GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS
DCS4932
URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY
Date:

December 14, 2018

Subject: 18226 - Special Coverage
Overheating of Fuel Relay or Motor Terminal
Models: 2008-2011 Buick Lucerne
2009-2011 Cadillac DTS
To:

All General Motors Dealers

General Motors is releasing Special Coverage 18226 today. The total number
of U.S. vehicles involved is approximately 203,013. Please see the attached
bulletin for details.
Customer Letter Mailing
The customer letter mailing will be in January 2019.
Global Warranty Management (GWM)
The Investigate Vehicle History (IVH) screen in the GWM system will be updated
December 14, 2018. A list of involved vehicles is attached to this message. Please
hold all warranty transactions until IVH has been updated.
END OF MESSAGE
GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS

Special Coverage Adjustment
18226 Overheating of Fuel Relay or Motor Terminal
Reference Number:

N182155410

Make

Model

Buick
Cadillac

Lucerne
DTS

Release Date:
Revision:
Model Year
From
To
2008
2011
2009
2011

RPO

December 2018
00
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 2008 – 2011 model year Buick Lucerne and 2009 – 2011 model year Cadillac DTS vehicles,
the vehicle’s rear-seat bracket could contact the vehicle’s Rear Electrical Center (REC), which can, over
time, damage electrical components within the REC enclosure. If damage occurs, the components can
melt or overheat, which the customer may detect by a melting odor in the vehicle. Damage could also
cause the vehicle’s battery to drain, a no-start condition, or a stall.
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles
(193,000 km), 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
December 14, 2018, 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 December 14, 2018, 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 and if repair is necessary, replace the rear electrical center (REC). Additional
repairs to the fuel pump relay wiring may be required. In each case the rear seat bracket will need to
be trimmed (Lucerne only). The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

Parts
Quantity
1
1

Part Name

Part No.
84446208
88953222

Rear Electrical Center
Low Profile Fuel Pump Relay

It is estimated that less than 14% of the involved vehicles will require parts replaced. Due to the small number of
vehicles anticipated that will need this fix and the limited initial parts availability, dealers are encouraged not to
order these parts for use as shelf stock. Parts may have quantity limiters in effect.
Warranty Information
Labor
Operation
9900545
9900546

9900547

9900548

Description
Diagnostic Time Only – No Repair Required
Replace Rear Electrical Center (REC)
Cut Rear Seat Bracket (Lucerne Only)
Adjust Rear Electrical Center (DTS Only)
Add: Wiring Repair
Add: Replace Tall Fuel Pump Relay with Short Relay
Add: Diagnostic Time
Customer Reimbursement Approved
- For USA and Canada dealers only
- For Export dealers only
Customer Reimbursement Denied – For USA dealers only

Copyright 2018 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

Labor
Time
0.1-0.3
0.5
0.4
0.2
0.1-0.5
0.1
0.1-0.3
N/A
0.2
N/A

Trans.
Type
ZREG
ZREG

Net
Item
N/A
N/A

ZREG

*

ZREG

**

Page 1 of 9

Special Coverage Adjustment
18226 Overheating of Fuel Relay or Motor Terminal
* 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.

Service Procedure

1572099

1.

Remove the rear seat bottom cushion (1).

2.

Disconnect the negative battery cable.

5118028

Page 2 of 9

Special Coverage Adjustment
18226 Overheating of Fuel Relay or Motor Terminal
3.

Remove the Rear Electrical Center (REC) cover (1).

4.

Inspect the cover for signs of contact with the fuel pump relay.

5.

Remove and inspect the fuel pump relay (3) for any signs of contact, damage and/or burn marks.

6.

Remove and inspect the fuel pump fuse (2) for any signs of damage and/or burn marks.

7.

Separate the upper REC (6) from the lower housing (4) by pressing the 4 locking tabs.

8.

Inspect the REC for the following concerns:

5118030

•

Contact marks from the seat brackets. (Lucerne Only)

280787

Page 3 of 9

Special Coverage Adjustment
18226 Overheating of Fuel Relay or Motor Terminal

5116896

•

Burnt wires or terminals at the F1 cavity.

5118031

•

Damaged and/or burnt X1 electrical connector.

Page 4 of 9

Special Coverage Adjustment
18226 Overheating of Fuel Relay or Motor Terminal
9.

Remove the X1 connector from the REC.

4871417

10. Inspect the connector for any damaged or burnt terminals.

4871373

Page 5 of 9

Special Coverage Adjustment
18226 Overheating of Fuel Relay or Motor Terminal
11. Inspect for any signs of warping or disfigurement caused by heat to the junction block (1).
If no damage is found, Do Not replace the fuse block and refer to SI for further diagnostics.
If damage was found, proceed with repair.

5118032

If no damage is found at the REC or the F1 cavity:

•

Remove FPR relay (1) and discard.

•

Install a low profile fuel pump relay (2).

•

Trim seat brackets. (Lucerne Only)

•

Reposition REC. (DTS Only)

If any damage is found at the REC and not at the F1 cavity:

•

Replace the REC.

•

Trim seat brackets. (Lucerne Only)

•

Reposition REC. (DTS Only)

If any damage is found at the REC and at F1 cavity:

•

Replace the REC.

•

Repair the wire terminal at the F1 cavity.

•

If required, replace the X1 connector.

•

Trim seat brackets. (Lucerne Only)

•

Reposition REC. (DTS Only)

Page 6 of 9

Special Coverage Adjustment
18226 Overheating of Fuel Relay or Motor Terminal
Rear Seat Bracket Repair for Lucerne

4294546

4294548

1.

With the rear seat cushion on a bench, measure 5 mm (0.197 in) from each edge of the right side seat mount
bracket and mark with a paint marker as shown (1).

Page 7 of 9

Special Coverage Adjustment
18226 Overheating of Fuel Relay or Motor Terminal

4294550

2.

Using a cut off wheel or equivalent, carefully cut each side of the bracket as shown (1). Check for any rough edges
and file if necessary.

3.

Install the rear seat cushion.

4.

Connect the battery.

Rear Junction Block Positioning for DTS
1.

Loosen the nuts that secure the REC to the floor panel.

2.

Position the rear electrical center towards the rear of vehicle.

3.

Tighten the nuts to specifications. Refer to Fastener Specifications in SI.

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, Sections 1.4 and 6.1.10, for
courtesy transportation program details.
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 January 31, 2020. See General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual,
Section 6.1.11 – 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 8 of 9

Special Coverage Adjustment
18226 Overheating of Fuel Relay or Motor Terminal
January 2019
This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN: _____________________________________
Dear General Motors Customer:
As the owner of a 2008-2011 model year Buick Lucerne or 2009-2011 Cadillac DTS, your satisfaction with our product
is very important to us.
This letter is intended to make you aware that your 2008-2011 model year Buick Lucerne or 2009-2011 model year
Cadillac DTS vehicle’s rear-seat bracket could contact the vehicle’s Rear Electrical Center (REC), which can, over time,
damage electrical components within the REC enclosure. If damage occurs, the components can melt or overheat,
which the customer may detect by a melting odor in the vehicle. Damage could also cause the vehicle’s battery to
drain, a no-start condition, or a stall.
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 2008-2011 model year Buick Lucerne or 2009-2011 model year Cadillac DTS within 10
years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, 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 already 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 January 31,
2020, 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
Buick
Cadillac
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands

Number
1-800-521-7300
1-800-458-8006
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Text Telephones (TTY)
1-800-832-8425
1-800-833-2622

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.
Neelie O’Connor
Executive Director
North America Contact Center Operations
Enclosure
18226
Page 9 of 9