Bulletin No.: 15285C
Date: March 2016

Service Bulletin
SPECIAL COVERAGE
SUBJECT:

Special Coverage Adjustment - Excessive Engine Oil Consumption

MODELS:

2011 Chevrolet Equinox
2011 GMC Terrain
Equipped with 2.4L Engine (LAF)

This bulletin is being revised to correct a misprint in the labor times found within the Warranty
Transaction Information section. Please discard all copies of bulletin 15285B.
CONDITION
Some 2011 model year Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with a 2.4L engine,
may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption (less than 2,000 miles per quart of engine oil), due
to piston ring wear. If this condition is present, the oil can light may illuminate on the instrument
panel or the following message may appear in the Driver Information Center: “Oil Pressure Low –
Stop Engine”.
SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 7 years and 6 months
or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally
placed in service, regardless of ownership.
Dealers are to replace the 4 piston assemblies. The repairs will be made at no charge to the
customer.
For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after
July 21, 2015, are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation
codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to July 21, 2015, must be submitted
to the Service Contract provider.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
All involved vehicles are identified by Vehicle Identification Number on the Applicable Warranties
section in GM Global Warranty Management system. Dealership service personnel 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.

Copyright 2016 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

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March 2016

Bulletin No.: 15285C

PART INFORMATION
Parts required to complete this special coverage are to be obtained from General Motors Customer
Care and Aftersales (GMCC&A).
Part Number
19303450
12637166
12609291
12635447
12635427
12649233
24435052
12602379
12608374
12584041
11589123
11588844
12605566
19293000
90537293
88864346
90537336
12346290

Description
Piston Kit
Gasket Kit, Cylinder Head
Gasket Kit, Camshaft Cover
Seal, Chain Package, Timing
Chain Assembly, W/Pmp And Balr Shf
Tensioner Asm - W/Pmp & Balr Shf Chain
Gasket, Engine Front Cover
Seal, Fuel Pump Housing (Oring)
Pipe Asm, Fuel Feed Inter
Seal, Cr/Shf Front Oil
Bolt Asm, Hx Hd W/Con Spr Washer
Bolt, Cm/Shf Posn Actr
Filter, Oil
Oil, Engine, AC Delco DEXOS1 5W30
Screw Schraube (Connecting Rod)
Sealant, RTV
Guide, Balr Chain
Coolant, Engine, Dexcool Antifreeze

Quantity/Vehicle
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
5
8
2
1
1

SERVICE PROCEDURE
Note: This special policy covers repairs after the original powertrain warranty has expired. For
vehicles still covered under the original powertrain warranty, the labor code operations should be
used from bulletin 13-06-01-003.
Note: Technicians should perform an oil consumption test to determine if the pistons and rings
must be replaced. Follow the latest version of Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-011 to perform
an oil consumption test. Before starting the oil consumption test, verify the ECM has latest
TIS2web calibrations to adjust the engine oil life monitor to a maximum of 7,500 miles (12,070 km)
— Refer to the latest version of Customer Satisfaction Bulletin number 12312.
1. Determine the rate of oil consumption.


If the oil consumption test indicates that the rate of consumption is less than 1 quart (0.946L)
of oil every 2,000 miles (3,200 km), note the oil consumption rate and the date that the ECM
was reprogrammed. No further action is required.



If the oil consumption test indicates that the rate of consumption is greater than 1 quart
(0.946 L) of oil every 2,000 miles (3,200 km), note the oil consumption rate, the date that the
ECM was reprogrammed and replace the pistons and rings.

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March 2016

Bulletin No.: 15285C

Note: The repair is to replace the pistons and rings. In some cases the bore surface may not have
a uniform look to the finish (zebra stripes) as shown in Technical Service Bulletin 13-06-01-003F.
As a result, some technicians may question whether the engine should be repaired or replaced.
After careful evaluation, GM Powertrain has determined that the new pistons and rings will
perform correctly in bores that have this appearance so engine replacement should not be
necessary. The cylinder bores do not need any machine or honing work performed on them. Refer
to Technical Service Bulletin 13-06-01-003F for more information.
Piston and Ring Replacement Procedure

2146346

Note: Review the following service procedures and technical bulletin in SI:


Engine Replacement



Technical Service Bulletin 13-06-01-003F



Piston and Connecting Rod Disassemble



Piston and Connecting Rod Assemble

 Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation (LAF, LAT, LE5, LE9, LEA, or LUK)
1. Remove the engine from the vehicle.
2. Remove the pistons from the engine.
3. Remove the pistons from the connecting rods.
4. Discard the pistons and piston rings.
5. Install the new piston rings onto the new pistons.
6. Install the new pistons onto the connecting rods.
7. Assemble the engine.
8. Install the engine into the vehicle.

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March 2016

Bulletin No.: 15285C

CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT - For US
Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the condition described
in this bulletin are to be submitted to the dealer by August 31, 2016, unless otherwise specified by
state law. If this is not convenient for the customer, they may mail the completed Customer
Reimbursement Request Form and all required documents to the GM Customer Assistance Center.
Repairs must have occurred within the 7 years and 6 months of the date the vehicle was originally
placed in service, or 120,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
All reasonable and customary costs to correct the condition described in this bulletin should
be considered for reimbursement. Any questions or concerns should be reviewed with your
GM representative prior to processing the request.
When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:




A completed Customer Reimbursement Request Form. This form is mailed to the customer
or can be obtained through GM GlobalConnect.
The name and address of the person who paid for the repair.
Paid receipt confirming the amount of the repair expense, a description of the repair, and
the person or entity performing the repair.

IMPORTANT: GM requires dealers to approve or deny a reimbursement request within 30 days of
receipt. If a reimbursement request is approved, the dealer should immediately issue a check to
the customer and submit an appropriate warranty transaction for the incurred expense. If a
reimbursement request is denied, the dealer MUST provide the customer with a clear and concise
explanation, in writing, as to why the request was denied. The bottom portion of the Customer
Reimbursement Request Form may be used for this purpose. If the denial was due to missing
documents, the customer can resubmit the request when the missing documents are obtained, as
long as it is still within the allowed reimbursement period.
Warranty transactions for customer reimbursement of previously paid repairs are to be submitted
as required by GM Global Warranty Management. Additional information can also be found in
Warranty Administration Bulletin 11-00-89-004.
CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT - For Canada and Export
Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the condition described
in this bulletin are to be submitted to the dealer prior to or by August 31, 2016. Repairs must have
occurred within the 7 years and 6 months of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, or
193,000 kilometers, whichever occurs first.
When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:
-

Proof of ownership at time of repair.
Original paid receipt confirming the amount of unreimbursed repair expense(s) (including
Service Contract deductibles), a description of the repair, and the person or entity performing
the repair.

All reasonable and customary costs to correct the condition described in this bulletin should be
considered for reimbursement. Any questions or concerns should be reviewed with your GM
representative prior to processing the request.

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March 2016

Bulletin No.: 15285C

COURTESY TRANSPORTATION – For US and Canada
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer
inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranties. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the
warranty coverage period and involved in a product program is very important in maintaining
customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service
or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. Dealers
should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy
Transportation guidelines.

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March 2016

Bulletin No.: 15285C

WARRANTY TRANSACTION INFORMATION
Submit a transaction using the table below. All transactions should be submitted as a ZREG
transaction type, unless noted otherwise.
Note: This special policy covers repairs after the original powertrain warranty has expired. For
vehicles still covered under the original powertrain warranty, the labor code operations
should be used from bulletin 13-06-01-003 as shown below.
Note: To avoid having to "H" route the customer reimbursement transaction for approval, it must
be submitted prior to the repair transaction.
Note: The labor times have been revised in the labor time files. The Labor Time Guide was
updated February 1, 2016.
For Use With Vehicles Still Covered Under Applicable New Vehicle Limited Warranties
Labor
Code
4080008
4080178

Description
Oil Consumption Test Setup – No Repair Required
Piston, Connecting Rod and Bearing Replacement (Includes Oil
Consumption Test)
- AWD
- FWD

Labor
Time
0.2

Net
Item
N/A
*

13.0
12.6

Note: For reimbursements on vehicles covered under warranty, refer to the Policies and Procedures
Manual.
For Use With Vehicles No Longer Covered Under Applicable New Vehicle Limited
Warranties
Labor
Code
9900183
9900184

9900185
9900186

Description
Oil Consumption Test Setup – No Repair Required
Piston and Piston Ring Replacement (Includes Oil Consumption
Test)
- AWD
- FWD
Customer Reimbursement Approved
Customer Reimbursement Denied - For US dealers only

Labor
Time
0.2

Net
Item
N/A
N/A

13.0
12.6
0.2
0.1

*
N/A

* The amount identified in “Net Item” should represent the dollar amount reimbursed to the
customer.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
General Motors will notify customers of this special coverage on their vehicles (see copy of typical
customer letter included with this bulletin - actual divisional letter may vary slightly).
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/retailer for information on
whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

We Support
Voluntary Technician
Certification

Page 7

March 2016

Bulletin No.: 15285C
August 2015

This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN: _____________________________________
Dear General Motors Customer:
As the owner of a 2011 model year Chevrolet Equinox or GMC Terrain, your satisfaction with our
product is very important to us.
This letter is intended to make you aware that some 2011 model year Chevrolet Equinox and
GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with a 2.4L engine, may exhibit excessive engine oil
consumption (less than 2,000 miles per quart of engine oil), due to piston ring wear. Check your
oil level periodically. Also, if this condition is present, the oil can light may illuminate on your
instrument panel or you may have the following message in the Driver Information Center: “Oil
Pressure Low – Stop Engine”. See your owner manual for additional information on what to do if
the vehicle displays this message.
Do not take your vehicle to your GM dealer as a result of this letter unless you believe that
your vehicle has the condition as described above.
What We Have Done: General Motors is providing owners with additional protection for the
condition described above. If this condition occurs on your 2011 model year Chevrolet Equinox or
GMC Terrain within 7 years and 6 months of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service
or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no
charge. Diagnosis or repair for conditions other than the condition described above is not
covered under this special coverage program.
What You Should Do: Be sure to maintain proper engine oil level at all times and have the oil
changed when the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message appears on the Driver Information
Center. If you believe that your vehicle has the condition described above, repairs and
adjustments qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a General Motors
dealer. You may want to contact your GM dealer to find out how long they will need to have your
vehicle so that you may schedule the appointment at a time that is convenient for you. This will
also allow your dealer to order parts if they are not already in stock. Keep this letter with your
other important glove box literature for future reference.
Reimbursement: If you have paid for repairs for the condition described in this letter, please
complete the enclosed reimbursement form and present it to your dealer with all required
documents. Working with your dealer will expedite your request, however, if this is not
convenient, you may mail the completed reimbursement form and all required documents to
Reimbursement Department, PO Box 33170, Detroit, MI 48232-5170. The completed form and
required documents must be presented to your dealer or received by the Reimbursement
Department by August 31, 2016, unless state law specifies a longer reimbursement period.
If you have any questions or need any assistance, just contact your dealer or the appropriate
Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below.

Page 8

March 2016
Division

Number

Chevrolet
GMC
Guam
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands

1-800-222-1020
1-800-462-8782
65-6267-1752
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Bulletin No.: 15285C
Text Telephones
(TTY)
1-800-833-2438
1-888-889-2438

We are sorry for any inconvenience you may experience; however, we have taken this action in
the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.
Alicia S. Boler-Davis
Sr. Vice President
Global Connected Customer Experience
Enclosure
15285

GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS
DCS3962
URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY
Date:

March 11, 2016

Subject: 15285C – Special Coverage Adjustment
Excessive Engine Oil Consumption
Revised Warranty Transaction Information
Models: 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
2011 GMC Terrain
Equipped with 2.4L Engine (RPO LAF)
To:

All Chevrolet and GMC Dealers

This bulletin is being revised to correct a misprint in the labor times found within
the Warranty Transaction Information section. Please discard all copies of
bulletin 15285B.
END OF MESSAGE
GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS