| Subject: | Erratic A/C and Power Steering Operation, Harsh Shifting with Auto. Trans.,
ABS Telltale On and Traction Control Not Operating, and/or RKE Not Operating Correctly
on Vehicles with RIA Cruise Control (Reprogram Vehicle Operations in PCM) |
| Models: | 1996 Saturns equipped with retailer installed accessory (RIA) Cruise control
system. |
Important: Retailer installed cruise control with install on any SL2, SW1 SW2, and SC2.
It can also be installed on any SL, SL1, OR SC1 if it is equipped
with
one or more of the following options: Power Windows (A31), Electric Roof
(CF5), A/C (C60), ABS (JL9), or Automatic Transaxle (MP6).
Condition
A/C compressor runs 100 percent of the time without the cooling fan running
and A/C button not depressed on HVAC controller or pressure relief valve venting refrigerant
and compressor oil; power steering On 100 percent of the time, automatic transaxle
with harsh shift condition ABS telltale On with no traction control, and/or the rear
decklid/liftgate release does not operate from hand--held (FOB) transmitter.
Cause
Powertrain control module may not have been correctly reprogrammed with vehicle
options when retailer installed accessory (RIA) cruise control was installed.
Correction
On 1996 Saturns, the cruise control system is controlled by the powertrain control
module (PCM). Therefore, when installing a retailer cruise control system, an option
bit, which identifies vehicle options, must be set in the PCM. (On 1991-1995
Saturns, the cruise control was controlled by circuitry internal to the cruise control
module, not the PCM.)
Important: When reprogramming the PCM EEPROM options, make sure to use service stall system
software version 32.0 or later. Refer to the procedures in the "1996 Retailer
Installed Cruise Control Manual" for proper installation. (If you do not have
a copy of the "1996 Retailer Installed Cruise Control Manual," call 1
800 828-2112, prompt 5, to order a copy.)
After the cruise control system is properly installed, the PCM EEPROM must be
programmed with all
of the correct option(s) on the vehicle
by placing an asterisk next to all
of the option(s) installed
on the vehicle. To place an asterisk next to an option, highlight the option and touch
the space bar, or type in the number corresponding to the option.
Notice: An asterisk must be placed next to ALL current vehicle option(s) on the "Select
All Option" menu. If an asterisk is not placed next to ALL of the option(s)
the vehicle is equipped with, the option(s) will default to "No" and will
not to be programmed into the PCM. This could cause damage to certain components,
or result in certain systems being inoperative.
The following list details the conditions that will occur if the required option(s)
are not selected.
| • | Failure to re-select "Air conditioning":
Causes the compressor to run 100 percent of the time, without the engine cooling
fan running. This will happen with or without the A/C button being depressed on the
HVAC controller. When this happens, discharge pressures will become excessive, venting
refrigerant and compressor oil through the pressure relief valve on the pressure relief
valve) |
| • | If the refrigerant side of A/C has vented, losing compressor
oil and refrigerant, and the A/C compressor continues to operate, internal A/C compressor
damage and system contamination can result. (Refer to "Judgement on Contamination
of Compressor Oil" and "Compressor Pressure Relief Valve" procedure
in "Maintaining Chemical Stability of the Refrigerant System" section
of the Leak" procedure in "Maintaining Chemical Stability of Refrigerant
System" section of the "1996 HVAC Service Manual.") |
| • | Failure to re-select "Power Steering/EVO":
Causes the power steering system to operate at 100 percent assist at all times,
with no EVO control. |
| • | Failure to re-select "Automatic Transaxle":
May cause harsh shifting conditions. |
| • | Failure to re-select "ABS":
Causes
the traction control to be inoperative and the ABS telltale to be illuminated. The
ABS system will function properly even with the ABS telltale illuminated for this
condition. |
| • | Failure to re-select "Remote Keyless Entry":
Causes the powered rear deck/lid liftgate release through the hand-held
RKE transmitter (FOB) to be inoperative. The power door locks still operate with hand-held
(FOB) transmitter and power door lock switches, and the manual rear decklid/liftgate
switch still operates. |
| • | Failure to select "Cruise Control":
Causes the cruise control to be inoperative. |
