GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS
DCS6013
URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY
Date:

December 20, 2021

Subject: N202312031 - Emission Recall
Engine Control Module CVN Reporting
Models: 2018 Buick LaCrosse
Equipped with Engine-Gas, 4 CYL, 2.5L (RPO LHN)
To:

All General Motors Dealers

Customer Letter Mailing
The customer letter mailing will begin in the near future.
Global Warranty Management (GWM)
The vehicles involved were previously under Service Update Bulletin
N202312030 and are being moved to N202312031. The Required Field
Action section on the Investigate Vehicle History (IVH) screen will be updated
December 21, 2021 or sooner. Please hold all warranty transactions until IVH
has been updated.
END OF MESSAGE
GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS

Product Emission Recall
N202312031 Engine Control Module CVN Reporting
Release Date:

December 2021

Make

Model Year
From
To
2018
2018

Model

Buick

Revision:

LaCrosse

RPO
LHN

00

Description
Engine-Gas, 4 CYL, 2.5L

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 model year
Buick LaCrosse vehicles equipped with a 2.5L engine. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may not
respond to test tools with the correct Calibration Verification Number (CVN). If not corrected, this could
result in a failure of an emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) test or prevent a service technician
from confirming that the appropriate program data is in the ECM.
Dealers are to program the Engine Control Module (ECM) with corrected software.

Parts
No parts are required for this software update.
Warranty Information
Labor
Operation
9105952*

Description
ECM Reprogramming with VCI and Regular Calibrations

Labor
Time
0.5

Trans.
Type
ZFAT

Net
Item
N/A

Important: * To avoid warranty transaction rejections, carefully read and follow the instructions below:
•

The Warranty Claim Code must be accurately entered in the “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
“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.

Warranty Claim Code Information Retrieval
If the 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 TLC/TIS on the computer used to program the vehicle.
Select and start SPS/SPS2.
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.
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.
Note: 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, etc.

Copyright 2021 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

Page 1 of 6

Product Emission Recall
N202312031 Engine Control Module CVN Reporting
•

Clear DTCs after programming is complete. Clearing powertrain DTCs will set the Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
system status indicators to NO.

5644477

5431207

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 section of the
bulletin.
Page 2 of 6

Product Emission Recall
N202312031 Engine Control Module CVN Reporting
1.

You will be required to perform two ECM reprogramming procedures to complete this recall. The first will load an
older calibration using a VCI programming number. The vehicle should NOT be driven, started, or returned to the
customer until AFTER the second programming event has been completed.

2.

Call Techline Customer Support Center (TCSC) to obtain the VCI programming number you will use during this recall.
Dial 1-800-828-6860 (English) or 1-800-503-3222 (French) and provide the VIN of the vehicle you are programming
to obtain a VCI code.

3.

Reprogram the ECM. Refer to K20 Engine Control Module: Programming and Setup in SI.

5646069

4.

Select VCI programming and hit next.

5.

Enter the VCI programming number provided by TCSC.

6.

Once programming is finished, record the warranty claim code, cycle the key off and wait for 60 seconds before
turning the vehicle back on and proceeding with the second programming event.

7.

Reprogram the ECM again regularly using standard procedures to upload the latest cal. Refer to K20 Engine Control
Module: Programming and Setup in SI.

Page 3 of 6

Product Emission Recall
N202312031 Engine Control Module CVN Reporting

5644478

5431209

Important: To avoid warranty transaction rejections, you MUST record the warranty claim code provided on the
Warranty Claim Code (WCC) screen shown above on the job card. Refer to callout 1 above for the location of the
WCC on the screen.
8.

Record SPS Warranty Claim Codes on job card for warranty transaction submission.

9.

CALIFORNIA VEHICLES ONLY: Complete a “Proof of Correction” certificate and provide to the vehicle owner
upon recall completion.
Page 4 of 6

Product Emission Recall
N202312031 Engine Control Module CVN Reporting
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
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 has been prepared and will be available through GM GlobalConnect Maxis
Field Action Reports or sent directly to export dealers. The Inventory tab of the dealer reports will contain VINs that
apply to this recall. This information is intended to assist dealers with the PROMPT COMPLETION of these
vehicles. The Customer In-Service tab will contain customer names and addresses 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 may be a violation of law in several states.
Customer Notification
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.

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

Product Emission Recall
N202312031 Engine Control Module CVN Reporting

Month 2022
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 Buick LaCrosse vehicle, equipped with a 2.5 L engine, may be
equipped with an improperly functioning on-board emission-related diagnostic system that violates California and
Federal standards and regulations. In these vehicles, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may not respond to test tools
with the correct Calibration Verification Number (CVN). If not corrected, this could result in a failure of an emissions
Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) test or prevent a service technician from confirming that the appropriate program data
is in the ECM.
What Will Be Done: Your GM dealer will program the ECM with corrected software. This service will be performed for
you at no charge. Eligibility for this service will not be denied solely due to your Buick LaCrosse vehicle having nonGM 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 as soon as possible 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.
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
Buick
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands

Number
1-866-608-8080
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

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

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.

Regina A. Carto
Vice President
Global Product Safety and Systems
N202312031

Page 6 of 6