Service VME - Timing Belt Update

When servicing the vehicle with the VIN you entered, the following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the described symptoms.

The purpose of this update is to address the timing belt and marks used on the 1997-98 3.0L L81 Catera engine. Some technicians have noticed that the technician aid timing reference marks do not line up when installed.

The cause is some timing belts in the 1997-1998 Program Kit part number 55352000 are mismarked. These belts will have a date code about 42 K 010702. If a technician has a belt with this date code, he should return it to SPO. In order to make the repair, the technician should install and individual service belt part number 90530599 with a date code about 46 Q 050702. The double white mark should line up with a tooth, not the valley between two teeth. GMPT wants to emphasize that the physical dimensions on the timing belt have been confirmed and should have 225 teeth. Only the technician aid marks are mislocated. The timing belt tools (required) that are used in the timing procedure, it is entirely possible to use a mismarked belt. Remember that these marks are technician aid only and will be gone after approximately 100 miles of service.

Please follow this diagnosis process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed. If these steps do not resolve the condition, please contact GM TAC for further diagnostic assistance. This diagnostic approach was developed for the vehicle with the VIN you entered and should not be automatically be used for other vehicles with similar symptoms.