GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS
DCS5453
URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY
Date:

July 20, 2020

Subject: 17336-06 - Special Coverage
Air Conditioning Condenser (Combi-Cooler) Refrigerant Leak
Updated Labor Time
Models: 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV
2015-2017 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe
2015-2017 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL
To:

All General Motors Dealers

This bulletin has been updated to reflect the revised labor times and service
procedure for air conditioning condenser replacement. SI has updated
procedures available for all vehicles in this field action that reduce labor times.
Please ensure that you are looking in SI for the latest version of the service
procedure when replacing the combi-cooler. Please discard all previous copies of
17336.
END OF MESSAGE
GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS

Special Coverage Adjustment
17336 Combi-Cooler Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak
Reference Number:
Revision Description:

Attention:

N162080780

Release Date: July 2020
Revision: 06
This bulletin has been updated to reflect the revised labor times for air conditioning
condenser diagnosis. SI has updated procedures available for all vehicles in this field
action that reduce labor times. Please ensure that you are looking in SI for the latest
version of the procedure when replacing the combi-cooler. Please discard all previous
copies of 17336.

This special coverage applies ONLY to refrigerant leaks as fully described within the below service
procedure. This special coverage ONLY applies to vehicles explicitly identified in the GM Vehicle
Information System. Note that; transmission fluid/oil leaks at any location upon/in the combinational
cooler, refrigerant leaks caused by; collision, stone/rock impingement, road debris, etc. are NOT

covered by this special coverage program.

Make
Cadillac
Chevrolet
GMC

Model
Escalade
Escalade ESV
Suburban
Tahoe
Yukon
Yukon XL

Model Year
From
To
2015
2017

RPO

Description

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

On some 2015-2017 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC
Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, may have a condition where thermal cycling on the combination
transmission fluid/oil and AC condenser cooler creates a crack that may allow refrigerant to escape.
This condition consequently may deactivate the AC system which may cause potential customer
annoyance.
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 5 years or 60,000 miles
(100,000 km) for Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL and 6 years or 72,000 miles
(116,000 km) for Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, 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
October 6, 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 October 6, 2017, must be submitted
to the Service Contract provider.

Correction

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.
Dealers are to inspect the air conditioning condenser and replace if necessary. The repairs will be
made at no charge to the customer.

Parts
Quantity
1
Use
Specified
Amount in
SI

Part Name
Air Conditioning Condenser
Air Conditioning Refrigerant (R-134A)

Copyright 2017 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

Part No.
84573456
12356150
(US)*
10953485
(Canada)*

Page 1 of 6

Special Coverage Adjustment
17336 Combi-Cooler Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak
Use
Specified
Amount in
SI
Use
Specified
Amount in
SI
Use
Specified
Amount in
SI
1 (If
Required)
1 (Will
Service 4
Vehicles)

Air Conditioning Refrigerant (R-1234YF)

1 (Will
Service 4
Vehicles)

Automatic Transmission Fluid (Dexron VI ATF)

1
1

19260234
(US)*
19260235
(Canada)*
88901445
(US)
88900060
(Canada)
19354657
(US)
19354658
(Canada)
84375798

Air Conditioning Compressor Oil (For Use With R-134A)

Air Conditioning Compressor Oil (For Use With R-1234YF)

Air Conditioning Condenser Shield Assembly
Automatic Transmission Fluid (Dexron HP ATF)

19355656
(US)
19353430
(Canada)
88864060
(US)
19264717
(Canada)
52477087
52474373

A/C Compressor & Condenser hose seal (16MM OD x 8MM ID)
A/C Compressor & Condenser hose seal (19MM OD x 11MM ID)

* These parts 12356150, 10953485, 19260234 & 19260235 can be purchased locally if not available at Dealer.
Note: Use the VIN and the GM Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) to determine which Air Conditioning Refrigerant and Air
Conditioning Compressor Oil to order.
Parts required to complete this recall are to be obtained from General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales
(GMCCA). Please refer to your “involved vehicles listing” before ordering parts. Order parts on a CSO = Customer
Special Order only. DRO’s may be cancelled. All orders will be reviewed prior to being filled. Parts may have quantity
limiters in effect.
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
9900496
9900497

9900498

9900499

Description
Diagnostic Time Only – No Repair Required
Air Conditioning Condenser Replacement
ADD:
Diagnosis
Evacuate and Recharge with R134A
Evacuate and Recharge with R1234YF
Customer Reimbursement Approved
- For USA and Canada dealers only
- For Export dealers only
Customer Reimbursement Denied – For USA dealers only

Labor
Time
0.2
0.8
0.1
0.3
1.2
N/A
0.2
N/A

Trans.
Type
ZREG
ZREG

Net
Item
N/A
*

ZREG

**

ZREG

***

Note: Please note that there have been significant changes to the service procedure in this revision. Front fascia
removal is no longer required on any model, and the condenser will be removed in a different fashion.
*

The labor time includes air conditioning system leak testing, air conditioning condenser replacement, patch
installation (if necessary), and transmission fluid auxiliary cooler pre-fill.

**

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.
Page 2 of 6

Special Coverage Adjustment
17336 Combi-Cooler Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak
Service Procedure
Note: This special coverage ONLY covers an air conditioning condenser refrigerant leak at the coupler as specified below.

4873592

Cadillac Escalade shown. Other models are similar.
1.

Locate the coupler (1) on the air conditioning condenser by looking through the identified area of the radiator grille.

4873594

Note: General Motors vehicles are manufactured with fluorescent dye installed in the A/C refrigerant system.
2.

Verify the air conditioning condenser is leaking in the specific area identified above. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information in SI.
•

If the air conditioning condenser is NOT leaking in the specific area identified above, no further action is required.
Inform the customer that any additional diagnosis and repairs are not covered under this special coverage.

•

If the air conditioning condenser is leaking in the specific area identified above, proceed to the next step.

Note: The procedures in SI for Air Conditioning Condenser Replacement have been updated with a more efficient,
quicker procedure. Please ensure you are looking at SI for the latest version of this procedure when performing this
repair.
3.

Remove the air conditioning condenser. Refer to Air Conditioning Condenser Replacement or Air Conditioning
Condenser Replacement (L83 L86) in SI.
Page 3 of 6

Special Coverage Adjustment
17336 Combi-Cooler Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak

4892394

4.

Verify if an air conditioning condenser shield assembly is installed on the NEW air conditioning condenser as shown
above.
•

If an air conditioning condenser shield assembly is installed, proceed to the next step.

4892397

•

If an air conditioning condenser shield assembly is NOT installed, install the air conditioning condenser shield
assembly as shown in the picture above.

5.

Remove one of the plugs from the transmission fluid auxiliary cooler fitting.

6.

Fill the transmission fluid auxiliary cooler full of transmission fluid.

7.

Install the plug back into the transmission fluid auxiliary cooler fitting.

8.

Install the NEW air conditioning condenser. Refer to Air Conditioning Condenser Replacement or Air Conditioning
Condenser Replacement (L83 L86) in SI.
•

Discard the old sealing O-rings and install new O-rings when installing the new air conditioning condenser.

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 for courtesy transportation
program details.

Page 4 of 6

Special Coverage Adjustment
17336 Combi-Cooler Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak
Customer Notification
General Motors will notify Customers of this special coverage on their vehicle (see copy of typical Customer letter included
with this bulletin).
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 November 30, 2018. 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 6

Special Coverage Adjustment
17336 Combi-Cooler Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak
November 2017
This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN: _____________________________________
Dear General Motors Customer:
As the owner of a 2015-2017 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon
and Yukon XL, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us.
This letter is intended to make you aware that some 2015-2017 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV,
Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, may have a condition where thermal cycling on the
combination transmission fluid/oil and AC condenser cooler creates a crack that may allow refrigerant to escape. This
condition consequently may deactivate the AC system which may cause potential customer annoyance.
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 2015-2017 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe,
GMC Yukon and Yukon XL within 5 years or 60,000 miles (100,000 km) for Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon
and Yukon XL and 6 years or 72,000 miles (116,000 km) for Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, whichever occurs
first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, 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: 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 November 30, 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
Cadillac
Chevrolet
GMC
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands

Number
1-800-458-8006
1-800-222-1020
1-800-462-8782
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Text Telephones (TTY)
1-800-833-2622
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
17336
Page 6 of 6