Customer Satisfaction 00042A - Crankshaft Harmonic Balancer Pulley Failure

This bulletin is being revised to add some 1999 model year vehicles and to correct a labor time in the "Claim Information" table. Please discard Customer Satisfaction Bulletin Number 00042, dated June, 2000.

General Motors has decided that certain 1997, 1998 and 1999 Cadillac Catera model vehicles equipped with 3.1L V6 (RPO L81-VIN Code R) engine may exhibit a condition in which the adhesive bond between the rubber hub and the metal rim of the engine crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley (torsional dampener) may fail. This may be due to high heat and humidity conditions and may result in engine failure.

Dealers are to inspect the crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley for a new part number, or the old part number with white dots, and replace the engine crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley in engines without the new part number or the old part number AND white dots on the pulley.

For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after June 8, 2000 are covered by this customer satisfaction campaign and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to June 8, 2000 must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

Involved are certain 1997, 1998 and 1999 Cadillac Catera model vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 (RPO L81-VIN Code R) engine and built within these VIN breakpoints:

Important: Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through GMVIS (GM Vehicle Inquiry System) or GM Access Screen (Canada only) or DSC Screen 445 (IPC only) prior to beginning campaign repairs. [Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.]

Important: Vehicles previously repaired under warranty with part number 09228479 have been excluded from this campaign.

Involved vehicles have been identified by Vehicle Identification Number. Computer listings containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data have been prepared, and are being furnished to involved dealers with the campaign bulletin. The customer name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow up with customers involved in this campaign. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the campaign bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.

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

Parts required to complete this campaign are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please refer to your "involved vehicles listing" before ordering parts. Normal orders should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. In an emergency situation, parts should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.

1. Disconnect the serpentine belt from the belt tensioner.
2. Raise and support the vehicle.
3. Remove the splash shield and the bolts.

Figure 1





Figure 2




4. Inspect the crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley for the part number. Refer to Figure 1.

If the old part number 90469392 is found, look for one white dot on the front side and one white dot on the back side of the pulley near the timing slot. Refer to Figure 2.

5. If the old part number 90469392 is found and one or no white dots are found, replace the crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley.
6. If the new part number 09228479 is found, or the old part number 90469392 AND a white dot on each side of the crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley is found, then the crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley does NOT require replacement. Go to Step 9.
7. Remove the crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley bolts and the pulley.
8. Install the new crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley and reinstall the bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).

9. Install the splash shield and the bolts.
10. Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
11. Install the serpentine belt into position.
12. Install the GM Campaign Identification Label.

For US and IPC

Place a Campaign Identification Label on each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Campaign Bulletin. Each label provides a space to include the campaign number and the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the campaign service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen.

Put the Campaign Identification Label on a clean and dry surface of the radiator core support in an area that will be visible to people servicing the vehicle. When installing the Campaign Identification Label, be sure to pull the tab to allow the adhesion of the clear protective covering. Additional Campaign Identification Labels for US dealers can be obtained from Dealer Support Materials by calling 1-888-549-6152 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST). Ask for Item Number S-1015 when ordering.

Additional Campaign Identification Labels for IPC dealers can be obtained from your Regional Marketing Office.

For Canada

Place a Campaign Identification Label on each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Campaign Bulletin. Each label provides a space to include the campaign number and the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the campaign service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen.

Put the Campaign Identification Label on a clean and dry surface of the radiator core support in an area that will be visible to people servicing the vehicle. Additional Campaign Identification Labels for Canadian dealers can be obtained from DGN by calling 1-800-668-5539 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST). Ask for Item Number GMP91 when ordering.

Submit a Product Campaign Claim with the information indicated below.

Refer to the General Motors WINS Claim Processing Manual for details on Product Campaign Claim Submission.

Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley are to be submitted by June 30, 2002 (this time limitation may be longer depending upon the law in your state/province/country).

Consideration for reimbursement will be allowed only if genuine General Motors parts were used. The amount to be reimbursed will be limited to the amount the repair would have cost if completed by an authorized General Motors dealer.

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

Claims for customer reimbursement on previously paid repairs are to be submitted as required by WINS.

Important: Refer to the GM service policies and procedures manual, section 1.6.2, for specific procedures regarding customer reimbursement verification.

For US and Canada

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

For IPC

Letters will be sent to known owners of record located within areas covered by the US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. For owners outside these areas, dealers should notify customers using the attached suggested dealer letter.

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

Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this campaign 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 dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer. 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. Campaign 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 campaign enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the campaign correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

General Motors has decided that certain 1997, 1998 and 1999 Cadillac Catera model vehicles, equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine, may exhibit a condition in which the adhesive bond between the rubber hub and the metal rim of the engine crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley may fail. This may be due to high heat and humidity conditions and may result in engine failure.

We will inspect, and, if necessary, replace the engine crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley. This service will be performed for you at no charge .

If you have already paid for some or all of the cost to have the engine crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley replaced, and you have not received reimbursement under a vehicle service contract, you should contact us to seek reimbursement. Please provide us 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 documentation mentioned above, must be received by us by June 30, 2002.

Please contact us as soon as possible to arrange a service date.

We sincerely regret any inconvenience this causes you; however, we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.

GMODC

General Motors Corporation

Dear Cadillac Customer:

This notice is sent to inform you of a recall campaign that includes your vehicle.

General Motors has decided that certain 1997, 1998 and 1999 Cadillac Catera model vehicles, equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine, may exhibit a condition in which the adhesive bond between the rubber hub and the metal rim of the engine crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley may fail. This may be due to high heat and humidity conditions and may result in engine failure.

Your dealer will inspect, and, if necessary, replace the engine crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley. This service will be performed for you at no charge .

(Statement for all states except as shown below)

If you have already paid for some or all of the cost to have the engine crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley replaced, and you have not received reimbursement under a vehicle service contract, 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 documentation mentioned above, must be received by your dealer by June 30, 2002.

(Statement for California, Connecticut, Virginia and Wisconsin)

If you have already paid for some or all of the cost to have the engine crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley replaced, and you have not received reimbursement under a vehicle service contract, you should write to Cadillac Motor Division, P.O. Box 33169, Detroit, MI 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 or by June 30, 2002, whichever is greater.

Please contact your Cadillac dealer as soon as possible to arrange a service date and to assure parts availability. Instructions for making this correction have been sent to your dealer. Please ask your dealer if you wish to know how much time will be needed to schedule, process, and repair your vehicle.

If you experience any trouble scheduling your vehicle or you have any questions regarding this recall action, please contact the appropriate Customer Assistance/Relations Center at the number listed below:

The attached customer reply card identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this card to your dealer will assist in making the necessary correction in the shortest possible time. If you no longer own this vehicle, please let us know by completing the card and returning it to us in the postage paid envelope.

Your dealer will provide you with shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation while your vehicle is at the dealership for this repair. Please refer to your Owner's Manual and your dealer for details on Courtesy Transportation.

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

Cadillac Motor Vehicle Division

General Motors Corporation

Enclosure