GM Bulletin No.: 13387A
Date: January 2014

Service Bulletin

SERVICE UPDATE
SUBJECT:

Service Update for Inventory Vehicles Only
Engine Knock Noise – Drive Audit
Expires November 30, 2014

MODELS:

2014 Buick Regal
2014 Cadillac ATS, CTS
2013-2014 Chevrolet Malibu
2014 Chevrolet Impala
Equipped with 2.5L Engine (LCV/LKW) or 2.0L Engine (LTG)

The Part Information section in this bulletin has been revised. Engines, if required, can
now be ordered directly from GMCC&A. Please discard all copies of bulletin 13387.
This service update involves vehicles in dealer inventory only and will expire November
30, 2014.
This bulletin requires a drive audit to determine if engine replacement is required. If an
engine replacement is required, and in the interest of full disclosure, dealers must inform
the customer of the engine replacement before the customer purchases the vehicle. Some
states also have laws or regulations requiring disclosure. A written acknowledgement of
this pre-delivery repair from the customer is strongly recommended.
PURPOSE
This bulletin provides a service procedure to perform a drive audit on certain 2013-2014 model
year Chevrolet Malibu, 2014 model year Buick Regal, Cadillac ATS and CTS, and Chevrolet
Impala vehicles, equipped with a 2.5L engine (LCV/LKW) or 2.0L engine (LTG). A small number
of engines may develop a crankshaft bearing noise condition at low mileage. The drive audit must
be completed before vehicle delivery (and in addition to normal pre-delivery inspection activities)
to identify vehicles with the condition. If the condition is found, dealers are to replace the engine.
This service procedure should be completed on involved vehicles currently in dealership
inventory as soon as possible but no later than November 30, 2014, at which time this
bulletin will expire.

Copyright 2014 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

Page 2

January 2014

Bulletin No.: 13387A

VEHICLES INVOLVED
All involved vehicles are identified by VIN in the Global Warranty Management System –
Investigate Vehicle History Application. Dealership technicians should always check this site to
confirm vehicle involvement prior to beginning any required inspections and/or repairs. It is
important to routinely use this tool to verify eligibility because not all similar vehicles may be
involved regardless of description or option content.
Additionally, a list of involved vehicles currently in dealer inventory is available on the “Service
Update Bulletin Information” link under the “Service” tab in GM GlobalConnect (US) or attached
to the GlobalConnect message (Canada) used to release this bulletin.
PART INFORMATION
Parts are not required for the drive audit.
In the rare event that the drive audit determines an engine replacement is required, engines are
to be obtained from General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales (GMCC&A). Normal orders
should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. In an emergency situation, parts should
be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.
SERVICE PROCEDURE

3613307

Note: A VIN derivative is required to be permanently engraved on the new engine prior to
installation. Refer to the illustration above for VIN engraving location point. VIN derivatives must
be formatted as indicated below (# = last eight characters of the VIN).
Buick Regal:

1H*4########B

Cadillac ATS, CTS: 1A*6########B
Chevrolet Impala
(Hamtramck): 1S*1########B
(Oshawa):
1H*1########B
Chevrolet Malibu
(Fairfax):
1J*1########B
(Hamtramck): 1S*1########B

Page 3

January 2014

Bulletin No.: 13387A

Caution:


Noise will be a low frequency clack (deep noise – not a click or whine noise) at
about the frequency of a person tapping their finger as fast as they can.



If at any time during the test unusual engine noise develops stop the test and have
the vehicle towed back to the dealership.



If the rod bearing is spun during this test, the vehicle will have to be towed back to
the dealership.



Locate an area near the dealership where this procedure can be safely performed.

1. Start vehicle and turn radio and HVAC off.
2. Let idle for one minute listening for unusual engine noises.


If engine noise is heard, determine source of engine noise. Refer to SI if required.



If no engine noise is heard, proceed to the next step.

3. Proceed to highway – obey all traffic laws.
4. Starting at 30 mph (50 km/h) do a wide open throttle to 60 mph (100 km/h).
5. Once vehicle speed reaches 60 mph (100 km/h), coast back down to 30 mph (50 km/h).
6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 a total of ten times.
7. Return dealership, PUT VEHICLE IN PARK, shut off HVAC and all accessories, open hood,
rev the engine to 3,000-3,500 RPM, take foot off throttle and let RPM return to idle. Listen for
unusual noises.


If no unusual noise is present, no further action is required.



If unusual noise is present, replace the engine. Submit a warranty transaction for the drive
audit using the labor code contained in this bulletin. Submit for the engine replacement
under normal warranty.

WARRANTY TRANSACTION INFORMATION
Submit a transaction using the table below. All transactions should be submitted as a ZFAT
transaction type, unless noted otherwise.
Labor
Code
9100246

Description
Drive Audit

Labor
Time
1.0

Net
Item
*

* Submit for the actual cost for the gasoline required for the drive audit in Net Item, not to exceed
$4.50 USD, $5.70 CAD.
DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Dealers must take the steps necessary to ensure that the service update correction has been
made to all involved vehicles in dealer inventory before selling, dealer-trading, or using the vehicle
for demonstration purposes, but no later than November 30, 2014.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that
may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the tools,
equipment, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to
your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

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Voluntary Technician
Certification

GM CUSTOMER CARE AND AFTERSALES
DCS3125
URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY
Date:

January 24, 2014

Subject:

13387A – Service Update for Inventory Vehicles Only
Engine Knock Noise – Drive Audit
Revised Part Information Section

Models:

2013-14 Chevrolet Malibu; 2014 Buick Regal, Cadillac ATS and
CTS, Chevrolet Impala Equipped with 2.5L Engine (LCV/LKW) or
2.0L Engine (LTG)

To:

All Buick, Cadillac, and Chevrolet Dealers

Attention: General Manager, Service Advisor, Service Manager, Parts and
Service Director, Parts Manager, New Vehicle Sales Manager,
Used Vehicle Sales Manager, and Warranty Administrator
The Part Information section in bulletin 13387A has been revised. Engines, if
required, can now be ordered directly from GMCC&A. Please discard all copies
of bulletin 13387.
END OF MESSAGE
GM CUSTOMER CARE AND AFTERSALES