Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

18-NA-121
March, 2020

TECHNICAL
Subject:

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated, 1st Gear and/or Reverse Only with No
Upshift, Vehicle Will Not Go Above 40 km/h (25 mph), 1-2 Shifts Feels Like a Momentary
Tie Up, DTC P2731 Set
This bulletin replaces PIP5556. Please discard PIP5556.

Brand:
Buick

Model:

Model Year:
from

to

VIN:
from

to

Engine:

Regal
Cruze

Chevrolet

Transmission:

Equinox

2018

Equipped with 9-Speed
Automatic Transmission
(RPOs M3D, M3E,
M3T, M3V)

2018

Malibu
Traverse

Involved Region or Country

North America, Russia, Middle East, Israel, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru,
Uruguay, South Korea, Egypt, Africa

Condition

Some customers may comment on one or more of the following conditions:
• Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated.
• 1st gear and/or reverse only with no upshift.
• Vehicle will not go above 40 km/h (25 mph).
• 1-2 shifts feels like a momentary tie up.
Some technicians may find the following diagnostic trouble code (DTC) set in the
transmission control module (TCM):
• P2731 – Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 6 Performance set in history

Cause

This condition may be caused by a software anomaly.

Correction

Replace the control valve body spacer plate and update the TCM with the latest software
available.

Service Procedure
Caution: Before downloading the update files, be sure
the computer is connected to the internet through a
network cable (hardwired). DO NOT DOWNLOAD or
install the files wirelessly. If there is an interruption
during programming, programming failure or control
module damage may occur.

Copyright 2020 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Important: 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.

Page 2
•

•

•

March, 2020

Bulletin No.: 18-NA-121

Stable battery voltage is critical during
programming. Any fluctuation, spiking, over
voltage or loss of voltage will interrupt
programming. Install a GM Authorized
Programming Support Tool to maintain system
voltage. Refer to www.gmdesolutions.com for
further information. If not available, connect a fully
charged 12V 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.

5431207

Important: If the Same Calibration/Software Warning
is noted on the SPS screen, select OK and follow
screen instructions. After a successful programming
event, the WCC is located in the Service Programming
System dialogue box of the SPS Summary screen. No
further action is required. Refer to the Warranty
Information section of this bulletin.
1. Refer to Control Valve Body Replacement in SI.
2. Reprogram the TCM. Refer to Transmission
Control Module: Programming and Setup in SI.
Modify as required (e.g., select x module from the
controller screen). Then provide step-by-step
instructions or refer to SI procedure.

Bulletin No.: 18-NA-121

March, 2020

Page 3

5431209

Important: To avoid warranty transaction rejections,
you MUST record the warranty claim code provided on
the SPS Warranty Claim Code (WCC) screen on the
job card. Refer to callout 1 above for the location of the
WCC on the SPS screen.
3. Record the SPS Warranty Claim Code on the job
card for warranty transaction submission.

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

Parts Information
Causal
Part

X

Description

BODY KIT C/VLV
(NON-ETRS)

Part
Number
24292549
(Regal,
Cruze,
Malibu,
Equinox)

Qty

1

24293256
(Traverse)
N/A

Fluid,
Transmission
(DEXRON®VI)

88865601
(U.S.)
19367328
(Canada)

Refer to SI

Warranty Information
Important: Emission Warranty coverage codes E
(Base Emission Warranty) and E1 (California Emission
Related Components 7 years/70,000 mile warranty)
applies for this Labor Operation.

8480718*

Description

Labor Time

Valve Body Spacer Plate
Replacement and
Transmission Control
Module Reprogramming
with SPS

4.0 hrs
(Regal,
Cruze,
Malibu,
Equinox)
12.4 hrs
(Traverse)

*This is a unique Labor Operation for bulletin use only.
Important: To avoid warranty transaction rejections,
carefully read and follow the instructions below:
• The SPS Warranty Claim Code must be accurately
entered in the “SPS Warranty Claim Code” field of the
transaction.
• When more than one Warranty Claim Code is
generated for a programming event, it is required to
document all Warranty Claim Codes in the “Correction”
field on the job card. Dealers must also enter one of the
codes in the “SPS Warranty Claim Code” field of the
transaction, otherwise the transaction will reject. It is
best practice to enter the FINAL code provided by SPS.

Page 4

March, 2020

Bulletin No.: 18-NA-121

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:
1. Open TIS on the computer used to program the
vehicle.
2. Select and start SPS.
3. Select Settings.
4. 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.

Version

5

Modified

Released April 18, 2018
June 18, 2018 – Added the Regal model and updated the Parts Information.
October 03, 2018 – Updated the Labor Time under Warranty Information.
March 11, 2019 – Added RPO M3T to Transmission column in Models section and
updated the stable battery voltage during programming statement.
March 02, 2020 – Updated the Involved Region or Country section, added TCM
reprogramming information to the Service Procedure, updated the Parts Information and
the warranty coverage statement and added Warranty Claim Code information in the
Warranty Information.

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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