PB-14287

Bulletin No.: 14287
Date: September 2015
Program Bulletin
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM
SUBJECT:
Engine Block Coolant Heater Seal Leaking / Power Cord Melted
MODELS:
2003-2015 Chevrolet Express 3500 / 4500
2003-2007 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
2008-2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD
2003-2015 GMC Savana 3500 / 4500
2003-2007 GMC Sierra 3500
2007-2012 GMC Sierra HD
Equipped with Duramax Diesel Engine RPO YF2 and Coolant Heater K05
THIS PROGRAM IS IN EFFECT UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2017
CONDITION
On certain 2003-2015 model year Chevrolet Express, 2003-2007 Chevrolet Silverado, 2008-2013
Chevrolet Silverado HD, 2003-2015 GMC Savana, 2003-2007 GMC Sierra 3500, and 2007-2012
GMC Sierra HD model vehicles equipped with a Duramax diesel engine and an engine-block
heater (RPO YF2 and K05), continuously activating the engine-block heater through Ambulance
body up fit “shore power” may cause excessive heat buildup, cause a high-resistance short,
damage the engine-block heater, or, in rare cases, melt electrical connections or cause an enginecompartment fire.
CORRECTION
Dealers are to:




Replace block heater element with a revised heater equipped with EPDM O-Rings, shorter
bolt and improved torque & angle.
Disconnect the coolant heater from being powered whenever “shore power” is plugged in.
Add a label to the current cord, “Avoid continuous use, for Cold Start Only”, unless the cord
is damaged at either end, then replace the original cord.
Provide the customer with an Owner’s Manual Insert found at the end of this bulletin.
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
Copyright 2015 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.
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September 2015
Bulletin No.: 14287
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.
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.
This part will be on Order Writing control initially and all DRO’s (Daily Replenishment Orders) will
cancel. Dealers can place orders CSO (Customer Special Order). In emergency situations, a
dealer should place a SPAC case and the orders will be processed in the order received.
Part Number
12657629
23402644
23402645
Locally Source
12346290 (US)
10953464 (CA)
Description
Engine Block Coolant Heater
Coolant Heater Power Cord
Warning Label
Tie Strap
Engine Coolant
Quantity/Vehicle
1
1
1
1
4
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Warning: General Motors has identified vehicles with the engine block heater
(option code K05), standard on all Duramax diesel engines, where the customer, dealer, or
secondary vehicle manufacturers/upfitters have plugged the engine block heater into an onboard “AC” power source providing continuous 110v power to the heater resulting in electrical
failure, shorting of wires, overheating of the system, and possibly engine compartment fires.
Specifically, customers, dealers, and secondary vehicle manufacturers/upfitters for ambulance
bodies are reminded that the Engine Block Heater usage is only for inclement weather
conditions specific to assisting with cold weather starts – not for continual usage or usage during
non-cold weather conditions.
Customers, dealers, and secondary vehicle manufacturers/upfitters are reminded that the
regular production option (RPO) K05 block heater is to be used for Intermittent cold ambient
starts when the outside temperature is between -18 degrees C (-0 degrees F) and -29 degrees
C (-20 degree F). It is not to be continuously plugged into an “A/C” source and is to be stowed as
shown in your Diesel Engine Owner Manual Supplement, when not in use. Regular Production
Option K08: Auxiliary Coolant Heater is programmed to perform Coolant heating function, if so
equipped.
1. Inspect the vehicle to determine if it is connected to an on-board “AC” power source that
provides continuous 110v power to the heater.

If the vehicle is connected to an on-board “AC” power source that provides continuous
110v power to the heater, disconnect the OEM engine block heater cord from the upfitter
extension cord. Remove the non-OEM upfitter-installed extension cord and place it in
rear of vehicle and proceed to step 2.

If the vehicle is NOT connected to an on-board “AC” power source that provides
continuous 110v power to the heater, proceed to step 2.
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Bulletin No.: 14287
2. Inspect the OEM coolant heater power cord. Replace the coolant heater power cord if (a)
either of the plug ends are corroded or damaged or (b) the cord shows signs of damage.
Refer to Coolant Heater Cord Replacement (6.6L Engine) in SI.
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Note: If the coolant heater power cord is replaced, the new cord may have the warning label
attached to it. If the new cord does not have the label attached to it, attach the warning label to
the power cord.
3. Attach the “Not for Continuous Use – See Owner Manual” warning label to the OEM coolant
heater power cord. Attach the label 254 mm (10 in) from the end of the cord. Refer to the
photograph.
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4. Furl the coolant heater power cord and stow it as instructed in the owner’s manual. Use the
re-usable tie strap listed in the parts section of this bulletin to secure the cord.
5. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in SI.
6. Inspect the engine block heater interface between the heater element and the engine block.
If there are signs of coolant leak, replace the engine block heater. Refer to Engine Coolant
Heater Replacement (6.6L Engine) in SI.
7. Lower the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in SI.
8. Place copy of the “Engine Block Heater Proper Use Bulletin” in the vehicle. Refer to Bulletin
Supplement in this bulletin.
9. Insert owner manual supplement in the owner manual. Refer to Owner Manual Supplement in
this bulletin.
CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT - For US
Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs for the recall condition are to be
submitted to the dealer by September 30, 2016, unless otherwise specified by state law. If this is
not convenient for the customer, the customer 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.
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 September 30, 2016.
When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:
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Bulletin No.: 14287
-
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.
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 for approval, it must be submitted
prior to the repair transaction.
Labor
Code
9101637
9101638
9101639
9101640
9101641
9101642
Description
Inspection – No Further Action Required
Engine Coolant Heater Replacement
Engine Coolant Heater Cord Replacement
ADD: Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra
Engine Coolant Heater & Coolant Heater Cord Replacement
ADD: Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra
Customer Reimbursement Approved
Customer Reimbursement Denied - For US dealers only
Labor
Time
0.4**
1.8*
0.7**
0.3
2.1
0.3
0.2
0.1
Net
Item
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
***
N/A
Note: Customer reimbursement will not close this program. The service procedure must also be
performed on the vehicle.
*
Includes inspection, coolant evacuation and fill, attaching warning label and inserting owner
manual supplement.
**
Includes inspection, attaching warning label and inserting owner manual supplement.
*** 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).
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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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.
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 September 30, 2017 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 September 30, 2017, 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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September 2015
Bulletin No.: 14287
2015
This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN: ________________________________
Dear General Motors Customer:
2003-2015 model year Chevrolet Express, 2003-2007 Chevrolet Silverado, 2008-2013 Chevrolet
Silverado HD, 2003-2015 GMC Savana, 2003-2007 GMC Sierra 3500, and 2007-2012 GMC
Sierra HD model vehicles equipped with a Duramax diesel engine and an engine-block heater
(RPO YF2 and K05), continuously activating the engine-block heater through Ambulance Body
Up fit “shore power” may cause excessive heat buildup, cause a high-resistance short, damage
the engine-block heater, or, in rare cases, melt electrical connections or cause an enginecompartment fire.
Your satisfaction with your GM vehicle 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 replace the engine coolant heater and inspect and
replace if necessary the heater cord. A label will be added to the cord instructing, “Avoid
continuous use, for Cold Start Only”. The coolant heater will be disconnected from continuous
operation whenever “shore power” is used. Additionally an Owner’s Manual insert will be
provided instructing proper operation of the heater. This service will be performed for you at no
charge until September 30, 2017. 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
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 September 30, 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
GMC
Guam
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands
GM Medium Duty Truck
1-800-222-1020
1-800-462-8782
65-6267-1752
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994
1-800-862-4389
Text Telephones
(TTY)
1-800-833-2438
1-888-889-2438
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September 2015
Bulletin No.: 14287
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.
Terry M. Inch
Executive Director
Global Connected Customer Experience
Enclosure
14287
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