Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

21-NA-043
March, 2021

INFORMATION
Subject:

Properly Maintaining Vehicles in Dealer Inventory

This bulletin replaces Service Bulletin 09-00-89-002R and has been issued to update revised
U.S. policies regarding Battery Maintenance and Tire Flat Spotting. Please discard Corporate
Bulletin Number 09-00-89-002R.

Brand:

Model:

Buick

GM
Passenger
Cars and
Trucks
(includes
Medium
Duty)

Cadillac
Chevrolet
GMC

Model Year:

VIN:

from

to

from

to

2011

2021

—

—

Involved Region or Country

Engine:

Transmission:

All

All

North America

Dealer Inventories

Battery Maintenance

Important: Dealers are responsible for the storage
and proper care of new vehicles held in dealer
inventory until they are delivered to the customer. Extra
care and attention to detail should be taken to make
sure vehicles that have spent longer times in dealer
inventory are properly delivered to the customer with no
product issues (such as stall/no start issues due to
improper battery maintenance or vehicle vibration due
to tire flat spotting). Damage or deterioration, resulting
from improper storage, is not to be covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. For more information, refer to
the New Vehicle Storage section of the Service Policies
and Procedures Manual.

12 Volt System
Leaving vehicles in Transport Mode while in inventory
will typically extend the time between charge events.
Refer to the Service Bulletin #20-NA-157 for
information on turning this feature off and on.
• Exception: For U.S. dealers, vehicles imported
from Korea (first character of the VIN is a “K”)
should NOT be left in transportation mode.
Activating Transportation mode on these vehicles
removes power from the OnStar module, stopping
our ability to receive data from these vehicles.

Table of Contents
The following is a list of topics included in this bulletin:
• Battery Maintenance
• Tire Flat-Spotting
• Brakes
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Protective Shipping Materials
• Checking / Cleaning Windshield Wipers
• Fuel / Lubricants / Oil Life Monitor
• Diesel Engine Special Care
• Storage Lot Practices / Vehicle Washing

Copyright 2021 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

U.S. Dealers
Effective January 1, 2021, U.S. dealers are to refer to
the Battery Maintenance Report to identify vehicles in
dealer inventory that require attention. The Report,
located in the Dealer Maxis application on the
GlobalConnect App Center, will conveniently identify
the specific vehicles in your dealer inventory that
require a “Battery Charge” due to a low state of charge.
• It is recommended that dealers monitor the report
only once per week.
• Vehicles on the report that require a Battery
Charge should be charged using the “Diagnostic
Charge” on the GR8 or the “Diagnostic – Trolley”
process with the Diagnostic Charge Battery
Station (DCBS). For vehicles with two batteries,
each battery should be individually charged.

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March, 2021

The report will also identify vehicles that need to
be started and moved as they remained dormant
for an extended period and are no longer
transmitting battery state of health information to
GM via Remote Vehicle Diagnostics. These
vehicles should be started and moved too so that
GM can provide proper recommendations to you
on battery maintenance.
After taking action on any particular vehicle noted
on the Battery Maintenance Report, it may take up
to 5 days for the vehicle to be removed from the
Report.

Canadian Dealers
Maintain battery charge on vehicles in dealer inventory
per the following:
1. At vehicle delivery to the dealership (PDI), check
condition and charge the battery using the GR-8
Tool (EL-50313) or EL-52800 Diagnostic Charge
Battery Station (DCBS) in the PDI mode. This step
allows the battery to be charged back up (topped
off) at PDI (for 20 minutes or less) to make up for
any loss of charge that occurred during the vehicle
transit time from assembly plant to the dealer.
Allowing PDI Mode to enter TOP OFF Mode
automatically or manually selecting TOP OFF
Mode at the screen prompt at the end of PDI Mode
will allow a complete charge of the battery and aid
in preventing dead batteries in dealer inventory.
Note: Utilizing TOP OFF Mode after PDI Mode will
allow for a complete battery charge during inventory
storage and to improve customer satisfaction after
vehicle delivery.
2. Every 30 days in dealer inventory, check condition
and charge the battery using the GR-8 Tool
(EL-50313) or the EL-52800 Diagnostic Charge
Battery Station (DCBS) in the PDI mode. This step
will allow the battery state of charge to be
maintained, which maximize over all battery life.
Vehicle batteries that are in dealer inventory for
extended amounts of time without being
maintained/charged will see a significant overall
reduction in the battery's service life.
3. At point of sale (just prior to delivering the vehicle
to the customer), check condition and charge the
battery using the GR-8 Tool (EL-50313) or the
EL-52800 Diagnostic Charge Battery Station
(DCBS) in the PDI mode. This step will ensure that
the battery is fully charged for the best customer
satisfaction possible.
4. On vehicles with two Batteries, each battery must
be electrically isolated and charged individually,
which will result in two printouts.
Note: Vehicles with Stop/Start Auxiliary batteries must
be charged separately from the main battery during the
period of dealer inventory storage. The Auxiliary battery
is not connected in a manner that will allow both
batteries to be charged at the same time and must be
charged individually, which will result in two printouts.

Bulletin No.: 21-NA-043

12 Volt Battery Replacement on Vehicles in Dealer
Inventory (U.S. and Canadian Dealers)
For dealers who follow proper battery maintenance
guidelines, defective batteries that fail to properly
charge are covered under the New Vehicle Warranty.
Replacement must be supported by a “Replace
Battery” decision from the GR8 or DCBS, and a copy of
the test result printout must be retained with the job
card. Refer to Service Bulletin #20-NA-132 for further
details and claim submission requirements.
High Voltage Batteries
Routine maintenance is not required for High Voltage
batteries.
For plug-in Electric Vehicles (EVs), High Voltage
batteries should be fully charged just prior to delivery.

Tire Flat-Spotting
All tires, no matter the manufacturer, are susceptible to
flat spotting if the vehicle sits on the dealership lot prior
to customer delivery and is not moved or driven for an
extended period of time. Flat spots on the tires can
cause vibration concerns.
Vibration issues for flat spotting can develop between
30-45 days (depending on the tire design, parking
surface and weather conditions) and usually will be
gone after allowing the tires to heat up after few
minutes of driving at highway speeds on smooth
surface roads.
Vibration issues that develop from allowing the vehicle
to sit without being moved/driven for between 45-90
days usually will be gone after allowing the tires to heat
up after 10 minutes of driving at highway speeds on
smooth surface roads.
Vibration issues that develop from allowing the vehicle
to sit without being moved/driven for more than 90 days
may become permanent and would require tire
replacement to repair (which would not be considered a
warrantable item).
To attempt to minimize this concern, the following is
recommended:
– Tires should be inflated to 300 kPa (44 psi) for longer
term storage in inventory. While higher tire pressures
during storage has not been proven to eliminate this
concern, underinflation has been shown to contribute
to its severity, so higher pressure is preferred to
lower pressure.
Tip: Tires on average lose 7 kPa (1 psi) every 30
days. Additionally there is a 7 kPa (1 psi) loss in
pressure for each 6°C (10°F) drop in air
temperature. Example: A tire with 300 kPa (44 psi) at
16°C (60°F) would have 240 kPa (35 psi) after 6
months in inventory at −1°C (30°F) air temperature.
– Vehicles should be moved every 30 days. If vehicles
are allowed to sit more than 30 days at a time, more
noticeable or objectionable tire vibrations may be
noted. Vibration issues that develop from allowing
the vehicle to sit without being moved/driven for
more than 90 days may become permanent and
would require tire replacement to repair (which would
not be considered a warrantable item).

Bulletin No.: 21-NA-043

March, 2021

Page 3

Tip:
U.S. dealers can monitor the Battery Maintenance
Report located in the Dealer Maxis application on the
GlobalConnect App Center to identify vehicles that
have been sitting for greater than 30 days without an
ignition cycle. The report will conveniently list the
specific vehicles in your dealer inventory that should be
started and moved.
At the time of delivery, vehicle tire pressures MUST be
reset to the values as outlined on the Tire Pressure
Placard in order to provide the customer with the proper
ride and handling characteristics designed into the
vehicle.
Important: If any tire vibration is noted during the PDI
process before measuring tires on equipment such as
the RFE 13 Road Force® Elite Balancer, the vehicle
MUST be driven a minimum of 24 km (15 mi) to ensure
removal of any flat spotting (The tendency to "flat spot"
is less likely as the tire accumulates mileage).

General Motors has commonized the use of door edge
protection in order to reduce the chance of chips/
scratches on the doors of new vehicles. The protectors
come in the form of a black foam block that adheres to
the painted door panel by a sheet of white, two-sided
tape. This foam block is designed to protect not only
the painted body panel, but also any body cladding or
moldings on the vehicle. The location of the door
protection varies, depending on the contours of the
door or body cladding. The purpose of this protection is
not only to protect the vehicle during transportation
from the plant to the dealer, but also while the vehicle is
either stored or displayed at the dealership. GM
recommends the door edge protection stay on the
doors up until delivery to the customer. By leaving this
protection in place, the possibility of door chips,
scratches or dents is virtually eliminated.

Brakes

Wiper Blades
Vehicle windshield wipers are exposed to weathering
elements as soon as a vehicle is produced. During
extended outdoor storage the wiper blades may not
function as well due to the following factors:
• Dirt/debris/dried soap stuck on the blade surface
• Oxidation of the rubber blade
• The rubber blade may take a “permanent set” from
non-use.
If necessary, the wiper blades can be cleaned with a lint
free cloth or paper towel soaked with windshield
washer fluid (GM Optikleen recommended) or a mild
detergent. You should see significant amounts of dirt
being removed on the cloth. Be sure to wash the
windshield thoroughly when you clean the blades.
Bugs, road grime, sap and a buildup of car wash/wax
treatments may additionally cause wiper streaking.
Important: Avoid getting windshield washer fluid on
your hands. Wear rubber gloves or avoid direct contact
with washer fluid. NEVER use gasoline, kerosene, or
petroleum based products to clean wiper blades.
Tip: DO NOT operate the wipers if the vehicle is
extremely dirty with gritty or sandy materials, or twigs/
sticks in the cowl area. This type of debris dragged by
the force of the wipers while dry may cause glass
scratching.

Extended outside storage with no vehicle movement
may increase the opportunity for brake noise and/or
pulsation issues. Vehicle braking systems tend to be
self-cleaning while vehicles are in use, preventing any
build-up of corrosion on the brake rotor surfaces.
Therefore, vehicles in dealer inventory should be
moved and brakes applied several times every 30 days
to prevent issues.
Tip: U.S. dealers can monitor the Battery Maintenance
Report located in the Dealer Maxis application on the
GlobalConnect App Center to easily identify vehicles
that have been sitting for greater than 30 days that
should be started and moved to eliminate rust build up.

Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
The TPMS is learned at the assembly plant and should
not need to be re-learned at customer delivery unless
wheels are replaced or rotated. Vehicles that have
been in dealer inventory for extended amounts of time
may have a TPMS light on indicating proper tire
pressure (air inflation) is required. Properly adjusting all
tire air pressures to the recommended levels and
driving the vehicle will turn the light off (refer to the Tire
and Loading Information label on the driver side door) DO NOT re-learn the TPMS. Follow appropriate
sections of SI in the event diagnosis of TPM Light or
“Service Tire Pressure Monitoring System” DIC
Message is required at PDI or point of sale.

Protective Shipping Materials
Many GM vehicles come with protective coverings,
foam blocks and other preventative measures applied
before vehicle shipping to aid in vehicles being
delivered in the best possible condition.
The exterior protection foam block door and bumper
protectors should be left in place up to the time of the
customer delivery except for vehicles on prominent
display such as the showroom floor. These protective
devices help to minimize lot damage, reduce dealer
expense and increase customer satisfaction.

Checking/Cleaning Windshield Wipers/
Window Glass

Window Glass
The interior surfaces of the window glass may appear
hazy (due to surface deposits) after a vehicle has sat in
a “closed-up” condition for an extended period of time.
It is suggested that window washing during the PDI
process be performed with plain water. Washing by this
method increases the amount of time that the windows
will stay clean, as cleaners generally leave a film that
accelerates the deposition of new dirt.
ONLY if satisfactory results cannot be obtained
(streaking), please use GM Vehicle Care Glass Cleaner
(or equivalent) to clean heavier deposits.

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March, 2021

Fuel/Lubricants/Oil-Life Monitor
Caution: Do not allow vehicles to run out of fuel during
idle conditions. Allowing a vehicle to run out of fuel
while idling may cause damage to the fuel pump.
Gasoline Fuel
As vehicles age while in inventory the potential for
fueling issues increases. Gasoline powered vehicles
should not encounter any fuel related issues while
being stored for up to one year. Vehicles should have
fresh fuel added as needed or if in stock for over
one year.
Lubricants and Oil Life Monitor
As vehicles are kept in stock for longer periods of time,
questions may be raised not only by the new car prep
personnel, but also by customers. Here are some
suggestions as to proper business practices.
The Oil Life Monitor in new GM vehicles will count
down as vehicles are started, moved and run for the
purpose of battery charging. If vehicles remain in stock
for longer periods, what guidelines should you follow to
answer questions about the oil life monitor?
– When the vehicle was assembled the oil life monitor
begins counting down the useful life of the oil. If the
Oil Life percentage indicates below 90% of the oil life
left before vehicle delivery and the vehicle is older
than 7 months, it is advised that the oil be changed
before delivery to the customer (An alternative would
be to offer the customer a discount coupon good for
a reduced cost oil change, to compensate for used
up oil-life before delivery).
Important: The Oil-Life Monitor should not be reset at
the time of delivery unless the vehicle oil has been
changed.
– If the Oil Life Monitor indicates above 90% or the
vehicle build date is within 6 months or newer, the
vehicle may be delivered without additional action.
There is always some period of time that a vehicle is
in dealer stock before it is delivered, and that small
drop in oil life is expected.
Important: If a vehicle remains in stock for 1 year or
greater, you should change the vehicle engine oil.

Diesel Engine Special Care
Periodic Operation
Diesel powered vehicles should not be left stationary
for more than 45 days. When the storage duration
approaches 45 days, the vehicle should at least be
started and idled until the engine reaches operating
temperature. Ideally, the vehicle should be driven for at
least 1.6 km (1 mi) and then idled to operating
temperature to prevent turbocharger malfunction.
Fuel
Diesel powered vehicles should not have additional
fuel added to the tank unless required. The
assembly plant fuels vehicles with a special blend of
ultra low sulfur diesel extending its stability over
marketplace diesel fuel. Fuel readily available in the
consumer market may have high levels of Biodiesel

Bulletin No.: 21-NA-043

and likewise shorter storage potential. If re-fueling is
required, add only in 15 L (4 gallon) increments using
winter blend fuels where appropriate.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Diesel Exhaust Fluid must be added (if not factory
filled) at the time of Vehicle Pre-Delivery Inspection
up to 9.46 liters (2.5 gallons). Make certain the GM
provided nozzle, including internal vent tube, is used to
ensure proper feedback from the fill limit valve. DO
NOT OVERFILL THE TANK. When the fluid first begins
to overflow out of the fill neck, the tank is full.
Battery State of Charge
Wherever possible, diesel powered vehicles should
have the batteries maintained with a battery charger as
opposed to running the vehicle for 30 minutes to
conserve the factory fueling.

Storage Lot Practices/Vehicle Washing
While all damage and every situation cannot be
accounted for, simple thoughtfulness and care should
be your guide. There are many opportunities for
damage to the finish of vehicles. Please review the
following good discussion starters with porters and
technicians:
• Simple winter season conditions can be a good
source of damage for northern dealers. Sharp
snow shovels and ice scrapers can damage
vehicles. Consider the use of plastic shovels
(non-metal edged) for use in and around vehicle
storage lots and make sure snow removal tools
are in good condition. Instruct dealership
personnel to be aware of potential damage when
removing ice buildup from the vehicles.
• Keep bushes and shrubs trimmed back around
vehicle storage lots. Sometimes, when space is at
a premium, every inch of a lot is utilized. Do not
park vehicles near landscaping that, during a
thunderstorm or winter storm, may droop or move
sufficiently to contact vehicles, causing finish
damage.
• Regularly maintain your dealership car wash.
Worn components or improperly working
mechanisms and valves may damage or cause
dulling of vehicle finishes. If your dealership hand
washes and polishes vehicles for delivery,
reconfirm that personnel are dressed in proper
clothing devoid of belt buckles, metal buttons/
snaps, wallet chains, etc.
• Vehicles on the front lot, visible by customers,
should be kept clean and washed regularly for the
sake of a nice dealership appearance. Vehicles in
off-site storage, or secured areas should be kept
clean preferably by touchless methods. Constant
washing may create fine scratches or swirls in the
paint on dark colored vehicles. Lightly power
washing with soap will remove any harmful
accumulations of dirt, bird droppings, acidic
leaves, etc. without the risk of causing scratches.

Bulletin No.: 21-NA-043

March, 2021

Page 5

Field Action Bulletin and Pre-Delivery
Inspection Completion
To ensure vehicles are delivered to customers with no
product issues, review and complete any open field
actions using Investigate Vehicle History (IVH) and
complete the pre-delivery inspection (PDI) BEFORE
the vehicle is delivered to the customer.
Version

1

Modified

February 25, 2021 – Corporate Service Bulletin Number 09-00-89-002R has now become
Global format Service Bulletin #21-NA-043. This update revises U.S. policies regarding
Battery Maintenance and Tire Flat Spotting.

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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