File in Section:
Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

06 - Engine
12-06-01-008A
October, 2012

INFORMATION
Subject:

Unscheduled Supplemental Services (Including Flushing Services and Additives) and
Proper use of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules (Canada Only)

Models:

2013 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Trucks

Attention: This bulletin is applicable to GM of Canada Ltd. (GMCL) dealers. For dealers in the U.S.,
refer to the latest version of Corporate Bulletin Number 04-06-01-029.
This bulletin is being revised to update information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin
Number 12-06-01-008 (Section 06 – Engine/Propulsion System).

Service is Important to You and Your
Customer
General Motors of Canada Limited (GMCL) takes great
pride in offering our dealerships and customers high
quality vehicles that require extremely low maintenance
over the life of the vehicle. This low cost of ownership
builds repeat sales and offers our customers
measurable economy of operation against competing
vehicles. Our goal is to make the customer
experience a key driver of why customers purchase
GM products and services. Providing responsible
services at the proper intervals support this goal and
will help your dealership earn repeat business.

An Overview of Proper Vehicle Service
General Motors is aware that some companies are
marketing tools and equipment to support various
subsystem flushing procedures.* These dedicated
machines plus many engine oil, cooling system, fuel
system, air conditioning, and transmission flush options
and steering system additives are available to the
consumer. GM vehicles under normal usage do not
require any additional procedures or additives beyond
what is advised under the Owner's Manual
maintenance schedules or the current GM Goodwrench
Maintenance Schedules.
*Do not confuse machines available from Kent-Moore/
SPX that are designed to aid and accelerate the
process of fluid changing with these flushing machines.
Additional information for General Motors maintenance
recommendations is found in the “Following GM
Maintenance” Video On Demand (VOD) series located
in LMS.

Copyright 2012 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

This series consists of three modules:
• KVVCFM.011V1 - Following GM Maintenance
Part 1 - Engine Oil
• KVVCFM.011V2 - Following GM Maintenance
Part 2 - Brake Service
• KVVCFM.011V3 - Following GM Maintenance
Part 3 - Servicing Fluids

GM Authorized Service Information is
Detailed, Descriptive and Complete
If GM determines that a specific model vehicle or
powertrain needs supplemental service, GM will issue
an Authorized Service Document with detailed service
procedures that will identify any machine, tool or
chemical required to conduct proper vehicle servicing.
Listed below are a few examples of those messages as
well as additional guidelines:
Engine Crankcase Flushing
General Motors Corporation does not endorse or
recommend engine crankcase flushing for any of
its gasoline engines. Analysis of some of the
aftermarket materials used for crankcase flushing
indicate incompatibility with GM engine components
and the potential for damage to some engine seals and
bearings. Damage to engine components resulting from
crankcase flushing IS NOT COVERED under the terms
of the New Vehicle Warranty.
Subsystem Flushing
Flushing of air conditioning (A/C) lines, radiators,
transmission coolers, and power steering systems are
recognized practices to be performed after catastrophic
failures or extreme corrosion when encountered in
radiators. For acceptable A/C flushing concerns, refer
to the Flushing procedure in Service Information (SI).
This practice is not required or recommended for
normal service operations.

Page 2

October, 2012

The use of external transmission fluid exchange or
flush machines is not recommended for the automatic
or manual transmission. Use of external machines to
replace the fluid may affect the operation or durability of
the transmission. Transmission fluid should only be
replaced by draining and refilling following procedures
in Service Information (SI). Refer to Automatic/Manual
Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement.
Approved Transmission Flushing Tool
(Transmission Cooler Only)
The Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Flow Check
and Flush Tool IS recommended for GM vehicles. Refer
to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flow Check and Flush in
the Service Information website using the J-45096.

•

Our Commitment to providing Quality
Service to Our Customers
Most customers appreciate and gain trust in the
dealership that informs and offers them just what they
need for continued trouble-free operation of their GM
vehicle. Examine your service department's practices
and verify that all Service Advisors and Technicians
focus on providing a truly exceptional service
experience through vehicle inspections and offering
appropriate products at time of service. Use this
opportunity to review the services you provide to your
customers. Here are a few suggestions:
• Take the time required to align your dealership
service practices with the new GM Simplified
Maintenance Schedule. Use the new vehicle
Owner's Manual maintenance schedules to create
a “mirror image” in your advertising and dealer
service pricing that is easily understandable to
your customer. Taking advantage of this new
service strategy may greatly increase your
dealership service sales and customer retention
while decreasing inconvenience to your customer.
Fully leveraging the Customer Sales and Service
Retention marketing program, your dealership
website and in-Market Retail funds will help you
personalize your marketing for each customer.
• Review your processes to ensure that your
service team performs an Express Check-In on
every vehicle visiting your service lane. Evaluate
them for Oil Life remaining, interior condition, tire
wear, wiper condition and windshield condition.

•
•

Bulletin No.: 12-06-01-008A

Check engine oil and washer fluid levels and the
condition of the battery and its cables. Invite your
customer to join you as you inspect their vehicle.
Use the Express Check-In form provided by GM to
give the customer the knowledge of the results of
your findings. Time permitting; further checks can
be performed such as light function, OnStar OVD/
DMN activation or GMPP registration. Both DMN
and GMPP enrollment will grow your customer
retention.
Use the Goodwrench Service Inspection form
when completing a service maintenance
inspection. Be complete in your service
recommendations. Use the Goodwrench Service
Inspection process to document vehicle needs.
This information can be integrated into your
marketing efforts to the customer. Many dealers
miss the services that are needed. Focus on
overlooked but required maintenance that has real
benefits to the customer. Many vehicles are
equipped with cabin air filters. If these filters are
used beyond replacement time, they may impede
airflow decreasing A/C and heating performance.
Make sure these filters are part of your service
recommendations if needed. Note that some of
our vehicles may not have been factory equipped
but will accept the filters as an accessory.
Maintain your service expertise through GM
Training and ASE Certification of your technicians.
Finally, take advantage of your service initiatives
(National Account Tire, Quarterly Marketing
Incentive, Goodwrench Service Maintenance,
New Smart Wax Auto Detailing Products, OnStar
Vehicle Diagnostic and dealer website service
leads and Dealer Marketing Association (DMA)
Promotions) to provide your customers with more
reasons to identify your dealership as the best
place to go for parts and service.
Remember to utilize ALL of the service expertise
and training you possess in your dealership to
satisfy and provide a truly exceptional experience
for all your customers. The local competition in
your area is fierce. It’s up to you and your team to
exceed customer expectations every time. You
have the expertise and are empowered to provide
the necessary services, earn the trust of your
customer and grow your business.
.

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 equipment, tools, 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 GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.

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