Bulletin No.: 13146
Date: December 2014

Recall Bulletin

PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL
SUBJECT:

Low-Beam Headlamps Inoperative

MODELS:

2005-2007 Chevrolet Corvette

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.
CONDITION
General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in model
year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. On these vehicles, when the engine is warm, the
underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC) housing will expand, causing the headlamp lowbeam relay control circuit routed wire to bend slightly. After the wire is repeatedly bent, it can
fracture and separate. When this occurs, the low-beam headlamps will not illuminate. As the
UBEC housing cools and contracts, the low-beam headlamp function may return. This condition
does not affect the high-beam headlamps, marker lamps, turn signals, daytime running lamps
or fog lamps. Loss of low beam headlamps when they are required could reduce the driver’s
visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
CORRECTION
Dealers are to install a jumper wire.
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
sent directly to export dealers. Dealers will not have a report available if they have no involved
vehicles currently assigned.
Copyright 2014 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

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Bulletin No.: 13146

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 followup 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.
Part Number
23273949

Description
Wiring Kit

Quantity/Vehicle
1

SERVICE PROCEDURE

3974185

Use the following steps to install an alternate ground source (jumper harness) to the low beam
headlamp relay, located in the Under Hood BEC.
1.

Remove the under hood bussed electrical center (UBEC). Refer to Underhood Electrical
Center or Junction Block Replacement in SI.

3974186

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2.

December 2014

Bulletin No.: 13146

Remove, from left to right, the Instrument Panel (IP), Engine (ENG) and Forward Lamp
(FWD LP) connectors from the UBEC base.

3974197

3.

Remove covers and Terminal Position Assurance (TPA) clips from IP and FWD LP
connectors.

3974198

4.

Remove terminated lead from IP Connector cavity F1 (circuit 1970 Pink/white tracer, 2
wires).

3974200

5.

Cut terminal off of the 2 (Pink/white tracer) wires at the crimp. Discard the terminal.

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December 2014

Bulletin No.: 13146

3974202

6.

Strip the leads of the 2 (Pink/white tracer) wires and jumper harness. Remove 13 mm (1/2
in) of insulation from the wire ends.

Note: Only use heat shrink tube, P/N 12355010, or an equivalent flexible adhesivelined/moisture resistant heat shrink tube to perform the repair in this bulletin.
7.

Install one 38 mm (1.5 in) section of heat shrink tube over the jumper harness lead that is
to be crimped.

3974203

8.

Crimp the splice clip over the wires using Special Tool J-38125-8, crimp nest F.

9.

Inspect the crimp quality.

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Bulletin No.: 13146

Caution: Keep the heat shrink tube above the splice when soldering the splice to ensure that
the heat shrink is not prematurely shrunk and closed down over the wire or splice area due to
the heat from the soldering iron.
Note: Use rosin core lead solder. The higher the lead content the better as it has a lower
melting point.

3974205

10. Solder the crimp and splice clip using the Ultratorch, part number J-38125-5, or another
butane fueled soldering iron.

3974207

11. Center the heat shrink tube over the splice and use the Ultratorch, part number J-38125-5,
or another butane fueled soldering iron, to shrink and seal the heat shrink tube securely
over the splice crimp and insulated wires.

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December 2014

Bulletin No.: 13146

3974208

12. Insert double terminated lead into IP connector cavity F1.

3974209

13. Insert single terminated lead into FWD LP connector cavity B1.

3974197

14. Replace TPAs and covers onto IP and FWD LP connectors.
15. Place splice under IP connector then replace IP and FWD LP connectors into BEC, ensure
that they are fully seated.

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December 2014

Bulletin No.: 13146

3974210

16. Route wire though bracket then replace ENG connector into bracket as shown.
17. Reinstall the under hood bussed electrical center (UBEC). Refer to Underhood Electrical
Center or Junction Block Replacement in SI.
CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT - For US
Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs for the recall condition are to
be submitted to the dealer by December 31, 2015, 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.
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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Bulletin No.: 13146

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 December 31, 2015.
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.
WARRANTY TRANSACTION INFORMATION
Submit a transaction using the table below. All transactions should be submitted as a ZFAT
transaction type, unless noted otherwise.
Note: To avoid having to "H" route the customer reimbursement transaction for approval,
it must be submitted prior to the repair transaction.
Labor
Code
9100811
9100894
9100895

Description
Install UBEC Jumper Harness
Customer Reimbursement Approved
Customer Reimbursement Denied - For US dealers only

Labor
Time
0.8
0.2
0.1

Net
Item
N/A
*
N/A

Note: Customer reimbursement will not close this recall. The service procedure must also be
performed on the vehicle.
* The amount identified in “Net Item” should represent the dollar amount reimbursed to the
customer.
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.
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.

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Bulletin No.: 13146

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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December 2014

Bulletin No.: 13146

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
December 2014
Dear General Motors Customer:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain
2005-2007 model year Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. 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





This notice applies to your 2005-2007 model year Chevrolet Corvette,
VIN____________________________________________.
Your vehicle is involved in GM safety recall 13146.
Schedule an appointment with your GM dealer.
This service will be performed for you at no charge.

Why is your
vehicle being
recalled?

When your vehicle's engine is warm, the underhood bussed
electrical center (UBEC) housing will expand, causing the headlamp
low-beam relay control circuit routed wire to bend slightly. After the
wire is repeatedly bent, it can fracture and separate. When this
occurs, the low-beam headlamps will not illuminate. As the UBEC
housing cools and contracts, the low-beam headlamp function may
return. This condition does not affect the high-beam headlamps,
marker lamps, turn signals, daytime running lamps or fog lamps.
Loss of low beam headlamps when they are required could reduce
the driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

What will we
do?

Your GM dealer will install a jumper wire to correct this condition.
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 50 minutes.

What should
you do?

You should contact your GM dealer to arrange a service
appointment as soon as possible.

Did you already
pay for this
repair?

Even though you may have already had repairs for this condition,
you will still need to take your vehicle to your dealer for additional
repairs. If you have paid for repairs for the recall condition, please
complete the enclosed reimbursement 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

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December 2014

Bulletin No.: 13146

mail the completed reimbursement form and all required documents
to Reimbursement Department, PO Box 33170, Detroit, MI 482325170. The completed form and required documents must be
presented to your dealer or received by the Reimbursement
Department by December 31, 2015, unless state law specifies a
longer reimbursement period.
Do you have
questions?

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.
Division

Number

Cadillac
Guam
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands

1-800-458-8006
65-6267-1752
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Text Telephones
(TTY)
1-800-833-2622

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 14V251.
Federal regulation requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a
copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.

Jeffrey M. Boyer
Vice President
Global Vehicle Safety

Enclosure
GM Recall #13146