Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

23-NA-033
November, 2023

TECHNICAL
Subject:

Rattle Noise During Cold Start, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated - DTC
P2261 Set

Brand:

Model:

Chevrolet

Equinox

GMC

Terrain

Model Year:
from

to

2023

2024

VIN:
from

to

Engine:

Transmission:

LSD

Involved Region or Country

North America

Condition

Some customers may comment on one or more of the following conditions:
• Rattle noise from under the hood.
• MIL illuminated
Some technicians may find DTC P2261 set in the Engine Control Module (ECM).

Cause

This condition may be caused by repetitive back voltages low enough to trigger ECU
short circuit detection.
– This can cause a P2261 to set, and/or a cold start rattle.

Correction

Program the ECM to the latest software. Refer to the 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.

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.
• 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
Copyright 2023 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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.
• 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.
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

Page 2

November, 2023

Bulletin No.: 23-NA-033

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.

5743643

Bulletin No.: 23-NA-033

November, 2023

Page 3

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

5877000

5644477

Important: Techline Connect screens shown above.
Important: If the same calibration/software warning is
noted on the TLC 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.
1. Reprogram the ECM. Refer to K20 Engine Control
Module: Programming and Setup in the Service
Manual.

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November, 2023

Bulletin No.: 23-NA-033

5644478

Note: The screenshot above is 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 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.
2. Record SPS Warranty Claim Code on job card for
warranty transaction submission.

Bulletin No.: 23-NA-033

November, 2023

Page 5

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

2889598*

Engine Control Module Reprogramming with SPS for Rattle
Noise During Cold Start

0.3 hr

*This is a unique Labor Operation for Bulletin use only.
Important: **To avoid warranty transaction rejections, carefully read and follow the instructions below:

6125814

•
•

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 SPS2.

Overview of RPT
Replacement Part Traceability (RPT) is a new dealer
process to document and track critical part serial
numbers via the Certified Service Mobile Toolbox
(CSMT) application. A field action, service bulletin, or
other communication will be issued any time there is a
request for technicians to complete an RPT submission.
Only critical parts will require an RPT, not every part
replacement.
Submitting an RPT request is done using the RPT tool
within the CSMT app. Technicians simply scan the VIN
of the vehicle and the traceability barcode (barcode or
QR code) of the new part being installed on the vehicle.
Once scanned, the information is submitted through the
CSMT app and stored in a GM database. That’s the end
of the process.

The free CSMT app, which also includes the Field
Product Reporting and Pre-Repair Authorization tools,
is available on the Google Play Store (Android devices)
and the App Store (Apple devices).
By scanning critical part numbers using the
Replacement Part Traceability function, GM will be able
to reference replaced parts in the future. The exact
parts that are on a vehicle will be known, even after a
service part replacement.
The RPT process also simplifies the repair and claim
submission processes. It eliminates the need of having
technicians write down the 16-character serial number
on the job card and for warranty administrators to input
the serial number into GWM or DMS.
Refer to TSB 22-NA-070 for specific information on
downloading the App to your mobile phone, and how to
use/submit the new part serial number/QR code
information claim and other related Q and A.

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November, 2023

Bulletin No.: 23-NA-033

6098077

If the App is already loaded to your phone, simply:
1. Scan the VIN (door pillar QR code or windshield
VIN barcode) and
2. Scan the new part (QR code) and
3. Check the information and if correct then, Submit.
Failure to submit this serial number by RPT may cause
the claim to reject.

Version

3

Modified

Released March 08, 2023
Revised May 19, 2023 - Removed ECM replacement and Added ECM Programming
information.
Revised November 07, 2023 – Added the 2024 Model Year.

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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