Service Bulletin

Bulletin No.:

02-08-42-001J

Date:

January, 2024

INFORMATION
Subject:

Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp, or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage

Models:

2024 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Trucks

Attention: This bulletin also applies to any of the above models that may be Export vehicles.
This bulletin has been revised add the 2018-2024 Model Years and the Important statement.
Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-08-42-001I.

Important: Service agents must comply with all
International, Federal, State, Provincial, and/or
Local laws applicable to the activities it performs
under this bulletin, including but not limited to
handling, deploying, preparing, classifying,
packaging, marking, labeling, and shipping
dangerous goods. In the event of a conflict between
the procedures set forth in this bulletin and the
laws that apply to your dealership, you must follow
those applicable laws.

too high a concentration may also damage the lens.
The use of these products on the lens can result in the
need to replace the entire headlamp assembly.

Warranty Submission Guidelines
When submitting a warranty claim for a headlamp, tail
lamp, license lamp or fog lamp replacement under
warranty, please be aware of the following statement as
printed in the General Motor New Vehicle Warranty.
”Lights, lenses, mirrors, paint, grill, moldings and trim
are not covered for cracks, chips, scratches, dents,
dings and punctures or tears as a result of impact with
other objects or road hazards."

Non-Warrantable Conditions
This bulletin is being published to assist with the
identification of issues that are not considered
warrantable.
All Lamp Assemblies
Chemical Damage to exterior polycarbonate headlamp
and license lamp lenses. Note that most late model
vehicle headlamps and some license lamps have this
type of lens. This material is used because of its
temperature and high impact resistance.
A variety of chemicals can cause crazing or cracking of
the polycarbonate lens. Headlamp and other exterior
lenses are very sensitive. Care should be exercised to
avoid contact with all exterior lenses when treating a
vehicle with any type of chemical, such as those
recommended for rail dust removal. Also rubbing
compound, grease/tar/oil removers, tire cleaners, prep
solvents for pin stripping, cleaner/waxes, undiluted
washer solvent, alcohol and even car wash soaps in
Copyright 2024 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

4418057

Page 2

January, 2024

4418063

•

The headlamps above show glazing caused by
spray-on vehicle cleaner.

2770495

•

The license lamp above exhibits a separation of
the bond of the lens and housing, and a clouding
of the polycarbonate lens. This condition was the
result of applying chrome cleaner to the rear
bumper and license lamp.

Bulletin No.: 02-08-42-001J

2650225

•

This lamp shows some effects of chemical
damage. Notice the milky color along the edge
and the fracture. This was caused by a solvent
used to prep the body for pin striping.
Warning: Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft
cloth and a car washing soap to clean exterior
lamps and lenses.
Overheating damage is most often presented as
imperfections in the lens surface. Crazing or
deformations of the lens may occur if a shop mat or
fender cover is draped over the fender and covers a
portion or all of the headlamp assembly while the DRL
or headlamps are on. Covering the lamps restricts the
amount of heat dissipated by the headlamps.
Warning: Care should be taken to not cover
headlamps with shop mats or fender covers if the
vehicle is being serviced while the headlamps or
DRLs are illuminated. Covering an illuminated lamp
can cause excessive heat buildup and crazing/
deformation of the lens may occur. The degradation
of the lens can be unnoticeable at first and
eventually become hairline cracks in the lens. In
extreme cases, it could cause the lens to deform.
This damage can also be caused by aftermarket
shields that are often tinted in color.
Notice: License lamps and headlamps damaged by
chemicals, improper cleaning, or overheating due to
being covered are not covered under the new vehicle
warranty.
Impact Damage is most often presented as the
assembly is holding moisture, is inoperative, or
blemished. Today’s polycarbonate headlamp lenses
are very tough and will withstand normal stone strikes
without damage. They are also tough enough to not
show witness marks of impacts severe enough to
damage the rear housing. This damage is often
revealed through close visual inspection once the lamp
is removed. Broken mounting tabs, rear housing
fractures, and loose components inside the lamp
assembly are evidence if impact damage. When writing
up these concerns never assume it will automatically

Bulletin No.: 02-08-42-001J

January, 2024

Page 3

be a warranty repair. Inspection of the lamp assembly,
once removed from the vehicle, will be required to
assess warrantability.

2650250

2650230

This housing is cracked across the top of the housing
just below the mounting tab. Not shown is the dent at
the upper edge of the lens where it impacted an object.

This lamp shows paint over spray along the lower edge
where it would marry to the front fascia. The lower
mounting tabs were also all fractured at the housing
due to impact.
Notice: Headlamps damaged due to impact, or altered
to accept an accessory modification, are not covered
under the new vehicle warranty.

2650242

This housing shows a broken upper mounting tab and a
fracture in the rear housing. This lamp had no visible
marks on the lens.

3806648

This lamp shows impact damage and internal cracking
of the lens.

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January, 2024

3806649

Bulletin No.: 02-08-42-001J

2650251

This fog lamp was returned for retaining moisture. As
you can see it is marked with the Depo brand (it is also
called out on the front lens).
The most reliable way to identify a non OE part is to
compare it to the replacement service part or a like
vehicle. Many do have the application called out on the
part with the letters GM being present. Notice that they
almost never underscore it, as that would be a
trademark violation. They often use substandard wiring,
sockets, vent patches and unsealed connectors.
Examples of GM Trademarks
Note: The graphics below are examples of GM
Trademarks that may appear on lamp assemblies.
Not all lamp assemblies currently have the
trademark, however future assemblies will contain
the trademark on a label affixed to the assembly.

2014 Cadillac XTS

4384919

The above graphics show a hole which was drilled in
the headlamp housing to accept an accessory
modification and a LED insert for police applications.
These parts are not covered by warranty.
Non-GM Headlamp, Tail Lamp, and Fog Lamp
Assemblies
Many companies outside of General Motors are
manufacturing lamp assemblies that look very similar to
original equipment. They target high volume programs
like, but not limited to, Impala, Malibu, and Full-Size
Truck. These lamps are most often presented by
customers as holding moisture or for inoperative bulbs
due to corroded electrical connections. It appears these
non OE lamps get installed on vehicles as part of a
collision repair. Most likely the customer has no idea
they are not original equipment, as the initial
appearance is generally good. These parts are not
covered by warranty. Some of the common company
names seen on these lamps are Eagle Eyes and Depo.

3803767

Bulletin No.: 02-08-42-001J

January, 2024

2014 Chevrolet Silverado

Page 5

than the original equipment. Some have blue tint on the
bulb and others are clear. If in doubt, the bulb number
should match the GM service part.

3803768

Heat Damaged Fog and Head Lamp Assemblies
Caused by High Output Bulbs
Another trend being seen is the installation of bulbs that
have a higher output than the original equipment.
Because the bulb output is higher, the operating
temperature is also higher. This excessive heat can
melt the socket, housing, or lens. Because these bulbs
burn hotter and brighter, they also have a reduced
service life. These bulbs are different in appearance

2650252

Notice: When servicing any exterior lighting assembly,
be sure to transfer any electrical connection seals to
the new part. They are often on the body side of the
harness connection but may have stayed on the part
being replaced. If not transferred to the new part, the
connection may corrode due to water entry.
Notice: Headlamps or fog lamps damaged by the use
of high output bulbs are not covered under the new
vehicle warranty.

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 equipment, tools, 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 GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.

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