Bulletin No.: 10285B
Date: February 2014

Program Bulletin

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM
SUBJECT:

Vehicle Vibration - Reprogram Powertrain Control Module

MODELS:

2005-2007 Saturn VUE
Equipped with 5-Speed Automatic Transmission (MJ7/MJ8)

The expiration date for this program has been extended to February 28, 2015. Please
discard all copies of bulletin 10285A.
THIS PROGRAM IS IN EFFECT UNTIL FEBRUARY 28, 2015.
CONDITION
On certain 2005-2007 model year Saturn VUE vehicles equipped with a 5-speed automatic
transmission, a transmission torque converter condition may result in a transmission vibration or
shaking motion (judder) while driving at speeds between 20 and 45 mph (30 and 70 km/h).
CORRECTION
Dealers are to reprogram the powertrain control module, and in some cases, replace the torque
converter.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
Involved are certain 2005-2007 model year Saturn VUE vehicles, equipped with a 5-speed
automatic transmission (MJ7/MJ8). Dealers are to confirm vehicle eligibility prior to beginning
repairs by using the Required Field Actions section in the Global Warranty system. Not all
vehicles may be involved.
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 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 program is a violation of law in several
Copyright 2014 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

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February 2014

Bulletin No.: 10285B

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
Note: Over 99% of the vehicles will NOT require a torque converter. Do not order for shelf
stock.
If however, you do have a vehicle that requires a torque converter, it should 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.
Part Number
12606969
22717466

Description
Converter, Torq
Fluid, A/Trns

Quantity/Vehicle
1 (If Req'd)
6

SERVICE PROCEDURE
Not all vehicles within the affected VIN range will have a lock-up clutch judder condition. All
vehicles in the affected VIN range, however, must have the powertrain/vehicle control module
reprogrammed. Refer to PCM/VCM Programming in this bulletin.
Note: If a customer claims the vehicle exhibits a judder condition, reprogram the
powertrain/vehicle control module (PCM/VCM) and then test drive the vehicle to determine if the
judder condition is still present. Refer to Road Test in this bulletin.
Note: If a customer returns within 6 months of having the reprogramming performed and the
vehicle exhibits the judder condition, replace the torque converter. Obtain wholesale
authorization to submit the transaction.
PCM/VCM Programming
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) or Tech 2® and TIS2WEB with the calibration update.
When using a MDI or Tech 2® for reprogramming, ensure that it is updated with the latest
software version. Use TIS2WEB on or after 01/10/11 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.

2.

Reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Refer to SI and Service Programming
System (SPS) documentation for programming instructions, if required.
2.1 Connect the Tech 2® to the vehicle.
2.2 Select Tech2® Legacy Pass-Thru and Reprogram ECU from the Select Diagnostic Tool
and Programming Process screen.

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February 2014

Bulletin No.: 10285B

2.3 Select PCM/VCM Powertrain/Vehicle Control Module from the Supported Controllers
screen.
2.4 Follow the on-screen instructions.
3.

Clear all DTCs using the Tech 2®.

Road Test – (required only if customer claimed the vehicle had a judder condition when
the vehicle was brought in to dealership)
To determine if the judder condition is present, test drive the vehicle on a smooth road,
preferably one with a slight uphill incline. Set the cruise control speed between 35 and 40 mph
(55 and 65 km/h), and monitor the engine RPM using the vehicle's tachometer, or use the Tech
2® to take a snapshot of engine RPM. A driveline judder from the torque converter lock-up
clutch may be felt while driving between 20 - 45 mph (30 and 70 km/h), and may be
accompanied by transmission hunting, surging, or excessive slip. Judder is defined as an
abnormal vibration in a mechanical system, especially due to grabbing between friction
surfaces.


If the judder condition is present after reprogramming the PCM/VCM, replace the torque
converter. Refer to Torque Converter Assembly Removal in SI.



If the judder condition is NOT present after programming the PCM/VCM, no further action is
required.

CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT - For US
All customer requests for reimbursement for previous repairs for the 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: (For GM Only) Refer to the GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual, section
6.1.12, for specific procedures regarding customer reimbursement and the form.
CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT - For Canada
Customer requests for reimbursement for previous repairs for the condition are to be submitted
to the dealers by February 29, 2012.
All reasonable customer paid receipts should be considered for reimbursement. The amount to
be reimbursed will be limited to the amount the repair would have cost if completed by an
authorized General Motors dealer.
When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:



Proof of ownership at time of repair.
Original paid receipt confirming the amount of repair expense(s) that were not
reimbursed, a description of the repair, and the person or entity performing the repair.

Claims for customer reimbursement on previously paid repairs are to be submitted as required
by GWM.
IMPORTANT: Refer to the GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual, section 6.1.12, for
specific procedures regarding customer reimbursement verification.

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February 2014

Bulletin No.: 10285B

WARRANTY TRANSACTION INFORMATION
Submit a transaction using the table below.
Labor
Code
V2386

Description

Reprogram PCM/VCM Only
Add: Road Test
V2387 Reprogram PCM/VCM & Replace Torque Converter (inc. Road Test)
- AWD
- FWD
T5808* Replace Torque Converter
- AWD
- FWD
V2388 Customer Reimbursement (not for use by US dealers)

Labor
Time
0.4
0.2
8.7
8.2
8.4
7.9
0.2

* Labor code T5808 is to be used if the customer had the reprogram performed and the
vehicle exhibits a judder condition within 6 months. Wholesale authorization is required
when submitting the transaction.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
General Motors will notify customers of this program on their vehicle (see copy of customer
letter included with this bulletin).
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 February 28, 2015.
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 February 28, 2015, 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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February 2014

Bulletin No.: 10285B
February 2011

Dear General Motors Customer:
We have learned that some 2005, 2006, and 2007 model year Saturn VUE vehicles, equipped
with a 5-speed automatic transmission, may have a torque converter condition that could result
in a transmission vibration or shaking motion (judder) while driving at speeds between 20 and 45
mph (30 and 70 km/h).
Your satisfaction with your Saturn VUE 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 reprogram the powertrain control module, and if
necessary, replace the torque converter. This service will be performed for you at no charge
until February 28, 2015. (extended to February 28, 2015; new letters not sent).
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.
Reimbursement: The enclosed form explains what reimbursement is available and how to
request reimbursement if you have paid for repairs for this condition. Your request for
reimbursement, including the information and documents mentioned on the enclosed form, must
be received by GM by February 29, 2012. Even though you may have already had this
condition corrected, you will still need to take your vehicle to your dealer to have the powertrain
control module reprogrammed.
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

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
Saturn VUE provides you many miles of enjoyable driving.

Jim Moloney
General Director,
Customer and Relationship Services
Enclosure
10285