File in Section:

Service Bulletin

Bulletin No.:
Date:

PI0745C
November, 2012

PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
Subject:

Information on Diagnosing Intermittent Electrical Concerns with Components Fused
Through Instrument Panel Fuse Block

Models:

2010-2012 Buick LaCrosse
2011-2012 Buick Regal
2010-2013 Cadillac SRX
2013 Cadillac XTS
2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox
2013 Chevrolet Malibu
2010-2013 GMC Terrain
This PI is being revised to add the 2013 Cadillac SRX. Please discard PI0745B.

Condition/Concern
Some customers may comment on intermittent issues with components that are fused through the instrument panel
fuse block. These issues may include (but are not limited to):
• Flickering Interior lights.
• Erratic operation of exterior lights.
• Service power Steering (SPS) message displayed.
• Unable to move the transmission selector from PARK.
The above conditions are examples, however, additional components may be affected. Components that are fused
by the fuses identified below, in the instrument panel fuse block, are the primary focus of this bulletin.
These conditions may be caused by insufficient tension on the feed side of the fuse (BUS bar terminal connection
inside the fuse block).

Recommendation/Instructions for LaCrosse, Malibu, Regal, SRX, XTS
Use the following steps to diagnose and repair the condition.
1. Locate the instrument panel fuse block. Refer to SI for the specific location.
2. Locate the fuse in the fuse block that controls the component that is displaying the condition.
3. With the vehicle in PARK and the parking brake set, start the vehicle.
4. With the vehicle running, wiggle the fuse in question and observe function of the component.
5. If moving the fuse makes the condition change (operative/inoperative) proceed to the next step. If the condition
does not change, refer to the appropriate diagnostic and repair procedures in SI.
6. Remove the affected fuse from the fuse block.

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7. With the fuse removed, using the graphic above, determine which terminal is the feed side.

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In the above graphic, the feed side of the fuse is highlighted in blue.

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8. Using test adapter J-35616-35 for relay terminals, inserted in the feed side, perform a drag test and determine if
the terminal has sufficient tension.

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If J-35616-35 in not available, create a drag test fuse by cutting off one of the terminals as shown.
9. Adjust the terminal tension as follows:

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9.1. Insert an awl between the fuse block housing and the terminal as shown.
9.2. Gently pry the terminal inward to tighten the terminal opening. Perform this procedure on both sides of the
terminal.
10. Using the drag test tool, perform a drag test and verify the terminal tension.
11. Reinstall the fuse and verify the condition has been corrected.
12. Repeat the terminal tension drag test on the remainder of fuse locations 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13 and 14–26 and tighten
the terminal tension as necessary.

Recommendation/Instructions for Equinox, Terrain
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Locate the instrument panel fuse block. Refer to SI for the specific location.
Locate the fuse in the fuse block that controls the component that is displaying the condition.
With the vehicle in PARK and the parking brake set, start the vehicle.
With the vehicle running, wiggle the fuse in question and observe function of the component.
If moving the fuse makes the condition change (operative/inoperative) proceed to the next step. If the condition
does not change, refer to the appropriate diagnostic and repair procedures in SI.
6. Remove the affected fuse from the fuse block.

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7. With the fuse removed, using the graphic above, determine which terminal is the feed side.

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In the above graphic, the feed side of the fuse is highlighted in red.

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8. Using test adapter J-35616-35 for relay terminals, inserted in the feed side, perform a drag test and determine if
the terminal has sufficient tension.

2869437

If J-35616-35 in not available, create a drag test fuse by cutting off one of the terminals as shown.
9. Adjust the terminal tension as follows:

2869447

9.1. Insert an awl between the fuse block housing and the terminal as shown.
9.2. Gently pry the terminal inward to tighten the terminal opening. Perform this procedure on both sides of the
terminal.
10. Using the drag test tool, perform a drag test and verify the terminal tension.
11. Reinstall the fuse and verify the condition has been corrected.
12. Repeat the terminal tension drag test on the remainder of fuse locations highlighted in red and tighten the
terminal tension as necessary.

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

N9690*

Check and Adjust Instrument Panel Fuse Block Terminal Tension

0.5 hr

Add

Clear Stored or Set DTCs

0.2 hr

*This is a unique labor operation for bulletin use only. It will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.

Additional Key Words: Light, Lighting, Lamp, Bulb, Power, BCM, Inop, Inoperative, DTC, Stop, Turn Signal, Park,
IP, IPJB, IPBEC