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SERVICE - ALL US GM DEALERS (INCLUDING HUMMER, EXCEPT SATURN)


Subject: DBC Service Newsletter #04-27
Message #: VSS20040208

Dealer Business Center


DBC Service Newsletter #04-27
Wednesday, August 4, 2004



TOPIC INDEX

WINS ISSUES
Topic: 2005 HUMMER H2 Installation of Locking Tonneau Cover RPA EN4

RECALL/SPECIAL POLICY ISSUES
Topic: There are no Recall/Special Policy Issues this week.

NVD/POLICY AND PROCEDURE ISSUES
Topic: Non-GM Parts and Accessories (Aftermarket)
Topic: Correction to DBC Service Newsletter #04-26 - 2.1.10 Vehicles Requiring Repairs While In-Transit

ADMINISTRATIVE/DBC ISSUES
Topic: Update - Duramax Fuel Injector #97729095
Topic: Correction - Medium Duty Business Center Phone Number and Prompts

WINS ISSUES
Topic: 2005 HUMMER H2 Installation of Locking Tonneau Cover RPA EN4

Please refer to Administrative Message HUS20040022, dated 7/28/04, in GM Messenger.

ATTENTION HUMMER H2 DEALERS

The Labor Time Guide does not currently list time for installing the Locking Tonneau Cover (Regular Production Accessory EN4). The correct time allowance to install the tonneau cover is 1.4 hrs and is to be submitted under labor operation Z6998, PDI Adds.

The Labor Time Guide will be revised to include this time with the October issue.

RECALL/SPECIAL POLICY ISSUES
Topic: There are no Recall/Special Policy Issues this week.

NVD/POLICY AND PROCEDURE ISSUES
Topic: Non-GM Parts and Accessories (Aftermarket)

Please refer to Administrative Message VSS20040203, dated 7/30/04, in GM Messenger.

The recent rise and expansion of companies selling non-GM parts and accessories has made it necessary to issue this reminder to dealers regarding GM's policy on the use and installation of these components.

When a dealer is performing a repair under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, they are required to use only genuine GM or GM-approved parts and accessories. This applies to all warranty repairs, special policy repairs or any repairs paid for by GM. Parts and accessories advertised as being "the same" as parts manufactured by GM, but not sold through GM, do not qualify for use in warranty repairs, special policy repairs or any repairs paid for by GM.

During a warranty repair, if a GM original equipment part is not available through GMSPO, ACDelco distributors, other GM dealers or approved sources, the dealer is to obtain comparable, non-GM parts and clearly indicate, in detail, on the repair order the circumstances surrounding why non-GM parts were used. The dealer must give customers written notice, prior to the sale or service, that such parts or accessories are not marketed or warranted by General Motors.

It should also be noted that dealers modifying new vehicles and installing equipment, parts and accessories obtained from sources not authorized by GM are responsible for complying with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Certain non-approved parts or assemblies, installed by the dealer or its agent not authorized by GM, may result in a change to the vehicle's design characteristics and may affect the vehicle's ability to conform to federal law. Dealers must fully understand that non-GM approved parts may not have been validated, tested or certified for use. This puts the dealer at risk for potential liability in the event of a part or vehicle failure. If a GM part failure occurs as the result of the installation or use on a non-GM approved part, the warranty will not be honored.

A good example of non-authorized modification of vehicles is the result of an ever-increasing supply of after market devices available to the customer, which claim to increase the horsepower and torque of the Duramax Diesel Engines. These include the addition of, but are not limited to one or more of the following modifications:

• Propane injection
• Nitrous oxide injection
• Additional modules (black boxes) that connect to the vehicle wiring systems
• Revised engine calibrations downloaded for the engine control module
• Calibration modules which connect to the vehicle diagnostic connector
• Modification to the engine turbocharger waste gate

Although the installation of these devices, or modification of vehicle components, can increase engine horsepower and torque, they may also negatively affect the engine emissions, reliability and/or durability. In addition, other powertrain components, such as transmissions, universal joints, drive shafts, and front/rear axle components, can be stressed beyond design safety limits by the installation of these devices.

General Motors does not support or endorse the use of devices or modifications that, when installed, increase the engine horsepower and torque.

These same policies apply as they relate to the use of non-GM accessories. Damage or failure from the use or installation of a non-GM accessory will not be covered under warranty. Failure resulting from the alteration or modification of the vehicle, including the cutting, welding or disconnecting of the vehicle's original equipment parts and components will void the warranty.

Additionally, dealers will NOT be reimbursed or compensated by GM in the event of any legal inquiry at either the local, state or federal level that results from the alteration or modification of a vehicle using non-GM approved parts or accessories.

Dealers should be especially cautious of accessory companies that claim the installation of their product will not void the factory warranty. Many times these companies have even given direction on how to quickly disassemble the accessory in an attempt to preclude the manufacturer from finding out that is has been installed.

Any suspect repairs should be reviewed by the Area Service Manager (District Service Manager in Canada) for appropriate repair direction. If it is decided that a goodwill repair is to be made on the vehicle, even with the installation of such non-GM approved components, the customer is to be made aware of General Motors' position on this issue and is to sign the appropriate goodwill documentation required by General Motors.

It is imperative for dealers to understand that by installing such devices, they are jeopardizing not only the warranty coverage, but also the performance and reliability of the customer's vehicle.

Topic: Correction to DBC Service Newsletter #04-26 - 2.1.10 Vehicles Requiring Repairs While In-Transit

Please be advised that the correct phone number for New Vehicle Damage is: 1-888-414-6322, prompts 4 and 2.

Article 2.1.10 of GM Service Policies and Procedures incorrectly advises dealers to call NVD utilizing prompt 3; this is not correct. We apologize if this has generated any confusion.

 

isn't that against the law, not warranting a vehicle becasue of aftermarket parts? Sounds like GM is being a real pain in the ***.

 

They can deny warranty coverage of a repair if an aftermarket part caused the problem. If a GM or authorized GM part was involved, warranty coverage stays. They can't automatically deny warranty coverage because of the aftermarket part; I believe the burden of proof that the part caused the damage lies on the Dealer/GM. Perfectly legal.

 

That is absolutely correct! If the parts caused the fault, then GM can't be held accountable. Lets say for instance, I took my truck in for power steering service, the power steering didn't seem to be working properly. The service manager told me that the supercharger caused the power stering pump pulley to not turn at the correct speeds. I knew this was incorrect and explained to him how it was incorrect. Being a horse's *** he is, he stoof his ground, being the stubborn guy I am, I called GM customer support, they stood behind me 100%.

The reason they stood behind me completely is because the supercharger had absolutely no effect on the speed the rest of the pulley's turned. The only thing that would affect that would be changing the crank pulley, which I did not.

That was a true story by the way. Several long drawn out details left out, thats the jest of it. He also told me that I was cut off, and that I was getting no more warranty support from his service department. I returned the following week and got my headlights and a foglight replaced because it had condensation in it. Not one word was said about it either.

 

According to the Magnuson Moss Act (1978) You can do what ever you want to your vehicle as long as what you did, did not cause the problem. For example if you install a 500 watt amp on the stock speakers and they blow then that may not be a warranty issue. However is you in stall an amp and the transmission goes out that is unrelated.

 

my s-10 is down right now and I had in to GM to try to diagnose and they said they would work on it becasue it was a "hot rod". when I went to pick it up the printout they gave me says "couldn't preform work, vehical has nitrous oxcide". then like 5 techs came over and asked me to come back when its running right and take them for a ride.

 

The new Truck Trend has a letter about a D-Max guy that installed a Banks Exhaust brake. Well, he floated a couple of valves shortly therafter. GM did not warranty him due to the brake. It's going to court to make a long story short.

Look at the SEMA site regarding the Moss Magnuson Act. Hell, GM, Ford and Dodge all give awards to the best aftermarket parts every year at that show.

 

Its always good to get to know your local Dealership and service department, it can make things go alot easier. We had a 02 caviler in the had installed the GMPP Supercharger and he missed a shift or over-revved it, cracked all the lifters bent all the exhaust valves and a few intake valves. The Supercharger stated that if installed by a GM dealer that all internal engine and trans parts are still covered. He got it covered after we waited 5 months for the O-rings for the supercharger.Now he has a lower end knock and we told him that we wouldnt be working on it and to take it to another dealership..