GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS
DCS6455
URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY
Date:

March 7, 2023

Subject: REVISION: N192266181-01 – Special Coverage
Wiper Transmission Arm Linkage Failure
Population Update
Models: 2010-2012 Chevrolet Equinox
2016-2017 Chevrolet Equinox
2010-2012 GMC Terrain
2016-2017 GMC Terrain
To:

All General Motors Dealers

This bulletin has been revised to add the 2016-2017 model year Chevrolet
Equinox and GMC Terrain to the population. Please discard all previous
copies of N192266181.
Customer Letter Mailing
The customer letter mailing will begin late March 2023.
Global Warranty Management (GWM)
The Applicable Warranties section on the Investigate Vehicle History (IVH)
screen will be updated March 7, 2023.
END OF MESSAGE
GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS

Special Coverage
N192266181 Wiper Transmission Arm Linkage Failure – USA Only
Release Date:
Revision Description:
Attention:

March 2023

Revision:

01

This bulletin has been revised to add the 2016-2017 model year Chevrolet Equinox and
GMC Terrain to the population. Please discard all previous copies of N192266181.

This Special Coverage can be seen in the Applicable Warranties section in Investigate Vehicle History
(IVH).

Make
Chevrolet
Chevrolet
GMC
GMC

Model
Equinox
Equinox
Terrain
Terrain

Model Year
From
To
2010
2012
2016
2017
2010
2012
2016
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

On certain 2010-2012 model year and 2016-2017 model year Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain
vehicles, the ball joints in the front windshield wiper modules of these vehicles may experience high
corrosion and wear that could result in the separation of one or more ball joints from their sockets during
wiper operation. If a ball joint were to separate, one or both of the windshield wipers could become
inoperative.
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 15 years or 200,000 miles
(320,000 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 July
14, 2022 for 2010-2012 model year vehicles (March 7, 2023 for 2016-2017 model years), 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 July 14, 2022 for 2010-2012 model year vehicles (March 7,
2023 for 2016-2017 model years), 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 front wiper assembly and replace the wiper linkages or module as necessary.
The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

Parts
Quantity
1
1

Part Name

Part No.
87865202
84241847

Transmission Kit-WSW
Module Asm-WSW SYS

Reminder: Parts may be removed from Retail Inventory Management (RIM). Dealers should review the affected parts
to confirm RIM managed status. Parts may have quantity limiters in effect.
Warranty Information
Labor
Operation
9900806
9900807
9900808
9900809

Description
Install Windshield Wiper System Transmission Kit (Includes
Inspection)
Install Windshield Wiper System Module (Includes Inspection)
Customer Reimbursement Approved
- For USA only
Customer Reimbursement Denied – For USA dealers only

Copyright 2023 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

Labor
Time
0.6

Trans.
Type
ZREG

Net
Item
N/A

0.5
N/A

ZREG
ZREG

N/A
*

N/A

ZREG

**
Page 1 of 10

Special Coverage
N192266181 Wiper Transmission Arm Linkage Failure – USA Only
*

For USA: Submit the dollar amount reimbursed to the Customer in Net/Reimbursement. Submit $20.00 USD
administrative allowance in Net/Admin Allowance.

**

Submit $10.00 administrative allowance in Net/Admin Allowance.

Service Procedure
Important: Service Agents must comply with all International, Federal, State, Provincial, and/or Local laws
applicable to the activities it performs under this bulletin, including but not limited to handling, deploying,
preparing, classifying, packaging, marking, labeling, and shipping dangerous goods. In the event of a conflict
between the procedures set forth in this bulletin and the laws that apply to your dealership, you must follow
those applicable laws.
WARNING: The wiper transmission links are made of stamped steel. They have sharp edges, wear protective gloves to
prevent cuts.
NOTE: With the ignition key in the on position, place the windshield wiper control switch in the OFF (park) position. Turn
the ignition key off.
1.

Remove the windshield wiper system module. Refer to Windshield Wiper System Module Replacement in SI.

6117096

There are two types of nylon pivot cups.
•
•

If the module has a “top hat” design (1), proceed with the link replacement procedure.
If the module has “dome shaped” design (2), Replace the module assembly.

IMPORTANT: Verify the windshield wiper module is a GM assembly. If the module assembly is an aftermarket (nonGM) unit, replace the module assembly with a new GM Module assembly. Aftermarket link bars and nylon pivot joints
installed on a GM windshield wiper module are acceptable, however, they will be discarded and replaced with new
components from the transmission kit.
•

NON-GM Wiper Module Assembly Example. If the wiper module is determined to be a non-GM unit, replace the
complete windshield wiper system module assembly. Refer to Windshield Wiper System Module Replacement in
SI.

Page 2 of 10

Special Coverage
N192266181 Wiper Transmission Arm Linkage Failure – USA Only

6055971

Black painted aftermarket module frame
•

OE-GM Wiper Module Identification. If the wiper module is determined to be a GM unit, proceed to step #2.

6055973

GM OE parts will have a part number tag
2.

Place the assembly on the work bench or carefully secure it in a bench vise with non-marring inserts.

6116961

Page 3 of 10

Special Coverage
N192266181 Wiper Transmission Arm Linkage Failure – USA Only
NOTE: If available, Special Service Tools J – 39529 Wiper Linkage Installer and J – 39232 Wiper Transmission
Separator will aid in performing the following steps.
3.

Using a suitable tool, such as a small pry bar, remove both the long and short stamped steel link rods by releasing
the metal ball joint from the nylon cups. Discard the link rods and nylon cups.

6055975

4.

Remove and discard the 4 rubber dust seals.

6055977

5.

Using a suitable aerosol solvent and a small wire brush or abrasive pad, clean the old grease and debris from the
ball joints. Wipe the ball joints clean with a suitable disposable towel.

6.

With the ball joints cleaned, inspect the surface for severe damage (material missing).
The below examples are acceptable levels pitting, flaking and rust residue

Page 4 of 10

Special Coverage
N192266181 Wiper Transmission Arm Linkage Failure – USA Only

6055980

6055981

7.

Install new dust shields onto all four ball joints. Ensure the smaller hole in the dust cover goes over the ball as
shown.

Page 5 of 10

Special Coverage
N192266181 Wiper Transmission Arm Linkage Failure – USA Only

6116962

IMPORTANT: The short link rod has a long side and a short side. The long side is marked by a paint stripe. Ensure the
long side is installed onto the motor pivot ball. Improper installation of this link will cause interference with the rotating
assembly.
NOTE: The link assemblies have grease already applied to the pivot joints, no further lubrication is required.

6116963

8.

Install the short link rod onto the motor arm (the long side of the link rod, with the paint stripe, goes to the motor ball
joint). Apply hand pressure to the nylon cup until it is fully seated on the motor arm ball joint.

Page 6 of 10

Special Coverage
N192266181 Wiper Transmission Arm Linkage Failure – USA Only

6116964

9.

Connect the other end of the short link rod onto the downward facing ball joint on the right-side wiper module pivot
arm. Apply hand pressure to the nylon cup until it is fully seated.

6116965

10. Install the long arm onto the two upward facing ball joints on the left and right module pivot arms. Apply hand
pressure to the nylon cups until they are fully seated.
NOTE: If the wiper module was placed in a bench vise for service, it must be removed from the vise for the next step.
11. With the wiper module linkage facing upward, install the rain shield.

Page 7 of 10

Special Coverage
N192266181 Wiper Transmission Arm Linkage Failure – USA Only

6116966

•

Open the slot in the center section of the rain shield and place the round opening around the wiper motor shaft.
Use care to not kink the rain shield during installation. The Silver paint stripe indicates the top of the shield.

6116967

•

Open the two outer slots in the rain shield and place round hole around the two (left and right) module pivot
shafts.

6116968

Page 8 of 10

Special Coverage
N192266181 Wiper Transmission Arm Linkage Failure – USA Only
NOTE: The rain shield may have a curve to the material causing the rotating linkage to rub, this is an expected
condition, it will not affect the performance of the assembly.
12. Reinstall the windshield wiper system module. Refer to Windshield Wiper System Module Replacement in SI.
Before installing the cowl vent screen and windshield wipers, turn the ignition key on and verify the function of the
wiper module. After the verification, turn the windshield wiper switch to the OFF (park) position. Turn the ignition
key off.
13. Complete the windshield wiper system module installation.
14. Cycle the wipers through all speeds to verify the repair.
Courtesy Transportation – For USA
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.
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 April 30, 2024. See General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual,
Product Field Action Customer Reimbursement Procedure (USA).

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 9 of 10

Special Coverage
N192266181 Wiper Transmission Arm Linkage Failure – USA Only
March 2023
This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN: _____________________________________
Dear General Motors Customer:
Previously, General Motors notified owners of 2010-2012 model year and 2016-2017 model year Chevrolet Equinox
and GMC Terrain vehicles that the ball joints in the front windshield wiper modules of some of these vehicles may
experience high corrosion and wear that could result in the separation of one or more ball joints from their sockets
during wiper operation. If a ball joint were to separate, one or both of the windshield wipers could become inoperative.
To provide customers with additional protection, GM provided owners with supplemental 10 year/150,000-mile warranty
coverage for this condition.
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that GM is extending the warranty protection for the condition described
above. If this condition occurs on your 2010-2012 model year or 2016-2017 model year Chevrolet Equinox or GMC
Terrain within 15 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 200,000 miles (320,000 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. For customer’s vehicles already
outside of the above years and/or miles, we are still offering reimbursement if the issue occurred within the years and
miles stated above. Please follow the reimbursement steps below.
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 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 April 30, 2024,
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.
For the hearing or speech impaired, please contact our Customer Assistance Center using the Telecommunication
Relay Service by dialing 711 then providing the appropriate Customer Assistance Center number for your vehicle.
Division
Number
Text Telephones (TTY)
Chevrolet
1-800-222-1020
711 / 1-800-833-2438
GMC
1-800-462-8782
711 / 1-800-833-2438
Puerto Rico – English
1-866-467-9700
Puerto Rico – Español
1-866-467-9700
Virgin Islands
1-866-467-9700
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
Global Executive Director
Customer Experience Operations
Enclosure
N192266181

Page 10 of 10