Bulletin No.: 13142B
Date: August 2013

Recall Bulletin

PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL
SUBJECT:

Loss of Battery Charge – Replace Generator Control Module

MODELS:

2012-2013 Buick LaCrosse, Regal
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco
Equipped with eAssist

The Part Inspection Procedure in this bulletin has been revised. Please discard all copies of
bulletin 13136A.
All involved vehicles that are in dealer inventory must be held and not delivered to customers,
dealer traded, or used for demonstration purposes until the repair contained in this bulletin has
been performed on the vehicle.
Due to part availability, customers will be contacted in phases.
CONDITION
General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in
certain 2012-2013 model year Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and 2013 model year Chevrolet
Malibu Eco vehicles, equipped with eAssist. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which
the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual
loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light. If these warnings
are ignored, eventually, the engine will stall and/or the vehicle will not start. In addition, there
may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.
CORRECTION
Dealers are to replace the GCM.
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
Copyright 2013 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

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August 2013

Bulletin No.: 13142B

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.
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 recall 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 recall.
PART INFORMATION
Parts required to complete this recall are to be obtained from General Motors Customer Care
and Aftersales (GMCC&A). Please refer to your “involved vehicles listing” before ordering
parts. Normal orders should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. In an
emergency situation, parts should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.
Note: Approximately 1% of vehicles will require replacement of the Generator Control
Module.
Important Part Inspection

3600552

Generator Control Modules (GCM) with part number 24269448 or 24266403 require an
inspection prior to installation in a vehicle. GCMs with part number 24267940 or 24267941
do NOT require inspection prior to installation in a vehicle.
Do NOT provide technicians with GCMs (p/n 24269448 or 24266403) that have a Julian date
of 171 through 199. Determine the Julian date following the steps below. Return modules
that fail the inspection according to Special Return Bulletin #G_0000171850.
1.

Locate the barcode label on the new GCM.

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2.

August 2013

Bulletin No.: 13142B

Determine the Julian date (1) as shown above.
 If the Julian date (1) is 171 through 199, proceed to step 3.
 If the Julian date (1) is NOT 171 through 199, provide the GCM to the technician for
installation in the vehicle.

3604229

3. Locate the Flash label on the GCM.


If the number on the lower right-hand side of the label (2) is 3203 or lower, do NOT use
the GCM. Obtain another module and perform the inspection again.



If the number on the lower right-hand side of the label (2) is 3204 or higher, provide the
GCM to the technician for installation in the vehicle.

Part Number
24267940
or
24269448
24267941
or
24266403

Description

Quantity/Vehicle

MODULE, GEN CONT (2012 LaCrosse, Regal & 2013
Malibu)

1

MODULE, GEN CONT (2013 LaCrosse, Regal)

1

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Bulletin No.: 13142B

SERVICE PROCEDURE
Determine part number of new Generator Control Module (GCM) to be installed in the vehicle.
 If the new GCM part number is 24267940 or 24267941, proceed to Installation
Procedure contained in this bulletin.
 If the new GCM part number is 24269448 or 24266403, proceed to Part Inspection
Procedure contained in this bulletin.
Part Inspection Procedure

3600552

1. Locate the barcode label on the new GCM.
2.

Determine the Julian date (1) as shown above.
 If the Julian date (1) is 171 through 199, proceed to step 3.
 If the Julian date (1) is NOT 171 through 199, install the GCM in the vehicle.

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August 2013

Bulletin No.: 13142B

3604229

3. Locate the Flash label on the GCM.


If the number on the lower right-hand side of the label (2) is 3203 or lower, do NOT use
the GCM. Obtain another module and perform the inspection again.



If the number on the lower right-hand side of the label (2) is 3204 or higher, install the
GCM in the vehicle.

Installation Procedure
1.

Remove Generator Control Module (GCM). Refer to Generator Control Module
Replacement in SI.

2.

Install new GCM. Refer to Generator Control Module Replacement in SI.

3.

Perform a charging system voltage output test by following one of the 2 options below.


Option A: Perform a DC Power Conversion Test. Refer to DC Power Conversion Test
in SI.



Option B: Using the DIC and a voltmeter at the 12V battery, monitor the charging
system voltage while a load is applied by turning on the vehicle accessories listed
below. Allow vehicle to idle for approximately 15 minutes with the load applied.
 Head lamps on with high beams
 Air conditioning set to 78oF (25oC), Eco mode (green snowflake LED), recirc.,
BiLevel (foot / floor -- do not want Defrost enabled)
 Cabin blower to high speed
 Radio on, with sound muted.
 Heated seats, if equipped
 Rear defog, it will time out, no need to reinitiate

4.

FOR CALIFORNIA VEHICLES ONLY: Install a Recall Identification Label and complete a
“Proof of Correction” certificate upon recall completion.

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August 2013

Bulletin No.: 13142B

RECALL IDENTIFICATION LABEL – California Vehicles Only
Place a Recall Identification Label on each vehicle corrected in accordance with the
instructions outlined in this Product Recall Bulletin. Each label provides a space to include the
recall number and the five-digit dealer code of the dealer performing the recall service. This
information may be inserted with a ballpoint pen.
Put the Recall Identification Label on a clean and dry surface of the
radiator core support in an area that will be visible to people servicing the
vehicle.
When installing the Recall Identification Label, be sure to pull the tab to
allow adhesion of the clear protective covering. Additional Recall
Identification Labels for US dealers can be obtained from Dealer Support
Materials
by
ordering
on
the
web
from
DWD
Store,
www.gmglobalconnect.com, and then click on the DWD Store link.
Request Item Number S-1015 when ordering.

GM
RECALL

13142
COMPLETED
DEALER CODE

ED
99-999

DO NOT REMOVE

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
9100038

Description
Replace GCM (inc testing of new module)
- Malibu, Regal
- LaCrosse

Labor
Time

Net
Item
N/A

2.5
3.0

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION – For US and Canada
General Motors will notify customers of this recall 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.: 13142B

DEALER RECALL RESPONSIBILITY – For US and Export (US States, Territories,
and Possessions)
It is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle or any new or used
item of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by this notification under a sale or
lease until the defect or noncompliance is remedied.
The US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act provides that each vehicle that is subject
to a recall of this type must be adequately repaired within a reasonable time after the customer
has tendered it for repair. A failure to repair within sixty days after tender of a vehicle is prima
facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time. If the condition is not adequately
repaired within a reasonable time, the customer may be entitled to an identical or reasonably
equivalent vehicle at no charge or to a refund of the purchase price less a reasonable
allowance for depreciation. To avoid having to provide these burdensome remedies, every
effort must be made to promptly schedule an appointment with each customer and to repair
their vehicle as soon as possible. In the recall notification letters, customers are told how to
contact the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration if the recall is not completed
within a reasonable time.
DEALER RECALL RESPONSIBILITY – All
All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this recall must be held and
inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this recall bulletin before customers take
possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall 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 dealer 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. Recall 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 recall enters your vehicle inventory, or is in
your dealership for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the
recall 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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August 2013

Bulletin No.: 13142B

Dear General Motors Customer:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and
Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in
certain 2012-2013 model year Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and 2013 model year Chevrolet
Malibu Eco vehicles, equipped with eAssist. As a result, GM is conducting a safety recall. We
apologize for this inconvenience. However, we are concerned about your safety and
continued satisfaction with our products.

IMPORTANT




Your vehicle is involved in safety recall 13142.
Schedule an appointment with your GM dealer.
This service will be performed for you at no charge.

Why is your
vehicle being
recalled?

Your vehicle may have a condition in which the Generator Control
Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a
gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the
malfunction indicator light. If you continue to drive the vehicle, the
loss of battery charge will cause the engine to stall and/or the
vehicle will not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting
odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.

What will we
do?

Your GM dealer will replace the GCM. This service will be
performed for you at no charge. Because of service scheduling
requirements, it is likely that your dealer will need your vehicle
longer than the actual service correction time of approximately 2
hours and 30 minutes up to 3 hours.
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.

What should
you do?

You should contact your GM dealer to arrange a service
appointment as soon as possible.
California Residents: The state of California requires the completion
of recalls on emission related parts prior to vehicle registration
renewal. In addition, the state requires that every vehicle must pass
an emission test (SMOG Check) every two years and before it is
sold. Without the completion of this no-charge recall, your vehicle
may be more likely to fail this test. At the time of the recall
completion, your dealer will issue you a "Proof of Correction
Certificate". Keep this certificate and, if required, present it to the
Department of Motor Vehicles when renewing your registration as
proof of recall completion.

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Bulletin No.: 13142B

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

Do you have
questions?

Division

Number

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

1-800-521-7300
1-800-222-1020
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

If after contacting your dealer and the Customer Assistance Center, you are still not satisfied
we have done our best to remedy this condition without charge and within a reasonable time,
you may wish to write the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590, or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at
1.888.327.4236 (TTY 1.800.424.9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov. The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID Number for this recall is 13V173.
Federal regulation requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a
copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.
Jim Moloney
General Director,
Customer and Relationship Services
GM Recall #13142