Customer Satisfaction - No Wheel Movement in Snow or Slippery Surfaces (Reprogram TCM) (Canada Only)

Some customers may comment on their vehicle becoming stuck in snow or on a slippery surface in which the wheels will not spin. This condition may occur more frequently on grades where poor traction conditions exist.

This condition may occur when the driver causes a rapid wheel deceleration by stepping on the brake pedal and locking the wheels or when the road surface causes a similar rapid wheel deceleration when the driver lifts his/her foot off the throttle from a wheel spinning condition. The rapid wheel deceleration may invoke a drive belt protection algorithm for the subsequent re-launch. As a result of the protection algorithm, the transaxle ratio can move away from an Underdrive (1st gear) position and move towards a gear ratio position similar to a typical 2nd or 3rd gear ratio. With subsequent attempts to move the vehicle in slippery conditions, it is possible to achieve a ratio in which the wheels will not spin.

Retailers are to reprogram the TCM with a new calibration following the procedure outlined in this bulletin.

The new TCM calibration will improve the capability of the transaxle to recover an Underdrive ratio after becoming stuck. Moving the gear selector to the Park ("P") position or turning the vehicle off and restarting the vehicle will return the transaxle to the proper operation. Performing this step will allow the wheels to spin and provide the ability to move the vehicle from this condition.

Important: It is important to communicate to the owner that in the event their vehicle experiences a condition where the wheels will not spin, the following maneuver will restore the transaxle to the proper operation within two to three seconds.

Involved are all 2003-2004 SATURN VUE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH VT25E (VTi) TRANSAXLE (RPO M75/M16).

Important: Retailers should confirm vehicle eligibility through GMVIS (GM Vehicle Inquiry System) prior to beginning recall repairs.

For retailers with involved vehicles, a Campaign Initiation Detail Report containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data has been prepared and is being furnished to involved retailers. Retailers that have no involved vehicles currently assigned will not receive a Campaign Initiation Detail Report.

The Campaign Initiation Detail Report may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose other than follow-up necessary to complete this program is a violation of law in several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the follow-up necessary to complete this program.

Reprogram the TCM with the updated calibration established from the service matrix listed in this bulletin. Use Saturn Service Stall (SSS) software release TIS 12/2004 or higher data CD.

TCM CALIBRATION REPROGRAM PROCEDURE

1. Connect the Tech 2 scan tool and Saturn Service Stall System to the vehicle.
2. Using the vehicle application and VIN listed in the service matrix, select the proper replacement calibration and program calibration into the TCM.
3. For reprogramming procedures, refer to the Service Programming System (SPS) in the SSS User's Guide.

CALIBRATION INFORMATION

Program the correct TCM calibrations based on the application. Refer to the table below:

Submit a Product Recall Claim with the information indicated below.

Refer to the General Motors Claims Processing Manual for details on Product Recall Claim Submission.

Customers will be notified of this recall on their vehicles by General Motors (see copy of customer letter included with this bulletin).

All unsold new vehicles in retailers' possession and subject to this program MUST be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this recall bulletin BEFORE customers take possession of these vehicles.

Retailers are to service all vehicles subject to this program at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.

Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the retailer listing, are to be contacted by the retailer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. This could be done by mailing to such customers a copy of the customer letter accompanying this bulletin. Recall follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.

In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this program enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your retail facility for service prior in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the program correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

Dear Saturn Owner:

This notice is sent to inform you that Saturn is conducting a voluntary customer satisfaction program that affects certain model year 2003-2004 Saturn VUE vehicles.

We have learned that some customers may comment on their vehicle becoming stuck in snow or on a slippery surface in which the wheels will not spin. This condition may occur when the driver causes a rapid wheel deceleration by stepping on the brake pedal and locking the wheels or when the road surface causes a similar rapid wheel deceleration when the driver lifts his/her foot off the throttle from a wheel spinning condition.

To improve the capability of the transaxle to recover under these conditions, Saturn retailers will reprogram the transmission control module (TCM) with a new calibration package. This service will be performed for you at no charge .

You may be contacted by a Retailer other than the Retailer who sold or is currently servicing your vehicle. Please be advised that you may take your vehicle to the Saturn facility of your choice to have the recall service work completed. Please contact your Saturn Retailer as soon as possible to arrange a service date.

If parts are required, ask your Retailer for details regarding their availability. If parts are not in stock, they can be ordered before scheduling your service date.

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

We are sorry to cause you this inconvenience; however, we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.

Customer Support Department

04107