Customer Satisfaction -- Battery Undercharging-Vehicle May Not Start

THIS PROGRAM IS IN EFFECT UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2008.

Certain 2008 model year Saturn VUE vehicles may have a condition where the body control module (BCM) overestimates the charge of the battery. When the vehicle is turned off, the BCM measures readings and determines how much recharging the battery requires. If the BCM overestimates the charge of the battery, it will result in undercharging of the battery when the vehicle is driven. An undercharged battery may not be able to start the vehicle.

Retailers are to reprogram the BCM.

Involved are certain 2008 model year Saturn VUE vehicles built within these VIN breakpoints:

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

For retailers 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. Retailers will not have a report available if they have no involved vehicles currently assigned.

-- Canadian Saturn retailers - GMinfoNet Recall Reports

-- US Saturn retailers - Facility VIN List (included with bulletin in GM DealerWorld)

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 program 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 program.

No parts are required for this program.

Tech 2 Legacy or J2534 Pass-Thru Programming Method for the BCM

Important: If Tech 2 Legacy or J2534 Pass-Thru programming fails, call Techline Customer Support Center (TCSC) at 1-800-828-6860 (English) or 1-800-503-3222 (French). A "Candi" module is necessary.

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 9.0 for 2007 (available on 09/03/07). If you cannot access the calibration, call the Techline Customer Support Center at 1-800-828-6860 (English) or 1-800-503-3222 (French) and it will be provided.

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 jumper cables from an additional battery. 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 Service Programming System (SPS) application 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:

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.

1. Verify that there is a 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.

Important: The SIR restraint's ID must be learned in the BCM afger the programming event or an SIR light will be illuminated.

2. Reprogram the body control module BCM. Refer to SI and Service Programming System (SPS) documentation for BCM programming instructions, if required.
3. If the vehicle is involved in customer satisfaction program 07224 and the repair has not been performed, perform that repair at this time.

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 program is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Retailers 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. Saturn US retailers should refer to GM messenger bulletins SAG20060292/SAG20060295 for Courtesy Transportation guidelines. Saturn Canada retailers should refer to applicable Home Office letter on this subject.

Submit a Product Claim with the information indicated below:

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

1. To receive credit, submit a claim with the information below:

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

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

Retailers are to service all vehicles subject to this program at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, through September 30, 2008.

Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the retailer listing, are to be contacted by the retailer. 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. Program 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 program enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your facility for service through September 30, 2008, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the program correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

Dear Saturn VUE Customer:

We have learned that your 2008 model year Saturn VUE may have a condition where the body control module (BCM) overestimates the charge of the battery. When your vehicle is turned off, the BCM measures readings and determines how much recharging the battery requires. If the BCM overestimates the charge of the battery, it will result in undercharging of the battery when the vehicle is driven. An undercharged battery may not be able to start the vehicle.

What We Will Do: To prevent this condition from occurring, your Saturn retailer will reprogram the BCM. This service will be performed for you at no charge until September 30, 2008.

What You Should Do: To limit any possible inconvenience, we recommend that you contact your Saturn retailer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for this repair.

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

If you have any questions or need any assistance, just contact your retailer or the appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below. The Customer Assistance Center’s hours of operation are from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, EST, Monday through Friday.Your satisfaction with your Saturn VUE is very important to us, so we are announcing a program to prevent this condition.

Courtesy Transportation: If your vehicle is within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty your retailer may provide you with shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation while your vehicle is at the facility for this repair. Please refer to your Owner’s Manual and your retailer for details on Courtesy Transportation.

We sincerely regret any inconvenience or concern that this situation may cause you. We want you to know that we will do our best, throughout your ownership experience, to ensure that your Saturn VUE provides you many miles of enjoyable driving.

Scott Lawson

General Director

Customer and Relationship Services

Enclosure

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