Bulletin No.: 20710
Date: January 2016

Program Bulletin
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM
SUBJECT:

Drive Quality Degradation and/or Transmission Harsh Shifts

MODELS:

2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark
Equipped with Continuously Variable Ratio Automatic Transmission (CVT)
(RPO M4M)
THIS PROGRAM IS IN EFFECT UNTIL JANUARY 31, 2018

CONDITION
Certain 2014-2015 model year Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a continuously variable
ratio automatic transmission (CVT) (RPO M4M), may have a condition in which the drive pulley
and belt could be damaged if they experience an unexpected harsh shift event.
CORRECTION
Dealers are to reprogram the transmission control module (TCM) to prevent drive quality
degradation and/or harsh shifts.
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. 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 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
No parts are required for this repair.

Copyright 2016 General Motors. All Rights Reserved .

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January 2016

Bulletin No.: 20710

SERVICE PROCEDURE
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 you are directed by a service procedure or you
are directed by a General Motors service bulletin. Programming a control module at any
other time will not permanently correct a customer’s concern.

•

It is essential that the TIS terminal, MDI, and/or Scan Tool, is equipped with the latest
software before performing service programming.

•

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.

•

Some vehicles may require the use of a CANDi or MDI module for programming.

•

Review the appropriate service information for these procedures.

•

DTCs may set during programming. Clear DTCs after programming is complete.

•

Clearing powertrain DTCs will set the Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) system status
indicators to NO.

Note: Use a scan tool to view and record the Transmission Control Module – End Model Part
Number in the original TCM prior to starting the TCM reprogramming procedure.
1.

Install EL-49642 SPS Programming Support Tool.

2.

Access the Service Programming System (SPS) and follow the on-screen instructions.

3.

Select Chevrolet (GM Korea) as the Salesmake.

4.

Select the appropriate Model Year, Vehicle Type, and Car Line.

5.

On the SPS Supported Controllers screen, select K71 Transmission Control Module and
follow the on-screen instructions.

6.

After the programming event has completed, perform the Transmission Adaptive Pressure
Reset. Refer to Transmission Adaptive Pressure Reset in SI.

Note: After programming, perform the following to avoid future misdiagnosis:

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January 2016

7.

Turn the ignition OFF for 30 seconds.

8.

Turn the ignition ON with the engine OFF.

9.

Use the scan tool in order to retrieve history DTCs from all modules.

Bulletin No.: 20710

10. Clear all history DTCs.
COURTESY TRANSPORTATION
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
9101974

Description
Transmission Control Module Reprogramming with SPS

Labor
Time
0.5

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
General Motors will notify customers of this program on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter
included with this bulletin).
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 January 31, 2018.
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 January 31, 2018, 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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January 2016

Bulletin No.: 20710
January 2016

This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN: ________________________________
Dear General Motors Customer:
We have learned that your 2014 or 2015 model year Chevrolet Spark equipped with a continuously
variable ratio automatic transmission (CVT), may have a condition in which the drive pulley and
belt could be damaged if they experience an unexpected harsh shift event.
Your satisfaction with your Chevrolet Spark is very important to us, so we are announcing a
program to prevent this condition.
What We Will Do: Your GM dealer will reprogram the transmission control module to prevent
drive quality degradation and/or harsh shifts. This service will be performed for you at no
charge until January 31, 2018. 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.
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

Chevrolet
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands

1-800-222-1020
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Text Telephones
(TTY)
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
Chevrolet Spark vehicle provides you many miles of enjoyable driving.
Terry M. Inch
Executive Director
Global Connected Customer Experience
20710