Bulletin No.: 12138
Date: October 2012

Program Bulletin

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM
SUBJECT:

Transmission Dipstick Tube Fracture

MODELS:

2010-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT
2010-2011 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe
2010-2011 GMC Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL
Equipped with Active Fuel Management
THIS PROGRAM IS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 2014.

CONDITION
Certain 2010 and 2011 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT;
Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Sierra, Yukon, and Yukon XL
vehicles, equipped with Active Fuel Management, may have a condition in which normal engine
vibration while in AFM mode may cause the transmission dipstick tube to fatigue and fracture. If
this occurs, it could cause a tick or rattle noise from the front of the vehicle.
CORRECTION
Dealers are to inspect the transmission dipstick tube for a fracture and replace it if necessary. If
no fracture is found, dealers are to install a foam sleeve around the tube to absorb the vibration.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
All involved vehicles are identified by Vehicle Identification Number on the Investigate Vehicle
History screen in GM Global Warranty Management system. Dealership service personnel
should always check this site to confirm vehicle involvement prior to beginning any required
inspections and/or repairs. It is important to routinely use this tool to verify eligibility because
not all similar vehicles may be involved regardless of description or option content.
For dealers with involved vehicles, a listing with involved vehicles containing the complete
vehicle identification number, customer name, and address information has been prepared and
will be provided to US and Canadian dealers through the GM GlobalConnect Recall Reports, or
sent directly to export dealers. Dealers will not have a report available if they have no involved
vehicles currently assigned.
Copyright 2012 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

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Bulletin No.: 12138

The listing may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle
Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose other
than follow-up necessary to complete this program is a violation of law in several
states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the
follow-up necessary to complete this program.
PART INFORMATION
Parts required to complete this program are to be obtained from General Motors Customer Care
and Aftersales (GMCC&A).
Parts Ordering Information – For US & Canada Dealers
Important: Involved dealers will receive RIM "Service Campaign" Stocking Policy Proposals for the
transmission filler tube, P/N 24260606, based on their past sales on this part. The RIM proposals will
be scheduled to begin October 25, 2012. Once the policy is approved, RIM will push this additional
stock accordingly. Due to the predicted low failure rate we strongly encourage that you allow RIM to
manage your inventory on P/N 24260606. Canadian dealers will not receive a special stocking policy
but are also encouraged to have RIM manage their inventory.

Please refer to your “involved vehicles listing” before ordering parts. Normal orders should be
placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. In an emergency situation, parts should be
ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.
Part Number
24262134

Description
SLEEVE, TRANS FLUID FIL TUBE

Quantity/Vehicle
1 (If Req’d)

SERVICE PROCEDURE
A small proportion of transmission filler tubes may have metal fatigue damage due to engine
vibration while in active fuel management (AFM) mode. The inspection procedure in this bulletin
will identify transmission filler tubes that have been damaged.
1. Open hood.

2906255

2. Remove dipstick from transmission filler tube.

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October 2012

Bulletin No.: 12138

Note: If required, use a step to aid in grasping the transmission filler tube correctly.
3. Grasp the transmission filler tube with your thumb and first two fingers of your right hand.
Your thumb should be on the passenger side of the transmission filler tube and parallel to
the filler tube.
4. Using only your thumb and the first two fingers of your right hand, force the transmission
filler tube toward the driver's seating position and then back to the passenger's front wheel
two times.
5. Determine if the transmission filler tube is damaged. An undamaged transmission filler tube
will move less than two inches and spring back to its original position, while a damaged
transmission filler tube will move greater than two inches and will not spring back to its
original position. A damaged transmission filler tube will likely crack during this inspection.
 If the transmission filler tube is not damaged, proceed to Step 6.
 If the transmission filler tube is damaged, replace the transmission filler tube. Refer to
Transmission Fluid Filler Tube and Seal Replacement in SI.
6. Inspect for adequate clearance between the transmission filler tube and the front of dash
area or any heater lines that might be in the area. Create a gap between the transmission
filler tube and front of dash or heater lines as needed.

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Note: The tie strap threads between the fill tube and half the foam damper using the slot in the
sleeve. This is secured to the top half of the tube, leaving the lower half of the damper free.
7. Install a foam damper (sleeve) on the upper end of the transmission filler tube using a tie
strap. Refer to illustration.
8. Install transmission dipstick.
9. Close hood.

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Bulletin No.: 12138

COURTESY TRANSPORTATION – For US and Canada
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer
inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranties. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within
the warranty coverage period and involved in a product program is very important in maintaining
customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle
service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no
charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for
Courtesy Transportation guidelines.
WARRANTY TRANSACTION INFORMATION
Submit a transaction using the table below.
Labor
Code
V2644
V2645

Description
Install Transmission Filler Tube Damper
Replace Transmission Filler Tube

Labor
Time
0.2
0.5

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION – For US and Canada
General Motors will notify customers of this program on their vehicle (see copy of customer
letter included with this bulletin).
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION – For Export
Letters will be sent to known owners of record located within areas covered by the US National
Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. For owners outside these areas, dealers should notify
customers using the attached sample letter.
DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this program must be held and
inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this program bulletin before customers take
possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this program at no charge to customers, regardless
of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, through November 30, 2014.
Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for
which there is no customer information indicated on the involved vehicle 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. Program 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 program enters your vehicle inventory, or is in
your facility for service through November 30, 2014, you must take the steps necessary to be
sure the program correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
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

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October 2012

Bulletin No.: 12138
November 2012

Dear General Motors Customer:
We have learned that your 2010 or 2011 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, or
Escalade EXT, or Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, or Tahoe, or GMC Sierra, Yukon,
or Yukon XL vehicle, equipped with Active Fuel Management (AFM), may have a condition in
which normal engine vibration while in AFM mode may cause the transmission dipstick tube to
fatigue and fracture. If this occurs, it could cause a tick or rattle noise from the front of the
vehicle.
Your satisfaction with your GM vehicle is very important to us, so we are announcing a program
to prevent this condition or, if it has occurred, to fix it.
What We Will Do: Your GM dealer will inspect the transmission dipstick tube for a fracture and
replace it if necessary. If no fracture is found, your dealer will install a foam sleeve around the
tube to absorb the vibration. This service will be performed for you at no charge until
November 30, 2014. After that, any applicable warranty will apply.
What You Should Do: To limit any possible inconvenience, we recommend that you contact
your dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for this repair. By scheduling an
appointment, your dealer can ensure that the necessary parts will be available on your
scheduled appointment date.
If you have any questions or concerns that your dealer is unable to resolve, please contact the
appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below.
Division

Number

Cadillac
Chevrolet
GMC
Guam
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands

1-800-458-8006
1-800-222-1020
1-800-462-8782
65-6267-1752
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Text Telephones
(TTY)
1-800-833-2622
1-800-833-2438
1-888-889-2438

Courtesy Transportation: If your vehicle is within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, your
dealer may provide you with shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation while
your vehicle is at the dealership for this repair. Please refer to your Owner Manual and your
dealer for details on Courtesy Transportation.
We sincerely regret any inconvenience or concern that this situation may cause you. We want
you to know that we will do our best, throughout your ownership experience, to ensure that your
GM vehicle provides you many miles of enjoyable driving.
Jim Moloney
General Director,
Customer and Relationship Services
12138