CAMPAIGN:A/C CONDENSER (INSPECT/REPLACE). Pontiac Optima (Canada) 1988

For 1990-2009 cars

# CAMPAIGN:A/C CONDENSER (INSPECT/REPLACE)

PRODUCT CAMPAIGN 88-C-12 AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER

#### MODELS AFFECTED 1988 Pontiac LeMans Equipped With --------------- Air Conditioning

#### TO: ALL PONTIAC DEALERS

General Motors has determined that some 1988 Pontiac LeMans model vehicles equipped with air conditioning (A/C) may exhibit vibration of the A/C compressor-to-condenser refrigerant hose. This condition, over time, can result in fatigue fracture of the condenser tubes at the inlet to the condenser and header joints. This condition could then lead to loss of refrigerant from the A/C system and a loss of cooling performance.

To prevent the possibility of this condition occurring, a bracket (support) assembly will be installed on all involved vehicles to eliminate refrigerant hose vibration. Also, the condenser will be inspected for leaks and, if required, replaced.

#### VEHICLES INVOLVED

Involved are certain 1988 Pontiac LeMans model vehicles equipped with air conditioning and produced within the following VIN breakpoints:

Year Plant Beginning Up to and Including ---- ----- --------- ------------------- 1988 Pupyong (Korea) JB300001 JB382192

Involved vehicles have been identified by Vehicle Identification Number Computer Listings. Computer listings contain the complete Vehicle Identification Number, owner name and address data, and are furnished to the involved dealers with the campaign bulletin. Owner name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow up with owners involved in this campaign.

These listings may contain owner names and addresses obtained from State Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of law in several states. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this campaign. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the campaign bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.

#### OWNER NOTIFICATION

Owners will be notified of this campaign on their vehicles by Pontiac Division (see copy of Owner Letter included with this bulletin).

#### DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY

Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this campaign at no charge to owners, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership from this time forward.

Whenever a vehicle subject to this campaign is taken into your new or used vehicle inventory, or it is in your dealership for service in the future, you should take the steps necessary to be sure the campaign correction has been made before reselling or releasing the vehicle. Owners of vehicles recently sold from your new vehicle inventory are to be contacted by the dealer, and arrangements made to make the required correction according to instructions contained in this bulletin.

#### PARTS INFORMATION

Parts required to complete this campaign are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operation (GMSPO). To ensure that these parts are obtained as soon as possible, they should be ordered on a C.I.O. order with no special instruction code, but on advise code (2).

Description Part Number Quantity Per Vehicle ----------- ----------- -------------------- Bracket Asm - A/C Discharge Line 90245328 1

The following parts are required only when condenser replacement is required:

Condenser - A/C 96082210 1

"O"-Ring - Refrig Lqd Pipe (10.8mm I.D.) 9288675 1

"O"-Ring - Refrig Lqd Pipe (10.8mm I.D.) 9288674 1

R-12 Refrigerant NPN 2.2 lbs.

There is a total of approximately 57,714 vehicles involved in this campaign. It is estimated that only 3.35% (1,942) may require condenser replacement. Order parts only as required based on attached involved vehicle listings.

#### SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Perform "Insufficient Cooling `Quick Check' Procedure" described in service manual, Section 1B. If the procedure indicated a low charge condition, leak test (see service manual) condenser adjacent to inlet pipe using an electronic leak detector.

2. If Step 1 indicated a condenser leak is present, replace condenser per service manual instructions. Charge system and continue with Steps 3 through 10 below.

If an A/C system leak is present other than condenser leakage as described in this bulletin, it should be handled separately under A/C system warranty applicable to the vehicle. Then charge the system and continue with Steps 3 through 10 below.

#### Installation Of Bracket Assembly

3. Remove front engine mount nut and washer at right-hand (passenger) side of engine compartment ( Figure 1) using a 17mm wrench.

4. Remove two (2) hex head bolts and inlet pipe clamp from new bracket assembly, loosen two (2) isolator retaining nuts (Figure 2).

5. Install new bracket to right-hand front engine mount stud with front arm of bracket passing underneath condenser inlet pipe as shown in Figure 3. Reinstall engine mount washer and nut, finger tight only, since adjustment of bracket position and angle may be required.

6. Install inlet pipe clamp to bracket using two (2) hex head bolts (10mm wrench). Cut-out in inlet pipe clamp must face towards rear of vehicle. Locate clamp on straight section of pipe. Clamp must not contact pipe connecting nut or bend section of pipe, see Figure 4. Access to hex head bolt can be gained using a wrench extension inserted between air cleaner intake and top radiator hose as shown in Figure 5. Tighten bolts to 2.2 lbs. ft. (3 Nm).

7. Tighten two (2) isolator retaining nuts to 3.3 lbs ft. (4.5 Nm) using a 10mm wrench.

8. Loosen right-hand front engine mount nut to allow bracket to be positioned in a neutral (no distorting force on isolator) position.

9. Tighten right-hand front engine mount nut to 29.5 lbs. ft. (40 Nm).

10. Install Campaign Identification Label.

#### CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL

Each vehicle modified in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Campaign Bulletin will require a "Campaign Identification Label." Each label provides a space to include the campaign number, the five digit dealer code of the dealer performing the campaign service, and the date the vehicle was campaigned. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or ballpoint pen. Install the label only on a clean, dry surface of the radiator baffle where it is readily visible. (Additional campaign labels are available on stationery order as Form 7901-709).

#### CLAIM INFORMATION

A separate repair order must be used for each vehicle. A completed warranty claim is to be kept as a permanent record of completion.

DEALERS SHOULD SUBMIT WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR CREDIT IN THEIR NORMAL MANNER WHEN THEY PERFORM THE SERVICE AS FOLLOWS: Other* Failure Labor Labor Labor Net** Operation Code Operation Hours Hours Amt --------- ------- --------- ----- ----- ----- 'Quick Check' A/C System And Install Bracket 96 V4780 0.5 0.1 ---

'Quick Check' A/C System, Inspect And Replace Condenser And Install Bracket 96 V4781 2.2 0.1 $5.19

* In addition, dealerships will receive 0.1 hours credit for dealer administrative services associated with this campaign. The 0.1 hours allowance is to be entered in the "Other Labor Hours" field with each campaign repair listed for credit. This entry will not require authorization.

** The $5.19 identified in the 'Net Amount' column represents the cost plus 30% for 2.2 lbs. of R-12 refrigerant used when condenser replacement is required.

FAILURE CODE 96 MUST BE USED WITH THE LABOR OPERATION.

Dealers will be credited via Warranty Document or Terminal Transmission, whichever is their normal method of submission for payment. Claim must contain all information required and should list the labor operation as outlined.

#### RECORDING COMPLETION

Repairs submitted for vehicles not involved in the campaign will not be paid. Campaign completion will be recorded from "PROPERLY COMPLETED AND PAID WARRANTY CLAIMS." Owners are being asked to present the owner reply card for identification to their dealer at the time they bring in their vehicle to have the campaign performed. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- July, 1988

Dear Pontiac Owner:

This notice is sent to inform you that Pontiac Division is conducting a recall campaign that includes your vehicle.

REASON FOR RECALL

General Motors has determined that some 1988 Pontiac LeMans model vehicles equipped with air conditioning (A/C) may exhibit vibration of the A/C compressor-to-condenser refrigerant hose. This condition, over time, can result in fatigue fracture of the condenser tubes at the inlet to the condenser. This condition could then lead to loss of refrigerant from the A/C system and loss of cooling performance.

WHAT WE WILL DO

To prevent the possibility of this condition occurring on your vehicle, a bracket (support) assembly will be installed to eliminate refrigerant hose vibration. Also, the condenser will be inspected for leaks and, if required, replaced. This service will be performed for you at no charge.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Please contact your Pontiac dealer as soon as possible to arrange a service date. Instructions for this service have been sent to your dealer. The labor time necessary to install the bracket assembly is approximately thirty (30) minutes, but a total of two and one quarter (2 1/4) hours will be required if condenser replacement is necessary. Please ask your dealer if you wish to know how much additional time will be needed to schedule and process your vehicle.

The enclosed Owner Identification Reply Card identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this card to your dealer will assist in providing the necessary service in the shortest possible time. If you have sold or traded your vehicle, please let us know by completing the postage paid reply card and returning it to us.

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

PONTIAC DIVISION General Motors Corporation

88-C-12 Enclosure

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.