Bulletin No.: 11273A
Date: June 2013

Service Bulletin

SPECIAL COVERAGE
SUBJECT: Special Coverage Adjustment – Throttle Position Sensor Replacement
MODELS:

2008-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT
2008-2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
2008-2011 Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe
2009-2011 Chevrolet Colorado
2008-2009 GMC Envoy
2008-2011 GMC Savana, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL
2009-2011 GMC Canyon
2008-2009 HUMMER H2
2008-2010 HUMMER H3
2009-2010 HUMMER H3T
Equipped with V8 Engine (LFA, LY2, L20, LMG, LC9, LH6, LMF, LH8, LH9, L76,
LS2, LY5, LY6, L92, L96, LZ1, L94, L9H)

This bulletin is being revised to include certain 2011 model year vehicles. Please discard all
copies of bulletin 11273.
CONDITION
On some 2008-2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer; GMC Envoy; HUMMER H2; 2008-2011 Cadillac
Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado, Suburban,
Tahoe; GMC Savana, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL; 2008-2010 HUMMER H3; 2009-2011 Chevrolet
Colorado; GMC Canyon; and 2009-2010 HUMMER H3T vehicles, equipped with a V8 engine, the
throttle position sensor may cause the engine to run rough and cause the malfunction indicator
lamp and/or an Engine Reduced Power message to illuminate. If this occurs, it could result in
reduced engine power.
SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 120,000
miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in
service, regardless of ownership.
Dealers are to replace the throttle position sensor and reprogram the Engine Control Module.
The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.
Copyright 2013 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

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Bulletin No.: 11273A

For 2008-2010 model year vehicles: For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all
eligible claims with repair orders on or after September 21, 2012, 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 September 21, 2012, must be submitted to the Service Contract
provider.
For 2011 model year vehicles: For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible
claims with repair orders on or after June 28, 2013, 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 June 28, 2013, 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.
PART INFORMATION
Parts required to complete this special coverage are to be obtained from General Motors
Customer Care and Aftersales (GMCC&A).
Part Number
19259452

Description
SENSOR KIT, THROT POSN

Quantity/Vehicle
1

SERVICE PROCEDURE
Caution: Handle the electronic throttle control components carefully. Use cleanliness in order to
prevent damage. Do not drop the electronic throttle control components. Do not roughly handle
the electronic throttle control components. Do not immerse the electronic throttle control
components in cleaning solvents of any type.
Warning: Approved safety glasses and gloves should be worn when performing this procedure to
reduce the chance of personal injury.
1.

With a scan tool, verify that DTC P2135 is set as Current or in History.
 If DTC P2135 is set as Current or in History, proceed to Step 2 and perform the service
procedure in this bulletin.
 If DTC P2135 is NOT set as Current or in History, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
List - Vehicle or Symptoms - Engine Controls in SI. Determine cause of condition. Repairs,
if required, are NOT covered by the labor operation codes in this bulletin. Bill repair under
warranty, goodwill assistance or customer pay.

2.

Turn OFF the ignition.

3.

Open the hood.

Note: If at any time during this procedure the throttle body is dropped, abort this procedure and
REPLACE it with a new throttle body assembly.
4.

Remove the throttle body and discard the throttle body gasket. Refer to Throttle Body
Assembly Replacement in SI.

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Bulletin No.: 11273A

Remove any loose debris and dirt from the throttle body assembly and the TP sensor cover.
Inspect the throttle body for damage.

Caution: Do not use any solvent that contains Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK). This solvent may
damage fuel system components.
6.

Clean the throttle body bore and the throttle plate using a clean shop towel with GM Top
Engine Cleaner, P/N 1052626 (in Canada, P/N 993026), or AC-Delco Upper Engine and Fuel
Injector Cleaner, P/N X66-P, or an equivalent product.

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Note: DO NOT mount the throttle body in a vise. The throttle body can be set on the top of a soft
protected workbench area.
7.

Hold the throttle body with your hand, so that the throttle position (TP) sensor cover is facing
upward as shown.

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8.

Secure a rubber band around the throttle body and TP sensor cover as shown.

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9.

Turn over the throttle body and use a flathead screwdriver to remove the two clips (1, 2) as
shown. Discard the clips.

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Caution: Do NOT pry on the machined sealing surface of the throttle body inlet duct.
10. Turn over the throttle body and use a flathead screwdriver to remove the four remaining clips
from the TP sensor cover. Discard the clips.

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11. Hold the throttle body with your hand, so that the TP sensor cover is facing upward. Grasp
the TP sensor cover and carefully lift it up and separate it from the throttle body.

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Note: DO NOT allow the intermediate gear to fall out.
12. Maintain the throttle body in an upward position. Use your thumb to maintain contact with the
intermediate gear.
 If the intermediate gear falls out and impacts a hard workbench surface or the floor, abort
this procedure and REPLACE with a new throttle body assembly.

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13. Verify that the TP sensor cover gasket HAS REMAINED in the TP sensor cover as shown.
Ensure that the gasket is accounted for and remains with the old TP sensor cover.

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Note: If one or both of the TP sensor cover female throttle actuator motor terminals HAVE BEEN
retained on the throttle actuator motor male terminals (2), remove and discard those female
terminals.
14. Observe the TP sensor cover for missing female throttle actuator motor terminals (1). Verify
that the female throttle actuator motor terminals HAVE REMAINED in the TP sensor cover
and HAVE NOT been retained on the throttle actuator motor male terminals (2). Discard the
old TP sensor cover, gasket and terminals.
15. Remove the new TP sensor cover from the protective shipping wrapper.

2698978

Note: If the TP sensor drive slot orientation is not aligned as shown, use a small flathead
screwdriver to gently rotate the TP sensor drive slot clockwise to the wide open throttle (WOT)
position as shown.
16. Place the TP sensor cover in the position as shown. Confirm the TP sensor drive slot
orientation is aligned in the TP sensor cover as shown.

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17. Verify that the TP sensor cover gasket is secure and properly positioned.

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Bulletin No.: 11273A

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Note: The three TP sensor cover alignment tabs are highlighted in white for identification
purposes only.
18. Verify that all three of the TP sensor cover alignment tabs are present and are not damaged.
19. Grasp and hold the throttle body in the previously hand held upward position. Lightly depress
the intermediate gear to verify that it is fully seated and the gears are engaged.

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20. Rotate the throttle body plate to the WOT position (1).

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21. Position and install the TP sensor cover to the throttle body. Hold the TP sensor cover in
position. If necessary for ease of the clip installation, secure a rubber band around the throttle
body and TP sensor cover.

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22. Install the first new TP sensor cover clip (1) in the position shown.

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23. Install the remaining new TP sensor cover clips in the sequence shown.
24. Install a NEW throttle body gasket to the intake manifold.
25. Install the throttle body, bolts and nuts. DO NOT tighten the fasteners yet.
26. Connect the electrical connector to the throttle body.
27. Turn ON the ignition. Clear the DTC with a scan tool.
28. Observe the scan tool TP Sensor 1 and 2 Agree/Disagree parameter while slowly depressing
the accelerator pedal to WOT and then slowly returning the pedal to closed throttle. Repeat
the procedure several times. Rapidly depress the accelerator pedal from the rest position to
the wide open throttle position (WOT) and release pedal. Repeat the procedure several
times. The TP Sensor 1 and 2 Agree/Disagree parameter should display Agree.
 If TP Sensor 1 and 2 Agree/Disagree parameter displays Agree, proceed to Step 29.
 If TP Sensor 1 and 2 Agree/Disagree parameter displays Disagree, replace the throttle
body assembly.

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29. Observe the engine control module (ECM) module DTC information. Are DTC P1516, P2101
and/or P2176 set?
 If DTC P1516, P2101 and/or P2176 are set, replace the throttle body.
 If DTC P1516, P2101 and/or P2176 are not set, proceed to Step 30.
30. Tighten the throttle body fasteners.
Tighten
Tighten the fasteners to 10 N•m (89 lb in).
31. Install any remaining components that were removed during this procedure.
32. Verify the battery voltage is more than 12 volts but less than 16 volts before proceeding with
ECM reprogramming.
33. During reprogramming, the battery voltage must be maintained within the proper range of 1215 volts. Connect the approved Midtronics® PSC 550 Battery Maintainer (SPS Programming
Support Tool EL-49642) to the vehicle.
 If the above recommended tool is not available, DO NOT connect a battery charger to the
vehicle. Connect a fully charged 12V jumper or booster pack that is disconnected from the
AC voltage supply.
34. Use a Tech 2® or a multiple diagnostic interface (MDI) module for reprogramming. Ensure
that either device is updated with the latest available software version before performing the
reprogramming event.
35. Reprogram the ECM using the Service Programming System (SPS) with the latest calibration
available on TIS2WEB. Refer to the SPS procedures in SI.
36. Perform the Throttle Learn Reset Procedure. Refer to Throttle/Idle Learn > Throttle Learn >
Reset Procedure in SI.
CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT - For US
Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the condition described
in this bulletin are to be submitted to the dealer by July 31, 2014, unless otherwise specified by
state law. If this is not convenient for the customer, they may mail the completed Customer
Reimbursement Request Form and all required documents to the GM Customer Assistance
Center. Repairs must have occurred within the 10 years of the date the vehicle was originally
placed in service, or 120,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
All reasonable and customary costs to correct the condition described in this bulletin
should be considered for reimbursement. Any questions or concerns should be reviewed
with your District Service Manager – Aftersales prior to processing the request.
When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:




A completed Customer Reimbursement Request Form. This form is mailed to the
customer or can be obtained through GM GlobalConnect.
The name and address of the person who paid for the repair.
Paid receipt confirming the amount of the repair expense, a description of the repair, and
the person or entity performing the repair.

IMPORTANT: GM requires dealers to approve or deny a reimbursement request within 30 days
of receipt. If a reimbursement request is approved, the dealer should immediately issue a check

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to the customer and submit an appropriate warranty transaction for the incurred expense. If a
reimbursement request is denied, the dealer MUST provide the customer with a clear and concise
explanation, in writing, as to why the request was denied. The bottom portion of the Customer
Reimbursement Request Form may be used for this purpose. If the denial was due to missing
documents, the customer can resubmit the request when the missing documents are obtained, as
long as it is still within the allowed reimbursement period.
Warranty transactions for customer reimbursement of previously paid repairs are to be submitted
as required by GM Global Warranty Management. Additional information can also be found in
Warranty Administration Bulletin 11-00-89-004.
CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT - For Canada and Export
Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the condition described
in this bulletin are to be submitted to the dealer prior to or by July 31, 2014. Repairs must have
occurred within the 10 years of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, or 193,000
kilometers, whichever occurs first.
When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:
-

Proof of ownership at time of repair.
Original paid receipt confirming the amount of unreimbursed repair expense(s) (including
Service Contract deductibles), a description of the repair, and the person or entity
performing the repair.

If the work was done by someone other than a GM dealership, the amount of reimbursement will
be limited to the amount that the repair would have cost GM to have it completed by a GM
dealership.
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.

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WARRANTY TRANSACTION INFORMATION
Submit a transaction using the table below.
Labor
Code
T5875
T5876

T5877
T5878

Description
Diagnostic Time Only – No Repair Required
Throttle Position Sensor Cover Replacement & ECM Reprogram
(inc diagnosis)
- All Vehicles Except Express and Savana
- Express and Savana
Customer Reimbursement Approved
Customer Reimbursement Denied - For US dealers only

Labor
Time
0.1-0.3

1.3
1.7
0.2
0.1

Net
Item
N/A
N/A

*
N/A

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

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/retailer fo r information
on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

We Support
Voluntary Technician
Certification

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Bulletin No.: 11273A

Dear General Motors Customer:
As the owner of a 2008, 2009, 2010, or 2011 GM vehicle, your satisfaction with our product is
very important to us.
This letter is intended to make you aware that some 2008-2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer; GMC
Envoy; HUMMER H2; 2008-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT; Chevrolet
Avalanche, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe; GMC Savana, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL; 20082010 HUMMER H3; 2009-2011 Chevrolet Colorado; GMC Canyon; and 2009-2010 HUMMER
H3T vehicles, equipped with a V8 engine, may have a condition where the throttle position sensor
may cause the engine to run rough and cause the malfunction indicator lamp and/or an Engine
Reduced Power message to illuminate. If this occurs, it could result in reduced engine power.
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
condition described above. If this condition occurs on your 2008-2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer;
GMC Envoy; HUMMER H2; 2008-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT;
Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe; GMC Savana, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon
XL; 2009-2010 HUMMER H3; 2009-2011 Chevrolet Colorado; GMC Canyon; or 2009-2010
HUMMER H3T vehicle, equipped with a V8 engine, within 10 years of the date your vehicle was
originally placed in service or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), 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: If you believe that your vehicle has the condition described above, 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: If you have paid for repairs for the condition described in this letter, please
complete the enclosed form and present it to your dealer with all required documents. Working
with your dealer will expedite your request, however, if this is not convenient, you may mail the
completed form and all required documents to Reimbursement Department, PO Box 33170,
Detroit, MI 48232-5170. The completed form and required documents must be presented to your
dealer or received by the Reimbursement Department by July 31, 2014, unless state law specifies
a longer reimbursement period.
If you have any questions or need any assistance, just contact your dealer or the appropriate
Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below.

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June 2013

Division

Number

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

1-800-458-8006
1-800-222-1020
1-800-462-8782
1-800-732-5493
65-6267-1752
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Bulletin No.: 11273A
Text Telephones
(TTY)
1-800-833-2622
1-800-833-2438
1-888-889-2438
1-800-833-6537

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
11273