17NA221

Bulletin No.:
Service Bulletin
Date:
17-NA-221
January, 2022
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Poor Engine Performance in Extremely Cold Weather Conditions for LE2 Engines,
Charge Air Cooler Icing - Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated, DTC P0299,
P0234, P0236, P2227, P00C7 Set
Brand:
Model:
Buick
Encore
Chevrolet
Trax
Model Year:
VIN:
from
to
2016
2019
2021
2022
2021
2022
from
to
—
—
Engine:
Transmission:
1.4L (LE2)
—
Involved Region or Country
North America
Condition
Some customers may comment that when driving short distances and/or slow speed
driving cycles, their vehicle experiences one or several of the following conditions within
the first 10 to 15 minutes of vehicle operation in extremely cold weather conditions (-18°C
or less / 0°F or less):
• Loss of power
• Smoke out the tail pipe
• Hesitation on acceleration
• Stalling condition
• Burning oil odor possibly caused by oil leak
• May also notice a Malfunction Indicator Lamp illuminated
• After driving for a period of time, the driveability issues seem to diminish.
This condition may also cause an increase in crankcase pressure, creating oil leaks at
seals and gaskets.
Technicians may find one or more of the following DTCs set:
• P0234
• P0236
• P0299
• P2227
• P00C7
Cause
This condition may be caused by ice accumulation in the charge air cooler (CAC),
restricting air flow to the throttle body.
Copyright 2022 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Page 2
Correction
January, 2022
Bulletin No.: 17-NA-221
If any of the above conditions are present, allow time for possible ice build up in the CAC
to melt by allowing the vehicle to thaw in a warm climate.
If any of the following conditions are validated to be caused by freezing/icing, replace
the CAC.
If not previously performed, an oil change may be necessary to remove any moisture
from the engine. Prior to the oil change, run the engine at idle for an extended period of
time to melt any ice in the engine.
If there is a check engine light with a P0234 or P0299 DTC during cold weather driving,
refer to Turbocharger Wastegate Regulator Solenoid Valve Inspection below.
– Frozen oil/water contaminant in the Turbocharger Wastegate Regulator Solenoid Valve
(TCV) is often concurrent with vehicle operating conditions that cause CAC freezing. If
either DTC P0234 or P0299 is set, refer to PIP5812C for Turbocharger Wastegate
Regulator Solenoid Valve Inspection. Cleaning or replacing the TCV solenoid should
be performed in addition to CAC protection measures specified in this bulletin.
Important: The new ECM calibration is only applicable for MY 2018, 2019 and 2021
vehicles with LE2 engines. In MY 2020 there was no LE2 engine.
Note: The Engine Control Module calibration should be updated. The new calibration will
enable a revised transmission shift pattern during cold weather operation, which does not
use overdrive as frequently. As a result, some customers may notice elevated engine
RPMs during highway operation. This operating mode will reduce the potential for ice to
build up inside the charge air cooler, and the potential for setting P0299 or P0234
diagnostic codes.
The customer must be informed by dealership personnel by explaining the new engine
control module calibration and its effects on transmission shift patterns at highway
speeds during cold weather to avoid a customer return to the dealership after the
programming is completed.
Important: Allow time for the vehicle to thaw in a warm
environment to avoid damaging or breaking parts that
may be required to be re-installed.
Turbocharger Wastegate Regulator
Solenoid Valve Inspection
Important: For additional information on Oil/Moisture
Condensate Freezing Up in the Turbocharger
Wastegate Regulator Solenoid Valve, refer to the latest
version of PIP5812.
Bulletin No.: 17-NA-221
January, 2022
Page 3
Grille Winter Cover Installation
Warning: Remove grille cover during temperatures
above 32°F/ 0°C to prevent engine and transmission
overheating. Remove grille cover before towing a
trailer of any size. Failure to do so will decrease
transmission cooling efficiency and possibly cause
damage to the drivetrain.
Note: The cover may appear to be undersized. The
vinyl used may stretch during installation to ensure a
tight fit. It is highly recommended that the cover be
installed in a warm shop environment.
5193266
2. Attach the cover to the fascia by pushing the hooks
through the grille openings.
3. Validate that all the hooks are engaged and the
cover is a tight fit.
5197596
1. Using care, orientate the fascia winter cover to the
bumper fascia.
Page 4
January, 2022
Bulletin No.: 17-NA-221
Turbocharger Air Pressure Sensor
Inspection
Important: Only perform steps 1-5 if DTC P0299
is set.
4108751
1. Remove the turbocharger Air Pressure sensor (3).
Refer to Turbocharger Air Pressure Sensor
Replacement in SI.
4910683
Important: Due to the sensitivity of the sensor, Do Not
use any chemical cleaners including water and Do Not
use compressed air to remove contaminates.
2. Inspect the sensor for any contaminates.
Bulletin No.: 17-NA-221
January, 2022
Page 5
5020216
3. Allow time for any ice build-up to melt by placing
the sensor port down.
4. Clean the sensor with a clean towel.
5. Install the sensor.
Service Procedure
2851444
Page 6
January, 2022
1. Install the CAC (2). Refer to Charge Air Cooler
Replacement in SI.
Important: Do Not perform an oil change if the oil
change was recently done.
• If the oil change was recently done and no
signs of moisture have been confirmed, Do
Not proceed with procedure.
• If the oil change was not previously done or
moisture has been found in the oil, proceed
with procedure.
2. If required, perform an oil change. Refer to Engine
Oil and Oil Filter Replacement in SI.
Engine Control Module Programming
Important: Updated Engine Control Module
calibration: The updated calibration will enable a
revised transmission shift pattern during cold weather
operation, which does not use overdrive as frequently.
As a result, the customer may notice elevated engine
RPMs during highway operation. This operating mode
will reduce the potential for ice to build up inside the
charge air cooler, and the potential for setting P0299 or
P0234 diagnostic codes.
Caution: Before downloading the update files, be sure
the computer is connected to the internet through a
network cable (hardwired). DO NOT DOWNLOAD or
install the files wirelessly. If there is an interruption
during programming, programming failure or control
module damage may occur.
• Ensure the programming tool is equipped with the
latest software and is securely connected to the
data link connector. If there is an interruption
during programming, programming failure or
control module damage may occur.
• Stable battery voltage is critical during
programming. Any fluctuation, spiking, over
voltage or loss of voltage will interrupt
programming. Install a GM Authorized
Programming Support Tool to maintain system
voltage. Refer to www.gmdesolutions.com for
further information. If not available, connect a fully
charged 12V jumper or booster pack disconnected
from the AC voltage supply. DO NOT connect a
battery charger.
• Follow the on-screen prompts regarding ignition
power mode, but ensure that anything that drains
excessive power (exterior lights, HVAC blower
motor, etc) is off.
•
Bulletin No.: 17-NA-221
Please verify that the radio time and date are set
correctly before inserting USB drive into vehicle
for programming, otherwise an error will result.
• Clear DTCs after programming is complete.
Clearing powertrain DTCs will set the Inspection/
Maintenance (I/M) system status indicators to NO.
Important: The service technician always needs to
verify that the VIN displayed in the TLC left side drop
down menu and the top center window match the VIN
plate of the vehicle to be programmed prior to using
Service Programming System 2 (SPS2) for
programming or reprogramming a module.
• For the TLC application, service technicians need
to always ensure that the power mode (ignition) is
“ON” before reading the VIN from the vehicle’s
VIN master module and that they do not select a
VIN that is already in the TLC application memory
from a previous vehicle.
• If the VIN that shows up in the TLC top center
window after correctly reading the VIN from the
vehicle does not match the VIN plate of the
vehicle, manually type in the VIN characters from
the vehicle VIN plate into the TLC top center
window and use these for programming or
reprogramming the subject module with the
correct vehicle VIN and software and/or
calibrations.
• The Engine Control Module (ECM) is the master
module (for VIP vehicles) that TLC reads to
determine the VIN of the vehicle. If the VIN read
from the vehicle by TLC does not match the VIN
plate of the vehicle, the ECM also needs to be
reprogrammed with the correct VIN, software and
calibrations that match the vehicle’s VIN plate.
• The Body Control Module (BCM) is the master
module (for GEM vehicles) that TLC reads to
determine the VIN of the vehicle. If the VIN read
from the vehicle by TLC does not match the VIN
plate of the vehicle, the BCM also needs to be
reprogrammed with the correct VIN, software and
calibrations that match the vehicle’s VIN plate.
Caution: Be sure the VIN selected in the drop down
menu (1) is the same as the vehicle connected (2)
before beginning programming.
Bulletin No.: 17-NA-221
January, 2022
Page 7
5743643
Important: If the vehicle VIN DOES NOT match, the
message below will be shown.
5877000
Page 8
January, 2022
Bulletin No.: 17-NA-221
5644477
5431207
Bulletin No.: 17-NA-221
January, 2022
Page 9
Important: Techline Connect and TIS2WEB screens
shown above.
Important: If the same calibration/software warning is
noted on the TLC or SPS Summary screen, select OK
and follow screen instructions. After a successful
programming event, the WCC is located in the Service
Programming System dialogue box of the SPS
Summary screen. No further action is required. Refer to
the Warranty Information section of this bulletin.
1. Reprogram the ECM. Refer to K20 Engine Control
Module: Programming and Setup in SI.
5644478
Page 10
January, 2022
Bulletin No.: 17-NA-221
5431209
Note: The screenshots above are an example of
module programming and may not be indicative of the
specific module that is being programmed. Module
selection and VIN information have been blacked out.
Important: To avoid warranty transaction rejections,
you MUST record the warranty claim code provided on
the SPS Warranty Claim Code (WCC) screen shown
above on the job card. Refer to callout 1 above for the
location of the WCC on the SPS screen.
2. Record the SPS Warranty Claim Code on the job
card for warranty transaction submission.
Parts Information
Description
Cooler,
Charge Air
Cover, Grille
Winter
Filter, Oil
Oil
Model Year
Part
Number
Qty
2016-2020
42574036
1
2021
Installed in
Production
—
2016
42697326
1
2021–
2022 (Trax)
42697331
1
2017-2022
(Encore)
42697332
1
2016-2021
Refer to the Electronic Parts
Catalog (EPC).
Bulletin No.: 17-NA-221
January, 2022
Warranty Information
Important: Warranty coverage code E2 applies for this
module programming event. ECM reprogramming is
covered for 8 years/80,000 miles (U.S.) or 8 years/
130,000 km (Canada).
For vehicles repaired under the Powertrain coverage,
use the following labor operation. Reference the
Applicable Warranties section of Investigate Vehicle
History (IVH) for coverage information.
Labor
Operation
Description
Labor Time
4081728*
Charge Air Cooler
Replacement
1.1 hrs
Add
IAPT Inspection
0.2 hr
0580398*
Winter Grille Cover
Installation
0.2 hr
Add
Oil Change
0.3 hr
Add
TCV Cleaning
0.3 hr
2888358*
Engine Control Module Reprogramming with SPS for
Encore/Trax
0.3 hr
*This is a unique Labor Operation for bulletin use only.
Important: To avoid warranty transaction rejections,
carefully read and follow the instructions below:
• The Warranty Claim Code must be accurately entered
in the “SPS Warranty Claim Code” field of the
transaction.
• When more than one Warranty Claim Code is
generated for a programming event, it is required to
document all Warranty Claim Codes in the “Correction”
field on the job card. Dealers must also enter one of the
codes in the “SPS Warranty Claim Code” field of the
transaction, otherwise the transaction will reject. It is
best practice to enter the FINAL code provided by
SPS/SPS2.
Page 11
Warranty Claim Code Information Retrieval
If the SPS Warranty Claim Code was not recorded on
the Job Card, the code can be retrieved in the SPS
system as follows:
1. Open TLC/TIS on the computer used to program
the vehicle.
2. Select and start SPS/SPS2.
3. Select Settings.
4. Select the Warranty Claim Code tab.
The VIN, Warranty Claim Code and Date/Time will be
listed on a roster of recent programming events. If the
code is retrievable, dealers should resubmit the
transaction making sure to include the code in the SPS
Warranty Claim Code field.
Page 12
January, 2022
Bulletin No.: 17-NA-221
Version
9
Modified
August 14, 2017 – Added engine RPO to Subject.
April 12, 2018 – Updated to 2018 model year and added breakpoint and IAPT
information.
February 01, 2019 – Added the 2019 Model Year, an Important statement at beginning of
bulletin, Grille Winter Cover Installation procedure and parts information, changed Intake
Air Pressure and Temperature Sensor Inspection title to Turbocharger Air Pressure
Sensor Inspection and updated Warranty Information.
April 09, 2019 – Added 2019 to the Model Years for the charge air cooler in the Parts
Information.
February 12, 2021 – Added the 2020-2021 Model Years to Encore, added the Trax
Model, removed the breakpoint date and updated the Model Years in Parts Information
table.
August 05, 2021 – Added the 2022 Model Year, TVC information to the Correction
section, Important statement to refer to PIP5812A under Turbocharger Wastegate
Regulator Solenoid Valve Inspection section and Emission Warranty coverage statement
to Warranty Information.
December 20, 2021 – Added a Note and Important in the Correction section, an Engine
Control Module Programming section and ECM Programming Warranty Information.
January 14, 2022 – Updated information referencing PIP5812C in Correction section,
updated the Warranty coverage Important statement and changed ECM Re-programming
to Bulletin Only Labor Operation.
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