GM Bulletin No.: 12273
Date: November 2012

Service Bulletin

SERVICE UPDATE
SUBJECT:

Service Update for Inventory and Customer Vehicles
DTC P16F3 Set and Reduced Engine Power after Stall
Expires with Base Warranty

MODELS:

2013 Chevrolet Sonic
Equipped with 1.4L Engine (LUV) and Manual Transmission (MZ4)

This service update includes vehicles in dealer inventory and customer vehicles that
return to the dealership for any reason. This bulletin will expire at the end of the involved
vehicle's New Vehicle Limited Warranty period.
PURPOSE
This bulletin provides a service procedure to reprogram the engine control module (ECM) on
certain 2013 model year Chevrolet Sonic vehicles, equipped with a 1.4L engine (LUV) and
manual transmission (MZ4). An incorrect calibration may cause the setting of DTC P16F3 and
limit engine power to approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) after an engine stall. Upon the next ignition,
the code will clear and engine power will be restored to normal.
This service procedure should be completed as soon as possible on involved vehicles
currently in dealer inventory and customer vehicles that return to the dealer for any type
of service during the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage period.
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.
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. Customer vehicles that
return for service, for any reason, and are still covered under the vehicle's base warranty should
also be checked for vehicle eligibility.
Copyright 2012 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

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November 2012

Bulletin No.: 12273

PART INFORMATION
No parts are required for this service update.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
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 11/05/12 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.

2.

Reprogram the engine control module. 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 K20 Engine Control Module -- Programming from the Supported Controllers
screen.
2.4 Follow the on-screen instructions.
2.5 At the Programming Complete screen select "Proceed with same VIN".
2.6 Select K20 Engine Control Module (Manual Transmission) -- Setup from the Supported
Controllers screen.
2.7 Follow the on-screen instructions.

3.

At the end of module programming and setup, clear all diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

WARRANTY TRANSACTION INFORMATION
Submit a transaction using the table below.
Labor
Code
V2696

Description
Reprogram ECM

Labor
Time
0.3

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November 2012

Bulletin No.: 12273

DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Whenever a vehicle subject to this service update enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your
facility for service in the future, and the vehicle is still covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the service update 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.

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