18-NA-020

Service Bulletin
Bulletin No.:
18-NA-020
Date:
May, 2022
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Malfunction Indicator Lamp Illuminated with DTCs P0300, P0299, P0234 and/or
P2227 Set
This Bulletin replaces PIP5511A. Please discard PIP5511A.
Brand:
Model:
Chevrolet
Equinox
GMC
Terrain
Model Year:
VIN:
from
to
from
to
2018
2022
-
-
Engine:
Transmission:
Equipped with 2.0L
or 1.5L Engine
(RPOs LTG, LYX)
All
Involved Region or Country
U.S. and Canada
Condition
Some customers may comment on a Malfunction Indicator Lamp illuminated or a reduced
power complaint
During diagnosis, a technician may find DTC P0300, P0299, P0234 and/or P2227 set or
stored.
Cause
This condition may be caused by a moisture build up inside the charge air cooler (CAC).
This condition is more likely on the smaller displacement engines where an air-to-air
charge air cooler is used.
In cold temperatures, ambient and PCV moisture can freeze in the charge air cooler,
restricting flow, and causing DTC P0299 and/or P2227, or P0300.
Correction
The correction required will be based on the build of the vehicle, previous repairs that
may have been made, and the operating conditions. Use the chart to determine which
repair is required. The more severe the cold weather driving conditions, the more
operations may need to be implemented. Blocking cold air from the CAC is the main
objective to help prevent the moisture from freezing.
The first requirement is to ensure there are no leaks in the system from the turbocharger
to the throttle body, specifically at the charge air cooler. Perform a smoke leak test
(Dealer Essential Tool GE-52250 Power Smoke Diagnostic Leak Detector), then follow
the appropriate repair steps, depending on the test results, build date, and outside driving
condition temperature.
Note: In rare cases where the addition of a charge air cooler shutter doesn't prevent
CAC freezing, install the lower portion of the soft grill cover. Inform the customer to
remove the cover from the grill when temperatures are consistently averaging 32F/0C or
above.
Note: Frozen oil/water condensate contaminant in the Turbocharger Wastegate
Regulator Solenoid Valve (TCV) is often concurrent with vehicle operation conditions that
cause CAC freezing. If DTC P0234 is set - 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 Service Procedure (Part 1).
Copyright 2022 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Page 2
May, 2022
Note: If the charge air cooler is not leaking, but is
frozen and/or contaminated, remove, thaw, wash it out
and reinstall. Use labor operation 4088668.
Important: DO NOT replace the CAC inlet or outlet
ducts as part of this repair unless there is evidence of
damage and/or a leak from either CAC duct.
Service Procedure - Charge Air Cooler
Diagnosis
Part 1
Inspect the Turbocharger Control Valve (TCV) to
ensure it is not frozen.
6055063
1. Remove Turbocharger Wastegate Regulator
Solenoid Valve.
2. Drain Turbocharger Wastegate Regulator Solenoid
Valve (TCV) by turning valve upside down.
6055068
Bulletin No.: 18-NA-020
3. Using clean shop air regulated to 80-100 PSI
(551-689 kPa), blow through all three ports (1, 2
&3) for 5 seconds each. Repeat this step twice.
Note: Check port #2 to assure the spring gets lifted off
the seat. This will be determined by the compressed air
not dead heading when applied to port #2. When
applying air to this port a small amount of air should be
observed at port #3 and even less air will be noticed at
port #1. If this does not happen, the TCV plunger may
have hardened deposits from hot operating conditions
which will impede TCV plunger movement, and the
Turbocharger Wastegate Regulator Solenoid Valve
should be replaced.
6055077
4. Prior to reinstalling the TCV, pre-position the
thermal wrap, as shown in the picture above. This
will aid in installation of the wrap once the TCV is
reinstalled.
Bulletin No.: 18-NA-020
May, 2022
6055079
• This is an off-car view of the wrap installed on
the TCV and is representative of what final
installation should look like. The snap can NOT
be completed prior to installing the
mounting bolt
5. Reinstall Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid Valve
(TCV) using the latest service information.
Page 3
6055111
6. Once the mounting bolt and hoses are properly
installed, pull the lower portion of the wrap upward,
and snap it into position
7. Clear all DTC's using GDS and evaluate
8. Continue on to Part 2.
Important: Remove the boost sensor and wipe with a
clean rag to remove residual moisture to ensure the
sensor is not contaminated. DO NOT use chemical
cleaners.
Part 2
1. Perform a smoke leak test of the charge air cooler,
using essential tool GE-52250 Power Smoke
Diagnostic Leak Detector.
Refer to Chart Based Conditions, below, for next
steps.
6055084
Page 4
May, 2022
Bulletin No.: 18-NA-020
Chart Based Conditions
Model
Years
Condition
Replace
Charge Air
Cooler – (CAC)
Refer to Charge
Air Cooler
Replacement
on SI.
20182022
CAC
Leaking ONLY
X
-
-
-
-
2018
CAC Frozen (Built
Before March 1,
2018) *
X
X
X
Temperature
Averages are
BELOW 32F/
0C **
-
20182020
CAC Frozen (Built
After March 1,
2018) *
-
X
X
Temperature
Averages are
BELOW 32F/
0C **
-
20182020
CAC Frozen &
Leaking
X
X
X
Temperature
Averages are
BELOW 32F/
0C **
-
20182022
(already
had CAC
shutter
installed)
CAC Frozen
AFTER removal
of Front Bumper
Secondary (lower)
Shutter AND
Installation of
Front Bumper
Lower (CAC)
Shutter
-
Temperature
Averages are
BELOW 32F/
0C **
-
2022
(has not
had CAC
shutter
installed)
CAC Frozen
(Without
RPO VRI)
-
X
X
Temperature
Averages are
BELOW 32F/
0C **
-
20212022
CAC Frozen &
Leaking (Without
RPO VRI)
X
X
X
Temperature
Averages are
BELOW 32F/
0C **
-
20212022
CAC Frozen (With
RPO VRI)
-
-
-
Temperature
Averages are
BELOW 32F/
0C **
-
20212022
CAC Frozen &
Leaking (With
RPO VRI)
X
-
-
Temperature
Averages are
BELOW 32F/
0C **
-
20182022
P0299 or P0234
Or CAC Frozen
(with or without
VRI) LYX ONLY
-
-
-
-
Engine Control
Module Reprogramming
with SPS and
Install TCV
Thermal Wrap
20182022
CAC Not Frozen
or Leaking
-
-
-
-
Refer to SI
-
Remove Front
Bumper
Secondary
(lower) Shutter
Install Front
Bumper
Lower (CAC)
Shutter,
instructions
below
Install Soft Grill
Cover Over
Lower Grill
Opening***
Repair Other
System Issue
-
Note: The Engine Control Module calibration should be updated (LYX ONLY). 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 RPM’s 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 effect on transmission shift patterns at
highway speeds during cold weather to avoid a customer return to the dealership after programming is completed.
Note: Replacement of the Charge Air Cooler is ONLY required if GM IVH (View Vehicle Build) indicated build date is before
03/01/2018 AND GM IVH (View Transaction History Detail) indicates the CAC has not been previously replaced.
Bulletin No.: 18-NA-020
May, 2022
Page 5
Chart Based Conditions
Model
Years
Condition
Replace
Charge Air
Cooler – (CAC)
Refer to Charge
Air Cooler
Replacement
on SI.
Remove Front
Bumper
Secondary
(lower) Shutter
Install Front
Bumper
Lower (CAC)
Shutter,
instructions
below
Install Soft Grill
Cover Over
Lower Grill
Opening***
Repair Other
System Issue
** Remove Soft Grill Cover Over Lower Grill Opening when temperatures are consistently averaging 32F/0C or above.
5775941
*** For Terrains with front license plate bracket (VK3), install tape over the openings on bottom of the license plate bracket, to
prevent airflow from bypassing the grill cover and flowing directly at the charge air cooler, as shown in the picture above.
Examples of the Differences Between the Shutter
Systems
5736482
•
•
Front Bumper Upper Shutter with the Front
Bumper Secondary (lower) Shutter attached (1),
as shown in the picture above.
Front Bumper Lower Shutter that mounts in the
front of Charge Air Cooler (2), as shown in the
picture above.
Page 6
May, 2022
Bulletin No.: 18-NA-020
Service Procedure - Install Front
Bumper Lower (CAC) Shutter
Important: The Front Bumper Lower (CAC) Shutter is
a permanently retrofitted item. The added shutter is
activated to close and open based on temperature,
controlled by integral thermostatic springs.
Note: Advise the customer to keep the shutter clear of
debris, including leaves and insects. The shutter should
be periodically cleaned with a soapy water spray,
especially right before the cold weather season begins.
1. Remove the Front Bumper Upper Shutter for
modification. Refer to Front Bumper Shutter
Replacement in SI.
2. Remove and discard the front bumper secondary
(lower) shutter assembly from the upper shutter.
Refer to Front Bumper Secondary Shutter
Replacement in SI.
Note: The secondary (lower) shutter assembly will
NOT need to be reinstalled in the future.
5775942
5. Remove and discard the 4 Lower Air Baffle push-in
retainers (1), as shown in the picture above.
5279924
3. On the back of the now removed upper shutter,
using a saw blade, cut the upper shutter to
secondary (lower) shutter actuator at the pivot
location, as shown in the picture above. Remove
the linkage (1) and discard.
4. Reinstall the upper shutter.
Bulletin No.: 18-NA-020
May, 2022
Page 7
5775943
6. Locate Front Bumper Lower (CAC) Shutter in front
of the lower air baffle and install the new, longer
retainers, as shown in the picture above.
7. Continue reinstalling the parts that were removed
during disassembly as part of Front Bumper
Shutter Replacement in SI.
Examples of the Grill Opening Covers (Installation
instructions included in the part packaging)
5776421
Shown in the picture above are examples of the grill
opening covers for the Equinox (1), Terrain without
(RPO VK3) (2) and Terrain with (RPO VK3) (3).
Page 8
May, 2022
Parts Information
Causal
Part
X
Causal
Part
NA*
Causal
Part
Description
Part Number
RPO
Charge Air
Cooler
85163204
LYX
Description
COVER
PKG-FRT
GRL OPG
85163205
LTG
Part Number
RPO
2018-2021
84624274
(Equinox)
Without
WBL
or WFP
2018-2021
84624275
(Equinox with
Redline/Sport or
accessory
grill PDV)
With WBL
or WFP or
accessory
grill PDV
2018-2021
84630081 (Terrain
without front
license plate
bracket)
Without
VK3
2018-2021
84648360 (Terrain
with front license
plate bracket)
With VK3
2022 85551501
(Equinox,
except RS)
Without
B8G
2022 85551504
(Equinox RS)
With B8G
2022 85555139
(Terrain, except
Denali, with front
license plate
bracket)
With VK3
2022 85555142
(Terrain, except
Denali, without
front license plate
bracket)
Without
VK3
2022 85576446
(Terrain Denali,
with license plate
bracket)
With VK3
2022 85576448
(Terrain Denali,
without front
license plate
bracket)
Without
VK3
NA*
Bulletin No.: 18-NA-020
Description
SHUTTER
KIT - FRT
BPR LWR
(CAC
Shutter)
Part Number
RPO
2018-2021
84826592
(Equinox)
LTG, LYX
2018-2021
84826591 (Terrain)
2022 85139402
(Equinox)
2022 85139403
(Terrain)
TCV
RETAINER,
FRT BPR
SHUTTER
BFL
THERMAL
WRAP
LYX
11589291 x 4
25205589
LYX
*For warranty transactions, DO NOT mark this/these
parts as the Causal Part. Enter the word “Bulletin” in the
Causal Part Description free-flow text field.
Bulletin No.: 18-NA-020
May, 2022
Warranty Information
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, except ECM
reprogramming is covered for 8 years/80,000 miles
(U.S.) or 8 years/130,000 km (Canada).
Labor
Operation
Description
Labor Time
2.3 hrs.
(Equinox
RPO LTG)
4087008*
Perform Smoke Test for
Charge Air Cooler and
Charge Air Cooler
Replacement
2.4 hrs.
(Equinox
RPO LYX)
2.6 hrs. (Terrain
RPO LTG)
2.4 hrs. (Terrain
RPO LYX)
0.2 hrs.
(Equinox,
Terrain)
Add
Install Shutter Cover if
also Replacing Charge
Air Cooler
1086018*
Perform Smoke Test and
Install Charge Air Cooler
Grille Cover
4087308*
Perform Smoke Test for
Charge Air Cooler and
Install Shutter Cover
1.3 hrs.
(Equinox,
Terrain)
4088668*
Removing, Cleaning and
Reinstalling Charge Air
Cooler if Frozen and/or
Contaminated
1.0 hrs.
(Equinox,
Terrain)
2888348*
Engine Control Module
Re-programming
with SPS
0.3 hrs.
(Equinox,
Terrain)
4088298*
Removal of condensation
from Turbocharger
Wastegate Regulator
Solenoid Valve and
Install Thermal Wrap
0.3 Hrs.
0.6 hrs.
(Equinox)
0.5 hrs.
(Terrain)
*This is a unique Labor Operation for Bulletin use only.
Page 9
Page 10
May, 2022
Bulletin No.: 18-NA-020
Version
18
Modified
Released January 22, 2018
Revised July 26, 2018 – Added Holden Equinox Model.
Revised October 19, 2018 – Updated the Cause and Correction.
Revised December 21, 2018 – Updated Additional Options, Correction, Parts Information
and Warranty Information.
Revised January 09, 2019 – Updated the Parts Information.
Revised February 19, 2019 – Added Envision also updated the Condition, Parts
Information and Warranty Information.
Revised March 19, 2019 – Updated the Service Procedure and Warranty Information for
Equinox/Terrain.
Revised May 15, 2019 – Updated the Warranty Information and adding flow chart.
Revised November 05, 2019 – Updated the Warranty Information.
Revised December 17, 2019 – Added 2020 Model Year.
Revised February 21, 2020 – Updated pictures for flow charts, also updated applicable
information within the bulletin including the Service Procedure Equinox/Terrain also Part
and Warranty Information.
Revised April 07, 2020 – Updated information for the following: Correction, Service
Procedure (Equinox/Terrain) and Warranty Information.
Revised February 11, 2021 – Added 2020-2021 Model Years for Equinox/Terrain, added
Examples of the Difference Between the Two Shutters information and updated
information under Service Procedure Equinox, Terrain.
Revised March 18, 2021 - Removed Buick Envision and updated applicable information
throughout the Bulletin.
Revised January 21, 2022 – Added 2022 Model Year and updated information under
Condition, Chart Based Conditions Table, Part Information and Warranty Information.
Revised January 28, 2022 – Updated the Warranty Coverage.
Revised February 10, 2022 – Updated information under Service Procedure - Charge Air
Cooler Diagnosis, Chart Based Conditions, Part Information and Warranty Information.
Revised May 24, 2022 – Updated information under Subject, Service Procedure - Charge
Air Cooler Diagnosis, Chart Based Conditions, Part and Warranty Information.
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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