Customer Satisfaction Program
18135 Loss Of Power Steering Assist
Reference Number:
Revision Description:
Attention:

Release Date: April 2018
Revision: 01
This bulletin has been revised to update the condition statement and customer letter.
Please discard all copies of Bulletin 18135.
N172133990

All involved vehicles that are in dealer inventory must be held and not delivered to customers, dealer
traded, or used for demonstration purposes until the repair contained in this bulletin has been performed
on the vehicle.
This program is in effect until April 30, 2020.

Make
Cadillac

Model
ATS

Model Year
From
To
2013
2013

RPO

Description

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

Certain 2013 model year Cadillac ATS vehicles may have a condition in which power steering software
may disable power steering assist within a few seconds after a warm restart, or while idling or driving at
very low speeds following a warm restart. If this occurs, a chime will sound and the vehicle’s driver
information center will display the following message: “DRIVE WITH CARE & SERVICE POWER
STRG.ASSIST”. Restarting the vehicle may resolve the software fault.
Reprogram the power steering control module.

Parts
No parts are required for this repair.
Warranty Information
Labor
Operation
9103691
9103796
9103804

9103805

Description
Power Steering Control Module Reprogramming with SPS
Module Programming Not Required
Customer Reimbursement Approved
- For USA and Canada dealers only
- For Export dealers only
Customer Reimbursement Denied – For USA dealers only

Labor
Time
0.3
0.2
N/A
0.2
N/A

Trans.
Type
ZFAT
ZFAT
ZFAT

Net
Item
*
**
***

ZFAT

N/A

Note: To avoid having to “H” route the customer reimbursement transaction for wholesale approval, it must be submitted
prior to the repair transaction.
* 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.
*** For USA and Canada: Submit the dollar amount reimbursed to the customer in Net/Reimbursement. Submit $20.00
administrative allowance in Net/Admin Allowance.
For Export: Submit the dollar amount reimbursed to the customer in Net/Reimbursement.
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 PSC-550 or EL49642 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.

Copyright 2018 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

Page 1 of 3

Customer Satisfaction Program
18135 Loss Of Power Steering Assist
•

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
9103796, Module Programming Not Required.

1.

Reprogram the Power Steering Control Module. Refer to Power Steering Control Module Programming and Setup
in SI.

2.

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

Dealer Responsibility
All new, used, GM Certified Used, courtesy transportation vehicles, dealer shuttle vehicles, etc. in dealers' possession
and subject to this program 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, dealertraded, 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.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this program at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle,
or ownership, through April 30, 2020. Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory,
and for which there is no customer information indicated on the involved vehicle listing, are to be contacted by the dealer.
Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. A
copy of the customer letter is provided in this bulletin for your use in contacting customers. Program follow-up cards
should not be used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.
In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this program enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your facility for service
through April 30, 2020, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the program correction has been made before
selling or releasing the vehicle.
Dealer Reports
For dealers with involved vehicles, a listing with involved vehicles has been prepared and will be provided to U.S. and
Canadian dealers through the GM GlobalConnect Recall Reports, or sent directly to export dealers. The listing may
contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor
vehicle registration data for any purpose other than follow-up necessary to complete this program is a violation of law in
several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the follow-up necessary to
complete this program.
Customer Notification
USA & Canada - General Motors will notify customers of this program on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter included
with this bulletin).
Export - Letters will be sent to known owners of record located within areas covered by the US National Traffic and Motor
Vehicle Safety Act. For owners outside these areas, dealers should notify customers using the attached sample letter.
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 April 30, 2019. 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

Customer Satisfaction Program
18135 Loss Of Power Steering Assist
May 2018
This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN: ________________________________
Dear General Motors Customer:
We have learned that your 2013 model year Cadillac ATS may have a condition in which power steering software may
disable power steering assist within a few seconds after a warm restart, or while idling or driving at very low speeds
following a warm restart. If this occurs, a chime will sound and the vehicle’s driver information center will display the
following message: “DRIVE WITH CARE & SERVICE POWER STRG.ASSIST”. Restarting the vehicle may resolve the
software fault.
Your satisfaction with your ATS is very important to us, so we are announcing a program to prevent this condition or, if it
has occurred, to fix it.
What We Will Do: Your GM dealer will reprogram your power steering control module to address this concern. This
service will be performed for you at no charge until April 30, 2020. After that, any applicable warranty will apply.
What You Should Do: To limit any possible inconvenience, we recommend that you contact your dealer as soon as
possible to schedule an appointment for this repair. By scheduling an appointment, your dealer can ensure that the
necessary parts will be available on your scheduled appointment date.
Reimbursement: Even though you may have already had repairs for this condition, you will still need to take your
vehicle to your dealer for additional repairs. 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 April 30, 2019, unless state law specifies a longer reimbursement period.
If you have any questions or concerns that your dealer is unable to resolve, please contact the appropriate Customer
Assistance Center at the number listed below.
Division
Cadillac
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands

Number
1-800-458-8006
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Text Telephones (TTY)
1-800-833-2622

We sincerely regret any inconvenience or concern that this situation may cause you. We want you to know that we will
do our best, throughout your ownership experience, to ensure that your Cadillac ATS vehicle provides you many miles
of enjoyable driving.
Terry M. Inch
Executive Director
Global Connected Customer Experience
Enclosure
GM Recall: 18135

Page 3 of 3

GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS
DCS4738
URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY
Date:

May 02, 2018

Subject: 18135-01 – Customer Satisfaction Program
Loss Of Power Steering Assist
Revised condition statement and customer letter.
Models: 2013 Cadillac ATS
To:

All General Motors Dealers

This bulletin has been revised to update the condition statement and customer
letter. Please discard all copies of Bulletin 18135.
END OF MESSAGE
GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS

May 2018

This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN: .
Dear :
We have learned that your model year may
have a condition in which power steering software may disable power steering assist within a
few seconds after a warm restart, or while idling or driving at very low speeds following a warm
restart. If this occurs, a chime will sound and the vehicle’s driver information center will display
the following message: “DRIVE WITH CARE & SERVICE POWER STRG.ASSIST”.
Restarting the vehicle may resolve the software fault.
Your satisfaction with your is very important to us, so we are announcing a
program to prevent this condition or, if it has occurred, to fix it.
What We Will Do: Your dealer will reprogram your power steering control
module to address this concern. This service will be performed for you at no charge until
April 30, 2020. After that, any applicable warranty will apply.
What You Should Do: To limit any possible inconvenience, we recommend that you contact
your dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for this repair. By
scheduling an appointment, your dealer can ensure that the necessary parts will be available
on your scheduled appointment date
Reimbursement: Even though you may have already had this condition corrected, you will
still need to take your vehicle to your dealer for additional repairs. 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 April 30, 2019,
unless state law specifies a longer reimbursement period.
If you have any questions or concerns that your dealer is unable to resolve, please contact the
Customer Assistance Center at .
We sincerely regret any inconvenience or concern that this situation may cause you. We want
you to know that we will do our best, throughout your ownership experience, to ensure that
your provides you with many miles of enjoyable driving.

Enclosure
GM Recall: 18135

18135

General Motors Product Field Action
Customer Reimbursement Request Form
This section to be completed by customer (please print)

Customer Name:
Street Address or P. O. Box Number:
City:

State:

Zip Code:

Daytime Telephone Number (include Area Code):
Evening Telephone Number (include Area Code):
Date Request Form and Supporting Documentation Submitted to Dealer:
Vehicle Identification Number of Involved Vehicle: _________________________________________
(17 Characters)

Mileage at Time of Repair: _______________________ Date of Repair: _______________________
Amount of Reimbursement Requested: $_______________________
THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION MUST ACCOMPANY THIS REQUEST FORM.
Original or clear copy of all receipts, invoices and/or repair orders that show:
•
•
•
•
•

The name and address of the person who paid for the repair.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle that was repaired.
Description of problem, the repair performed, date of repair and who performed the repair.
The total cost of the repair expense that is being requested.
Proof of payment for the repair in question and the date of payment.

My signature to this document attests that all attached documents are genuine and I request
reimbursement for the expense I incurred for the repair covered by this letter.
Customer's Signature:
Submit this request form and the required documents to your GM dealer for processing. All reasonable
and customary costs to correct the condition described in the letter that came with this form will be
considered for reimbursement. If your request is approved, you will receive a check from your dealer.
If your request is denied, you will receive a written explanation for the denial from your dealer. If your
request is incomplete, your dealer will advise you what documentation is needed to complete the
request and offer you the opportunity to resubmit the request when the missing documents are
available. If you have any questions about this process or have waited 30 or more days for a response
from your dealer, please contact the GM Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-204-0261.
This section to be completed by dealer (please print)

Bulletin No.: __________ Request Approved: ____ Date: ____________ Amount: $____________
Request Denied: ____ Date: ____________ Reviewed By: _________________________________
Reason: __________________________________________________________________________
If denied, please provide a copy of this form to the customer and retain original for your files