Product Emission Recall
16186 Catalytic Converter Internal Damage
Reference Number:
Revision Description:

Make
Chevrolet
Chevrolet

A162049350

Release Date: June 2018
Revision: 01
This bulletin has been revised to remove the Module Programming Not Required labor
code from the Warranty Information section and to update the Service
Procedure. Effective immediately, technicians MUST record the Warranty Claim Code on
the Job Card. To avoid warranty transaction rejection, this information must be entered
when submitting the transaction. If the Same Calibration/Software Warning is noted on
the SPS Controller screen, continue with the programming event using SPS to ensure a
Warranty Claim Code is displayed on screen. Please discard all copies of bulletin 16186.
Model

Cruze
Sonic

Model Year
From
To
2013
2014

RPO
LWE

Description
1.8L Engine

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

General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall on certain 2013-2014 model year
Chevrolet Cruze and Sonic vehicles equipped with a 1.8L engine (RPO LWE). On some vehicles,
cracking of ceramic components internal to the catalytic converter may occur as a result of higher than
anticipated exhaust temperatures. If this occurs, the catalytic converter low efficiency diagnostic will set
and the malfunction indicator lamp will illuminate.
Dealers are to reprogram the engine control module with calibrations that prevent higher than expected
exhaust temperatures.

Parts
No parts are required for this procedure.
Warranty Information
Labor
Operation
9102906*
9102910*
9102967
9102968

Description
Engine Control Module Reprogramming with SPS Sonic
Engine Control Module Reprogramming with SPS Cruze
Customer Reimbursement Approved
Customer Reimbursement Denied

Labor
Time
0.3
0.4
N/A
N/A

Trans.
Type
ZFAT
ZFAT
ZFAT
ZFAT

Net
Item
N/A
N/A
**
***

Note: To avoid having to “H” route the customer reimbursement transaction for approval, it must be submitted prior to the
repair transaction.
*

To avoid warranty transaction rejections, the SPS Warranty Claim Code must be entered when submitting this
transaction.

**

Submit the dollar amount reimbursed to the customer in Net/Reimbursement. Submit $20.00 administrative
allowance in Net/Admin Allowance.

*** Submit $10.00 administrative allowance in Net/Admin Allowance.
Warranty Claim Code Information Retrieval
If the SPS Warranty Claim Code was not recorded on the Job Card, the code can be retrieved in the SPS system as
follows:
-

Open TIS on the computer used to program the vehicle
Select and start SPS
Select Settings
Select the Warranty Claim Code tab

The VIN, Warranty Claim Code and Date/Time will be listed on a roster of recent programming events. If the code
is retrievable, dealers should resubmit the transaction making sure to include the code in the SPS Warranty Claim
Code field.

Copyright 2018 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

Page 1 of 5

Product Emission Recall
16186 Catalytic Converter Internal Damage
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.

5045242
Note: If the Same Calibration/Software Warning is noted on the SPS controller screen, select “OK” and continue
programming.
1.

Reprogram the engine control module. Refer to Engine Control Module: Programming and Setup in SI.

2.

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

3.

CALIFORNIA VEHICLES ONLY: Complete a “Proof of Correction” certificate and provide to the vehicle owner upon
recall completion.

Note: If the DTC code (P0420) is stored, it is not a false store due to a software issue. The technician will need to
perform SBD to address the P0420.
Dealer Responsibility
All new, used, GM Certified Used, courtesy transportation vehicles, dealer shuttle vehicles, etc. in dealers' possession
and subject to this recall 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.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle,
or ownership, from this time forward.
Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer
information indicated on the dealer 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
Page 2 of 5

Product Emission Recall
16186 Catalytic Converter Internal Damage
bulletin for your use in contacting customers. Recall 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 recall enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in
the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing
the vehicle.
When a California emissions recall is completed by a GM dealer, the dealer must provide the vehicle owner a “Proof of
Correction Certificate” which the owner may need to present to the California Department Of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when
renewing their vehicle registration. Without this correction certificate, the owner may be unable to renew their vehicle
registration.
Additional Certificates can be obtained, at no charge, from the 1Store application in GlobalConnect. Request GM Item
Number 1825 when ordering.
Dealer Reports
For dealers with involved vehicles, a listing with involved vehicles has been prepared and will be provided to U.S. dealers
through the GM GlobalConnect Recall Reports. 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 followup necessary to complete this recall 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 recall.
Customer Notification
General Motors will notify customers of this recall on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter included with this bulletin).
In order to ensure full protection under the emission warranty, and the right to participate in future recalls, the customer
notification letter recommends that customers have their vehicles serviced as soon as possible. It also advises that failure
to do so could legally be determined to be lack of proper maintenance. The vehicle may fail a state or local emission
inspection test if the recall work is not completed.
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 May 31, 2018. See General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual,
Section 6.1.11 – Product Field Action Customer Reimbursement Procedure.

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 3 of 5

Product Emission Recall
16186 Catalytic Converter Internal Damage

May 2017
This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN: _____________________________________
Dear General Motors Customer:
This notice is sent to inform you that General Motors is conducting a voluntary emission recall that includes your
vehicle.
Reason For This Recall: On certain 2013-2014 model year Chevrolet Cruze and Sonic vehicles equipped with a 1.8L
engine, cracking of ceramic components internal to the catalytic converter may occur as a result of higher than
anticipated exhaust temperatures. If this occurs the catalytic converter low efficiency diagnostic will set and the
malfunction indicator lamp will illuminate.
What Will Be Done: Your GM dealer will reprogram the engine control module with calibrations that prevent higher
than expected exhaust temperatures. This service will be performed for you at no charge.
How Long Will The Repair Take? Because of service scheduling requirements, it is likely that your dealer will need
your vehicle longer than the actual service correction time of approximately 25 minutes.
What You Should Do: Please contact your GM dealer as soon as possible to arrange a service date. Instructions for
making this correction have been sent to your dealer. Please ask your dealer if you wish to know how much time will be
needed to schedule, process, and repair your vehicle.
If you have any questions or need any assistance, please contact your dealer or the appropriate Customer Assistance
Center at the number listed below.
Division
Chevrolet
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands

Number
1-800-630-2438
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

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

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 May 31, 2018, unless state law specifies a longer reimbursement period.
Emission Law Information: In order to ensure your full protection under the emission warranty made applicable to
your vehicle by state and federal law, and your right to participate in future recalls, it is recommended that you have
your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. Failure to do so could legally be determined to be lack of proper
maintenance of your vehicle. Also, your vehicle may fail a state or local emission inspection if this recall is not
accomplished.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires vehicle emission recalls be completed prior to California
registration renewal. Uncorrected emission recalls will result in the inability to renew your California vehicle registration.
At the time of emission recall completion, your California dealer will issue a "Proof of Correction Certificate". Keep this
certificate and, if required, present it to the Department of Motor Vehicles when renewing your California registration as
proof of recall completion.

We are sorry to cause you this inconvenience; however, we have taken this action in the interest of your continued
satisfaction with our products.

Page 4 of 5

Product Emission Recall
16186 Catalytic Converter Internal Damage
Jeffrey M. Boyer
Vice President
Global Vehicle Safety
Enclosure
16186

Page 5 of 5

GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS
DCS4794
URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY
Date:

June 26, 2018

Subject: 16186-01 – Emission Recall
Catalytic Converter Internal Damage
Revised Warranty and Service Procedure sections
Models: 2013-2014 Chevrolet Cruze
2013-2014 Chevrolet Sonic
Equipped with 1.8L Engine (RPO LWE)
To:

All General Motors Dealers

This bulletin has been revised to remove the Module Programming Not
Required labor code from the Warranty Information section and to update the
Service Procedure. Effective immediately, technicians MUST record the
Warranty Claim Code on the Job Card. To avoid warranty transaction
rejection, this information must be entered when submitting the transaction. If
the Same Calibration/Software Warning is noted on the SPS Controller screen,
continue with the programming event using SPS to ensure a Warranty Claim
Code is displayed on screen. Please discard all copies of bulletin 16186.
END OF MESSAGE
GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS