Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

18-NA-069
March, 2020

TECHNICAL
Subject:

Poor Engine Performance in Extremely Cold Weather Conditions for LFV Engines,
Charge Air Cooler Icing - Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated, DTC P0299,
P0236, P2227, P00C7 Set

Brand:

Model:

Chevrolet

Malibu

Model Year:

VIN:

from

to

2016

2020

from

to

Engine:

Transmission:

1.5L (RPO LFV)

Involved Region or Country

North America and China

Condition

Some customers may comment on one or more of the following conditions when driving
in extremely cold weather conditions (-18°C or less / 0°F or less):
• Loss of power
• Hesitation on acceleration
• Stalling condition
• MIL Illuminated
The technician may find one or more of the following DTCs set:
• P0299
• P0236
• P2227
• P00C7

Cause

This condition may be caused by ice accumulation in the charge air cooler (CAC),
restricting air flow.
– If any of the above conditions are present, allow time for possible ice build up in the
CAC to melt by allowing the vehicle to thaw in a warm environment, and drain the
moisture from the CAC.
Note: DO NOT replace the CAC if the service part is already installed.

Correction

Copyright 2020 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

– If any of the above conditions are confirmed to be caused by freezing/icing, replace the
original CAC with the new design wide fin service part. Confirmation should include:
• P0299 and/or P0236 present.
• >100mL (3.4 oz) moisture drained from thawed CAC.
• Confirmed no leaks in CAC / CAC ducts.
• Recent vehicle use in extreme cold (-18°C / 0°F or less).
– If not recently performed, an oil change may be necessary to remove any moisture
from the engine.

Page 2

March, 2020

Bulletin No.: 18-NA-069

Service Procedure
Important: Do Not replace the CAC ducts as part of
this repair unless there is evidence of damage and/or a
leak from the CAC ducts.

4241877

1. Install the CAC (2). Refer to Charge Air Cooler
Replacement in SI.
Important: Do Not perform an oil change if the oil
change was recently done.
• If the oil change was recently done and no
signs of moisture have been confirmed,
proceed to step 3.
• If the oil change was not previously done or
moisture has been found in the oil, proceed
with procedure.
2. If required, perform an oil change. Refer to Engine
Oil and Oil Filter Replacement in SI.

Bulletin No.: 18-NA-069

March, 2020

Page 3

4233269

3. Remove the Turbocharger Air Pressure sensor (3).
Refer to Turbocharger Air Pressure Sensor
Replacement in SI.

5020216

4910683

Important: Due to the sensitivity of the sensor, Do Not
use any chemical cleaners including water and Do Not
use compressed air to remove contaminates.
4. Inspect the sensor of any contaminates.

5. Allow time for any ice build-up to melt by placing
the sensor port down.
6. Clean the sensor with a clean towel.
7. Install the sensor.

Page 4

March, 2020

Bulletin No.: 18-NA-069

Parts Information
Description

Part
Number

Qty

COOLER ASM-CHRG AIR

84768953

1

Filter, Oil
Oil

Refer to the Electronic Parts
Catalog (EPC).

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under the Emission coverage,
use the following labor operation. Reference the
Applicable Warranties section of Investigate Vehicle
History (IVH) for coverage information.
Labor
Operation

Description

Labor Time

4086058*

Charge Air Cooler
Replacement

2.6 hrs

Add

IAPT Inspection

0.2 hr

Add

Oil Change

0.3 hr

*This is a unique Labor Operation for bulletin use only.

Version

5

Modified

Released March 05, 2018
January 24, 2019 – Added the 2019 Model Year, China to Involved Region or Country,
updated the Service Procedure and Warranty Information.
October 28, 2019 – Updated the Part Number in the Parts Information.
February 21, 2020 – Added the 2020 Model Year and updated the Correction information.
March 12, 2020 – Added an Important statement at the beginning of the Service
Procedure advising not to replace the CAC ducts.

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 equipment, tools, 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 GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.

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