Recall - A/C Control Module Programming: Overview
# 08388: F/CMVSS Noncompliance - Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning System Inoperative(Nov 25, 2008)
Subject:
08388 -- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning System Inoperative
Models:
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Condition
General Motors has decided that certain 2009 model year Chevrolet Malibu hybrid vehicles fail to conform to Federal/Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 103, Windshield Defrosting and Defogging System. In these vehicles, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system may become inoperative. If this were to occur, the blower would not function properly and the mode selector would remain in the last known setting. If the windshield began to fog or frost, there may not be enough airflow to clear the windshield, resulting in reduced driver visibility and a possible crash without prior warning.
Correction
Dealers are to reprogram the HVAC control head module.
Vehicles Involved
Involved are certain 2009 model year Chevrolet Malibu hybrid vehicles built within the VIN breakpoints shown above.
Important:
Dealers are to confirm vehicle eligibility prior to beginning repairs by using the GM Vehicle Inquiry System (GMVIS). Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.
For dealers with involved vehicles, a listing with involved vehicles containing the complete vehicle identification number, customer name, and address information has been prepared and will be provided through the applicable system listed below. Dealers will not have a report available if they have no involved vehicles currently assigned.
- US GM and Saturn dealers/retailers - GM DealerWorld Recall Information
- Canadian dealers - GM GlobalConnect Reports
The listing may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose other than follow-up necessary to complete this recall is a violation of law in several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the follow-up necessary to complete this recall.
Parts Information
No parts are required for this recall.
Service Procedure
Do not attempt to order the calibration number from GMSPO. The calibration numbers required for this service procedure are programmed into control modules via a Multiple Diagnostic Interface (MDI) or Tech 2(R) scan tool and TIS2WEB with the calibration update. Use TIS2WEB on or after 11/17/08 to obtain the calibration. If you cannot access the calibration, call the Techline Customer Support Center and it will be provided.
Service Programming System (SPS)
For step-by-step programming instructions, please refer to SI and the Techline Information System (TIS) terminal.
1. Verify that there is a battery charge of 12 to 16 volts. The battery must be able to maintain a charge during programming. Only use an approved Midtronic 165-PSC charger to maintain proper battery voltage during programming.
2. Reprogram the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) module. Refer to SI and Service Programming System (SPS) documentation for programming instructions, if required.
2.1. Connect the MDI or Tech 2(R) to the vehicle.
Note:
The J2534 MDI is the preferred method, as the MDI will reprogram the module in less time than the Tech 2(R) scan tool.
2.2. Select J2534 MDI or J2534 Tech 2(R) Legacy Pass-Thru and Reprogram ECU from the Select Diagnostic Tool and Programming Process screen.
2.3. Select HVAC Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning from the Supported Controllers screen.
2.4. Follow the on-screen instructions.reen instructions.
3. Using the MDI or Tech 2(R), clear all DTCs if required.
Courtesy Transportation
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranties. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product program is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.
Claim Information
Customer Notification
General Motors will notify customers of this recall on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter shown in this bulletin).
Dealer Recall Responsibility - For US (US States, Territories, and Possessions)
The US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act provides that each vehicle that is subject to a recall of this type must be adequately repaired within a reasonable time after the customer has tendered it for repair. A failure to repair within sixty days after tender of a vehicle is prima facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time. If the condition is not adequately repaired within a reasonable time, the customer may be entitled to an identical or reasonably equivalent vehicle at no charge or to a refund of the purchase price less a reasonable allowance for depreciation. To avoid having to provide these burdensome remedies, every effort must be made to promptly schedule an appointment with each customer and to repair their vehicle as soon as possible. In the recall notification letters, customers are told how to contact the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration if the recall is not completed within a reasonable time.
This bulletin is notice to you that the new motor vehicles included in this recall may not comply with the standard identified above. Under Title 49, Section 30112 of the United States Code, it is illegal for a dealer to sell a new motor vehicle which the dealer knows does not comply with an applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. As a consequence, if you sell any of these motor vehicles without first performing the recall correction, your dealership may be subject to a civil penalty for each such sale.
Dealer Recall Responsibility - All
All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this recall must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this recall bulletin before customers take possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.
Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. A copy of the customer letter is shown in this bulletin for your use in contacting customers. Recall follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.
In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
Disclaimer