File in Section:

Service Bulletin

Bulletin No.:
Date:

06 - Engine
09-06-04-026H
November, 2014

INFORMATION
Subject:

Identifying Non-GM (Aftermarket) Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines Using
Tech 2® or GDS 2

Models:

2010-2015 GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks — Equipped With Any V8
Gasoline Engine
2012 Chevrolet Camaro — Equipped With V6 Engine — RPO LFX
2013-2015 Buick LaCrosse, Enclave — Equipped With V6 Engine — RPO LFX or LLT
2013-2014 Cadillac ATS, CTS Coupe, CTS Sedan, CTS Wagon, SRX, XTS, XTS
Professional Package — Equipped With V6 Engine — RPO LFX
2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe, ATS Sedan, CTS Sedan , SRX, XTS, XTS Professional
Package — Equipped With V6 Engine — RPO LFX
2013 Chevrolet Impala PPV — Equipped With V6 Engine — RPO LFX
2013-2015 Chevrolet Camaro, Caprice PPV, Equinox, Impala, Traverse — Equipped
With V6 Engine — RPO LFX or LLT
2014-2015 Chevrolet Impala Limited (PPV and Fleet) — Equipped With V6 Engine —
RPO LFX
2015 Chevrolet Colorado — Equipped With V6 Engine — RPO LFX
2013-2015 GMC Acadia, Terrain — Equipped With V6 Engine — RPO LFX or LLT
2015 GMC Canyon — Equipped With V6 Engine — RPO LFX

Attention: Always refer to the GM Service Policy and Procedures Manual for the latest GM Policy
and Procedures Information.
This bulletin is being revised to make the Subject and Attention statement more concise, add
certain Model Year 2013-2015 vehicles equipped with the V6 engine — RPO LFX or LLT, add
Model Year 2015 vehicles equipped with any V8 engine, add a Notice before the Table of
Contents and also update the information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number
09-06-04-026G.

Notice: For 2006-2013 vehicles equipped with the Duramax™ diesel engine, refer to the latest version of
Corporate Bulletin Number #08-06-04-006. For 2014-2015 vehicles equipped with the Duramax™ diesel
engine, refer to the latest version of Corporate Bulletin Number #14-06-04-003.

Table of Contents
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1. Engine, Transmission, Transfer Case, Rear Axle Components and Catalytic Converter Failures Due to
Non-GM ECM Calibrations Being Installed
2. Calibration Retrieval and Calibration Verification Procedure for Service Agents NOT REQUIRED to
Call PQC for Powertrain/Drivetrain Assembly Replacement Authorization
3. Calibration Retrieval and Calibration Verification Procedure for Service Agents REQUIRED to Call
PQC for Powertrain/Drivetrain Assembly Replacement Authorization
4. Retrieving Engine Calibration ID and Verification No. (Number) Information Using the Tech 2® - This
Action is Required for ALL Service Agents (Model Dependent)
5. Tech 2® Displaying All Zeroes for the Verification Numbers on the Vehicle Information - Calibration ID
and Verification No. (Number/CVN) Screen
6. Retrieving Calibration Information From Global A Vehicles Using GDS 2 - This Action is Required for
ALL Service Agents (Model Dependent)

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7. Creating a .jpg or .jpeg File From a GDS 2 Calibration History Screen Shot Using Microsoft Paint
8. Calibration Verification Procedure — For Service Agents NOT REQUIRED to Call PQC for Powertrain/
Drivetrain Assembly Replacement Authorization — Using the Tech 2® or GDS 2
8. A. Calibration Verification Procedure — Using the Tech 2®
8. B. Calibration Verification Procedure — Using GDS 2
9. Calibration Verification Procedure — For Service Agents REQUIRED to Call PQC for Powertrain/
Drivetrain Assembly Replacement Authorization — This Procedure MUST be Performed by the
Calibrations Group
10. Procedure for ALL Service Agents for E-mailing .jpg or .jpeg Files to the Calibration Group at —
[email protected]
11. Calibrations Group - New E-mail Address - [email protected]
12. Warranty Information

1. Engine, Transmission, Transfer Case, Rear Axle Components and Catalytic
Converter Failures Due to Non-GM ECM Calibrations Being Installed
Notice:
• Be advised that GM REQUIRES retrieving the Calibration Information and performing the Calibration
Verification Procedure as outlined in this Bulletin, whenever diagnostics determine a hard part failure
may have occurred on internal engine parts and BEFORE disassembly, repair or replacement of an
engine assembly under warranty.
• Be advised that GM strongly recommends retrieving the Calibration Information and performing the
Calibration Verification Procedure as outlined in this Bulletin, whenever diagnostics determine a hard
part failure may have occurred on transmission, transfer case or rear axle components and before
disassembly, repair or replacement of a transmission, transfer case or rear axle assembly under
warranty. It is also recommended that the ECM Calibration Verification Procedure be performed
whenever diagnostics determine that catalytic converter replacement is necessary.
• It is not a requirement to verify transmission control module calibrations on gasoline engine
applications.
General Motors is identifying an increasing number of engine, transmission and catalytic converter part failures that
are the result of non-GM ECM calibrations being installed.
When alteration to the GM-released ECM calibration occurs, it subjects powertrain and driveline components such
as engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshaft and the rear axle to stresses that were not tested by General
Motors. It is because of these unknown stresses, and the potential to alter reliability, durability and emissions
performance, that GM has adopted a policy that prevents any UNAUTHORIZED Service Agent Warranty
Transaction submissions to any remaining warranty coverage, to the powertrain and driveline components whenever
the presence of a non-GM calibration is confirmed, even if the non-GM ECM calibration is subsequently removed.
Warranty coverage is based on the equipment and ECM calibrations that were released on the vehicle at time of
sale, or subsequently updated by GM. That’s because GM testing and validation matches the calibration to a host of
criteria that is essential to assure reliability, durability and emissions performance over the life of the warranty
coverage and beyond. Stresses resulting from calibrations that are different from those tested and released by GM
can damage and/or weaken components, leading to poor performance and/or shortened life.
Additionally, non-GM issued ECM modifications often do not meet the same emissions performance standards as
GM issued calibrations. Depending on state statutes, individuals who install ECM calibrations that put the vehicle
outside the parameters of emissions certification standards may be subject to fines and/or penalties.
This bulletin outlines the Calibration Retrieval and Calibration Verification Procedures for ALL Service Agents
including Service Agents NOT Required to Call PQC for Powertrain/Drivetrain Assembly Replacement Authorization
and Service Agents Required to Call PQC for Powertrain/Drivetrain Assembly Replacement Authorization, using the
Tech 2® or GDS 2 to identify the presence of non-GM control module calibrations.
If a non-GM calibration is found and verification has taken place through GM, the remaining powertrain and driveline
warranty may be blocked and notated in Global Warranty Management (GWM) and the dealership will be notified.
This block prevents any UNAUTHORIZED warranty claim submission.

2. Calibration Retrieval and Calibration Verification Procedure for Service Agents
NOT REQUIRED to Call PQC for Powertrain/Drivetrain Assembly Replacement
Authorization
Notice:
• The Service Agent Service Department Personnel is NOT REQUIRED TO E-MAIL TAC the digital
Calibration Verification photos from the Tech 2® screen or GDS 2 screen shot, UNLESS non-GM
calibrations are found.

•

The Service Agent Service Department Personnel is REQUIRED TO RETAIN ALL of the related
documentation showing the Calibration Information was Retrieved and the Calibration Verification
Procedure was completed, in the Service Agent Vehicle History Service File.
1. Depending on the vehicle being serviced, the Service Department Personnel is required to complete one of the
following procedures, either Step 1.1 or Step 1.2 in order to ensure that there are not any non-GM ECM
calibrations present:
1.1. Section 4. Retrieving Engine Calibration ID and Verification No. (Number) Information Using the
Tech 2®
After retrieving the calibration information, Go to Step 2.
OR
1.2. Section 6. Retrieving Calibration Information From Global A Vehicles Using GDS 2
After retrieving the calibration information, Go to Step 2.
2. After retrieving the Calibration Information and performing Section: 8. Calibration Verification Procedure
— For Service Agents NOT REQUIRED to Call PQC for Powertrain/Drivetrain Assembly Replacement
Authorization — Using the Tech 2® or GDS 2 the Service Department Personnel is required to retain all of
the related documentation showing the procedures were completed in the Service Agent Vehicle History
Service File.
⇒ If the Calibration Verification Procedure determines that THERE ARE non-GM ECM calibrations present, the
Service Department Personnel MUST follow the procedure as instructed in: Section 10. Procedure for All
Service Agents for E-mailing .jpg or .jpeg Files to the Calibration Group at —
[email protected]
3. When returning an engine assembly a printed copy of the Tech 2® Vehicle Information - Engine Calibration ID
and Verification No. (Number/CVN) screen or the GDS 2 Calibration History (Events) screen shot must be
attached to the documentation being returned with the unit.
Notice: For additional information regarding: Service Agents NOT Required to Call PQC for Powertrain/
Drivetrain Assembly Replacement Authorization, refer to the latest version of Corporate Bulletin
#12-07-30-001 Information for Service Agents Not Required to Contact Product Quality Center (PQC) for
CNG, LPG or Gasoline Engine, Transmission and/or Transfer Case Replacement Authorization

3. Calibration Retrieval and Calibration Verification Procedure for Service Agents
REQUIRED to Call PQC for Powertrain/Drivetrain Assembly Replacement
Authorization
Notice:
• The Service Agent Service Department Personnel is REQUIRED TO E-MAIL TAC the digital Calibration
Verification photos from the Tech 2® screen or GDS 2 screen shot in .jpg or .jpeg format only, to the
following e-mail address: [email protected]
• The Service Agent Service Department Personnel is REQUIRED TO RETAIN ALL of the related
documentation showing the Calibration Information was Retrieved and the Calibration Verification
Procedure was performed by the Calibrations Group which is their e-mail response, in the Service Agent
Vehicle History Service File.
1. Depending on the vehicle being serviced, the Service Department Personnel is required to complete one of the
following procedures, either Step 1.1 or Step 1.2 in order to ensure that there are not any non-GM ECM
calibrations present:
1.1. Section 4. Retrieving Engine Calibration ID and Verification No. (Number) Information Using the
Tech 2®
OR
1.2. Section 6. Retrieving Calibration Information From Global A Vehicles Using GDS 2
2. After retrieving the Calibration Information and referring to Section: 9. Calibration Verification Procedure
— For Service Agents Required to Call PQC for Powertrain/Drivetrain Assembly Replacement
Authorization — MUST be Performed by the Calibrations Group , follow the procedure in Section 10.
Procedure for All Service Agents for E-mailing .jpg or .jpeg Files to the Calibration Group at —
[email protected]
3. The Service Department Personnel is required to retain all of the related documentation showing the
procedures were completed in the Service Agent Vehicle History Service File.
4. When returning an engine assembly a printed copy of the Tech 2® Vehicle Information - Engine Calibration ID
and Verification No. (Number/CVN) screen OR the GDS 2 Calibration History (Events) screen shot must be
attached to the documentation being returned with the unit.
Notice: For additional information regarding: Service Agents Required to Call PQC for Powertrain/
Drivetrain Assembly Replacement Authorization, refer to the latest version of Corporate Bulletin
#02-07-30-029 Product Quality Center (PQC) Assembly Replacement Process

4. Retrieving Engine Calibration ID and Verification No. (Number) Information Using
the Tech 2® - This Action is Required for ALL Service Agents (Model Dependent)
Notice: This information applies to vehicles that are Tech 2® compatible and is typical of the procedure that
will be used.
1. Connect the Tech 2® to the vehicle.
2. Go to: Diagnostics and build the vehicle.
3. Select: Powertrain.
4. Select: Engine.
5. Select: Engine Control Module or PCM.
6. Select: Module ID Information or I/M Information System if the Module ID Information selection is not
available.
7. If: "I/M information System" was selected, it may be necessary to select "Vehicle Information" in order to
display the calibration information.
⇒ If the CVN information is displayed as “N/A”, it will be necessary to contact the TCSC at 1-800-828-6860 for
English or 1-800-503-3222 for French to obtain the CVN information.
⇒ If the CVN Information is displayed as all zeroes, refer to Section: 5. Tech 2® Displaying All Zeroes for the
Verification Numbers on the Vehicle Information - Calibration ID and Verification No. (Number/CVN)
Screen

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Notice:
• Two examples of the Tech 2® Vehicle Information - (Engine) Calibration ID and Verification No.
screens are shown.
• The Tech 2® Vehicle Information - Calibration ID and Verification No. screen will differ slightly
depending on vehicle and model year.
8. Take a CLEAR digital picture(s) of the Tech 2® Vehicle Information screen showing the entire VIN, (Engine)
Calibration ID and Verification No. (Number/CVN) and save it in .jpg format.
Notice: It is recommended that an electronic copy of the Tech 2® screen photograph(s) also be saved.
9. Retain the printout information and the Tech 2® screen photograph(s) with the repair order.

5. Tech 2® Displaying All Zeroes for the Verification Numbers on the Vehicle
Information - Calibration ID and Verification No. (Number/CVN) Screen

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If the Tech 2® that is being used displays all zeroes for the Verification Numbers as shown, then perform the
following steps:
1. Update the Tech 2® with the latest software from TIS2WEB.
2. Turn OFF the ignition for 90 seconds.
3. Connect the Tech 2® to the vehicle.
4. Turn ON the ignition, and build the vehicle. Observe the Tech 2® Vehicle Information - Calibration ID and
Verification No. (Number/CVN) screen for proper operation.
⇒ If the Tech 2® screen still does not display properly, then turn OFF the ignition for 90 seconds again. Turn ON
the ignition and observe the same screen for proper operation.

6. Retrieving Calibration Information From Global A Vehicles Using GDS 2 - This
Action is Required for ALL Service Agents (Model Dependent)
Notice: This information applies to Global A - GDS 2 compatible vehicles and is typical of the procedure
that will be used.
1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Connect the MDI to the Data Link Connector (DLC) of the vehicle.
Notice: Use the USB port to make the following MDI connection:
3. Connect the MDI to a PC or laptop that has been downloaded with the GDS 2 application from TIS2WEB.
Notice: At least one Diagnostic Package must be installed on the PC to perform diagnostics. If GDS 2 was
just installed, select: Add New Diagnostic Package and then select a: Diagnostic Package to download.
4. Select: GDS 2 icon on the PC.
5. Select: Diagnostics icon.
6. Select: serial number of the MDI being used.
7. Select: Enter icon.

8. Select: Module Diagnostics.
9. Select: Engine Control Module.
Notice: Due to the model selected, vehicle build, software and RPO variations, GDS 2 may ask for additional
information in Step 10.
10. Select: Engine ID, if prompted.
11. Select: ID Information.
12. The Diagnostics page will appear.

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13.
Notice: This is a typical view of a GDS 2 Calibration History Events Screen. GDS 2 is capable of displaying
up to 10 Calibration History Events.
Select: Calibration History from the drop down menu in order to display the following items on the screen,
including the VIN:
• Calibration History Buffer
• Number of Calibration History Events Stored
• Calibration Part Number History
• Calibration Verification Number History
14. Select: Save Report.
15. Select: Print.
Notice: It is recommended that an electronic copy of the GDS 2 Calibration History also be saved. Refer to
Section: 7. Creating a .jpg or .jpeg File From a GDS 2 Calibration History Screen Shot Using Microsoft Paint
16. Retain a copy of the printed screen shot with the repair order.

7. Creating a .jpg or .jpeg File From a GDS 2 Calibration History Screen Shot Using
Microsoft Paint
1.
2.
3.
4.

Select: Start icon.
Select: All Programs.
Select: Accessories.
Select: Paint.

5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

Navigate to: Calibration History .
Press the: Print Scrn button.
Open: Microsoft Paint.
Select: Paste.
Select: Save As.
Select: Desktop.
Select: File name. Name the file. As an example use the VIN.
Select: Save as type, using the drop down menu.
Select: JPEG

8. Calibration Verification Procedure — For Service Agents NOT REQUIRED to Call
PQC for Powertrain/Drivetrain Assembly Replacement Authorization — Using the
Tech 2® or GDS 2
1. Go to: TIS2WEB Home Page.

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2. Select: Calibration Information (SPS Info).

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3. Enter the: VIN.
4. Select: Get Cal ID.

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5. Select: ECM Engine Control Module — Programming from the Controller dropdown menu and select: Next.

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6. Select: Complete History at the top left or bottom left of the page to access the GM Vehicle Calibration
Information screen, which displays all of the GM Approved Calibrations and CVNs (Calibration Verification
Numbers).
⇒ If the vehicle being serviced requires using the Tech 2® , Go to subsection: 8. A. Calibration Verification
Procedure — Using the Tech 2®
⇒ If the vehicle being serviced requires using GDS 2, Go to subsection: 8. B. Calibration Verification
Procedure — Using GDS 2
8. A. Calibration Verification Procedure — Using the Tech 2®

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Compare each: Calibration ID Part Number and Verification No. (Number/CVN) from your Tech 2® photo to the
corresponding Calibration ID Part Number and Verification No. (Number/CVN) listed in the TIS2WEB GM
Vehicle Calibration Information screen of TIS2WEB to ensure that they are ALL an EXACT MATCH.
⇒ If ANY of the Calibration ID Part Number and Verification No. (Number/CVN) when COMPARED to the
Calibration ID Part Number and Verification No. (Number/CVN) listed in the TIS2WEB GM Vehicle Calibration
Information screen, DO NOT MATCH, then non-GM calibrations may be present and you should follow the
procedure in Section: 10. Procedure for All Service Agents for E-mailing .jpg or JPEG Files to the
Calibration Group at — [email protected] in order to e-mail your findings to the Calibration Group,
who will then document your information with the appropriate Brand Quality Manager in the Brand Quality Team.
8. B. Calibration Verification Procedure — Using GDS 2

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Compare each: Engine Calibration Part Number History parameter and Calibration Verification Number
History parameter from the GDS 2 Calibration History screen to the Calibration Part Number and Calibration
Verification Number (CVN) listed in the GM Vehicle Calibration Information screen of TIS2WEB to ensure that
they are ALL an EXACT MATCH.
⇒ If ANY Engine Calibration Part Number History parameter and Calibration Verification Number History parameter
when COMPARED to the Engine Calibration Part Number History parameter and Calibration Verification Number
History listed in the TIS2WEB GM Vehicle Calibration Information screen, DO NOT MATCH, then non-GM
calibrations may be present and you should follow the procedure in Section: 10. procedure for All Service
Agents for E-mailing .jpg or JPEG Files to the Calibration Group at — [email protected] in order to
e-mail your findings to the Calibration Group, who will then document your information with the appropriate
Brand Quality Manager in the Brand Quality Team.

9. Calibration Verification Procedure — For Service Agents REQUIRED to Call PQC
for Powertrain/Drivetrain Assembly Replacement Authorization — This Procedure
MUST be Performed by the Calibrations Group
Notice: For Service Agents Required to Call PQC for Powertrain/Drivetrain Assembly Replacement
Authorization, the Calibration Verification Procedure MUST be Performed by the Calibrations Group
1. Assemble the Calibration Information that was retrieved when you performed Section: 4. Retrieving Engine
Calibration ID and Verification No. (Number) Information Using the Tech 2® - This Action is Required for
ALL Service Agents (Model Dependent)
OR
2. Assemble the Calibration Information that was retrieved when you performed Section: 6. Retrieving
Calibration Information From Global A Vehicles Using GDS 2 - This Action is Required for ALL Service
Agents (Model Dependent)
3. Go to Section: 10. Procedure for ALL Service Agents for E-mailing .jpg or JPEG Files to the Calibration
Group at — [email protected] .

10. Procedure for ALL Service Agents for E-mailing .jpg or .jpeg Files to the
Calibration Group at — [email protected]
Notice:
1. ALL screen shots MUST be sent as a .jpg or .jpeg file. Keep all photos in ONE e-mail.
2. DO NOT e-mail photos from the GDS 2 in the automatic format of a .png file. Your e-mail will arrive at the
Calibrations Group with the .png file(s) having been stripped by the security firewall.
1. Create an e-mail to be sent to: [email protected]
2. Attach the Tech 2® digital .jpg or .jpeg photos or the GDS 2 .jpg or .jpeg files to the e-mail. Keep ALL photos in
one e-mail.
3. In the Subject Line of the e-mail include the following:
3.1. The phrase: “V6 Cal” or “V8 Cal”.
3.2. The complete: VIN.
3.3. The Service Agent BAC.
4. In the Body of the e-mail include the following:
4.1. The complete: VIN.
4.2. The Mileage.
4.3. The Service Agent BAC.
4.4. The Repair Order (R.O.) or Job Card number.
4.5. The Customer Complaint.
4.6. The Cause of the Condition.
Notice: Requests that are sent to the Calibrations Group are handled in the order in which they were
received.
5. The Service Agent will receive an e-mail reply after the calibrations have been validated. The e-mail reply will
advise the Service Agent if the calibrations are OEM.
⇒ If non-GM ECM calibrations are determined to be present, the Calibrations Group will forward the case to the
appropriate Brand Quality Manager for review. The Brand Quality Manager will then determine whether the
warranty will be blocked and will respond to all parties concerned.
6. You may call the PQC two hours after submitting the e-mail to the Calibrations Group (or after the results have
been received by e-mail) for authorization to replace the assembly. This time allows the Calibrations Group to
receive, review, verify the calibrations and set up a case for the request. The Calibrations Group will also update
the PQC or TAC case with the results of the Calibration Verification Request.

Be prepared to provide all the usual documentation that is normally required when requesting an assembly
authorization from the PQC.
Notice: DO NOT contact GM Technical Assistance (TAC) to discuss warranty concerns on the non-GM
calibrations. ALL questions and concerns about warranty should be directed to the District Manager
Aftersales (DMA), in Canada the DM-CCSP (District Manager-Customer Care and Service Process).

11. Calibrations Group - New E-mail Address - [email protected]
The Calibrations Group has a new e-mail address to be used when mailing the digital .jpg or .jpeg photographs of the
Engine Calibration ID and Verification No. (Number) Information taken from the Tech 2® or .jpg or .jpeg photographs
from the GDS 2 Calibration History screen shot.
E-mail all .jpg or .jpeg files to this address: [email protected]

12. Warranty Information
•

The Dealership Service Management must be involved in any situation that would justify the use of labor
operation 0600014.
• Notify the District Manager Aftersales (DMA), in Canada the DM-CCSP (District Manager-Customer Care and
Service Process) of the situation.
• All claims will have to be routed to the Warranty Support Center (WSC) for approval.
• Please refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 09-00-89-016, Labor Operation 0600014 - Suspected Tampering or
Vehicle Modifications for important information.
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor
Operation
0600014

Description
Suspected Tampering or
Vehicle Modifications

Labor
Time
0.2 hr