PIP-3140-G

Bulletin No.: PIP3140G
Date: May-2016
Subject:
Abnormal Noise And Or Vibration While Driving Due To Non-GM Aftermarket Accessory
Models:
2015 and Prior Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks
This PI was superseded to update Model Years. Please discard PIP3140F.
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/Concern
Some customers may notice a noise or a vibration in their vehicle that seems to be abnormal and may not have been there when the vehicle was new.
Comparison of the customer vehicle noise and/or vibration levels with another vehicle of the same make and model may reveal that the customer's vehicle may
have a higher level of noise and/or vibration.
Recommendation/Instructions
The first step in diagnosis of a concern of this nature is to evaluate the customer’s vehicle for any aftermarket (non-GM) accessories.
The mounting or location of some of these items are designed for convenience and many times do not take into consideration the negative effects they may
have with air flow over and around the vehicle and also noise transfer paths when the item is located between two isolated components.
The mounting or location of some of these items are designed for convenience and many times do not take into consideration the negative effects they may
have with air flow over and around the vehicle and also noise transfer paths when the item is located between two isolated components.
For example, the popular tubular assist steps (a.k.a. "step bars/nerf bars") that may contact the frame of the truck and the cab without any type of insulation are
a noise transfer path source for normally operating drivetrain vibrations / pulses into the passenger area of the vehicle.
Some other known contributors to noise and vibrations are running boards, bug shields, sun visors, vent shades, emergency lights, custom grilles, ski racks,
bicycle racks.
Removal of these items, while many times not popular with the customer, is necessary in order to evaluate whether they contribute to the customer's concern.
Warranty Information
If the root cause is identified as a non-GM aftermarket accessories product, a warranty claim should NOT be filed against the repair, rather, this should be
customer pay item.
Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the
remaining steps do not need to be performed.
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.
WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION
1