GM Bulletin No.: 12222B
Date: December 2012

Service Bulletin

SERVICE UPDATE
SUBJECT:

Service Update for Inventory Vehicles Only
Incorrect Material Used for Transmission O-Ring
Expires September 30, 2013

MODELS:

2012-2013 Buick Regal
2013 Buick LaCrosse
2013 Chevrolet Malibu
Equipped with 6-Speed Hybrid Automatic Transmission (MHH)

The Part Information section in this bulletin has been revised to include transmission fluid.
Please discard all copies of bulletin 12222A.
This service update involves vehicles in dealer inventory only and will expire September
30, 2013.
PURPOSE
This bulletin provides a service procedure to test drive certain 2012-2013 model year Buick
Regal vehicles, and 2013 model year Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Malibu vehicles equipped
with a 6-speed hybrid automatic transmission (MHH). Some of these vehicles may have a
transmission built with an incorrect internal o-ring seal. The affected vehicles may exhibit noise
due to pump cavitation, sluggish shifting and poor acceleration, or may require high engine RPM
to engage drive or reverse or to move the vehicle. If the test drive determines the condition is
present, dealers are to follow the corrective service instructions contained in this bulletin.
This service procedure should be completed on involved vehicles currently in dealership
inventory as soon as possible but no later than September 30, 2013, at which time this
bulletin will expire.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
All involved vehicles are identified by VIN in the Global Warranty Management System –
Investigate Vehicle History Application. Dealership technicians 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.

Copyright 2012 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

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December 2012

Bulletin No.: 12222B

Additionally, a list of involved vehicles currently in dealer inventory is available on the “Service
Update Bulletin Information” link under the “Service” tab in GM GlobalConnect (US) or attached
to the GlobalConnect message (Canada) used to release this bulletin.
PART INFORMATION
Parts required to complete this service update are to be obtained from General Motors
Customer Care and Aftersales (GMCC&A). 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.
Important: It is estimated that very few vehicles will require the seal kit. Please order
parts accordingly.
Part Number
24268339
88861037 – US
19264717 – CN

Description
SEAL KIT, A/TRNS FLUID PMP
FLUID,A/TRANS(DEXRON VI, 1 QT)
FLUID,A/TRANS(DEXRON VI, 1 LITRE)

Quantity/Vehicle
1 (if req'd)
As Required

SERVICE PROCEDURE
Test Drive Procedure
1. Start the vehicle and make sure that a flat road or parking lot is accessible for a transmission
performance evaluation.
2. Put transmission control lever in DRIVE and launch the vehicle at light throttle. Assess
whether the vehicle is responding as expected.
2.1. Listen carefully to hear any abnormal transmission pump noise (cavitation/groan).
2.2. Repeat Step 2 to determine if an objectionable noise is present.
3. Come to a stop and shift into REVERSE. Launch the vehicle at very light throttle (5-10
percent) and assess whether the vehicle is responding as expected.
3.1. Listen carefully to hear any abnormal pump noise (cavitation/groan.)
3.2. Repeat Step 3 to determine if an objectionable noise is present.
4. Review the results from Steps 2 and 3.


If transmission performance is normal (no pump noise), then perform Steps 5-8.



If transmission performance is NOT normal (pump noise is present), an o-ring in the
transmission will need to be replaced BEFORE delivering the vehicle to the customer.

5. Turn AC Off, DEFROST Off, and enable ‘ECO Mode’. Launch the vehicle in ‘Drive’ for a
short distance and come to a complete STOP.
5.1. The auxiliary pump will ‘turn ON’ at zero engine speed.
5.2. Listen carefully to hear any abnormal auxiliary pump noise (cavitation/groan).
6. Wait for a minimum of 30 seconds and then launch the vehicle at light throttle.
6.1. Assess whether vehicle is responding as expected and note any abnormal pump noise.
6.2. Repeat Steps 6 and 6.1 if necessary.

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December 2012

Bulletin No.: 12222B

7. Review the results from Steps 5 and 6.


If vehicle performance is normal (no pump noise), then drive in normal traffic situations
for 20 miles. Adhere to posted speed limits.



If the vehicle performance is NOT normal (pump noise is present), an o-ring in the
transmission will need to be replaced BEFORE delivering the vehicle to the customer.

8. After completing the road test, repeat Steps 2-6 to verify whether the transmission is
functioning properly (without auxiliary pump noise).


If the vehicle is inspected and the condition is NOT present, no further action is required.



If the vehicle is inspected and the condition IS present, proceed to the Repair Procedure
below.

Repair Procedure
1.

Remove vehicle transmission. Refer to Transmission Replacement in the service
information for detailed instructions.

Warning: Handle with care. The transmission assembly weighs over 83 Kg (183 lbs). Bodily
injury could occur if not handled properly.
2.

With the transmission out of the vehicle obtain the DT-47811-A Transmission Lift Plate

3.

Tighten the included bolts and nut to 12 N·m (106 lb in).

1891300

4.

Obtain the DT-46625-10 Holding Fixture Adapter.

5.

Raise the transmission with an overhead hoist.

6.

Adjust mounting block on fixture to match bosses on case, then tighten bolts to 13 N·m
(10 lb ft).

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December 2012

Bulletin No.: 12222B

2552775

7.

Remove Torque Convertor Housing Bolts (1) M8 x 30 (Qty: 15).

8.

Remove Torque Converter with Fluid Pump Housing Assembly (2).

9.

Remove Torque Converter Housing Gasket (3) (gasket will be reused).

2552777

10. Remove Front Differential Carrier Baffle Bolts (1) M6 x 25 (Qty: 2)
11. Remove Front Differential Carrier Baffle (2).
12. Remove Fluid Pump Bolts M8 x 33 (5) (Qty: 8)

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December 2012

Bulletin No.: 12222B

13. Remove Fluid Pump Assembly (6).
14. Remove the A/Trans Auxiliary Fluid Inlet Pump Seal (8).
Note: The fluid inlet pump seal (1) may be torn as shown in the photo below.

2913458

Installation Instructions

2552777

1.

Install a new A/Trans Auxiliary Fluid Inlet Pump Seal (8).

2.

Install the Fluid Pump Assembly (6).

3.

Install Fluid Pump Bolts M8 x 33 (5) (Qty: 8)
Tighten to 10 N·m (89 lb in) then rotate the bolt an additional 45 degrees

4.

Install Front Differential Carrier Baffle (2).

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December 2012

Bulletin No.: 12222B

Install Front Differential Carrier Baffle Bolts (1) M6 x 25 (Qty: 2)
Tighten to 12 N·m (106 lb in)

2552775

6.

Install original Torque Converter Housing Gasket (3).

7.

Install Torque Converter with Fluid Pump Housing Assembly (2).

8.

Install Torque Convertor Housing Bolts (1) M8 x 30 (Qty: 15).
Tighten to:
First Pass: 10 N·m (89 lb in)
Final Pass: +50 degrees

9.

Position Transmission on transmission jack and remove holding fixture adapter and lift
plate.

10. Refer to Transmission Replacement in the service information and proceed with published
installation instructions.
Warning: Handle with care. The transmission assembly weighs over 83 Kg (183 lbs). Bodily
injury could occur if not handled properly
Note: This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive transmission. The shift point and shift quality
are learned during actual drive cycles. If the vehicle is a sold unit, when it is returned to the
customer, please inform them that during the first hour of driving, the transmission may make
adjustments while learning the transmission shift timing. During this period, some variance in
shift feel may occur.

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December 2012

Bulletin No.: 12222B

WARRANTY TRANSACTION INFORMATION
Submit a transaction using the table below.
Labor
Code
V2648
V2649

Description
Test Drive Vehicle – O-Ring Replacement Not Required
Test Drive Vehicle & Replace O-Ring

Labor
Time
0.8
8.3

DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Dealers must take the steps necessary to ensure that the service update correction has been
made to all involved vehicles in dealer inventory before selling or dealer-trading the vehicle, but
no later than September 30, 2013.

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.

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