File in Section:

Service Bulletin

Bulletin No.:
Date:

PI0905
February, 2013

PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
Subject:

Bubbles, Bumps or Raised Sections on Side Door Interior Trim Panel(s)

Models:

2013 Buick Enclave
2013 Chevrolet Traverse
2013 GMC Acadia

Condition/Concern
Some customers may comment that the front and/or rear side door interior trim panel(s) are displaying bubbles,
bumps or raised sections along the top (sill) area. This condition may be present on one or more of the trim panels.
This condition may be caused by air trapped between the trim panel upholstery and the trim panel substrate.

Recommendation/Instructions to Correct Bubbles, Bumps or Raised Sections

3277119

Use the following procedure to correct the condition. The trapped air will be released by creating a small hole in the
material using a 26 gauge lancet (intended for use with glucose testing lancing devices). Do not attempt to use an
alternative tool; damage to the trim panel material may occur.
Caution: In the following procedure, a heat gun is used to warm the repair area of the door interior trim panel. IF
THE TECHNICIAN IS NOT EXPERIENCED IN USING A HEAT GUN FOR THIS TYPE OF PROCEDURE, DAMAGE
MAY BE CAUSED TO THE VEHICLE. This procedure should only be performed by a technician experienced in the
use of a heat gun.
Caution: The lancet used in these steps is extremely sharp. Use care to prevent injury and dispose of the lancet
properly when the repair is completed.
1. Locate the area of the door panel that has the condition. There may be more than one spot on the affected panel
(the graphics below show the possible pattern that may develop the condition).
2. With the repair area defined, use a heat gun set on a low (high air flow) heat setting to warm the area. This will
expand the trapped air and make the material more pliable. Use extreme care to not overheat and damage the
material with the heat gun. It is only necessary to warm the area.

3277122

3. Using a 26 gauge lancet, create a hole in the center of the bubble to release the trapped air.
Use care to create a clean hole. Do not twist or drag the lancet. One clean stick will create an adequate vent
hole. Any further application of the lancet may create a noticeable hole.
4. Immediately after creating the hole, take a damp cloth towel and work the air out of the bubble. Work from the
outer area of the bubble toward the center where the hole was created to remove all of the trapped air.
5. Carefully inspect the trim panel for any additional areas showing the condition. The application of heat may
have raised additional bubbles. Repeat the above steps on any additional areas of the trim panel that are
displaying the condition.
6. If the hole is slightly visible, use the heat gun and the damp towel to gently heat and cool the area. This will help
close the hole.
7. Refer to the Recommendation/Instructions to Prevent Trim Panel Concerns section below to perform the
additional repair steps on all four doors to prevent future concerns.

Recommendation/Instructions to Prevent Trim Panel Concerns
Use the following steps to locate and create air vent holes in the front and rear side door interior trim panels. This
procedure will prevent the trapped air from creating bubbles or bumps in the trim panel material. This condition
usually occurs when the trim panels are exposed to elevated temperatures. The graphic in the step shows the
locations using yellow dots. These dots are for display purposes to show the service area. When performing the
steps, use chalk to mark the locations.
1. Locate the areas to be serviced using the graphic and table information below.
2. With the locations defined on the trim panel being serviced, use a 26 gauge lancet to create a hole. Use care to
create a clean hole. Do not twist or drag the lancet. One clean stick will create an adequate vent hole. Any
further application of the lancet may create a noticeable hole.
Traverse and Acadia Left Front Door
In the chart below, the top number is measured from the mirror close out panel.
The bottom number is measured from the edge of the trim panel along the lower window opening.

3277138

A

B

C

D

E

712 mm

552 mm

398 mm

240 mm

82 mm

22 mm

25 mm

25 mm

31 mm

40 mm

Traverse and Acadia Right Front Door
In the chart below, the top number is measured from the mirror close out panel.
The bottom number is measured from the edge of the trim panel along the lower window opening.

3277135

A

B

C

D

E

83 mm

233 mm

393 mm

554 mm

710 mm

32 mm

27 mm

25 mm

22 mm

20 mm

Traverse and Acadia Left Rear Door
In the chart below, the top number is measured from the seal at the front of the door window opening.
The bottom number is measured from the edge of the trim panel along the lower window opening.

3277127

A

B

C

D

E

596 mm

455 mm

312 mm

155 mm

33 mm

25 mm

25 mm

22 mm

27 mm

27 mm

Traverse and Acadia Right Rear Door
In the chart below, the top number is measured from the seal at the front of the door window opening.
The bottom number is measured from the edge of the trim panel along the lower window opening.

3277130

A

B

C

D

E

40 mm

158 mm

310 mm

457 mm

608 mm

38 mm

27 mm

27 mm

23 mm

23 mm

Enclave Left Front Door
In the chart below, the top number is measured from the mirror close out panel.
The bottom number is measured from the edge of the trim panel along the lower window opening.

3277142

A

B

C

D

E

635 mm

505 mm

375 mm

245 mm

10 mm

37 mm

33 mm

30 mm

45 mm

35 mm

Enclave Right Front Door
In the chart below, the top number is measured from the mirror close out panel.
The bottom number is measured from the edge of the trim panel along the lower window opening.

3277145

A

B

C

D

E

10 mm

245 mm

375 mm

505 mm

635 mm

35 mm

45 mm

30 mm

33 mm

37 mm

Enclave Left Rear Door
In the chart below, the top number is measured from the seal at the front of the door window opening.
The bottom number is measured from the edge of the trim panel along the lower window opening.

3277148

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

740 mm

630 mm

515 mm

410 mm

295 mm

190 mm

85 mm

30 mm

25 mm

35 mm

35 mm

35 mm

30 mm

35 mm

Enclave Right Rear Door
In the chart below, the top number is measured from the seal at the front of the door window opening.
The bottom number is measured from the edge of the trim panel along the lower window opening.

3277152

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

85 mm

190 mm

295 mm

410 mm

515 mm

630 mm

740 mm

35 mm

30 mm

35 mm

35 mm

35 mm

25 mm

30 mm

Parts Information
This lancet is intended for use with lancing devices used for blood glucose testing. This product can be purchased
from most large drug store retailers.

3277312

Part Number

Description

NPN

26 Gauge Lancets

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

Description

Labor Time

C9540*

Repair Side Door Interior Trim Panel Bubbles, Create Relief Holes In
All Four Door Interior Trim Panels

1.0 hr

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