Bulletin No.: 12312
Date: February 2013

Program Bulletin

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM
SUBJECT:

Oil Life Monitor Update

MODELS:

2010-2011 Buick LaCrosse
2011-2012 Buick Regal
2010-2012 Chevrolet Equinox
2010-2012 GMC Terrain
Equipped with 2.4L Engine (LAF/LEA)

THIS PROGRAM IS IN EFFECT UNTIL FEBRUARY 28, 2015.
CONDITION
GM recently introduced into production a software update for the oil life monitor system. This
new software will enhance the way the engine oil is monitored. In most cases, this update will
recommend more frequent oil changes.
GM is offering to update certain 2010-2011 model year Buick LaCrosse, 2011-2012 model year
Buick Regal, and 2010-2012 model year Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles,
equipped with a 2.4L engine (LAF/LEA), that were built before the production change.
CORRECTION
Dealers are to reprogram the engine control module.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
All involved vehicles are identified by Vehicle Identification Number on the Investigate Vehicle
History screen 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.
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 US and Canadian dealers through the GM GlobalConnect Recall Reports, or
Copyright 2013 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

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Bulletin No.: 12312

sent directly to export dealers. 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
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
No parts are required for this program.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Engine Control Module 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) and TIS2WEB 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 2/6/13 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.

Capture and record Engine Oil Life information. Write down remaining oil life as a
percentage.

2.

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.

Note: If a programming failure occurs, refer to Engine Control Module Recovery Steps in this
bulletin.
3.

Reprogram the engine control module (ECM). Refer to SI and Service Programming
System (SPS) documentation for programming instructions, if required.
3.1 Connect the MDI to the vehicle. If using MDI, connect to programming terminal with
the cable (USB or LAN).
3.2 Select J2534 MDI and Reprogram ECU from the Select Diagnostic Tool and
Programming Process screen.
3.3 Select ECM Engine Control Module—Programming from the Supported Controllers
screen.
3.4 Follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Clear all DTCs.
5. Use a scan tool to reset the Engine Oil Life Remaining back to the original percentage
recorded before completing the programming event.

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Bulletin No.: 12312

Engine Control Module Recovery Steps
1.

Disconnect the programming device.

2.

Power down the control modules connected to the GMLAN bus by disconnecting the
positive battery cable for 2 minutes.

3.

Reconnect the positive battery cable.

4.

Using MDI, connect to the programming station or Notebook using a cable (LAN).

5.

Reboot the programming station or Notebook. This is to make sure nothing is in memory.

Note: Selecting Replace and Reprogram from the Select Diagnostic Tool and Process Screen
is REQUIRED because some of the calibrations may be erased from the initial attempt to
reprogram the module.
6.

Reprogram the engine control module. Select Replace and Reprogram from the Select
Diagnostic Tool and Process Screen.

7.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the programming event.

8.

Clear all DTCs.

Note: Repeat Steps 1-8 above IF another programming failure occurs. If the second attempt to
reprogram is unsuccessful when following the Steps 1-8 above, then contact Techline Customer
Support Center.
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.
WARRANTY TRANSACTION INFORMATION
Submit a transaction using the table below.
Labor
Code
V2744

Description
Reprogram ECM

Labor
Time
0.4

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION – For US and Canada
General Motors will notify customers of this program on their vehicle (see copy of customer
letter included with this bulletin).
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION – For Export
Letters will be sent to known owners of record located within areas covered by the US National
Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. For owners outside these areas, dealers should notify
customers using the attached sample letter.

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Bulletin No.: 12312

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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Bulletin No.: 12312

Dear General Motors Customer:
This letter is sent to inform you that General Motors is conducting a customer satisfaction
program that affects your 2010-2011 model year Buick LaCrosse, 2011-2012 model year Buick
Regal, or 2010-2012 model year Chevrolet Equinox or GMC Terrain, equipped with a 2.4L
engine.
GM recently introduced into production a software update for the oil life monitor system. This
new software will enhance the way the engine oil is monitored. In most cases, this update will
recommend more frequent oil changes to support engine durability and overall operating costs.
At no-charge, your GM dealer will update your vehicle with these same improvements.
What We Will Do: Your GM dealer will reprogram the engine control module. This service will
be performed for you at no charge until February 28, 2015.
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 update.
As a reminder, to ensure proper engine performance and long life, careful attention must be
paid to the engine oil. A lack of proper engine oil maintenance can damage the engine.
Following these simple, but important steps, will help protect your engine.


Always use the engine oil approved to the proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade that is in your Owner Manual.



Check the engine oil level regularly and maintain the proper oil level. It is
a good idea to check the engine oil level at each fuel fill.



Change the engine oil at the appropriate time.

If you have any questions or concerns that your dealer is unable to resolve, please contact the
appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below.
Division

Number

Buick
Chevrolet
GMC
Guam
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands

1-800-521-7300
1-800-222-1020
1-800-462-8782
65-6267-1752
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Text Telephones
(TTY)
1-800-832-8425
1-800-833-2438
1-888-889-2438

Courtesy Transportation: If your vehicle is within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, your
dealer may provide you with shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation while
your vehicle is at the dealership for this repair. Please refer to your Owner Manual and your
dealer for details on Courtesy Transportation.

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Bulletin No.: 12312

We want you to know that we will do our best, throughout your ownership experience, to ensure
that your GM vehicle provides you many miles of enjoyable driving.
Jim Moloney
General Director,
Customer and Relationship Services
12312