Warranty terms for 1991 Oldsmobile vehicles remain unchanged from 1990 with the exception of the battery coverage. The 1991 Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklets include the following battery coverage information under "What is Covered":
BATTERY COVERAGE
"If battery replacement is required during the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, from the date of first delivery, it will be free of charge. Replacement's after the twelfth month or 12,000, but before 36 months/50,000 miles, whichever comes first, shall be subject to a pro-rated charge". (New York Lemon Law provisions apply. The pro-rate charge is not to be levied until after the vehicle exceeds 18,000 miles or 24 months, whichever occurs first.)
In addition, the section "Things You Should Know About The New Vehicle Limited Warranty", contains the following additional battery coverage information:
"The battery installed in your vehicle as original equipment is covered for 1 year/12,000 miles, whichever occurs first. If replacement of the battery is required during this period, it will be done at no charge. The battery will be pro-rated thereafter up to 3 years/50,000 miles whichever occurs first. Pro-rating is based on the total number of months from the date the vehicle was first placed in service."
The following procedure is to be followed when making a pro-rate battery warranty adjustment. PROCEDURES FOR REPLACEMENT DELCO BATTERIES AS PUBLISHED IN ARTICLE 1.5.9 OF THE 1991 DEALER SERVICE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL
1.5.9 DELCO BATTERIES
a. Battery Replacement
Battery replacement policies and procedures are as follows:
Battery Warranty Coverage
Delco batteries are covered by warranty as follows:
AGE/MILEAGE COVERAGE
1 . Vehicles less than 12 No charge months or 12,000 miles
2. Vehicle greater than 12 Monthly Pro-rate (Based on months or 12,000 miles battery price plus 30 percent); but less than 3 years/ labor is covered by warranty. or 50,000 miles
3. Vehicle greater than Beyond Vehicle warranty (AC 3 years or 50,000 miles Delco Service Replacement warranty applies if OE battery was previously replaced).
A replacement Delco battery installed in a Vehicle in Dealer stock or during the warranty period is covered parts and labor for the remainder of the vehicle warranty period. Following the first year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, the battery cost plus 30 percent handling allowance are pro-rated. Labor is covered 1 00 percent by the vehicle warranty and is not pro- rated.
Replacement Delco batteries are covered by the Service Replacement Parts Warranty for 90 days/4,000 miles (no pro-rate applies).
When replacing a defective battery the Dealer is to:
- Purchase a new Delco replacement battery through the local AC Delco outlet and install it. OWNERS SHOULD NOT BE REFERRED TO AC DELCO FOR SERVICE;
- Remove the perforated portion of the label from the defective battery and attach it to the scrapping copy of the repair order;
- Complete the Delco Service Replacement Battery Certificate form GM 1127 by filling out the top half of the form. Remove the perforated warranty certificate and serialized warranty insert from the new replacement battery, record the VIN and attach to the bottom half of the form. The completed certificate should then be given to the owner.
b. Claims Procedures Prior to 1/12 (With No Prorate)
Submit an Oldsmobile warranty claim for the removal and replacement and Dealer Price of the battery. Dealer credit will reflect the Dealer Price of the battery plus 30 percent handling allowance. Battery part numbers and pricing can be found in the back of the current Parts and Accessories Price Schedule under "Wholesaler/Retailer Price".
C. Claims Procedures After 1/12 But Before 3/50 (With Prorate)
To determine the battery per month pro-rate amount, divide the Dealer Price of the battery plus 30 percent handling allowance by 36 warranty months.
- To determine the customer prorate amount, multiply the per month pro-rate amount by the number of months the battery has been in-service.
- Document the pro-rate calculation on the R.O. showing customer amount paid and the warranty amount.
- Submit a warranty claim for the difference between the combined Dealer Price of the battery, plus the 30 percent handling allowance, less the amount collected from the owner. Labor is covered 1 00 percent under warranty.
d. Claims Procedures After 3/50 (Previously Replaced Battery)
- Request customer copy of the Oldsmobile Service Replacement Battery Certificate.
- Contact the AC Delco Distributor and request a replacement battery under the AC Delco Service Replacement Warranty. The distributor will calculate the customer pro-rate amount dealer should charge customer on behalf of the AC Delco Distributor.
- The AC Delco Battery Warranty does not include labor. Therefore, dealer should collect the labor charge from the customer.
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.