GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS
DCS5299
URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY
Date:

January 28, 2020

Subject: 16118-01 - Special Coverage
Excessive Engine Oil Consumption
Revised Service Procedure section
Models: 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
2012 GMC Terrain
Equipped with 2.4L Engine (RPO LEA)
To:

All General Motors Dealers

This bulletin has been revised to update the service procedure. Please
discard all copies of 16118.

END OF MESSAGE
GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS

Special Coverage Adjustment
16118 Excessive Engine Oil Consumption
Reference Number:

N162053210

Release Date: January 2020
Revision: 01
Revision Description: This bulletin has been revised to update the service procedure. Please discard all
copies of 16118.
Model Year
Make
Model
From
To
RPO
Description
Chevrolet
Equinox
2012
2012
LEA
Engine-Gas, 4 Cyl, 2.4L
GMC
Terrain
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 2012 model year Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with a 2.4L engine,
may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption (less than 2,000 miles [3,200 km] per quart [0.946 L] of
engine oil), due to piston ring wear. If this condition is present, an audible rattle or knock from the engine
may be heard. The engine oil pressure telltale may illuminate on the instrument panel or the following
message may appear in the Driver Information Center: “Oil Pressure Low – Stop Engine”.
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 7 years and 6 months or
120,000 miles (193,000 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 April
28, 2017, 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 April 28, 2017, must be submitted to the
Service Contract provider.
Vehicle owners or lessees who paid for repairs referenced in this Special Coverage (“Customers”) are
eligible for reimbursement of their reasonable and customary expenses in accordance with the
procedures specified below. The conditional right to reimbursement is provided by GM solely in the
interest of customer satisfaction and is personal to Customers. Customers may not assign and GM
does not consent to any assignment of any Customer’s right to submit reimbursement claims, or to
receive reimbursement, or any other rights granted by this Special Coverage to any third party, including
but not limited to service contract providers, and this Special Coverage is not intended to and does not
confer any third party beneficiary, subrogation or contribution rights, or any other rights to
reimbursement, against GM, whether in law, equity or otherwise, on any third parties.

Correction

Dealers are to perform an oil consumption test and install new pistons and piston rings. The repairs will
be made at no charge to the Customer.

Copyright 2020 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

Page 1 of 5

Special Coverage Adjustment
16118 Excessive Engine Oil Consumption
Parts
Quantity
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
5
8
2

1
1

Part Name
Piston Kit
Gasket Kit, Cylinder Head
Gasket Kit, Camshaft Cover
Seal, Chain Package, Timing
Chain Assembly, W/Pmp And Balr Shf
Tensioner Asm - W/Pmp & Balr Shf Chain
Gasket, Engine Front Cover
Seal, Fuel Pump Housing (Oring)
Pipe Asm, Fuel Feed Inter
Seal, Cr/Shf Front Oil
Bolt Asm, Hx Hd W/Con Spr Washer
Bolt, Cm/Shf Posn Actr
Filter, Oil
Oil, Engine, AC Delco DEXOS1 5W30
Screw Schraube (Connecting Rod)
Sealant, RTV

Part No.
12683595
12637166
12609291
12680750
12635427
12649233
24435052
12602379
12608374
12584041
11589123
11588844
12605566
19293000
90537293
88864346
(US)
88861418
(Canada)
90537336
12346290
(US)
10953464
(Canada)

Guide, Balr Chain
Coolant, Engine, Dexcool Antifreeze

Reminder: Parts may be removed from Retail Inventory Management (RIM). Dealers should review the affected parts
to confirm RIM managed status.
Warranty Information
Labor
Operation
9900414
9900415

9900416

9900417
*

Description
Oil Consumption Test Setup – No Repair Required
Piston and Piston Ring Replacement (Includes Oil Consumption
Test)
- AWD
- FWD
Customer Reimbursement Approved
- For USA and Canada dealers only
- For Export dealers only
Customer Reimbursement Denied – For USA dealers only

Labor
Time
0.2

Trans.
Type
ZREG
ZREG

Net
Item
N/A

ZREG

*

ZREG

**

13.0
12.6
N/A
0.2
N/A

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.

**

Submit $10.00 administrative allowance in Net/Admin Allowance.

Service Procedure
Customers will be notified of the Special Policy by General Motors (see copy of owner letter included with this bulletin).
Note: This special policy covers repairs after the original powertrain warranty has expired. For vehicles still covered under
the original powertrain warranty, the labor code operations should be used from bulletin 13-06-01-003.
Note: Technicians should perform an oil consumption test to determine if the pistons and rings must be replaced. Follow
the latest version of Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-011 to perform an oil consumption test. Before starting the oil
consumption test, verify the ECM has latest TIS2web calibrations to adjust the engine oil life monitor to a maximum of
7,500 miles (12,070 km) — Refer to the latest version of Customer Satisfaction Bulletin number 12312.

Page 2 of 5

Special Coverage Adjustment
16118 Excessive Engine Oil Consumption
Determine the rate of oil consumption.
•

If the oil consumption test indicates that the rate of consumption is equal to or less than 1 quart (0.946L) of oil
every 2,000 miles (3,200 km), note the oil consumption rate and the date that the ECM was reprogrammed.
Explain to the customer, that their engine meets the guidelines for oil consumption at this time. No further action
is required.

•

If the oil consumption test indicates that the rate of consumption is greater than 1 quart (0.946 L) of oil every
2,000 miles (3,200 km), note the oil consumption rate, the date that the ECM was reprogrammed and replace the
pistons and rings.

Note: The repair is to replace the pistons and rings. In some cases the bore surface may not have a uniform look to the
finish (zebra stripes) as shown in Technical Service Bulletin 13-06-01-003. As a result, some technicians may question
whether the engine should be repaired or replaced. After careful evaluation, GM Powertrain has determined that the new
pistons and rings will perform correctly in bores that have this appearance so engine replacement should not be
necessary. The cylinder bores do not need any machine or honing work performed on them. Refer to Technical Service
Bulletin 13-06-01-003 for more information.
Piston and Ring Replacement Procedure

2146346
Note: Review the following service procedures and technical bulletin in SI:
•

Technical Service Bulletin 13-06-01-003 placing a special emphasis on the PCV orifice between the #2 and #3
intake runners.

•

Piston and Connecting Rod Disassemble

•

Piston and Connecting Rod Assemble

•

Piston Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation (LAF, LAT, LE5, LE9, LEA, or LUK)

Note: The SI procedure for Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Replacement has been updated to reflect in vehicle
piston replacement.
Replace the pistons. Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Replacement 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, Sections 1.4 and 6.1.10, for
courtesy transportation program 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).

Page 3 of 5

Special Coverage Adjustment
16118 Excessive Engine Oil Consumption
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 (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 4 of 5

Special Coverage Adjustment
16118 Excessive Engine Oil Consumption
May 2017
This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN: _____________________________________
Dear General Motors Customer:
As the owner of a 2012 model year Chevrolet Equinox or GMC Terrain, your satisfaction with our product is very
important to us.
This letter is intended to make you aware that some 2012 model year Chevrolet Equinox or GMC Terrain vehicles,
equipped with a 2.4L engine, may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption (less than 2,000 miles [3,200 km] per quart
[0.946 L] of engine oil), due to piston ring wear. If this condition is present, an audible rattle or knock from the engine
may be heard. The engine oil pressure telltale may illuminate on the instrument panel or the following message may
appear in the Driver Information Center: “Oil Pressure Low – Stop Engine.”
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 2012 model year Chevrolet Equinox or GMC Terrain within 7 years and 6 months of the
date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 120,000 miles (193,000 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: It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each fuel fill. Your vehicle owner manual has
instructions on checking engine oil in the Vehicle Care section. 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. This will also allow your dealer to order parts if
they are not already in stock. 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 May 31, 2018, unless
state law specifies a longer reimbursement period.
The right to submit reimbursement claims is provided by GM solely in the interest of customer satisfaction and is
personal to vehicle owners and lessees who previously paid for repairs referenced in this Special Coverage
(“Customers”). Customers may not assign and GM does not consent to any assignment of any Customer’s right
to submit reimbursement claims, or to receive reimbursement, or any other rights granted by this Special
Coverage to any third party, including but not limited to service contract providers, and this Special Coverage
is not intended to and does not confer any third party beneficiary, subrogation or contribution rights, or any
other rights to reimbursement, against GM, whether in law, equity or otherwise, on any third parties.
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
GMC
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands

Number
1-800-222-1020
1-800-462-8782
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Text Telephones (TTY)
1-800-833-2438
1-800-889-2438

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
16118
Page 5 of 5