Special Policy 99057 - Spark Plug Wire Replacement

Some owners of 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998 model year Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird vehicle equipped with 3.8L engine (RPO L36, VIN Code K) may experience driveability complaints such as rough idle, misfire and/or illumination of the Malfunction Indictor Lamp (MIL) (code P030X-misfire). These conditions may be due to cracked spark plug boots, connector terminal corrosion or unseated terminals.

This special policy covers the condition described above for a period of 7 years or 70,000 miles (112,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

This special policy applies ONLY to repairs requiring spark plug wire(s) replacement. The customer should not be charged for performing a system check when determining whether or not the spark plug wire(s) is the cause of a customer complaint (labor operation T5529 is provided to submit claims for such system checks). Any additional necessary diagnosis and repairs that are not related to spark plug wire replacement are not covered by this special policy. The customer should be informed that any further service that is not covered by new vehicle warranty will not be covered by this policy.

Involved are all 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998 Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird model vehicles equipped with 3.8L engine (RPO L36 and VIN Code K). Following are VIN breakpoints from start of production to end of production:

Parts required to complete this Special Policy are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). Normal orders should be placed on a DRO=Daily Replenishment Order. In an emergency, parts should be ordered on a CSO=Customer Special Order.

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 letter may vary slightly).

Please refer to the appropriate Service Manual and section for spark plug wire diagnosis and repair.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, submit a claim with the information indicated below.

Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct spark plug wire failures are to be submitted prior to or by October 31, 2000 (this time limitation may be longer depending upon the law in your state). Repairs must have occurred within 7 years of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, or 70,000 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 generally be limited to the amount that the repair would have cost GM to have it completed by a GM dealership.

Dear <<Division(s)>> Customer:

As the owner of a 1995, 1996, 1997, or 1998 model year Chevrolet Camaro or Pontiac Firebird model vehicle, equipped with a 3.8L V6 engine, 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 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998 Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird model vehicles, equipped with a 3.8L V6 engine, may experience driveability complaints, such a rough idle, misfire and/or illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), requiring the replacement of spark plug wires. These conditions may be due to cracked spark plug boots, connector terminal corrosion or unseated terminals.

To address the above-mentioned condition, General Motors is providing owners with special warranty coverage. If this condition occurs on your 1995, 1996, 1997, or 1998 Chevrolet Camaro or Pontiac Firebird within 7 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge. Other conditions that may cause similar or different driveability complaints, or cause a Malfunction Indicator Light illumination, that are not a result of the spark plug wire failure are not covered by this special policy. Any repairs that would be necessary due to other conditions would be your responsibility, if you elect to have your dealer provide the service.

THIS IS NOT A RECALL CAMPAIGN. Do not take your vehicle to your <Division> dealer as a result of this letter unless you believe that your vehicle has the condition as described above.

(Statement for all states except as shown below)

If you have already paid for some or all of the cost to have spark plug wires replaced and your in-service time and mileage was less than 7 years and 70,000 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 October 31, 2000.

(Statement for California, Connecticut, Virginia, and Wisconsin)

If you have already paid for some or all of the cost to have spark plug wires replaced, and your in-service time and mileage was less than 7 years and 70,000 miles, you should write to <Divisional specific address> 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 of the date on which you paid for the repair or by October 31, 2000, whichever is later.

Repairs and adjustments qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a <Division> dealer. You may want to call the service department at the 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 convenient for you. This will also allow the dealer to order parts if they are not already in stock. Keep this letter with your other important glovebox literature for future reference.

Should your dealer be unable to schedule a service date within a reasonable time, you should contact the appropriate Customer Assistance/Relations 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.

(Chevrolet Motor, Pontiac-GMC) Division

General Motors Corporation

Enclosure