Special Coverage Adjustment - Fuel Tank Cap

Some customers of 2004-05 Saturn VUE model vehicles may experience a condition where the fuel tank cap won’t tighten properly, or the fuel tank cap won’t come off, or is broken. These conditions may also cause the illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).

This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles (193,000 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.

For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after October 29, 2007 are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to October 29, 2007 must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

Involved are all 2004-05 Saturn VUE vehicles and built within the following VIN breakpoints:

Parts required to complete this special coverage are to be obtained from General Motors Service and Parts Operations (GMSPO).

Parts required to complete this special coverage are to be obtained from Saturn Service and Parts Operations (SSPO).

General Motors will notify customers of this special coverage on their vehicles (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin - actual divisional letter may vary slightly).

Customers may inform technicians that the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) or Service Engine Soon (SES) light is on and/or the fuel cap cannot be tightened or removed.

Notice: The DTC diagnostic labor time for this Special Coverage covers evaporative code diagnosis related to defective fuel caps. Additional diagnostic time related to other problems (purge valve, fuel tank, etc.) are not covered by this Special Coverage and is the responsibility of the owner.

Replacing Broken Fuel Cap

1. Remove the fuel cap tether from the fuel filler pocket or fuel filler door.
2. Remove the fuel cap from the fuel filler.



3. If the fuel cap cannot be removed, remove the fuel cap ratcheting cover by releasing the four (4) tabs holding the cap cover to the lugged sealing base.



4. Position the radiator hose removal tool or similar type tool between the black cover and white inside body, and pry the cover over the retaining tab by rotating the tool counter clockwise. Repeat, if necessary, on the 3 other locations around the cover.



5. Remove the white fuel cap base from the filler pipe by rotating the fuel cap base counter clockwise.
6. Install the new fuel filler cap and secure the tether to the fuel filler pocket or filler door.

DTC P0455 - (Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Large Leak Detected)

Diagnostic Aids: P0455 diagnostics is checking for a large leak in the EVAP system. Examples of conditions that may contribute to this code setting are: loose or broken fuel cap, disconnected or cracked EVAP lines, cracked charcoal canister, sticking purge or vent solenoids, inaccurate fuel gauge, etc.

DTC P0442 - (Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Small Leak Detected)

Diagnostic Aids: P0442 diagnostics is checking for a 0.5mm (0.020 in) sized hole in the EVAP system. Examples of conditions which may cause this type leak could include: cracked EVAP lines, cracked charcoal canister, a cut or dirty fuel cap seal, debris on the purge or vent solenoid internal seals, loose fuel lines, etc. Refer to Fuel Cap Inspection for P0442.

Fuel Cap Inspection for P0442

1. Inspect the green sealing ring (1) on fuel cap for debris or cuts which could cause a small EVAP leak.



2. Inspect filler neck sealing surface (1) for gouges or dents produced by accident or fuel nozzle damage.
3. Diagnose P0442 - Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Small Leak Detected DTC. Refer to DTC P0442 - Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Small Leak Detected Diagnostics in the Diagnostics Information and Procedures Section of SI for the appropriate vehicle.

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

1. To receive credit, submit a claim with the information below:

* The parts allowance should be the sum total of the current SSPO retailer net price plus 40% of all parts required for the repair.

2. Check your Saturn SERVICELINE.XL Claim Memorandum daily. Remember to code the claim as a SP case type. Contact your field representative if you need assistance.

3. Submit courtesy transportation using normal labor operations for courtesy transportation as indicated in GM messenger bulletins SAG20060292/SAG20060295.

** Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to replace fuel tank cap.

Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct this issue are to be submitted to the dealer prior to or by November 30, 2008. Repairs must have occurred within the 10 years of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, or 200,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first.

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

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.

All customer requests for reimbursement for previous repairs for this condition are handled by submitting a reimbursement claim form directly to Saturn retailers for processing; however, if customers choose, they may file a claim through the Saturn Customer Assistance Center.

A Saturn Customer Reimbursement Procedure and Claim Form are included with the customer letter.

The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product program is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Retailers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. Saturn US retailers should refer to GM messenger bulletins SAG20060292/SAG20060295 for Courtesy Transportation guidelines. Saturn Canada retailers should refer to applicable Home Office letter on this subject.

Dear Saturn Customer:

As the owner of a 2004-05 Saturn VUE, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us.

This letter is intended to make you aware that some 2004-05 model year Saturn VUE vehicles may have a condition where the fuel tank cap won’t tighten properly, or the fuel tank cap won’t come off, or is broken. This condition may also cause the illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).

Additionally, please be aware that the fuel cap may not seal adequately to the filler neck if pushed down when being tightened. Do not apply a downward force to the fuel cap when tightening.

Do not take your vehicle to your Saturn retailer as a result of this letter unless you believe that your vehicle has the condition as described above.

What We Have Done:

General Motors is providing owners with additional protection for the fuel tank cap. If this condition occurs on your 2004-05 model year Saturn VUE within 10 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge .

What You Should Do:

Repairs and adjustments qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a Saturn retailer. You may want to call the service department at your retailer 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 retailer to order parts if they are not already in stock. Please keep this letter with your other important glove box literature for future reference.

Reimbursement:

The enclosed form explains what reimbursement is available and how to request reimbursement if you have paid for repairs for the special coverage condition. Customer requests for reimbursement are to be submitted prior to or by November 30, 2008.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, just contact your retailer or the Saturn Customer Assistance Center. The Customer Assistance Center’s hours of operation are from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, EST, Monday through Friday. They can be reached at 1-800-972-8876 (TTY 1-800-833-6000).

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.

Scott Lawson

General Director,

Customer and Relationship Services

Enclosure

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