Bulletin No.: 10187A
Date: May 2012

Service Bulletin

SPECIAL COVERAGE
SUBJECT: Special Coverage Adjustment – Power Steering Assist
MODELS:

2004-2007 Saturn ION
U.S. Vehicles Only

The mileage limit for this special coverage has been extended to 150,000 miles. Please discard
all copies of bulletin 10187, issued July 2010.
CONDITION
Some customers of 2004-2007 model year Saturn ION vehicles, equipped with electric power
steering, may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist, which could occur at any time
while driving the vehicle. If the power steering assist is lost, a chime will be heard and the
Message Center will display a "PWR STR" warning message. The vehicle can still be steered in
a safe manner but will require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds or when stopped.
Typically, the next time the vehicle is started, the power steering assist will return and the "PWR
STR" message would no longer be displayed.
SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 150,000
miles, whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless
of ownership.
Dealers are to replace the power steering motor. The repairs will be made at no charge to the
customer.
For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after
July 21, 2010, are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor
operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to July 21, 2010, must
be submitted to the Service Contract provider.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
All involved vehicles are identified by Vehicle Identification Number on the Applicable Warranties
section 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.
Copyright 2012 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

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May 2012

Bulletin No.: 10187A

PARTS INFORMATION
Parts required to complete this special coverage are to be obtained from General Motors
Customer Care and Aftersales (GMCC&A).
Part Number
20995579*

Description
Motor Kit, P/S Asst

Quantity/Vehicle
1

* Part numbers 19257875 or 19257876 can also be used.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
General Motors will notify customers of this special coverage on their vehicles (see copy of typical
customer letter included with this bulletin - actual divisional letter may vary slightly).
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1.

Remove the power steering assist motor. Refer to Power Steering Assist Motor Replacement
in SI.

2.

Install the new power steering assist motor.
Replacement in SI.

Refer to Power Steering Assist Motor

WARRANTY TRANSACTION INFORMATION
Submit a transaction using the table below.
Labor
Code
T5783
T5784
*

Description
Replace Power Steering Motor Control Module
Customer Reimbursement (not for use by US GM dealers)

Labor
Time
0.5
0.2

Net
Item
N/A
*

The amount identified in “Net Item” should represent the dollar amount reimbursed to the
customer.

CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT
All customer requests for reimbursement for previous repairs for the special coverage condition
will be handled by the Customer Assistance Center, not by dealers.
A General Motors Customer Reimbursement Procedure and Claim Form is included with the
customer letter.
IMPORTANT: Refer to the GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual, section 6.1.12, for
specific procedures regarding customer reimbursement and the form.
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

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May 2012

Bulletin No.: 10187A

charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for
Courtesy Transportation guidelines.

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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May 2012

Bulletin No.: 10187A
June 2012

Dear General Motors Customer:
As the owner of a 2004-2007 model year Saturn ION vehicle, equipped with
steering, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us. Previously,
received a letter from GM extending the warranty coverage on your vehicle for the
assist control module. This letter is being sent to inform you that we have
coverage. Details of this warranty coverage extension are provided below.

electric power
you may have
power steering
extended that

Some 2004-2007 model year Saturn ION vehicles, equipped with electric power steering, may
have a condition where a sudden loss of power steering assist could occur at any time while
driving the vehicle. If the power steering assist is lost, a chime will be heard and the Message
Center will display a "PWR STR" warning message. The vehicle can still be steered in a safe
manner but will require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds or when stopped. Typically, the
next time the vehicle is started, the power steering assist will return and the "PWR STR" message
would no longer be displayed.
Do not take your vehicle to your GM dealer as a result of this letter unless you believe that
your vehicle has the condition as described above.
What We Have Done: General Motors is providing owners with additional protection for the
power steering assist control module. If this condition occurs on your 2004-2007 model year
Saturn ION vehicle within 10 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or
150,000 miles, whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge.
Diagnosis or repair for conditions other than the condition described above is not covered under
this special coverage program.
What You Should Do: Repairs and adjustments qualifying under this special coverage must be
performed by a General Motors dealer. You may want to contact your GM dealer to find out how
long they will need to have your vehicle so that you may schedule the appointment at a time that
is convenient for you. This will also allow your dealer to order parts if they are not already in
stock. Keep this letter with your other important glove box literature for future reference.
Reimbursement: The enclosed form explains what reimbursement is available and how to
request reimbursement if you have paid for repairs for the special coverage condition. Your
request for reimbursement, including the information and documents mentioned on the enclosed
form, must be received by GM by June 30, 2013.
If you have any questions or need any assistance to better understand related repairs, please
contact your dealer. If you have questions related to a potential reimbursement, please contact
the appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below.
Division

Number

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

1-800-972-8876
1-671-648-8450
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Text Telephones
(TTY)
1-800-833-6000

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May 2012

Bulletin No.: 10187A

We are sorry for any inconvenience you may experience; however we have taken this action in
the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.

Jim Moloney
General Director,
Customer and Relationship Services
Enclosure
10187-2