Condition
Some customers of 2001-02 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix; and Buick Regal model vehicles, equipped with a 3.4L (RPO LA1 - VIN E) or 3.8L (RPO L36 - VIN K) V6 engine, may experience a condition where the vehicle exhaust catalytic converter is replaced due to complaints of lack of power or illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). This may be due to the front endcone insulation from the catalytic converter breaking away and blocking the front of the first catalyst brick and preventing the free flow of exhaust gas through the converter.
Special Policy Adjustment
This special policy covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles (190,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.
For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or afier September 15, 2005 are covered by this special policy and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to September 15, 2005 must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.
Vehicles Involved
Involved are all 2001-02 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix; Buick Regal model vehicles, equipped with a 3.4L (RPO LA1 - VIN E) or 3.8L (RPO L36 - VIN K) V6 engine and built with the VIN breakpoints shown.
Parts Information
Parts required to complete this special policy are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO).
Customer Notification
General Motors will notify customers of this special policy on their vehicles (see copy of typical customer letter shown in this bulletin - actual divisional letter may vary slightly).
Claim Information
For vehicles repaired under the terms of this special policy, submit a claim with the information shown.
Customer Reimbursement - For US
All customer requests for reimbursement for previous repairs for the special policy condition will be handled by the Customer Assistance Center, not by dealers.
A General Motors Special Policy Customer Reimbursement Procedure Form is shown.
Important: Refer to the GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual, section 6.1.12, for specific procedures regarding customer reimbursement and the form.
Customer Reimbursement - For Canada and Export
Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the catalytic converter are to be submitted prior to or by September 30, 2006. Repairs must have occurred within the 10 years of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, or 120,000 miles (190,000 km), whichever occurs first.
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. |
If the work was done by someone other than a GM dealership, the amount of reimbursement will be limited to the amount that the repair would have cost GM to have it completed by a GM dealership.
GENERAL MOTORS PRODUCT PROGRAM CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT PROCEDURE
If you have paid to have this special policy condition corrected prior to this notification, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement.
Requests for reimbursement may include parts, labor, fees and taxes.
Reimbursement may be limited to the amount the repair would have cost if completed by an authorized General Motors dealer.
Your claim will be acted upon within 60 days of receipt.
If your claim is:
| ^ | Approved, you will receive a check from General Motors. |
| ^ | Denied, you will receive a letter from General Motors with the reason(s) for the denial, or |
| ^ | Incomplete, you will receive a letter from General Motors identifying the documentation that is needed to complete the claim and offered the opportunity to resubmit the claim when the missing documentation is available. |
Please follow the instructions on the Claim Form previously shown to file a claim for reimbursement. If you have questions about this reimbursement procedure, please call the toll-free telephone number provided at the bottom of the form. If you need assistance with any other concern, please contact the Customer Assistance Center between the hours of 8:00 AM and 11:00 PM, EST, Monday through Friday. They can be reached at the number listed on your customer letter.
