Service Update
18089 TCM OBD Memory Diagnostic
Reference Number:
Attention:

Release Date:
Revision:

N182149670

May 2018
00

This service update includes vehicles in dealer inventory and customer vehicles that return to the
dealership for any reason. This bulletin will expire at the end of the involved vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty period.

Make
Chevrolet

Model
Spark

Model Year
From
To
2016
2018

RPO
MR8

Description
CVT Transmission

Involved vehicles are marked “open” on the Investigate Vehicle History screen 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

Correction

On certain 2016-2018 model year Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with CVT Transmission (RPO
MR8), the transmission control module (TCM) does not illuminate the MIL, and does not set the code
P0603 (control module long term memory fault), when a memory checksum error identifies there is a
malfunction of the Battery Independent Non-Volatile Dynamic Memory (BINVDM). This memory is used
to store permanent DTC’s and data used to adapt transmission performance to the unique characteristics
of the transmissions.
Note: The reason for this software change is not due to incidents of BINVDM malfunctions; rather, it is
to ensure that the MIL is illuminated if such malfunctions do occur.
Reprogram the TCM with updated software.

Parts
No parts are required for this repair.
Warranty Information
Labor
Operation
9103693*
9102966**

Description
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Reprogramming with SPS
Module Programming Not Required

Labor
Time
0.4
0.2

Trans.
Type
ZFAT
ZFAT

Net
Item
N/A
N/A

* To avoid warranty transaction rejections, the SPS Warranty Claim Code(s) must be entered when submitting this
transaction.
** SPS Warranty Claim Code is NOT required when submitting this transaction.
Service Procedure
Note: Carefully read and follow the instructions below.

•

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.

•

Clear DTCs after programming is complete. Clearing powertrain DTCs will set the Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
system status indicators to NO.

•

If the Same Calibration/Software Warning is noted on the SPS Controller screen, do NOT attempt to program the
module. No further action is required. Refer to the Warranty section of the bulletin and use labor operation code
9102966, Module Programming Not Required.
Important: Before beginning the programming event, be sure the computer is connected to the MDI/MDI2 through
a USB cable. DO NOT DOWNLOAD the files wirelessly or via Bluetooth connection.

Copyright 2018 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

Page 1 of 2

Service Update
18089 TCM OBD Memory Diagnostic
1.

Reprogram the Transmission Control Module (TCM). Refer to Transmission Control Module Programming and
Setup MR8 in SI.
•

2.

The Transmission Fast Learn procedure is REQUIRED with this programming. If there is a pop-up in SPS
indicating otherwise, ignore it and proceed with the Transmission Fast Learn as SI recommends.

Record SPS Warranty Claim Code on job card for warranty transaction submission.

Dealer Responsibility
Whenever a vehicle subject to this service update enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your facility for service in the
future, and the vehicle is still covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, you must take the steps necessary to be
sure the service update correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
All new, used, GM Certified Used, courtesy transportation vehicles, dealer shuttle vehicles, etc. in dealers' possession
and subject to this bulletin must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this bulletin before customers
take possession of these vehicles. Involved vehicles must be held and not delivered to customers, dealer-traded,
released to auction, used for demonstration, or any other purpose.
All GM Certified Used vehicles currently in the dealers’ inventory within the Certified Pre-Owned Inventory System
(CPOIS) will be de-certified and must be held and remedied per the service procedure in this bulletin. Upon submitting
an accepted/paid warranty transaction in the Global Warranty Management (GWM) system, the vehicle can be re-certified
for sale within the CPOIS system, or once again be used in the CTP program.

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 2

GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS
DCS4743
URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY
Date:

May 3, 2018

Subject: 18089 Service Update
TCM OBD Memory Diagnostic
Models: 2016 – 2018 Chevrolet Spark with MR8 (CVT Transmission)
To:

All General Motors Dealers

General Motors is releasing Service Update 18089 today. The total number of
U.S. vehicles involved is approximately 58,768. Please see the attached
bulletin for details.
Global Warranty Management (GWM)
The Investigate Vehicle History (IVH) screen in the GWM system will be updated May 4,
2018. A list of involved vehicles in dealer new inventory is attached to this message.
Please hold all warranty transactions until IVH has been updated.
END OF MESSAGE
GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS