GM Bulletin No.: 13283
Date: September 2013

Service Bulletin

SERVICE UPDATE
SUBJECT:

Service Update for Inventory Vehicles Only
Engine Piston Casting Error
Expires September 30, 2014

MODELS:

2013-2014 Chevrolet Malibu and Impala Equipped with
4 Cylinder Engine (RPO LCV or LKW)

Vehicles involved in this service update were placed on stop delivery August 29, 2013.
Completion of the service procedure contained in this bulletin will release the vehicle
from stop delivery and allow a dealer to deliver the vehicle to a customer.
An analysis of engine build data revealed that there could be a durability issue with the
engines originally installed in these vehicles. To ensure the highest quality and best
ownership experience for our customers, these engines need to be replaced prior to
vehicle delivery. In the interest of full disclosure, dealer must inform the customer of the
engine repair before the customer purchases the vehicle. Some states also have laws or
regulations requiring disclosure. A written acknowledgement of this pre-delivery repair
from the customer is strongly recommended.
PURPOSE
This bulletin provides a service procedure to replace the engine assembly on certain 2013-2014
Chevrolet Malibu and Impala vehicles equipped with 4 cylinder engine (RPO LCV or LKW). Due
to a casting error, these vehicles may have engine pistons that are dimensionally incorrect.
Over time, contact between the cylinder valves and the piston could result in engine noise,
rough running and/or bent valves.
This service procedure should be completed on involved vehicles currently in dealership
inventory as soon as possible but no later than September 30, 2014, at which time this
bulletin will expire.

Copyright 2013 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

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September 2013

Bulletin No.: 13283

VEHICLES INVOLVED
All involved vehicles are identified by VIN in the Global Warranty Management System –
Investigate Vehicle History Application. Dealership technicians 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.
Additionally, a list of involved vehicles currently in dealer inventory is available on the “Service
Update Bulletin Information” link under the “Service” tab in GM GlobalConnect.
PART INFORMATION
Replacement engines will be shipped directly to dealers at no charge from the involved engine
assembly plants. Dealers should call the GM Product Quality Center (PQC) at 1-866-654-7654
to order a replacement engine. Dealers must reference “SUB 13283” to initiate the ordering
process. Do not order from General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales (GMCCA).
Additional parts required to complete this service update are to be obtained from GMCCA.
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
12346290
19293000
12640445

Description
Engine Coolant
Engine Oil
Engine Oil Filter

Quantity/Vehicle
2
5
1

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September 2013

Bulletin No.: 13283

SERVICE PROCEDURE

3613307

Note: A VIN derivative is required to be permanently engraved on the new engine prior to
installation. Refer to the illustration above for VIN engraving location point. VIN derivatives
must be formatted as indicated below (# = last eight characters of the VIN).
Chevrolet Malibu: 1J*1########B
Chevrolet Impala: 1S*1########B
Dealers will be allowed to purchase one engraving tool and attachment as described below.
Name: Dremel Engraver Tool
Manufacturer: Dremel
Model: DRE29001, or equivalent
Attachment: Diamond Point #9929
1. Remove engine from the vehicle. Refer to Engine Replacement (LCV) or Engine
Replacement (LKW) in SI.
2. Install a new engine in vehicle. Refer to Engine Replacement (LCV) or Engine Replacement
(LKW) in SI.

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September 2013

Bulletin No.: 13283

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
Description
Labor Time
9100145
Engine Replacement
12.4
Cost of Engraving Tool and Attachment (Only One Per Dealership Allowed)

**

Net Item
$400.00*
**

Engine exchange allowance. Dealer must provide all required information including the
Engine Unit Number (EUN) of the new engine.
Submit the actual cost of the engraving tool and attachment, not to exceed $50.00.

DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Dealers must take the steps necessary to ensure that the service update correction has been
made to all involved vehicles in dealer inventory before selling or dealer-trading the vehicle, but
no later than September 30, 2014.

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.

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