Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

18-NA-069
January, 2022

TECHNICAL
Subject:

Poor Engine Performance in Extremely Cold Weather Conditions for LFV Engines,
Charge Air Cooler Icing - Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated - DTC P0299,
P0236, P2227 and/or P00C7 Set

Brand:

Model:

Chevrolet

Malibu

Model Year:

VIN:

from

to

from

to

2016

2022

—

—

Engine:

Transmission:

1.5L (LFV)

—

Involved Region or Country

North America, China

Condition

Some customers may comment on one or more of the following conditions when driving
in extremely cold weather conditions (-18°C or less / 0°F or less):
• Loss of power
• Hesitation on acceleration
• Stalling condition
• MIL Illuminated
Technicians may find one or more of the following DTCs set:
• P0299
• P0236
• P2227
• P00C7

Cause

This condition may be caused by ice accumulation in the charge air cooler (CAC),
restricting air flow.

Copyright 2022 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Page 2

January, 2022

Bulletin No.: 18-NA-069

Note: DO NOT replace the CAC if the service part is already installed.

Correction

If any of the above conditions are present, allow time for possible ice build up in the CAC
to melt by allowing the vehicle to thaw in a warm environment, and drain the moisture
from the CAC.
If any of the above conditions are confirmed to be caused by freezing/icing, replace the
original CAC with the new design wide fin service part. Confirmation should include:
• P0299 and/or P0236 present.
• >100mL (3.4 oz) moisture drained from thawed CAC.
• Confirmed no leaks in CAC / CAC ducts.
• Recent vehicle use in extreme cold (-18°C / 0°F or less).
If not recently performed, an oil change may be necessary to remove any moisture from
the engine.
If there is a check engine light with a P0234 or P0299 DTC during cold weather driving,
refer to the following information:
– Frozen oil/water contaminant in the Turbocharger Wastegate Regulator Solenoid Valve
(TCV) is often concurrent with vehicle operating conditions that cause CAC freezing. If
either DTC P0234 or P0299 is set, refer to PIP5812C for Turbocharger Wastegate
Regulator Solenoid Valve Inspection. Cleaning or replacing the TCV solenoid should
be performed in addition to CAC protection measures specified in this bulletin.
For 2016-2018 Malibu, a new winter grille cover has been released to prevent this issue
from occurring in extreme cold weather (-18°C or less/0°F or less). The winter grille cover
needs be added to avoid the customer from returning with concerns related to charge air
cooler icing.
The winter grille cover can be installed by the technician during the repair procedure as
listed in this bulletin. After the repair is complete, dealer service personnel must educate
the customer on the installation and removal procedure of the winter grille cover.
Installation instructions are included with the winter grille cover.
Note: The Engine Control Module calibration should be updated. The new calibration will
enable a revised transmission shift pattern during cold weather operation, which does not
use overdrive as frequently. As a result, some customers may notice elevated engine
RPMs during highway operation. This operating mode will reduce the potential for ice to
build up inside the charge air cooler, and the potential for setting P0299 or P0234
diagnostic codes.
The customer must be informed by dealership personnel by explaining the new engine
control module calibration and its effects on transmission shift patterns at highway
speeds during cold weather to avoid a customer return to the dealership after the
programming is completed.
Important: The winter grille cover should be installed in the extreme cold weather and
removed when the winter season changes.

Additional covers and repeat installation are customer pay.
Note: Clean the surface before installing the winter grille cover.

Bulletin No.: 18-NA-069

January, 2022

Page 3

Service Procedure
Important: Do Not replace the CAC ducts as part of
this repair unless there is evidence of damage and/or a
leak from the CAC ducts.

4241877

1. Install the CAC (2). Refer to Charge Air Cooler
Replacement in SI.
Important: Do Not perform an oil change if the oil
change was recently done.
• If the oil change was recently done and no
signs of moisture have been confirmed,
proceed to step 3.
• If the oil change was not previously done or
moisture has been found in the oil, proceed
with procedure.
2. If required, perform an oil change. Refer to Engine
Oil and Oil Filter Replacement in SI.

Page 4

January, 2022

Bulletin No.: 18-NA-069

4233269

3. Remove the turbocharger air pressure sensor (3).
Refer to Turbocharger Air Pressure Sensor
Replacement in SI.

5020216

4910683

Important: Due to the sensitivity of the sensor, Do Not
use any chemical cleaners including water and Do Not
use compressed air to remove contaminates.
4. Inspect the sensor of any contaminates.

5. Allow time for any ice build-up to melt by placing
the sensor port down.
6. Clean the sensor with a clean towel.
7. Install the sensor.

Bulletin No.: 18-NA-069

January, 2022

Engine Control Module Programming
Important: Updated Engine Control Module
calibration: The updated calibration will enable a
revised transmission shift pattern during cold weather
operation, which does not use overdrive as frequently.
As a result, the customer may notice elevated engine
RPMs during highway operation. This operating mode
will reduce the potential for ice to build up inside the
charge air cooler, and the potential for setting P0299 or
P0234 diagnostic codes.
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.
• 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 12V jumper or booster pack disconnected
from the AC voltage supply. DO NOT connect a
battery charger.
• Follow the on-screen prompts regarding ignition
power mode, but ensure that anything that drains
excessive power (exterior lights, HVAC blower
motor, etc) is off.
• Please verify that the radio time and date are set
correctly before inserting USB drive into vehicle
for programming, otherwise an error will result.
• Clear DTCs after programming is complete.
Clearing powertrain DTCs will set the Inspection/
Maintenance (I/M) system status indicators to NO.

Page 5

Important: The service technician always needs to
verify that the VIN displayed in the TLC left side drop
down menu and the top center window match the VIN
plate of the vehicle to be programmed prior to using
Service Programming System 2 (SPS2) for
programming or reprogramming a module.
• For the TLC application, service technicians need
to always ensure that the power mode (ignition) is
“ON” before reading the VIN from the vehicle’s
VIN master module and that they do not select a
VIN that is already in the TLC application memory
from a previous vehicle.
• If the VIN that shows up in the TLC top center
window after correctly reading the VIN from the
vehicle does not match the VIN plate of the
vehicle, manually type in the VIN characters from
the vehicle VIN plate into the TLC top center
window and use these for programming or
reprogramming the subject module with the
correct vehicle VIN and software and/or
calibrations.
• The Engine Control Module (ECM) is the master
module (for VIP vehicles) that TLC reads to
determine the VIN of the vehicle. If the VIN read
from the vehicle by TLC does not match the VIN
plate of the vehicle, the ECM also needs to be
reprogrammed with the correct VIN, software and
calibrations that match the vehicle’s VIN plate.
• The Body Control Module (BCM) is the master
module (for GEM vehicles) that TLC reads to
determine the VIN of the vehicle. If the VIN read
from the vehicle by TLC does not match the VIN
plate of the vehicle, the BCM also needs to be
reprogrammed with the correct VIN, software and
calibrations that match the vehicle’s VIN plate.
Caution: Be sure the VIN selected in the drop down
menu (1) is the same as the vehicle connected (2)
before beginning programming.

Page 6

January, 2022

Bulletin No.: 18-NA-069

5743643

Important: If the vehicle VIN DOES NOT match, the
message below will be shown.

5877000

Bulletin No.: 18-NA-069

January, 2022

Page 7

5644477

5431207

Page 8

January, 2022

Bulletin No.: 18-NA-069

Important: Techline Connect and TIS2WEB screens
shown above.
Important: If the same calibration/software warning is
noted on the TLC or SPS Summary 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. Reprogram the ECM. Refer to K20 Engine Control
Module: Programming and Setup in SI.

5644478

Bulletin No.: 18-NA-069

January, 2022

Page 9

5431209

Note: The screenshots above are an example of
module programming and may not be indicative of the
specific module that is being programmed. Module
selection and VIN information have been blacked out.
Important: To avoid warranty transaction rejections,
you MUST record the warranty claim code provided on
the SPS Warranty Claim Code (WCC) screen shown
above on the job card. Refer to callout 1 above for the
location of the WCC on the SPS screen.
2. Record the SPS Warranty Claim Code on the job
card for warranty transaction submission.

Parts Information
Causal
Part

Description

Part
Number

Qty

N/A

COVER, GRILLE
(Malibu
2016–2018)

85158791

1

N/A

COOLER ASMCHRG AIR

84768953

1

N/A

Filter, Oil

N/A

Oil

Refer to the Electronic Parts
Catalog (EPC).

Page 10

January, 2022

Warranty Information
Important: Warranty coverage code E2 applies for this
module programming event. ECM reprogramming is
covered for 8 years/80,000 miles (U.S.) or 8 years/
130,000 km (Canada).
For vehicles repaired under the Powertrain coverage,
use the following labor operation. Reference the
Applicable Warranties section of Investigate Vehicle
History (IVH) for coverage information.
Labor
Operation

Description

Labor Time

4086058*

Charge Air Cooler
Replacement

2.6 hrs

Add

To Recover and Recharge
R-1234yf A/C System

1.2 hrs

Add

To Recover and Recharge
R-134a A/C System

0.3 hr

Add

IAPT Inspection

0.2 hr

Add

Oil Change

0.3 hr

Add

Install grille Cover on 20162018 Malibu

0.2 hr

2888378**

Engine Control Module Reprogramming with SPS for
Malibu

0.3 hr

Bulletin No.: 18-NA-069

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 TLC/TIS on the computer used to program
the vehicle.
2. Select and start SPS/SPS2.
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.

*This is a unique Labor Operation for bulletin use only.
Important: **To avoid warranty transaction rejections,
carefully read and follow the instructions below:
• The 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/SPS2.
Version

8

Modified

Released March 05, 2018
January 24, 2019 – Added the 2019 Model Year, China to Involved Region or Country,
updated the Service Procedure and Warranty Information.
October 28, 2019 – Updated the Part Number in the Parts Information.
February 21, 2020 – Added the 2020 Model Year and updated the Correction information.
March 12, 2020 – Added an Important statement at the beginning of the Service
Procedure advising not to replace the CAC ducts.
March 02, 2021 – Added the 2021 Model Year and updated the Warranty Information.
September 02, 2021 – Added the 2022 Model Year.
January 12, 2022 – Added information to reference PIP5812C and winter grille
information to Correction section, grille cover for 2016–2018 Malibu to Parts Information
section, Engine Control Module Programming section, updated the Warranty coverage
information and added ECM Re-programming Labor Operation to 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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