Engine - Driveability, Whistling, or Low Fuel Economy
File In Section: 6E - Engine Fuel & EmissionBulletin No.: 63-65-31
Date: July, 1996
Subject:
Various Driveability Concerns, Loud Whistling Noise, or Reduced Fuel Economy
(Remove Seal Patch, Install Rubber Plug and Expandable Foam Tape)
Models:
1996 Buick Skylark
1996 Oldsmobile Achieva
1996 Pontiac Grand Am
Built prior to March 1, 1996 with the VIN Breakpoints as shown:
Condition
Some owners may comment on various driveability concerns such as a loss of engine power, reduced acceleration, a loud whistling noise, reduced gas mileage, transaxle shift and/or "check engine" light comes on.
Cause
The seal for the air intake duct inlet used to keep water from entering the engine may fall off location and block the engine's intake snorkel.
Correction
Remove seal patch, install rubber plug and expandable foam seal tape.
Important:
Some vehicles may have the expandable foam seal tape already installed. If this is the case, disregard Steps 8 through 11.
1. Remove splash shield above LH headlamp assembly.
2. Remove LH headlamp assembly.
3. Remove LH headlamp support assembly and center grille.
4. Check to see if seal patch is securely attached.
5. If patch is secure, go to Step # 12.
6. If patch is loose, remove patch (see Figure 1).
7. Install rubber plug in hole above air intake snorkel (see Figure 2).
8. Loosen front of LH fender.
9. Install expandable foam seal tape on rail under fender (see Figure 3).
10. Heat foam seal tape with heat gun to expand.
11. Re-tighten LH fender.
12. Install LH headlamp support assembly and center grille.
13. Install LH headlamp assembly.
14. Install splash shield above LH headlamp assembly.
15. Aim headlamp.
Parts Information
P/N Description
22600316 Rubber Plug/Expandable Foam
Tape Kit
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Labor
Operation Description Time
J5016 Seal Patch, Remove; 0.4 hr
Rubber Plug, Install
Add Install Expandable Foam 0.2 hr
Seal Tape