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Campaign - TCM Programming for No Wheel Movement: Overview

Bulletin No.: 04107

Date: February 03, 2005

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

Subject:
04107 - No Wheel Movement in Snow or Slippery Surfaces (Reprogram TCM)

Models:
2003-2004 Saturn VUE

with VT25E (VTi) Transaxle (RPO M75/M16)

Condition

Some customers may comment on their vehicle becoming stuck in snow or on a slippery surface in which the wheels will not spin. This condition may occur more frequently on grades where poor traction conditions exist.

Cause

This condition may occur when the driver causes a rapid wheel deceleration by stepping on the brake pedal and locking the wheels or when the road surface causes a similar rapid wheel deceleration when the driver lifts his/her foot off the throttle from a wheel spinning condition. The rapid wheel deceleration may invoke a drive belt protection algorithm for the subsequent re-launch. As a result of the protection algorithm, the transaxle ratio can move away from an Underdrive (1st gear) position and move towards a gear ratio position similar to a typical 2nd or 3rd gear ratio. With subsequent attempts to move the vehicle in slippery conditions, it is possible to achieve a ratio in which the wheels will not spin.

Correction

Retailers are to reprogram the TCM with a new calibration following the procedure outlined in this bulletin.

The new TCM calibration will improve the capability of the transaxle to recover an Underdrive ratio after becoming stuck. Moving the gear selector to the Park ("P") position or turning the vehicle off and restarting the vehicle will return the transaxle to the proper operation. Performing this step will allow the wheels to spin and provide the ability to move the vehicle from this condition.

Important:
It is important to communicate to the owner that in the event their vehicle experiences a condition where the wheels will not spin, the following maneuver will restore the transaxle to the proper operation within two to three seconds.

^ Moving the gear selector to Park ("P") or turning the vehicle off and restarting the vehicle will return the transaxle to the proper ratio.

^ On vehicles equipped with traction control, you should turn the traction control system off if your vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow and rocking the vehicle is required.

Vehicles Involved

Involved are all 2003-2004 SATURN VUE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH VT25E (VTi) TRANSAXLE (RPO M75/M16).

Important:
Retailers should confirm vehicle eligibility through GMVIS (GM Vehicle Inquiry System) prior to beginning recall repairs.

For retailers with involved vehicles, a Campaign Initiation Detail Report containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data has been prepared and is being furnished to involved retailers. Retailers that have no involved vehicles currently assigned will not receive a Campaign Initiation Detail Report.

The Campaign Initiation Detail Report 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 program 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 program.

Service Procedure

Reprogram the TCM with the updated calibration established from the service matrix. Use Saturn Service Stall (SSS) software release TIS 12/2004 or higher data CD.

NOTE
You will notice that Service Bulletin # 03-07-30-051A addresses two conditions. Complete the service bulletin in full but refer to the claim information section of this Customer Satisfaction Program. Do not follow the claim information section of the Service Bulletin.

TCM CALIBRATION REPROGRAM PROCEDURE

1. Connect the Tech 2 scan tool and Saturn Service Stall System to the vehicle.

2. Using the vehicle application and VIN listed in the service matrix, select the proper replacement calibration and program calibration into the TCM.

3. For reprogramming procedures, refer to the Service Programming System (SPS) in the SSS User's Guide.





CALIBRATION INFORMATION

Claim Information





Submit a Product Recall Claim with the information shown.

Customer Notification

Customers will be notified of this recall on their vehicles by General Motors (see copy of customer letter shown in this bulletin).

Retailer Program Responsibility

All unsold new vehicles in retailers, possession and subject to this program MUST be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this recall bulletin BEFORE customers take possession of these vehicles.

Retailers are to service all vehicles subject to this program 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 retailer listing, are to be contacted by the retailer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. This could be done by mailing to such customers a copy of the customer letter is shown in this bulletin. 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 program enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your retail facility for service prior in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the program correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.





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