Bulletin No.: 12209B
Date: February 2013

Recall Bulletin

F/CMVSS NONCOMPLIANCE RECALL
SUBJECT:

Turn Signal Bulb Outage Indicator Inoperative

MODELS:

2013 Chevrolet Sonic

The service procedure in this bulletin has been revised. Programming the key fobs is no
longer required. Please discard all copies of bulletin 12209A.
CONDITION
General Motors has decided that certain 2013 model year Chevrolet Sonic vehicles fail to
conform to Federal/Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 - Lamps, Reflective Devices,
and Associated Equipment. When a turn signal bulb lamp fails to operate, the Body Control
Module (BCM) in these vehicles does not detect this condition and will not indicate the
condition to the driver. If the driver is unaware that a turn signal is not functioning as intended
and does not have the light repaired, other drivers may not be alerted that the vehicle is
turning and a crash could occur.
CORRECTION
To correct this condition, dealers are to reprogram the BCM.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
All involved vehicles are identified by Vehicle Identification Number on the Investigate Vehicle
History screen in the 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. Dealers will not have a report available if they have no involved vehicles currently
assigned.
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 recall is a violation of law in several
Copyright 2013 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

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February 2013

Bulletin No.: 12209B

states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the
follow-up necessary to complete this recall.
PART INFORMATION
No parts are required for this recall.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Note: Programming the key fobs is no longer required.
Do not attempt to order the calibration number from GM Customer Care and Aftersales. The
calibration numbers required for this service procedure are programmed into control modules
via a Multiple Diagnostic Interface (MDI) with the calibration update. When using a MDI for
reprogramming, ensure that it is updated with the latest software version. Use TIS2WEB on or
after 09/14/12 to obtain the calibration. If you cannot access the calibration, call the Techline
Customer Support Center and it will be provided.
For step-by-step programming instructions, please refer to SI and the Techline Information
System (TIS) terminal.
1. Verify that there is a battery charge of 12 to 15 volts. The battery must be able to
maintain a charge during programming. Only use an approved Midtronics® PSC 550
Battery Maintainer (SPS Programming Support Tool EL-49642) or equivalent to
maintain proper battery voltage during programming.
Note: Make sure the vehicle ignition switch state is in appropriate position for the following
step.
 For Key Ignition System, begin with the ignition in the RUN position.
 For Push Button Start System, begin with the vehicle in vehicle ON power mode.
2.

Reprogram the body control module (BCM). Refer to SI and Service Programming
System (SPS) documentation for programming instructions, if required.
2.1 Connect the MDI to the vehicle.
2.2 Select J2534 MDI and Reprogram ECU from the Select Diagnostic Tool and
Programming Process screen.
2.3 Select K9 Body Control Module -- Programming from the Supported Controllers
screen.
2.4 Follow the on-screen instructions.

Note: When performing the Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor Learn during BCM setup, the EL46079 tire pressure monitor diagnostic tool must be used to activate each tire pressure sensor
for vehicles with UJM.
3.

On the SPS Supported Controllers screen, select K9 Body Control Module  Setup and
follow the on-screen instructions.

4.

Check the driver information center display for additional messages regarding further
calibration instructions. If there are no additional driver information center instructions
present, programming is complete.

5.

Clear all diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

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February 2013

Bulletin No.: 12209B

Note: If ABS, Traction Control and/or Stabilitrak indicators are ON and DTC C0161 is set in
the electronic brake control module after performing BCM programming and setup, do the
following:


Disconnect the scan tool from the data link connector.



Turn ignition OFF, all access doors closed, all vehicle systems OFF, and all keys at least 3
meters away from the vehicle. It may take up to 2 minutes to power down.



Turn ignition ON, verify DTC C0161 is in history. If not, repeat the above step to make sure
the vehicle is in sleep mode.



Use the scan tool to clear the DTCs.

WARRANTY TRANSACTION INFORMATION
Submit a transaction using the table below.
Labor
Code
V2647

Description
Reprogram BCM

Labor
Time
0.5

COURTESY TRANSPORTATION
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.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
General Motors will notify customers of this recall on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter
included with this bulletin).
DEALER RECALL RESPONSIBILITY – For US and Export (US States, Territories,
and Possessions)
It is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle or any new or used
item of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by this notification under a sale or
lease until the defect or noncompliance is remedied.
The US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act provides that each vehicle that is subject
to a recall of this type must be adequately repaired within a reasonable time after the customer
has tendered it for repair. A failure to repair within sixty days after tender of a vehicle is prima
facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time. If the condition is not adequately
repaired within a reasonable time, the customer may be entitled to an identical or reasonably
equivalent vehicle at no charge or to a refund of the purchase price less a reasonable
allowance for depreciation. To avoid having to provide these burdensome remedies, every
effort must be made to promptly schedule an appointment with each customer and to repair
their vehicle as soon as possible. In the recall notification letters, customers are told how to

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February 2013

Bulletin No.: 12209B

contact the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration if the recall is not completed
within a reasonable time.
This bulletin is notice to you that the new motor vehicles included in this recall may not
comply with the standard identified above. Under Title 49, Section 30112 of the United
States Code, it is illegal for a dealer to sell a new motor vehicle which the dealer knows
does not comply with an applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. As a
consequence, if you sell any of these motor vehicles without first performing the recall
correction, your facility may be subject to a civil penalty for each such sale.
DEALER RECALL RESPONSIBILITY - All
All unsold new vehicles in dealer's possession and subject to this recall must be held and
inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this recall bulletin before customers take
possession of these vehicles.
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 recall enters your vehicle inventory, or is in
your facility for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the recall
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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February 2013

Bulletin No.: 12209B
October 2012

Dear General Motors Customer:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and
Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
General Motors has decided that certain 2013 model year Chevrolet Sonic vehicles fail to
conform to Federal/Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 - Lamps, Reflective Devices,
and Associated Equipment. As a result, GM is conducting a recall. We apologize for this
inconvenience. However, we are concerned about your safety and continued satisfaction with
our products.

IMPORTANT




Your vehicle is involved in recall 12209.
Schedule an appointment with your GM dealer.
This service will be performed for you at no charge.

Why is your
vehicle being
recalled?

When a turn signal bulb lamp fails to operate, the Body Control
Module (BCM) in your vehicle does not detect this condition and will
not indicate the condition to you. If you are unaware that a turn
signal is not functioning and do not have the light repaired, other
drivers may not be alerted that your vehicle is turning and a crash
could occur.

What will we
do?

Your GM dealer will reprogram the BCM and the vehicle’s key fobs.
This service will be performed for you at no charge. Because of
service scheduling requirements, it is likely that your dealer will
need your vehicle longer than the actual service correction time of
approximately 30 minutes.
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.

What should
you do?

You should contact your GM dealer to arrange a service
appointment as soon as possible. Also, please remember to bring
all of the vehicle’s key fobs with you to the dealership so they
can be reprogrammed.

Do you have
questions?

If you have questions or concerns that your dealer is unable to
resolve, please contact the appropriate Customer Assistance
Center at the number listed below.

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February 2013

Division

Number

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

1-800-630-2438
1-671-648-8450
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Bulletin No.: 12209B
Text Telephones
(TTY)
1-800-833-2438

If after contacting your dealer and the Customer Assistance Center, you are still not satisfied
we have done our best to remedy this condition without charge and within a reasonable time,
you may wish to write the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590, or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at
1.888.327.4236 (TTY 1.800.424.9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov. The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID Number for this recall is 12V454.
Federal regulation requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a
copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.
Jim Moloney
General Director,
Customer and Relationship Services

GM Recall #12209