Special Coverage Adjustment
25160 Reduced Engine Power Message and Hesitation or Stall
Reference Number:
GWM Number:

Release Date:
Revision:

N152025160
2025160

Make

Model

Buick

Encore

Chevrolet

Sonic
Trax

Model Year
From
To
2013
2013

RPO
LUV
MH8
MH9
MHB

August 2016
00

Description
Engine, 1.4L Turbo
Transmission, Auto 6-speed

Involved vehicles are identified on the Applicable Warranties section in GM Global Warranty Management system. This
site should always be checked to confirm vehicle involvement prior to beginning any required inspections and/or repairs.
Condition

Special
Coverage
Adjustment

Some 2013 model year Buick Encore, Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles, equipped with a 1.4L turbo
engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, may have a condition in which the vehicle may hesitate
and go into reduced engine power mode; i.e. driver information center message “ENGINE POWER IS
REDUCED,” malfunction indicator lamp, and reduced acceleration while driving. In infrequent
occasions, while in reduced engine power mode, the vehicle may sometimes stall. If a stall were to
occur steering and braking systems will still function, but may require increased effort.
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 6 years or 100,000 miles
(160,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service,
regardless of ownership.
For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after
August 5, 2016, 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 August 5, 2016, must be submitted
to the Service Contract provider.

Correction

Dealers are to reprogram the engine control module (ECM) and transmission control module (TCM).
The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

Parts
No parts are required for this procedure.
Warranty Information
Labor
Operation
9900367
9900368
9900369
9900370
*

Description
Diagnostic Time Only – No Repair Required
Reprogram the Engine Control and Transmission Control Modules
Add: Diagnostic Time
Customer Reimbursement Approved
Customer Reimbursement Denied – For USA dealers only

Labor
Time
0.1-0.3
0.6
0.1-0.3
0.2
0.1

Trans.
Type
ZREG

Net
Item
N/A

*
N/A

The amount identified in “Net Item” should represent the dollar amount reimbursed to the customer.

Copyright 2016 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

Page 1 of 3

Special Coverage Adjustment
25160 Reduced Engine Power Message and Hesitation or Stall
Service Procedure
Note: Carefully read and follow the instructions below.
 Do NOT attempt to order the calibration number from GM Customer Care and Aftersales. The calibration
numbers required for this service procedure are programmed into control modules via a Multiple Diagnostic
Interface (MDI) with the calibration update.
 Do NOT program a control module unless directed to by a service procedure or a service bulletin. If the control
module is not properly configured with the correct calibration software, the control module will not control all of
the vehicle features properly.
 Ensure the programming tool is equipped with the latest software and is securely connected to the data link
connector. If there is an interruption during programming, programming failure or control module damage may
occur.
 Stable battery voltage is critical during programming. Any fluctuation, spiking, over voltage or loss of voltage will
interrupt programming. When required, install the EL-49642 SPS Programming Support Tool to maintain system
voltage. If not available, connect a fully charged 12 V jumper or booster pack disconnected from the AC voltage
supply. DO NOT connect a battery charger.
 Turn OFF or disable systems that may put a load on the vehicles battery such as; interior lights, exterior lights
(including daytime running lights), HVAC, radio, etc.
 During the programming procedure, follow the SPS prompts for the correct ignition switch position.
 Clear DTCs after programming is complete. Clearing powertrain DTCs will set the Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
system status indicators to NO.
 Prior to programming, record the engine oil life percentage remaining.
NOTE: In some cases, the TCM and ECM may have to be reprogrammed. When a selection for TCM
Transmission Control Module – Programming is not available, select SEQ Programming Sequence ECM/TCM
(Automatic Transmission Only).
1.

Reprogram K20 the Engine Control Module. Refer to K20 Engine Control Module: Programming and Setup in SI.

2.

Reprogram the Transmission Control Module. Refer to Control Solenoid Valve and Transmission Control Module
Assembly Programming and Setup (6T30/6T40/6T45/6T50) in SI.

Courtesy Transportation – For USA & Canada
Courtesy transportation is available for customers whose vehicles are involved in a product program and still within the
warranty coverage period. See General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual, Section 6.1.10 – Courtesy
Transportation, for details.
Customer Notification
General Motors will notify customers of this special coverage on their vehicle (see copy of typical customer letter included
with this bulletin).
Customer Reimbursement
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, 2017. See General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual,
Section 6.1.11 – Product Field Action Customer Reimbursement Procedure (USA & Canada) or local Policies and
Procedures, for details.

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 for information on whether your
vehicle may benefit from the information.

We Support
Voluntary Technician
Certification

Page 2 of 3

Special Coverage Adjustment
25160 Reduced Engine Power Message and Hesitation or Stall
August 2016
This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN: _____________________________________
Dear General Motors Customer:
As the owner of a 2013 model year Encore, Sonic or Trax, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us.
This letter is intended to make you aware that some 2013 model year Buick Encore, Chevrolet Sonic or Trax vehicles,
equipped with a 1.4L turbo engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, may have a condition in which the vehicle may
hesitate and go into reduced engine power mode; i.e. driver information center message “ENGINE POWER IS
REDUCED,” malfunction indicator lamp, and reduced acceleration while driving. In infrequent occasions, while in
reduced engine power mode, the vehicle may sometimes stall. If a stall were to occur steering and braking systems will
still function, but may require increased effort.
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 2013 model year Encore, Sonic or Trax within 6 years of the date your vehicle was
originally placed in service or 100,000 miles (160,000 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: 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. 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, 2017,
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.
Division
Buick
Chevrolet
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands

Number
1-866-608-8080
1-800-630-2438
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Text Telephones (TTY)
1-800-832-8425
1-800-833-2438

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.
Terry M. Inch
Executive Director
Global Connected Customer Experience

Enclosure
25160

Page 3 of 3

GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS
DCS4137
URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY
Date:

August 5, 2016

Subject: 25160 - Special Coverage
Reduced Engine Power Message and Hesitation or Stall
Models: 2013 Buick Encore
2013 Chevrolet Sonic, Trax
Equipped with 1.4L turbo engine (RPO LUV) and 6-speed automatic
transmission (RPO MH8, MH9, or MHB)
To:

All Buick and Chevrolet Dealers

General Motors is releasing Special Coverage 25160 today. The total number
of U.S. vehicles involved is approximately 46,717. Please see the attached
bulletin for details.
Customer Letter Mailing
The customer letter mailing will begin on August 23, 2016.
Global Warranty Management (GWM)
The Investigate Vehicle History (IVH) screen in the GWM system will be updated
August 5, 2016.
END OF MESSAGE
GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS