GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS
DCS5423
URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY
Date:

June 8, 2020

Subject: N202304540 - Emission Recall
Engine Control Module Cannot Detect Catalyst Inefficiency
Models: 2018 Chevrolet City Express
To:

All General Motors Dealers

General Motors is releasing Emission Recall N202304540 today. The total
number of U.S. vehicles involved is approximately 1,428. Please see the
attached bulletin for details.
Customer Letter Mailing
The customer letter mailing will begin on June 22, 2020.
Global Warranty Management (GWM)
The Required Field Action section on the Investigate Vehicle History (IVH) screen will
be updated June 8, 2020 or sooner. Please hold all warranty transactions until IVH has
been updated.
END OF MESSAGE
GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS

Product Emission Recall
N202304540 Engine Control Module Cannot Detect Catalyst
Inefficiency
Release Date:
Attention:

June 2020

Revision:

00

Canada Only: Vehicles involved in this recall were placed on stop delivery May 5, 2020. Once the
service procedure contained in this bulletin has been performed on the vehicle, the vehicle is released
from stop delivery and the vehicle can be delivered to the customer.
Canada Only: 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.

Make
Chevrolet

Model
City Express

Model Year
From
To
2018
2018

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

General Motors has decided to conduct a voluntary emissions recall involving certain 2018 Chevrolet
City Express vehicles. The engine control module (ECM) in these vehicles may not be able to properly
diagnose reduced efficiency issues within the catalytic converter. If the catalytic converter’s efficiency
would become reduced, tailpipe emissions could exceed acceptable standards without illuminating the
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light).
Dealers are to reprogram the engine control module.

Parts
No parts are required for this repair.
Warranty Information
Labor
Operation
9104856*
9104857*
9105182

9105183
9105184

Description
Verified Module Software or Calibration Level: Module Is
Programmed with Same Level Software or Calibration
Engine Control Module Reprogramming with SPS
Customer Reimbursement Approved
- For USA and Canada dealers only
- For Export dealers only
Customer Reimbursement Denied – For USA dealers only
Working Capital Assistance Program Reimbursement – USED
INVENTORY ONLY (Canada Only)

Labor
Time
0.2

Trans.
Type
ZFAT

Net
Item
N/A

0.3
N/A
0.2
N/A
N/A

ZFAT
ZFAT

N/A
N/A

ZFAT
ZFAT

**
***

* 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.

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.
2.
3.
4.

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 2020 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

Page 1 of 7

Product Emission Recall
N202304540 Engine Control Module Cannot Detect Catalyst
Inefficiency
Note: To avoid having to “H” route the customer reimbursement / WCAP transaction for approval, it must be submitted
prior to the repair transaction.
** Submit $10.00 administrative allowance in Net/Admin Allowance.
Working Capital Assistance Program (WCAP) Reimbursement – USED INVENTORY ONLY
Note: Canada Only - To avoid having to “H” route the WCAP transaction for approval, it must be submitted prior to the
repair transaction.
Important: The WCAP ZSET transaction labor code, 9800052, provided in the dealer message sent on May 19,
2020, must have been submitted prior to the submittal of the ZFAT transaction labor code or the claim will reject.
***

Canada Dealers Only - For vehicles eligible under the Working Capital Assistance Program, the amount should
be submitted in Net Item/Miscellaneous. This amount has been calculated to a daily value for the days that the
vehicle was in used dealer inventory and not available for sale. This reimbursement is limited to the number of
days from the date of the stop sale/stop delivery order (May 5, 2020) to the date the inspection or repair closed the
recall bulletin. (not to exceed 38 days).
Vehicle

2018 Chevrolet City Express

Working Capital Assistance Reimbursement Amount
USA
Canada
N/A
$8.73

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.
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.

•

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 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.

Page 2 of 7

Product Emission Recall
N202304540 Engine Control Module Cannot Detect Catalyst
Inefficiency

5431207

Important: TIS2WEB screen shown. Techline Connect screen is similar and will be included in the near future.
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 section of the bulletin.
1.

Reprogram the Engine Control Module. Refer to K20 Engine Control Module: Programming and Setup in SI. Modify
as required.

Page 3 of 7

Product Emission Recall
N202304540 Engine Control Module Cannot Detect Catalyst
Inefficiency

5431209

Important: TIS2WEB screen shown. Techline Connect screen is similar and will be included in the near future.
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.
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.

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
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 field action enters your vehicle inventory you must take the steps
necessary to ensure the program correction has been made before selling the vehicle. In addition, for vehicles entering
Page 4 of 7

Product Emission Recall
N202304540 Engine Control Module Cannot Detect Catalyst
Inefficiency
your facility for service, you are required to ensure the customer is aware of the open field action and make every
reasonable effort to implement the program correction as set forth in this bulletin prior to releasing the vehicle.
***THE FOLLOWING 2 PARAGRAPHS ARE NOT FOR CANADA OR EXPORT***
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. 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 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
USA & Canada - 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 June 30, 2021. See General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual,
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 5 of 7

Product Emission Recall
N202304540 Engine Control Module Cannot Detect Catalyst
Inefficiency

June 2020
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: Your 2018 model year Chevrolet City Express vehicle, may be equipped with an improperly
functioning on-board emission-related diagnostic system that violates California standards and regulations. The engine
control module (ECM) in these vehicles may not be able to properly diagnose reduced efficiency issues within the
catalytic converter. If the catalytic converter’s efficiency would become reduced, tailpipe emissions could exceed
acceptable standards without illuminating the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light).
What Will Be Done: Your GM dealer will reprogram the ECM. This service will be performed for you at no charge.
Eligibility for this service will not be denied solely due to your Chevrolet City Express vehicle having non-GM parts or
repairs performed by outlets other than a GM franchised dealer.
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 35 minutes.
What You Should Do: Please contact your GM dealer after June 5, 2020, 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.
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 June 30, 2021, unless state law specifies a longer reimbursement period.
If you have any questions or need any assistance, just 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

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 6 of 7

Product Emission Recall
N202304540 Engine Control Module Cannot Detect Catalyst
Inefficiency
Maryann L. Combs
Vice President
Global Vehicle Safety
Enclosure
N202304540

Page 7 of 7