Bulletin No.: 13109
Date: April 2013

Program Bulletin

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM
SUBJECT:

Driver's Seat Rear Blocking Clips May Be Missing

MODELS:

2013 Buick Encore
Equipped with Driver's 6-Way Power Seat (AG9) and without Memory Seat
Feature (AAG)

The inspection procedure contained in this bulletin can be performed quickly and easily. To
reduce the inconvenience to the customer, when a customer brings their vehicle into the
dealership for this program, if at all possible, have the inspection portion of the service
procedure performed on the vehicle immediately.
CONDITION
Certain 2013 model year Buick Encore vehicles that are equipped with a driver's 6-way power
seat (AG9) and without the memory seat feature (AAG) may be missing the rear blocking clips
on the driver's seat. Without these clips, the seat may travel rearward beyond its intended
design.
CORRECTION
Dealers are to inspect for the presence of the blocking clips, and install them if they are missing.
Because this inspection can easily be performed by the customer, and to reduce their
inconvenience, an inspection procedure will be mailed to customers. However, if the customer
desires, they are being instructed to contact their dealer for the inspection.
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 dealers through the GM GlobalConnect Recall Reports. Dealers will not have
a report available if they have no involved vehicles currently assigned.
Copyright 2013 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

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April 2013

Bulletin No.: 13109

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
Blocking Clip Kits will be shipped from the Warranty Parts Center (WPC) at no charge via UPS
2-Day Delivery – Attention: Parts Manager, to dealers with involved vehicles beginning
Thursday, April 25, 2013. All dealers who have involved vehicles should have the clips no later
than Tuesday, April 30, 2013 (U.S.) or the week of May 6, 2013 (Canada).
Blocking Clip Kits needed for dealer-trades are to be obtained by faxing a request form to the
WPC. The form and instructions can be found at the back of this bulletin.
Part Number
WPC 714

Description
Blocking Clip Kit (contains 2 clips)

Quantity/Vehicle
1 (if req'd)

SERVICE PROCEDURE

3400811

1. Adjust the driver seat to the full forward position.

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April 2013

Bulletin No.: 13109

3400820

There should be about a 50.8 mm (2 in) section of the adjuster screw threads (2) that are NOT visible. A
seat travel restriction feature called a blocking clip (3) should be installed. The “A” portion of the
photograph shows the blocking clip (3) installed. The blocking clip is missing in the “B” portion of the
photograph.

2. Examine the rear portion of the inboard and outboard seat tracks (1) to determine if the
blocking clips (3) are installed.


If the blocking clips (3) are installed, proceed to step 4. No further action is required.



If the blocking clips (3) are NOT installed, proceed to step 3.

3400831

3. Install a blocking clip (3) over the rear section of the adjuster screw threads (2) as shown in
the photograph. The rear side of the blocking clip (3) must be installed flush to the front end
of the adjuster screw housing (4).

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April 2013

Bulletin No.: 13109

4. Adjust the front driver seat to a desired position.
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 ZFAT
transaction type, unless noted otherwise.
Labor
Code
V2836

Description
Inspect & Install Rear Seat Blocking Clips, If Necessary

Labor
Time
0.2

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.
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, from this time forward.
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.

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April 2013

Bulletin No.: 13109

In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this program enters your vehicle inventory, or is in
your facility for service in the future, 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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April 2013

Bulletin No.: 13109
May 2013

Dear General Motors Customer:
We have learned that your 2013 model year Buick Encore may be missing the rear blocking
clips on the driver's seat. Without these clips, the seat may travel rearward beyond its intended
design.
Your satisfaction with your Buick Encore is very important to us, so we are announcing a
program to correct this condition.
What We Will Do: Your GM dealer will inspect for the presence of the blocking clips. If they
are missing, your dealer will install them. This service will be performed for you at no charge.
Since the inspection procedure can be performed easily, and to reduce your inconvenience, we
have included the inspection procedure with this letter. If you desire, however, your dealer will
perform the inspection at no charge.
If you perform the inspection and both of the blocking clips are present, please complete the
enclosed prepaid response form and return it to us in the mail.
If either of the blocking clips are missing, please contact your dealer as soon as possible and
schedule an appointment to have the clips installed. Again, this will be at no charge to you.
What You Should Do: If you would like your dealer to perform the inspection, or if you have
performed the inspection and a clip is missing, you should contact your dealer to arrange a
service appointment as soon as possible.
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
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands

1-800-521-7300
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Text Telephones
(TTY)
1-800-832-8425

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.
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
Buick Encore provides you many miles of enjoyable driving.
Jim Moloney
General Director,
Customer and Relationship Services
13109

IMPORTANT NOTE WHEN PRINTING THIS FORM: If the form prints out on two pages, make certain
you fax both pages so the WPC receives the needed information. Missing information will delay or
prevent the part from being shipped.
Part Request Form — Warranty Parts Center
Use this form ONLY for U.S. & Canada Dealers. Export markets & Mexico Dealers must contact
their regional Technical Assistance Center for assistance.
To:

Warranty Parts Center

Email:

[email protected]

or WPC Fax:

248–371–0192

Attn:

Joe Mitosinka

Part Being Requested: WPC 714 – Blocking Clip Kit
Dealer BAC:
Dealer Name:

Dealer Address:

Dealer Contact Person:

Dealer Phone Number:

Repair Order Number:

Vehicle VIN:

IMPORTANT: If you do not receive the part within 2 business days after emailing or faxing your
part request to the Warranty Parts Center, please call Customer Assistance at 248-3719901/9902.
IMPORTANT NOTE WHEN PRINTING THIS FORM: If the form prints out on two pages, make
certain you fax both pages so the WPC receives the needed information. Missing information
will delay or prevent the part from being shipped.