicable to this specific condition is categorized as a no click, no crank condition, causing a no start.

CAUSE: The theft deterrent relay is a component of the ignition switch crank circuit on vehicles built with and without remote keyless entry/Saturn security system (RKE/SSS) content. When the relay is grounded, and the ignition switch is turned to the crank mode, the relay is energized and the contacts close. Battery voltage is then supplied to the starter solenoid. If the vehicle has been subjected to cold ambient temperatures of 0 * C (32 * F) or lower, the coil may not energize, causing the contacts to stay open. If the contacts stay open, a no click, no crank condition will result, causing a no start condition.

IMPORTANT: Theft deterrent relays on vehicles equipped with RKE/SSS content are grounded through the RKE/SSS module in disarm mode. Theft deterrent relays on vehicles not equipped with RKE/SSS content are grounded through the left body splice pack.

CORRECTION

If the condition is verified as cold temperature related, refer to the following procedure and inspect the theft deterrent relay date code located on the side of the relay body, opposite the electrical diagram on the relay. If the date code is 6119 or lower, replace the theft deterrent relay with a theft deterrent relay manufactured with a date code of 6120 or higher.

IMPORTANT: There are two rows of numbers on the theft deterrent relay. The date code is the top row, four-digit code. The date code is written in the Julian date format. (6=Year Manufactured, 119= Day of Year Manufactured.)

Example: 6119

PROCEDURE

1. Remove theft deterrent relay. (Refer to "Starter Relay" under "Starter Service Procedures" in the "Starting/Charging" section of the "1997 Electrical Service Manual.")

IMPORTANT- The theft deterrent relay is called the starter relay in the Saturn service manual.

2. Inspect date code on the theft deterrent relay. If it is 6119 or lower, replace the theft deterrent relay. If the date code is 6120 or later, refer to appropriate No Start diagnosis procedures in the appropriate service manual.

3. Install theft deterrent relay. (Refer to "Starter Relay" under "Starter Service Procedures" in the "Starting/Charging" section of the "1997 Electrical Service Manual.")

PARTS REQUIREMENTS: 12193601 Relay-Theft Deterrent

CLAIM INFORMATION: To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System as follows:

Labor Case Operation Type Description Code Time ---- ----------------------------- --------- ------- VW Replace Theft Deterrent Relay T9739 0.3 hrs

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.