Special Policy Adjustment-02018-Cam Drive Idler and Tensioner Pulleys and Water Pump

Some owners of 1997 and 1998 Cadillac Catera model vehicles equipped with a 3.0L (RPO L81 - VIN Code R) V6 engine may experience failures of the cam drive timing belt, idler and tensioner pulleys and/or water pump. This condition may result in engine damage or failure.

This special policy covers the condition described above for a period of 7 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. If the condition occurs, repairs needed to correct it 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 May 31, 2002 are covered by this special policy and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to May 31, 2002 must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

Involved are all 1997 and 1998 Cadillac Catera model vehicles equipped with a 3.0L (RPO L81 - VIN Code R) V6 engine. Beginning and ending VINs are listed below:

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

Customers will be notified of the special policy on their vehicles by General Motors (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin -- actual divisional letter may vary slightly).

Refer to the Service Manual.

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

Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the cam drive timing belt, idler and tensioner pulleys, and/or water pump are to be submitted prior to or by June 30, 2004, (this time limitation may be longer depending upon the law in your state/province/country). Repairs must have occurred within the 7 years of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

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

Customers from the States of California, Connecticut, Virginia, and Wisconsin must submit requests for reimbursement directly to (Divisions) per instructions in the owner letter.

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.

Dear Cadillac Customer:

As the owner of a 1997 or 1998 Cadillac Catera model vehicle, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us. Your vehicle was provided with a new vehicle warranty, which covers certain parts of your vehicle for a specified period. These warranties are of considerable value to you if you should experience problems with your vehicle.

This letter is intended to make you aware that some owners of 1997 and 1998 Cadillac Catera model vehicles may experience failures of the engine camshaft drive timing belt, idler and tensioner pulleys, and/or water pump. This condition may result in engine damage or failure.

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

If this condition occurs on your 1997 or 1998 Cadillac Catera within 7 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge .

Repairs and adjustments qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a General Motors dealer. You may want to call the service department at your dealer to find out how long they will need to have your vehicle so that you may schedule the appointment at a time that is a convenient time for you. This will also allow your dealer to order parts if they are not already in stock. Keep this letter with your other important glovebox literature for future reference.

If you have already paid for some or all of the cost to have the cam drive timing belt, idler and tensioner pulleys and/or water pump replaced and/or the engine repaired as a result of cam drive and or water pump failures, and you have not received reimbursement under a Vehicle Service Contract, and the in-service time and mileage was less than 7 years and 100,000 miles, you should contact your dealer to seek reimbursement. Please provide your dealer 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 by June 30, 2004.

If you have already paid for some or all of the cost to have the cam drive timing belt, idler and tensioner pulleys and/or water pump replaced and/or the engine repaired as a result of cam drive and or water pump failures, and you have not received reimbursement under a Vehicle Service Contract, and the in-service time and mileage was less than 7 years and 100,000 miles, you should write to Cadillac Motor Division, P.O. Box 33169, Detroit, Michigan 48232-5169 to seek reimbursement. Please provide 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. This information must be provided within two (2) years after the date on which you paid for the repair.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, must contact your dealer or the appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below:

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.

General Motors Corporation

Enclosure