File in Section:

Service Bulletin

-

Bulletin No.:

16-NA-158

Date:

May, 2016

INFORMATION
Subject:

New U.S. Dealer Special Tool Loan Program

Brand:

Model:

Buick,
Cadillac,
Chevrolet,
GMC

All GM
Passenger
Cars and
Trucks

Model Year:

VIN:

from

to

2009

2017

Involved Region or Country

Engine:

Transmission:

All

All

to

United States Dealers Only

In response to dealership suggestions and surveys,
GM launched a new U.S. Dealer Loan Tool Program
(LTP) on April 4, 2016. The Loan Tool Program does
not replace all essential tool shipments; however, it
does provide a cost-effective alternative to essential
shipments of high-cost and/or low-use special tools.
The LTP is dealer-funded by all U.S. dealers through an
annual subscription fee billed through the dealer’s
Open Account. (The CY2016 subscription fee is $349
in May and $349 in November) The subscription fee
includes inbound and outbound ground shipping.
Note: Dealerships with multiple franchises at the
same address will be charged only a single
subscription fee for the program.
Certain special tools have been deferred to the Loan
Tool Program (instead of being shipped essential) due
to unfavorable dealer Return-on-Investment (ROI).
Consequently, dealers cannot opt-out of the Loan Tool
Program because it will be the primary source for these
essential tools.
In some cases, the deferment of one special tool to the
Loan Tool Program can offset the annual subscription
fee (for example; EL-51470, Night Vision Camera
Alignment Target. Essential price = $1,600).
Approximately 900 legacy tool numbers (retail priced
from $10 - $3,000) are available for loan. This diverse
Loan Tool Inventory offers dealers a cost-effective
alternative to purchasing certain legacy tools when
needed to replace a lost tool or for a ‘one-off’ repair.
Over 40 percent of the legacy tools in the Loan Tool
Program are considered slow-moving or low-inventory
tools with long fulfillment times. These tools will now be
warehoused in a central location, eliminating long
production times for legacy or replacement essential
tools.
GM Dealers can request a Loan Tool through the GM
Special Tools Website (dealers must use their Global
Connect link to the website). The loan tool will be
Copyright 2016 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

from

shipped to the dealership via 2-day ground (overnight
shipping is available by request at an additional charge)
and then must be returned to the central distribution
warehouse in Romeoville, IL after 5 days of use.
Note: Mistreated, incomplete or unreturned tools will
be charged to the dealership at a penalty rate
substantially higher than the retail price of the tool.
Before the dealer is charged for the tool at the
penalized rate, the Fixed Ops Manger, Service Director
and / or Dealer Principal will be contacted directly
by GM.

Loan Tool Process

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The Loan Tool Program provides dealerships with a
simple process for requesting special tools.

Page 2

May, 2016

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-158

2. Fill out the request form and click Place Loan
Request.
3. Bosch processes the loan tool request and ships
the tool. Two-day shipping is included in the
program. (Overnight shipping option is an extra
charge calculated at check-out.)

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1. Dealership contacts Bosch via the Global Connect
link to GM Special Tools website. Once on the site,
select the Loan Tools feature & enter the desired
tool number in the Search box. If the desired tool is
available for Loan, select the Loan Cart button to
initiate the transaction.

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4. Dealership has use of the tool for five days and
then returns the tool using the provided return
instructions and label. If required, the loan tool
requestor will receive email messages from Bosch
as a reminder to return the tool.
5. Bosch receives the returned loan tool, verifies its
functionality, and places it back in the loan tool
inventory.

Additional Information
This program is administered and managed by Bosch
Automotive Service Solutions. For additional
information about the Loan Tool Program, email:
[email protected]
GM dealers still have the option to purchase special
tools via the online catalog and 1-800-GM-TOOLS.

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Version

1

Modified

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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