CAMPAIGN: INCORRECT 'MEM-CAL' CAUSES EVENTUAL A/C FAILURE

SUBJECT: CALIBRATOR, PROM ("MEM-CAL")

MODELS AFFECTED: 1989 SKYLARK WITH 3300 V-6 ENGINE (VIN CODE "N") AND AIR CONDITIONING

CONDITION

Some 1988 Buick Skylark model vehicles with 3300 V6 (RPO LG7) engine and air conditioning were built with a "Mem-cal" in the Engine Control Module which allows the A/C compressor to operate at low system pressures during low ambient temperatures or when there is a loss of freon. This operation will eventually cause the compressor to fail due to the lack of proper internal lubrication.

VEHICLES INVOLVED

Involved are certain 1989 Buick Skylark model vehicles with the 3300 V6 (RPO LG7, VIN Code "N") engine and air conditioning within the following VIN breakpoints:

From Through and Including ---- --------------------- Start of Production KM014861

NOTICE: Two "Mem-Cal" part numbers are used in the campaign correction, one for Federal Emissions (RPO NA5, Part Number 16136602) and one for California Emissions (RPO NB2, Part Number 16136607).

The VIN sequence provided to each dealer indicates which emissions system (NA5 or NB2) is on each involved vehicle. Vehicles with NB2 are identified on the listing by 89-C-02Y in the "Camp ID" column. Vehicles with NA5 are identified on the listing by 89-C-02N in the "Camp ID". The Vehicle Emission Control Information Label on the radiator upper mounting support and/or the "Service Parts Identification" label on the trunk lid also identify the emissions system on the vehicle.

DO NOT ASSUME THAT ALL VEHICLES OUTSIDE THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA ARE NECESSARILY EQUIPPED WITH FEDERAL (NA5) EMISSIONS SYSTEMS.

DEALER ACTION

To prevent this condition from occurring, dealers are to replace the Mem-cal in the Engine Control Module (ECM), using the appropriate part number according to which emissions system is on the vehicle.

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 campaiqn 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 campaign correction has been made before resel 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 modification according to instructions contained in this bulletin.

DEALER MATERIAL

If your dealership has vehicles involved in this campaign, you will receive the following items:

o Listing of all vehicles involved in this campaign shipped to your dealership.

o One (1) Campaign Identification Label per vehicle involved.

Involved vehicles have been identified by Vehicle Tdentification 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 will enable dealers to follow-up with owners involved in this campaign.

These computer 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.

OWNER NOTIFICATION

Owners of vehicles involved in this campaign will be notified by Buick Motor Division (see copy of owner letter included with this bulletin).

CHANGE OF OWNER INFORMATION

Dealers are to use the Dealer Communication System (DCS) to provide Buick Motor Division with subsequent Buick owner information. By reporting a change of owner name or address of a vehicle in campaign status over the DCS, the need to send a CVAR form for that vehicle is eliminated. Terminal input instructions are covered in the DCS Manual under Section 9, Page 9-J0lA and B.

PARTS INFORMATION

Mem-cals will be shipped to dealers with involved vehicles on a "No Charge" basis starting on or about November 23, 1988, and continuing over a period of weeks. It is anticipated that all Mem-cals will be shipped by Christmas. Cooler climates are targeted for parts shipment before warmer reqions. Parts will not be billed on dealers' parts account.

If transfers make additional parts necessary, contact Lansing Lithographers at (517) 482-0697 up to February 28, 1989. Dealers should not order parts from GMSPO until March 1, 1989. VIN information will be required when ordering parts from Lansing Lithographers.

Campaign Description Part Number RPO I.D. Column ----------- ----------- --- ----------- Calibrator, PROM ("Mem-cal"), 16136602 NA5 89-C-02N Federal Emissions

Calibrator, PROM ("Mem-cal"), 16136607 NB2 89-C-02Y California Emissions

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. From one of the following sources, determine which Mem-cal is required for the vehicle to be serviced:

A. Dealer VIN Sequence list for Product Campaign 89-C-2.

B. The Service Parts Identification label on the trunk lid.

C. The Vehicle Emission Control Information Label on the radiator upper mounting support.

For Federal Emissions, use Mem-cal Part Number 16136602. For California Emissions, use Mem-cal Part Number 16136607.

NOTICE: Do not assume the Mem-cal part number usage by geographical location of your dealership; confirm the actual part number Mem-cal required.

2. Replace the Mem-cal using the Service Procedure shown for 3300 (VIN "N") engine, Page 6E3-C1-7, in the 1989 Buick Skylark/Skyhawk New Product Information Service Manual.

3. Install Campaign Identification Label.

CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL

Each label provides a space to include the CAMPAIGN NUMBER, the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the campaign service, and the date vehicle was campaigned. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or ballpoint pen. When installing label, clean the surface of the radiator support, and apply the campaign label where it is readily visible.

DISPOSITION OF PARTS

Replaced parts must be held for disposition by Buick Zone or Branch contact personnel. Parts must have a claim tag attached showing the repair order and the VIN of the vehicle from which they were removed.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

SUBLET PART FAILED PART FAILURE LABOR LABOR OTHER DEALER OPER COUNT PART NO ALLOW CODE OP NO HOURS HOURS MTL TWG ---- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ----- ----- ------- o Replace "Mem-cal" (Memory Calibrator)

1 -- -- 96 V5200 .3 *.l **$16.62

* Dealer Administrative Allowance

** $16.62 represents 30% of current dealer price of the furnished parts.

Dear Buick Owner:

This notice is to inform you Buick Motor Division is initiating a recall campaign that includes your vehicle.

REASON FOR RECALL

General Motors has determined some 1989 Buick Skylark model vehicles with the 3300 V6 engine and air conditioning were built with a "Mem-cal" in the Engine Control Module which allows the Air Conditioning Compressor to operate at low system pressures during low ambient temperatures or when there is a loss of freon. This operation will eventually cause the compressor to fail due to the lack of proper internal lubrication.

WHAT WE WILL DO

To prevent this from occurring on your vehicle, your Buick dealer will replace the Mem-cal in the Engine Control Module (ECM). This service will be completed for you at no charge.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Please contact your Buick dealer to arrange a service date prior to severe cold weather to avoid damage to vour air conditioning compressor. Instructions have been sent to your dealer. The labor time to perform the work is about twenty (20) minutes. Please allow additional time for your dealer to process your vehicle.

The enclosed Owner Reply Card identifies your vehicle. Presentation of the card to your dealer will assist in making the correction in the shortest possible time. If you have sold or traded your vehicle, please let us know by completing the postage-paid Owner 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.

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.