Special Coverage - Daytime Running Lamps May Become Inoperative (Canada Only)

On some 2005-2006 model year Chevrolet Equinox, 2006 model year Pontiac Torrent, and 2002-2007 model year Saturn VUE vehicles, the daytime running lamp (DRL) resistor may crack. If water and road salt enters the crack, it could corrode the resistor. A corroded resistor could result in a loss of DRL illumination, and therefore, vehicles may be less visible to other motorists and pedestrians during daylight hours.

This bulletin covers the condition described above for a period of 7 years or 112,000 km, whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.

Dealers/retailers are to verify the condition and install a new resistor, if necessary. 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 March 31, 2008 are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labour operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to March 31, 2008 must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

Involved are certain 2005-2006 model year Chevrolet Equinox, 2006 model year Pontiac Torrent, and 2002-2007 model year Saturn VUE vehicles built within the following VIN breakpoints:

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

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

1. Verify that the DRLs are not working. If they are not, raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in SI.




Important: The DRL resistor (1) is located on the left front bumper support and may require cleaning before inspection.

2. For Chevrolet and Pontiac models, loosen the left front corner of the inner wheel liner to front fascia to gain access to the DRL resistor. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement in SI. Saturn models do not require the removal of the left front wheel or inner wheel liner to gain access to the DRL resistor (1).
3. Use a mirror and light to visually inspect the daytime running lamp resistor for cracks or corrosion.

•	If the resistor is cracked or corroded, the resistor requires replacement. Remove the resistor. Refer to Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Resistor Replacement in SI. Proceed to Step 4.

•	If the resistor appears to be in good condition, the vehicle does not have this condition. Follow normal SI diagnostics. Diagnosis and repairs for any other conditions are not covered under this program.




4. Install the new DRL resistor assembly to the left front bumper support with the washer (1) between the resistor and bumper support.
5. Tighten the new DRL resistor bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the DRL resistor bolt to 6 N·m (53 lb in). DO NOT EXCEED 6 N·m (53 lb in).

6. Connect the DRL electrical connector to the DRL resistor.
7. For Chevrolet and Pontiac models, install the left front corner of the inner wheel liner to front fascia. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement in SI. Saturn models did not require the inner wheel liner to be removed.
8. Lower the vehicle.
9. Clear any DTCs and verify the operation of the daytime running lamps.

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

Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct a corroded DRL resistor are to be submitted to the dealer/retailer prior to or by March 31, 2009. Repairs must have occurred within the 7 years of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, or 112,000 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 or Saturn retail facility, 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 or Saturn retail facility.

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. Dealers/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. GM dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.

Saturn retailers should refer to applicable Home Office letter on this subject.

Perform the following procedure in daylight hours and with the vehicle parked outside.

1. Turn the headlamp switch to the "ON" position. Ensure that you do not have your bright lights (High Beams) on.
2. Standing in front of the vehicle, check the headlamps to ensure that both the left and right bulbs are working.
3. If either bulb is not working, replace it before proceeding to Step 4.
4. Enter the vehicle and turn the headlamp switch to the "AUTO" position.
5. Place your foot on the brake pedal and release the parking/emergency brake (if it is on).
6. Start your vehicle, and with your foot still on the brake, shift your vehicle out of "PARK" while monitoring the upper left corner of the instrument cluster for the green DRL indicator lamp.



7. If the DRL lamp comes on and stays on, your DRLs are working normally and no further action is required.
8. If the DRL lamp flashes rapidly and then turns off, your DRL lamps are not working. Make an appointment with your dealer/retailer. If the resistor is cracked or corroded, your dealer/retailer will replace it at no cost to you. Diagnosis or repair for conditions other than a cracked resistor are not covered under this program.

Important: You may continue to drive your vehicle without DRLs; however, we suggest that you turn your headlamps to the ON position while driving until you have had the DRL resistor replaced.

Dear General Motors of Saturn Customer:

General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2005-2006 model year Chevrolet Equinox, 2006 model year Pontiac Torrent, and 2002-2007 model year Saturn VUE vehicles. On some of these vehicles, the daytime running lamp (DRL) resistor may crack. If water and road salt enters the crack, it could corrode the resistor. A corroded resistor could result in a loss of DRL illumination, and therefore, your vehicle may be less visible to other motorists and pedestrians during daylight hours.

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

General Motors is providing owners with additional protection for the DRL resistor. If this condition occurs on your 2005-2006 model year Chevrolet Equinox, 2006 model year Pontiac Torrent, or 2002-2007 model year Saturn VUE vehicle within 7 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 112,000 km, whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge . Diagnosis or repair for conditions other than the condition described above is not covered under this program.

We have enclosed an inspection procedure with this letter for your use and convenience. After the inspection, if you believe your vehicle has this condition, contact your GM dealer or Saturn retailer to schedule an appointment. Until you have the repair performed, we suggest that you turn your headlamps to the ‘ON’ position when you drive your vehicle. Repairs and adjustments qualifying under this program must be performed by a General Motors dealer or Saturn retailer. Keep this letter with your other important glove box literature for future reference.

This letter identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this letter to your dealer/retailer will assist their Service personnel in completing the necessary correction to your vehicle in the shortest possible time.

If you have already paid for some or all of the cost to replace a cracked or corroded DRL resistor, and you have not received reimbursement under a Vehicle Service Contract, you should contact your dealer/retailer to seek reimbursement. Please provide your dealer/retailer 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/retailer by March 31, 2009. Reimbursement will be limited to the amount the repair would have cost if completed by an authorized General Motors dealer or Saturn retailer.

We apologize for this inconvenience. However, we are concerned about your safety and continued satisfaction with our products.

Customer Support Department

08050

Encl.