Bulletin No.: 12313B
Date: October 2013

Service Bulletin

SPECIAL COVERAGE
SUBJECT: Special Coverage Adjustment – Engine Balance Chain and Fuel Pump
MODELS:

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

This bulletin has been revised to include a labor code for vehicles repaired that are still covered
under warranty. Please discard all copies of bulletin 12313A.
CONDITION
On some 2010-2011 model year Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain; and
2011 model year Buick Regal vehicles, equipped with a 2.4L engine (LAF), the chrome layer on
the balance chain pins may wear, allowing the chain to stretch. This would cause an engine
noise, and if left untreated, could cause the chain to break, leading to engine damage.
In addition, the fuel pump plunger shaft seal may wear and allow fuel to leak into the crankcase,
setting a P0172 DTC, and illuminating the Malfunction Indicator Light. This can cause engine
run-on and/or the engine to run rough.
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 engine balance chain and the fuel pump. 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 16, 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 July 16, 2013, must
be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

Copyright 2013 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

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October 2013

Bulletin No.: 12313B

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
12635427
12649233
24435052
12641847
12608374
12584041
12609291
11589123
11588844
12605566
19293000

Description
CHAIN, W/PMP & BAL SHF
TENSIONER, W/PMP & BAL SHF CHAIN
GASKET, ENG FRT CVR
PUMP, FUEL(HIGH PRESSURE)
PIPE ,FUEL FEED INTER
SEAL, O/PMP HSG(O RING)
GASKET KIT, CM/SHF CVR
BOLT, HFH,W/CON WA
BOLT, CM/SHF POSN ACTR
FILTER,OIL
OIL, ENG (DEXOS 1)(5W30)

Quantity/Vehicle
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
5

SERVICE PROCEDURE
Note: Listen to the engine to determine if abnormal engine noise is present. Use a scan tool to
identify set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Review relevant engine technical service bulletin
and preliminary bulletin information to aid in diagnosis.
1. Determine if field action bulletin 12312 has been completed.


If field action bulletin 12312 has been completed, proceed to step 2.



If field action bulletin 12312 has NOT been completed, complete field action bulletin 12312
and then proceed to step 2.

2. Determine if the fuel pump requires replacement by using diagnostic information in SI, a scan
tool, and customer-provided information.


If diagnostic information indicates that the fuel pump must be replaced, replace the fuel
pump. In addition, replace the balance shaft chain if the vehicle was built BEFORE
3/1/2011 and/or the balance chain was replaced ON or BEFORE 5/1/2011. Refer to step 4
and, if necessary, step 5.



If diagnostic information indicates that fuel pump does NOT require replacement, proceed
to step 3.

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October 2013

Bulletin No.: 12313B

3. Determine if the balance shaft chain requires replacement by using diagnostic information in
SI, a scan tool, and customer-provided information.


If diagnostic information indicates that the balance shaft chain must be replaced, replace
the balance shaft chain. In addition, replace the fuel pump if the vehicle was built BEFORE
2/1/2011 and/or the fuel pump was replaced ON or BEFORE 3/1/2011. Refer to step 5
and, if necessary, step 4.



If diagnostic information indicates that the balance chain does NOT require replacement,
no further action is required. Repairs and diagnostic time for service issues other than fuel
pump and balance shaft chain replacement are NOT covered under this field action

4. Replace the fuel pump. Refer to Fuel Pump Replacement in SI.
5. Replace the balance shaft chain. Refer to Water Pump and Balance Shaft Chain Replacement
in SI.
6. Drain engine oil and remove engine oil filter. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement in
SI.
7. Install a new engine oil filter and fill engine with engine oil. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Replacement 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 30, 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 GM representative 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
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.

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October 2013

Bulletin No.: 12313B

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.

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 GM
representative prior to processing the request.
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. All transactions should be submitted as a ZREG
transaction type, unless noted otherwise.
Labor
Code
9900002
4080208
9900003

9900004
9900005

Description
Diagnostic Time Only – No Repair Required
Replace Fuel Pump & Balance Shaft Chain (inc diagnostics, oil &
filter replace) – For use with vehicles still covered under warranty)
Replace Fuel Pump & Balance Shaft Chain (inc diagnostics, oil &
filter replace) – For use with vehicles no longer covered under
warranty
Customer Reimbursement Approved
Customer Reimbursement Denied - For US dealers only

Labor
Time
0.1-0.3
5.2

Net
Item
N/A
N/A

5.2

N/A

0.2
0.1

*
N/A

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

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October 2013

Bulletin No.: 12313B

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 for information
on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

We Support
Voluntary Technician
Certification

Page 6

October 2013

Bulletin No.: 12313B
July 2013

Dear General Motors Customer:
As the owner of a 2010 or 2011 model year Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Equinox, or GMC Terrain;
or 2011 model year Buick Regal, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us.
This letter is intended to make you aware that on some 2010 and 2011 model year Buick
LaCrosse, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles; and 2011 model year Buick Regal
vehicles, equipped with a 2.4L engine, the chrome layer on the balance chain pins may wear,
allowing the chain to stretch. This would cause an engine noise, and if left untreated, could cause
the chain to break, leading to engine damage.
In addition, the fuel pump plunger shaft seal may wear and allow fuel to leak into the crankcase,
which would illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light. This can cause engine run-on and/or the
engine to run rough.
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 2010 or 2011 model year Buick
LaCrosse, Chevrolet Equinox, or GMC Terrain; or 2011 model year Buick Regal, equipped with a
2.4L 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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October 2013

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

Bulletin No.: 12313B
Text Telephones
(TTY)
1-800-832-8425
1-800-833-2438
1-888-889-2438

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
12313