Bulletin No.: 07-00-89-021N
Date: Oct-2012

Subject:

Supplemental Information on Trailer Towing and Recreational Vehicle Towing (Dinghy Towing)

Models:

2008-2013 Buick Enclave
2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse
2007-2013 GMC Acadia
2007-2010 Saturn OUTLOOK

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2013 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 07-00-89-021M (Section
00 – General Information).
The purpose of this bulletin is to inform dealers of special procedures necessary when towing a trailer or when towing the vehicle behind a recreational vehicle.

Towing a Trailer
Trailer Weight Information
The following chart shows how much the trailer can weigh, based on the vehicle powertrain combination and whether the vehicle is equipped with Trailer
Provision (RPO V92). Retailers should refer customers to the appropriate Owner Manual for important trailering tips, vehicle maintenance, and safety rules
before towing a trailer.
Vehicle

Maximum Trailer Weight for Vehicles
Built Prior to 12/04/08

Maximum Trailer Weight for Vehicles
Built After to 12/04/08

2007-2013 GMC Acadia, 2007-2010 Saturn
OUTLOOK Equipped with Trailer Provisions
(RPO V92)

4,500 lb. (2,041 kg)

5,200 lb. (2,359 kg)

2007-2013 GMC Acadia, 2007-2010 Saturn
OUTLOOK Equipped without Trailer
Provisions (RPO V92)

2,000 lb. (907 kg)

2,000 lb. (907 kg)

2008-2013 Buick Enclave Equipped with
Trailer Provisions (RPO V92)

4,500 lb. (2,041 kg)

4,500 lb. (2,041 kg)

2008-2013 Buick Enclave Equipped without
Trailer Provisions (RPO V92)

2,000 lb. (907 kg)

2,000 lb. (907 kg)

2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse Equipped
with Trailer Provisions (RPO V92)

5,200 lb. (2,359 kg)

5,200 lb. (2,359 kg)

2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse Equipped
without Trailer Provisions (RPO V92)

2,000 lb. (907 kg)

2,000 lb. (907 kg)

Towing a Trailer with a Vehicle without Trailer Provisions (RPO V92) (2007 Model Year Only)

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These vehicles must be modified by installing a new underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC) to provide full functionality for 4 circuits: ground, tail lamps, RH
and LH stop/turn lamps. Perform this modification only if the customers will be using the vehicle to tow.
The replacement of the UBEC remains the best solution to upgrade the vehicles wiring for towing. The electrical circuitry for the tail/stop lamps is controlled by
the BCM and splicing into the body harness is not recommended.
The backup lamp circuit will also need to be modified using the following procedure:
1.

Disconnect the X7 connector from the Body Control Module (BCM).

2.

Remove the terminal for pin 3 from the BCM X7 connector. The wire to this terminal is dark blue and is the 38 circuit.

3.

Re-connect the X7 connector to the BCM.

4.

Cut the terminal off the end of this wire and strip the end of the wire.

5.

Splice this wire into the 24 circuit wire that goes into BCM connector X6, pin 2. The 24 circuit is light green.

Towing a Trailer with a Vehicle without Trailer Provisions (RPO V92) (2008-2012 Model Year Built Prior to May 01, 2012)

These vehicles must be modified by installing a new underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC) to provide full functionality for 4 circuits: ground, tail lamps, RH
and LH stop/turn lamps. Perform this modification only if the customers will be using the vehicle to tow.
The replacement of the UBEC remains the best solution to upgrade the vehicles wiring for towing. The electrical circuitry for the tail/stop lamps is controlled by
the BCM and splicing into the body harness is not recommended.

Towing a Trailer with a Vehicle without Trailer Provisions (RPO V92) (2012–2013 Model Year Built After April 30, 2012)

These vehicles must be modified by installing the necessary relays and fuses into the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC) to provide full functionality for
4 circuits: ground, tail lamps, RH and LH stop/turn lamps. Refer to the illustration below for relay and fuse locations. Perform this modification only if the
customers will be using the vehicle to tow.

Recreational Vehicle Towing (Dinghy Towing)
Recreational Vehicle Towing Information
Important: Vehicles that are “dinghy towed” must be started at the beginning of each day and at each fuel stop for a minimum of five minutes.
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Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome. The two most common types of recreational
vehicle towing are known as "dinghy towing" (towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground) and "dolly towing" (towing the vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a device known as a "dolly"). With the proper preparation and equipment, many vehicles can be towed in these ways. Refer to the
appropriate model/model year Owner Manual for towing preparation guidelines and dolly and dinghy towing procedures. The Towing Chart below summarizes
powertrain combination compatibility with dolly and dinghy towing methods.

Recreational Vehicle Towing Chart
Powertrain Combination and Towing
Method

Rear Wheels on a Tow
Dolly

Front Wheels on a Tow
Dolly

All Four Wheels on the
Ground (Dinghy)

3.6L V6 (LY7) Engine with Front-Wheel Drive
and 6T75 Six-Speed Automatic Transaxle (MY9)

No

Yes

Yes*

3.6L V6 (LY7) Engine with All-Wheel Drive and
6T75 Six-Speed Automatic Transaxle (MH6)

No**

No**

Yes*

*Caution: These vehicle can be dinghy towed from the front for unlimited miles at 65 mph (105 km/h). To avoid vehicle damage, never exceed 65 mph
(105 km/h) while towing these vehicles. The repairs would not be covered by the warranty.
**Caution: Dolly towing an all-wheel drive vehicle may result in premature failure of the rear drive module.

Dinghy Towing Procedure (2007-2008 Model Year)
Caution: If you tow your vehicle without performing each of the steps listed under "Dinghy Towing," you could damage the automatic transmission. Be
sure to follow all steps of the dinghy towing procedure prior to and after towing your vehicle.
Caution: Don't tow a vehicle with the front drive wheels on the ground if one of the front tires is a compact spare tire. Towing with two different tire
sizes on the front of the vehicle can cause severe damage to the transmission.
Important: All-wheel drive vehicles may only be dinghy towed from the front, with all four wheels on the ground.
1.

Position the vehicle to tow. Shift the transmission to PARK (P) and turn the ignition to OFF.

2.

Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.

3.

Set the parking brake.

4.

Turn the ignition to ACCESSORY.

5.

Shift your transmission to NEUTRAL (N).

6.

To prevent your battery from draining while the vehicle is being towed, remove the 50 amp BATT1 fuse (1) in the UBEC and store in a safe location.

7.

Release the parking brake.

Once you have reached your destination, do the following steps:
1.

Set the parking brake.

2.

Reinstall the BATT1 fuse.

3.

Shift the transmission to PARK (P), turn the ignition key to OFF and remove the key from the ignition.

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4.

Release the parking brake.

Dinghy Towing Procedure (2009-2012 Model Year Built Prior to May 01, 2012)
Caution: If you tow your vehicle without performing each of the steps listed under "Dinghy Towing," you could damage the automatic transmission. Be
sure to follow all steps of the dinghy towing procedure prior to and after towing your vehicle.
Caution: Don't tow a vehicle with the front drive wheels on the ground if one of the front tires is a compact spare tire. Towing with two different tire
sizes on the front of the vehicle can cause severe damage to the transmission.
Important: All-wheel drive vehicles may only be dinghy towed from the front, with all four wheels on the ground.
1.

Position the vehicle to tow. Shift the transmission to PARK (P) and turn the ignition to OFF.

2.

Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.

3.

Set the parking brake.

4.

Turn the ignition to ACCESSORY.

5.

Shift your transmission to NEUTRAL (N).

Important: The fuses must be removed in the order specified.
6.

Remove the 15 amp ECM fuse (1) in the UBEC and store in a safe location.

7.

To prevent your battery from draining while the vehicle is being towed, remove the 50 amp BATT1 fuse (2) in the UBEC and store in a safe location.

8.

Release the parking brake.

Once you have reached your destination, do the following steps:
1.

Set the parking brake.

2.

Reinstall the BATT1 fuse.

3.

Reinstall the ECM fuse.

4.

Shift the transmission to PARK (P), turn the ignition key to OFF and remove the key from the ignition.

5.

Release the parking brake.

Dinghy Towing Procedure (2012–2013 Model Year Built After April 30, 2012)
Caution: If you tow your vehicle without performing each of the steps listed under "Dinghy Towing," you could damage the automatic transmission. Be
sure to follow all steps of the dinghy towing procedure prior to and after towing your vehicle.
Caution: Don't tow a vehicle with the front drive wheels on the ground if one of the front tires is a compact spare tire. Towing with two different tire
sizes on the front of the vehicle can cause severe damage to the transmission.
Important: All-wheel drive vehicles may only be dinghy towed from the front, with all four wheels on the ground.
1.

Position the vehicle to tow. Shift the transmission to PARK (P) and turn the ignition to OFF.

2.

Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.

3.

Set the parking brake.
Note: If the ignition is turned to the RUN position during this step, the MIL will illuminate with DTCs U0100 and P0700 set in the transmission control

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module (TCM). To clear the DTCs, the ignition must be cycled three times.
4.

Turn the ignition to ACCESSORY.

5.

Shift your transmission to NEUTRAL (N).

Important: The fuses must be removed in the order specified.
6.

Remove the 20 amp ECM 1 fuse (1) in the UBEC and store in a safe location.

7.

To prevent your battery from draining while the vehicle is being towed, remove the 50 amp BATT1 fuse (3) in the UBEC and store in a safe location.

8.

Release the parking brake.

Once you have reached your destination, do the following steps:
1.

Set the parking brake.

2.

Reinstall the ECM fuse.

3.

Reinstall the BATT1 fuse.

4.

Reinstall the ECM 1 fuse.

5.

Shift the transmission to PARK (P), turn the ignition key to OFF and remove the key from the ignition.

6.

Release the parking brake.

Parts Information (2007-2012 Model Year Built Prior to May 01, 2012)
For part numbers and usage of the UBEC, see Group 02.483 of the appropriate Parts Catalog. Saturn retailers should refer to the appropriate model year Parts
& Illustration Catalog for the vehicle. Order the UBEC with the same option content including RPO V92.

Parts Information (2012–2013 Model Year Built After April 30, 2012)
Part Number

Description

Qty

19116059

Relay

3

19116050

30 Amp Fuse

2

19116042

10 Amp Fuse

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Warranty Information
Please advise the customer that the installation and cost of the new underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC) will not be covered under the vehicle's
warranty.
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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WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

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