File in Section:
Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

08 - Body and Accessories
13-08-116-001A
March, 2013

TECHNICAL
Subject:

Aftermarket ALDL or DLC Interface Devices Causing Multiple Issues

Models:

2006-2014 GM Passenger Cars and Trucks

This bulletin is being revised to add additional possible symptoms, clarify the language
and revise the photos. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 13-08-116-001
(Section 08 - Body and Accessories).

Condition
Customers may comment on various issues with their
vehicle related to high or low speed data bus traffic.
These concerns may be widely varied, but some of the
known issues are listed below.
The information contained in this bulletin is not meant
to single out any one device or symptom, but to provide
additional information that may be useful for diagnosing
issues that do not have other diagnostic methods to
identify the root cause.
Note: This bulletin is being written with a focus on full
size truck and full size van along with other fleet
vehicles, but could apply to any vehicle.
Known Symptoms (not specific to any one device)
• The radio may not shut off after shutting down
vehicle.
• Bus or LAN traffic may stay active leading to a
discharged vehicle battery.
• Problems reprogramming modules either because
of interference or the device will not allow the bus
to power down.
• ONSTAR® may lose the ability to provide
diagnostic data.
• Various engine and transmission performance
issues with SES light set.
• Intermittent driveability issues.
• Reduced power message and codes.
• Stabilitrak® message and codes.
• C0561 stored in the EBCM leading to a traction
control issue.
• No high speed LAN communication along with
various communication U-codes.
• Transmission may not shift for one key cycle (TCM
in default mode).
• Erratic gauge readings or flickering displays.

Copyright 2013 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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SES, MIL or CEL light set and numerous DTC
communication codes such as U0100, U0101,
U186B and U1862.
Diesel power-up devices causing no power in
4WD low range.
Erratic electric power steering boost potentially
associated with codes U2109, U2107, U2100,
B1325, C0000.
Service Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system
light illuminated.
– Cannot relearn TPM
Specific to Hybrids:
– Reduced propulsion power message.
– Service high voltage charging system message.

Cause
If nothing else can be identified as the root cause of the
issue after normal diagnostics as found in SI, check for
a device plugged into the Assembly Line Diagnostic
Link (ALDL) or Data Link Connector (DLC) for tracking
and/or maintenance interval scheduling. Monitoring
devices, along with other electronic accessories such
as aftermarket cruise control, or police speed checking
devices (RADAR or LIDAR) may cause one or more of
the concerns listed above.
Many of the problems described could be caused by an
open connection on the HSCAN bus. Example: if the
device only makes connection with one CAN +, then it
will cause bus errors and erratic ECU behavior.
These devices may be removed by the customer for
use in another vehicle while theirs is brought in for
service. The intent of this bulletin is to identify a
potential source of concerns that do not have other
diagnostic methods to identify them. The examples
below illustrate some of the devices encountered.
Examples:
The monitoring device examples are not specific to any
one design, and styles will vary.

Page 2

March, 2013

Device W/Secondary DLC Connector

Bulletin No.: 13-08-116-001A
Aftermarket Device at ALDL

3346643

This device has another DLC connector on it. The rest
of the harness along with the device can be placed out
of sight hidden from the technician, who may not notice
the diagnostic connector is not in the factory location.

3346648

Aftermarket Device Switch

Pedal Mounted Aftermarket Device Interface

3346650

3346646

Bulletin No.: 13-08-116-001A

March, 2013

Monitoring Device Example

Page 3

Fleet Tracking Module Plugged Into the DLC

3346651

Fleet Tracking Device Interface (May Include
Rental and Lease Vehicles)

3346654

Correction
If SI diagnostics do not identify the source of the issue
and if the device is available, attempt to duplicate the
condition, and then remove the device to determine if
the condition is eliminated.
If the customer’s concern is resolved by removing the
DLC interface device, inform the customer of the
results, and that they should work with the supplier of
the device for further resolution.
If the condition is not eliminated with the device
removed, continue diagnosing the vehicle with the
appropriate Service Information.

Parts Information

3346652

There should not be any parts required. If on the rare
occasion parts appear to have been damaged by the
device or the installation of the device, this would not
be a defect covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. For more information on Non-General Motors
Parts & Equipment and Original Equipment Alterations,
please refer to Article 1.2.2.12 of the Service Policies &
Procedures Manual. The repair order must be
documented correctly stating factual information on
what alteration or product was identified on the vehicle.

Page 4

March, 2013

Warranty Information
If ALDL interface devices are suspected as the root
cause for a customer's concerns, submit a claim using
the Z1111 labor operation to document the concern as
detailed in the latest version of Corporate Bulletin
Number 09-00-89-016 “Warranty Administration - Labor
Operation Z1111 - Suspected Tampering or Vehicle
Modifications, including submitting the claim under the
appropriate labor operation and Customer Satisfaction
selection in Global Warranty Management.

Bulletin No.: 13-08-116-001A

If a claim is submitted to GM, follow all existing
guidelines within the Service Policies & Procedures
and GWM User Manual, Administrative Messages,
Bulletins or any other communication format.
Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

Z1111*

Suspected
Tampering

0.2 hr

*This is a unique labor operation for bulletin use only. It will
not be published in the Labor Time Guide.

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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