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Product Emission - Transmission Control Module Calibration Concern-Reprogram Transmission Control Module (TCM)

Subject:07153 -- Transmission Control Module Calibration Concern - Reprogram Transmission Control Module (TCM)

Models:Certain 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
Equipped with 4T45E (RPO MN5) Automatic Transmission



Condition

Certain 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles, equipped with a 4T45E (RPO MN5) automatic transmission, may have had the transmission control module reprogrammed with calibrations that do not provide desired transmission torque converter clutch and shift performance.

Correction

Dealers are to reprogram the Transmission Control Module (TCM).

Vehicles Involved

Involved are certain 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles, equipped with a 4T45E (RPO MN5) automatic transmission and built within these VIN breakpoints:

Year

Division

Model

From

Through

2007

Chevrolet

Cobalt

77101083

77306274

Important:  Dealers are to confirm vehicle eligibility prior to beginning repairs by using the system below. Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.

-- GM dealers should use GMVIS.

For dealers with involved vehicles, a listing with involved vehicles containing the complete vehicle identification number, customer name, and address information has been prepared and will be provided through the applicable system listed below. Dealers will not have a report available if they have no involved vehicles currently assigned.

--- US GM - GM DealerWorld Recall Information

-- Canadian GM - GMinfoNet Recall Reports

The listing 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 recall 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 recall.

Calibration Information

Do not attempt to order the calibration number from GMSPO. The calibration numbers required for this service procedure are programmed into control modules via a Techline Tech 2® scan tool and TIS 2 Web with the calibration update. Use TIS 2 Web version 4.5 for 2007 (available on 4/17/07) and on TIS DVD version 5.0/2007 or later, which was mailed to dealers on 5/09/07. If you cannot access the calibration, call the Techline Customer Support Center and it will be provided.

Service Procedure

The "Required Field Actions" section of the GM Vehicle Inquiry System (GMVIS) must be checked to determine if a specific vehicle requires this action. If GMVIS indicates that Emission Recall Bulletin 07153 remains ‘open’ and TCM reprogramming has not taken place, reprogram the TCM using a Tech 2® scan tool with the calibration update from Techline Information System (TIS).

Notice: Before reprogramming, please check the battery condition to prevent a reprogramming error of any of the modules due to battery discharge. Battery voltage must be between 12 and 16 volts during reprogramming. If the vehicle battery is not fully charged, use an additional jump battery if necessary. Only use approved Midtronics charger or Jumper Packs, etc. to maintain proper battery voltage during programming. Be sure to turn off or disable any system that may put a load on the battery, such as automatic headlamps, daytime running lights, interior lights, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, radio, engine cooling fan, etc. A programming failure or control module damage may occur if battery voltage guidelines are not observed.

The ignition switch must be in the proper position. The Tech 2® prompts you to turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. DO NOT change the position of the ignition switch during the programming procedure, unless instructed to do so.

Make certain all tool connections are secure, including the following components and circuits:

    • The RS-232 communication cable port
    • The connection at the data link connector (DLC)
    • The voltage supply circuits

DO NOT disturb the tool harnesses while programming. If an interruption occurs during the programming procedure, programming failure or control module damage may occur.

DO NOT turn OFF the ignition if the programming procedure is interrupted or unsuccessful. Ensure that all control module and DLC connections are secure and the TIS terminal operating software is up to date.

Tech 2 Pass-Thru Method

  1. Verify the battery charge of 12 to 16 volts. The battery must be able to maintain a charge during programming. Use an additional jump battery if necessary. Only use approved Midtronics charger or Jumper Packs, etc. to maintain proper battery voltage during programming.
  2. Connect the Tech 2® to the vehicle and the TIS terminal.
  3. Turn the ignition to ON with the engine off.
  4. After all warning chimes inside the vehicle have stopped, turn on the Tech 2.
  5. On the TIS terminal go into SPS Programming.
  6. In the top box Select Diagnostic Tool select Tech 2 Legacy Pass-Thru.
  7. In the lower box Select Programming Process select Reprogram ECU.
  8. Follow instruction on the TIS terminal. When you get to the Supported Controllers screen:
  9. 8.1. In the top box select TCM, Transmission Control Module.
    8.2. In the lower box select Normal.
    8.3. Select Next.
  10. Select NEXT when the calibrations screen displays.
  11. Follow on screen prompts until programming is completed.
  12. When programming is complete:
  13. 11.1. Turn off Tech 2.
    11.2. Turn off ignition switch.
  14. Wait 30 seconds.
  15. Turn ignition switch to ON with engine off.
  16. Turn on the Tech 2.
  17. Go into diagnostics and check for DTC codes.
  18. Clear all codes.
  19. CALIFORNIA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, & VERMONT VEHICLES ONLY: Install a Recall Identification Label. Also, for California vehicles complete a "Proof of Correction Certificate".

Tech 2 Remote Programming Method

  1. Use the normal "request method" through "Service Programming System" to request information from the vehicle.
  2. At the Techline Terminal enter TIS SPS programming system.
  3. Select Tech 2 from the "Select Diagnostic Tool" window.
  4. Select Reprogram ECU from the "Select Programming Process" window.
  5. Select Vehicle from the "Select ECU Location" window.
  6. Select Next to go to the "Preparing for Communication" instruction Screen.
  7. Select Next to view the "Validate Vehicle ID Number" screen. If the Vehicle ID Number does not appear on the screen, manually insert the VIN into the VIN window of the "Validate Vehicle ID Number" screen.
  8. Select Next to view the "Supported Controllers" screen.
  9. Select Transmission Control Module from "Supported Controllers" window.
  10. Select Next to view the "Select Programming Type" window.
  11. Select Normal from the "Select Programming Type" window.
  12. Select Next to view the "Service Programming System Calibration Selection" screen.
  13. Select Next to view "Summary" screen.
  14. Verify that current and selected calibration information is displayed on the "Summary" screen.
  15. Select Next to download the calibration to the Tech 2.
  16. Back at the vehicle enter "Service Programming Systems".
  17. Select "Program ECU" and follow on screen instructions.
  18. Make sure to turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds after the "Programming is Complete". Clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), if required.
  19. Clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), if required.
  20. CALIFORNIA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, & VERMONT VEHICLES ONLY: Install a Recall Identification Label. Also, for California vehicles complete a "Proof of Correction Certificate".

Recall Identification Label -- California/Massachusetts/Maine/Vermont Vehicles Only

Place a Recall Identification Label on each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Recall Bulletin. Each label provides a space to include the recall number and the five-digit dealer code of the dealer performing the recall service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ballpoint pen.

Put the Recall 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 Recall Identification Label, be sure to pull the tab to allow adhesion of the clear protective covering. Additional Recall Identification Labels for US dealers can be obtained from Dealer Support Materials by ordering on the web from DWD Store, gm dealerworld.com. Request Item Number S-1015 when ordering.

Courtesy Transportation - For US and Canada

The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product recall is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.

Claim Information

Submit a Product Recall Claim with the information indicated below:

Repair Performed

Part Count

Part No.

Parts Allow

CC-FC

Labor Op

Labor Hours

Net Item

Reprogram Transmission Control Module (TCM)

N/A

N/A

N/A

MA-96

V1628

0.4

N/A

Courtesy Transportation for vehicles within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty (US & Canadian GM Dealers)

N/A

N/A

N/A

MA-96

*

N/A

**

* Submit courtesy transportation using normal labor operations for courtesy transportation as indicated in the GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual for vehicles within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

** The amount identified in the "Net Item" column should represent the actual dollar amount for courtesy transportation.

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

Customer Notification - For US and Canada

General Motors will notify customers of this recall on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter included with this bulletin).

In order to ensure full protection under the emission warranty, and the right to participate in future recalls, the customer notification letter recommends that customers have their vehicles serviced as soon as possible. It also advises that failure to do so could legally be determined to be lack of proper maintenance. The vehicle may fail a state or local emission inspection test if the recall work is not completed.

Dealer Recall Responsibility - All

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

Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall 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. A copy of the customer letter is provided in this bulletin for your use in contacting customers. 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 recall enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

***THE FOLLOWING 2 PARAGRAPHS ARE NOT FOR CANADA OR EXPORT***

When a California emissions recall is completed by a GM dealer, the dealer must provide the vehicle owner a "Proof of Correction Certificate" which the owner may need to present to the California Department Of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when renewing their vehicle registration. Without this correction certificate, the owner may be unable to renew their vehicle registration.

Additional Certificates can be obtained, at no charge, from Dealer Support Materials ordering on the web from DWD Store, gm dealerworld.com. Ask for GM Item Number 1825 when ordering.

June 2007

Dear General Motors Customer:

This notice is sent to inform you that General Motors is conducting a voluntary emission recall that includes your vehicle.

Reason For This Recall: Your 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt may have had the transmission control module reprogrammed with calibrations that do not provide desired transmission torque converter clutch and shift performance.

What Will Be Done: Your Chevrolet dealer will reprogram the Transmission Control Module (TCM). This service will be performed for you at no charge .

Contacting Your Dealer: Please contact your Chevrolet dealer as soon as possible to arrange a service date. 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 have any questions or need any assistance, just contact your dealer or the appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below. The Customer Assistance Center’s hours of operation are from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, EST, Monday through Friday.

Division

Number

Text Telephones (TTY)

Chevrolet

1-800-630-2438

1-800-833-2438

Guam

1-671-648-8650

 

Puerto Rico - English

1-800-496-9992

 

Puerto Rico - EspaƱol

1-800-496-9993

 

Virgin Islands

1-800-496-9994

 

Customer Reply Form: The enclosed customer reply form identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this form 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 mailing it back to us.

Courtesy Transportation: If your vehicle is within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty your dealer may 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.

Emission Law Information: In order to ensure your full protection under the emission warranty made applicable to your vehicle by State or Federal Law, and your right to participate in future recalls, it is recommended that you have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. Failure to do so could legally be determined to be lack of proper maintenance of your vehicle. Also, your vehicle may fail a state or local emission inspection if this recall is not accomplished.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires vehicle emission recalls be completed prior to California registration renewal. Uncorrected emission recalls will result in the inability to renew your California vehicle registration.

At the time of emission recall completion, your California dealer will issue a "Proof of Correction Certificate". Keep this certificate and, if required, present it to the Department of Motor Vehicles when renewing your California registration as proof of recall completion.

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

Scott Lawson

General Director,

Customer and Relationship Services

Enclosure

07153