Bulletin No.: 14591
Date: December 2014

Program Bulletin

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM
SUBJECT:

Piston Damage Due To Engine Misfire

MODELS:

2013 Cadillac ATS
2013 Chevrolet Malibu
Equipped with 2.0L 4 Cylinder Engine (LTG)
THIS PROGRAM IS IN EFFECT UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2016.

CONDITION
Certain 2013 model year Cadillac ATS and Chevrolet Malibu model vehicles equipped with a 2.0L
4 Cylinder Engine (LTG) may have a condition in which piston damage could occur due to an
engine pre-ignition condition. If this condition occurs, the vehicle may perform poorly and oil
consumption could increase. A warning light may illuminate indicating an engine misfire. If this
repair is not completed before multiple pre-ignition events occur, the piston may be damaged and
the engine may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
CORRECTION
Dealers are to reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) with a revised spark control
calibration, install spark plugs with a colder heat range (required with the new calibration) and
place an update to the spark plug part number information located in the “Maintenance
Replacement Parts” found in Section 11 of the Owner Manual. GM will mail the Owner Manual
supplement to customers of record.
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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December 2014

Bulletin No.: 14591

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
Parts required to complete this program are to be obtained from General Motors Customer Care
and Aftersales (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
12647827

Description
Spark Plug

Quantity/Vehicle
4

SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Make a copy of the appropriate Owner Manual supplement (found at the back of this bulletin)
and place it in the vehicle glove box.
2. Remove and replace the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in SI.
3. Reprogram the engine control module (ECM). Refer to Reprogram ECM in this bulletin.
Reprogram ECM
Note: Carefully read and follow the instructions below.


Do NOT attempt to order the calibration number from GM Customer Care and Aftersales. The
calibration numbers required for this service procedure are programmed into control modules
via a Multiple Diagnostic Interface (MDI) with the calibration update. If you cannot access the
calibration, call the Techline Customer Support Center and it will be provided.



DO NOT program a control module unless directed to by a service procedure or a service
bulletin. If the control module is not properly configured with the correct calibration software,
the control module will not control all of the vehicle features properly.



Ensure the programming tool is equipped with the latest software and is securely connected
to the data link connector. If there is an interruption during programming, programming failure
or control module damage may occur.



Stable battery voltage is critical during programming. Any fluctuation, spiking, over voltage or
loss of voltage will interrupt programming. When required install the EL-49642 SPS
Programming Support Tool to maintain system voltage. If not available, connect a fully charged
12 V jumper or booster pack disconnected from the AC voltage supply. DO NOT connect a
battery charger.



Turn OFF or disable systems that may put a load on the vehicles battery such as; interior lights,
exterior lights (including daytime running lights), HVAC, radio, etc.



During the programming procedure, follow the SPS prompts for the correct ignition switch
position.



Clear DTCs after programming is complete. Clearing powertrain DTCs will set the
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) system status indicators to NO.



Note the engine oil life remaining percentage.

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December 2014

Bulletin No.: 14591

To reprogram an existing K20 Engine Control Module, perform the following procedure:
1. Install EL-49642 SPS programming support tool.
2. Access the Service Programming System (SPS) and follow the on-screen instructions. Refer
to Service Programming System (SPS) documentation in SI for programming instructions.
3. On the SPS Supported Controllers screen, select K20 Engine Control Module - Programming
and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Clear DTCs after completing the programming procedure.
Note: If vehicle fails to start during Configuration and Setup, perform the SPS Function
Immobilizer Learn and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Perform the SPS function K20 Engine Control Module - Configuration & Setup and follow the
on-screen instructions, if available.
6. Clear DTCs after completing the Configuration & Setup procedure.
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
9100970

Description
Replace Spark Plugs and Reprogram ECM with SPS

Labor
Time
0.8

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.

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December 2014

Bulletin No.: 14591

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, through December 31, 2016.
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.
In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this program enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your
facility for service through December 31, 2016, 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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December 2014

Bulletin No.: 14591
January 2015

Dear General Motors Customer:
We have learned that your 2013 model year Cadillac ATS or Chevrolet Malibu equipped with a
2.0L 4 Cylinder Engine may have a condition in which piston damage could occur due to an
engine pre-ignition condition. If this condition occurs, the vehicle may perform poorly and oil
consumption could increase. A warning light may illuminate indicating an engine misfire. If this
repair is not completed before multiple pre-ignition events occur, the piston may be damaged
and the engine may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
Your satisfaction with your Cadillac ATS or Chevrolet Malibu is very important to us, so we are
announcing a program to prevent this condition or, if it has occurred, to fix it.
What We Will Do: Your GM dealer will reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) with a
revised spark control calibration and install spark plugs with a colder heat range (required with
the new calibration). This service will be performed for you at no charge until December 31,
2016. After that, any applicable warranty will apply.
What You Should Do: To limit any possible inconvenience, we recommend that you contact
your dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for this repair. By scheduling an
appointment, your dealer can ensure that the necessary parts will be available on your
scheduled appointment date.
Also, enclosed is an Owner Manual supplement updating the spark plug part number information
located in the “Maintenance Replacement Parts” found in Section 11. Please place this
supplement in your Owner Manual for future reference.
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

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

1-800-458-8006
1-800-222-1020
65-6267-1752
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Text Telephones
(TTY)
1-800-833-2622
1-800-833-2438

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
GM vehicle provides you many miles of enjoyable driving.
Alicia S. Boler-Davis
Sr. Vice President
Global Quality & Customer Experience
Enclosure
GM Program #14591

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December 2014

Bulletin No.: 14591

Supplement (English)

4003719

Supplement (French)

4014182