Bulletin No.: 14203
Date: December 2014

Program Bulletin

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM
SUBJECT:

Low-Beam Headlamps Inoperative

MODELS:

2008-2013 Chevrolet Corvette

CONDITION
On certain 2008-2013 model year Chevrolet Corvette vehicles, when the 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.
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.
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.
Copyright 2014 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

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December 2014

Bulletin No.: 14203

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 (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

2.

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

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December 2014

Bulletin No.: 14203

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.: 14203

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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December 2014

Bulletin No.: 14203

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.: 14203

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.: 14203

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 January 31, 2016, 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.: 14203

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 January 31, 2016.
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.
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.
Note: To avoid having to "H" route the customer reimbursement transaction for approval,
it must be submitted prior to the repair transaction.
Labor
Code
9100896
9100897
9100898

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 program. 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 program on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter
included with this bulletin).

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Bulletin No.: 14203

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 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, 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 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 in the future, 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.: 14203
January 2015

Dear General Motors Customer:
On certain 2008-2013 model year Chevrolet Corvette vehicles, when the 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, as well as the vehicle's conspicuity to other
motorists, increasing the risk of a crash.
Your satisfaction with your Corvette 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 install a jumper wire. This service will be performed for you at no
charge.
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.
Reimbursement: 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 condition
described in this letter, 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 mail the completed reimbursement form and all required documents to
Reimbursement Department, PO Box 33170, Detroit, MI 48232-5170. The completed form and required
documents must be presented to your dealer or received by the Reimbursement Department by January
31, 2016, unless state law specifies a longer reimbursement period.
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
Guam
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands

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

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

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 Corvette
provides you many miles of enjoyable driving.
Alicia S. Boler-Davis
Sr. Vice President
Global Quality & Customer Experience
Enclosure
14203